"Ugh!" With a muffled groan, Xavier immediately doubled over, curling up like a shrimp.
The sharp pain below his abdomen made Xavier grit his teeth in agony, but even so, he couldn't bring himself to say a harsh word to the person who caused it.
Sucking in a cold breath, his brows tightly furrowed, he accused her between gasps, "Serena, are you trying to murder your own husband?!"
Seeing his expression, which didn't look like he was faking it, Serena felt a pang of guilt. "I'm sorry... I just acted on instinct. I didn't think... Are you okay?!"
Xavier was drenched in cold sweat from the pain, but he forced himself to nod. "I'm fine... really."
"But you don't look fine. Why don't I take you to the hospital just in case?"
"No need." After resting for a while, he felt a little better. The first thing he did was reach out and gently pat Serena's head. "Serena, don't worry. I'm really okay."
The more tender and thoughtful he was, the more guilty Serena felt.
She sniffled, eyes reddening with emotion. "I really was in the wrong just now... I even forgot you're still sick."
"Silly girl, I'm not hurting anymore. But if you keep blaming yourself, that's what's going to break my heart."
He gently wiped the corners of her eyes. "Be good."
Serena nodded, but the discomfort in her heart hadn't quite passed. Her mind suddenly flashed back to what had happened on the couch earlier.
Blinking, she abruptly stood up and turned her face away, not daring to even glance back at the sofa.
"Your pneumonia isn't healed yet. Don't waste time here with me-go back to the clinic now."
"What's the rush?!" Xavier refused to budge. "I just got here. We haven't even talked properly."
"Whatever you have to say can wait until you're fully recovered!" she said, pulling at his arm. "Your health is the priority! Once you're better, you still have the Celia situation to deal with."
Xavier let her drag him up and reluctantly allowed himself to be pushed toward the door.
When they reached the entrance, he stopped with his toe resting on the threshold.
He turned back and looked deeply at Serena. "Serena, don't overthink the thing with Celia"
"I'm not," Serena answered honestly. "I trust you."
"That's good." He stared at her face for a moment, then finally let out a breath and smiled. "I knew my Serena was sharp. You'd never misunderstand me."
"Whether I do or not doesn't really matter..." Serena muttered quietly to herself. "It's not like I'm anyone to you."
"Hm? What did you say?" He leaned down, tilting his head so his ear was close to her lips. "Say it louder-I didn't catch that."
Serena quickly shook her head. "Nothing! I said, Sir, you're just too charming. So many girls like you-even a big star can't resist!"
A trace of worry crept back into his brows. He asked gently, "Serena, I can't control how they feel. But I do know one thing for sure-this lifetime, there won't be another woman in my heart besides you. That's one thing I need you to believe."
Serena lowered her head, hiding her expression. "Alright, alright. Just go already! If you don't leave now, I'm afraid Uncle Blaze will send a whole squad to my house to arrest you!"
"My dad? No way. He hates attention. There's no way he'd do something that high-profile."
"Okay." As she spoke, Serena had already opened the door and pushed him outside. "Go on! Once you're fully recovered, we'll talk again."
Before Xavier could respond, she slammed the door shut with a loud thud.
He stared at the closed door, clenched his jaw, and let out a helpless sigh.
...
Outside the Blaze family Private Clinic.
As soon as Xavier got out of the car, he saw Henry storming out of the clinic, looking furious.
The moment he laid eyes on him, Henry's sharp gaze was practically burning holes through his body. "You little punk! I've called you a hundred times-why didn't you answer?!"
Xavier shrugged indifferently. "Didn't hear it."
Henry pointed at him, hands trembling with anger. "Tell me-what's going on with that Celia Ryder?!"
Xavier didn't bother playing dumb. "If you want to know, go ask her. Why are you asking me?"
"You-! If you hadn't led her on, why would a young girl go on TV and confess she likes you?!"
"How would I know?" Xavier scratched his head. "I already told you-go ask her. While you're at it, maybe ask how I can make her stop liking me."
Henry gritted his teeth, looking like he regretted having this son. "Are you trying to kill me from anger?! You're out there causing trouble-how do you expect me to explain this to the Carters?!"
"The Carters?" Xavier looked confused. "What does this have to do with the Carters? Celia is from the Ryder family, not the Carters."
"You've met Karina before, haven't you?! She's the only granddaughter of Old Master Carter-and my chosen daughter-in-law! You're out here flirting around and you're not worried about what Miss Carter might think?!"
Xavier was so speechless, he didn't even want to open his mouth.
If he could choose his first language right now, it'd definitely be speechless.
"Dad! I only met Karina once for a meal-how does that make her your future daughter-in-law? If you like her so much, you marry her! I don't want to!"
"You-what nonsense are you spouting?!" Henry was furious, raising his hand to slap him.
At that moment, Dr. Wale hurried forward and grabbed his arm. "Mr. Blaze, calm down! Please calm down-don't let this hurt your health! Young Master still hasn't recovered from his pneumonia. Don't get worked up over him now! He's young and impulsive-don't take it to heart!"
Henry pointed at Xavier, fuming. "Did you hear what he just said?! Telling me to marry Karina myself-how ridiculous is that?!"
"Yes, yes, he was out of line," Dr. Wale said quickly, smiling to smooth things over. "It's just a father-son spat. Why not go inside, sit down, and talk things over calmly?"
Henry glanced around. Luckily, there weren't many cars or pedestrians passing by, or their shouting match would've drawn quite a crowd.
He had always valued discretion and staying low-key. If he hadn't been so angry, he wouldn't have caused such a scene here.
Letting out a heavy sigh, he turned and barked, "Come inside with me!" Then strode into the clinic.
***