Chapter 19 – Dispelling His Doubts
Nathan remained silent.
It was his negligence that had led to Liam falling sick. He knew it, and he wasn’t about to argue with Olivia now. He’d wait—at least until Liam woke up—before he left.
So instead, he softened his tone. “Please calm down.”
Olivia’s frustration only deepened.
“Calm down? How can I calm down?” she snapped. “Do you have any idea—”
A weak, yet familiar voice interrupted her.
“Mommy… this isn’t Daddy’s fault.”
Both Olivia and Nathan turned toward the hospital bed.
Liam had finally woken up.
Olivia immediately rushed to his side, sitting on the edge of the bed and stroking his head. His little face was still pale, and her heart clenched at the sight.
“Liam!” she called softly, her voice filled with concern.
Nathan also stepped forward, standing behind Olivia. His dark eyes softened slightly as he looked at the child.
“Liam, how do you feel? Does anything hurt?” he asked.
Liam gave a weak but reassuring smile. His baby-soft voice was filled with warmth.
“I’m fine. I just need to rest for a bit.”
Then, he reached out and held Olivia’s hand, his little fingers curling around hers.
“Mommy, don’t be angry. You look ugly when you’re angry.”
Olivia’s heart ached.
How could he still be so considerate when he was the one who suffered?
Before she could respond, the doctor, who had been monitoring Liam, removed his stethoscope and sighed.
“It’s good that he’s awake,” the doctor said. “He just needs some glucose and electrolytes. The fainting was caused by dehydration—he’ll be fine after replenishing his energy.” Then, the doctor shot a pointed look at both Olivia and Nathan. “Honestly, your child is wiser than both of you. You’re over here arguing when you should be focused on him.”
The room fell into silence.
Olivia pressed her lips together, swallowing her words. Nathan, too, remained quiet, though his guilt was evident.
Ethan, ever the peacemaker, stepped in quickly.
“Doctor, I’ll come with you to get the prescription.”
The doctor nodded, and the two of them left, leaving the hospital room quiet again.
—
Liam blinked up at his mother.
“Mommy, I want some water.” His voice was soft and childlike.
Olivia immediately poured some and carefully held the cup to his lips.
“Just a little, okay? You don’t want to drink too much too fast.”
Nathan stood at the bedside, his expression filled with something close to regret.
“I’m sorry for making you sick,” he said quietly. “I didn’t take good care of you.”
But Liam shook his head, his tiny lips pursing.
“It’s okay, Daddy. It’s not your fault!”
His little chin lifted as he added, “Mr. Valtor said sunbathing helps strengthen my bones. If I get strong, I can protect Mommy in the future!”
Nathan’s brows furrowed slightly.
Liam wasn’t telling Olivia the truth.
Even after everything, he was trying to shield his father.
Nathan felt a strange tightness in his chest.
Olivia, meanwhile, felt a mix of warmth and sadness. She gently ruffled Liam’s hair.
“Silly boy,” she said softly. “You don’t need to protect me yet. You’re still too young. You can do that when you’re older.”
But Liam pouted. “I can protect you now, Mommy.”
Nathan exhaled quietly.
Why was this child so mature?
“Liam,” he said, his voice lower. “It is my fault. And I will get to the bottom of this.”
His gaze darkened as he thought of Emily’s cruel actions.
I won’t let this go.
—
After a while, a nurse entered the room to administer Liam’s glucose drip.
Liam, ever the brave one, straightened his small body, even though Nathan could see the faint tremble in his fingers.
The moment the needle was inserted, Liam barely flinched. But his wide eyes and stiff posture made it obvious he was scared.
Still, when it was done, he puffed up his chest as if expecting praise.
Nathan found himself softly amused.
What a tough little boy.
Liam soon dozed off, exhausted from the day’s events.
Olivia and Nathan stood on either side of him, both watching over the sleeping child.
For a rare moment, they were silent—almost… united.
—
Two hours later.
Liam had recovered well and was ready for discharge.
Olivia gently helped him sit up. Then, she looked at Nathan with cold detachment.
“I’ll take him with me. I won’t trouble you further, Mr. Carter.”
Her voice was calm but firm.
“I also hope you’ll stay away from Liam in the future.”
Nathan’s expression didn’t change. But his eyes darkened slightly.
He exhaled and looked her straight in the eye.
“The DNA results will be available soon,” he said evenly. “Since you’re already here, we can check them together.”
His tone left no room for argument.
“If the child isn’t mine, you can take him away as you please.”
Olivia’s fingers twitched slightly. She hadn’t expected him to act so quickly.
Still, she met his gaze with equal boldness.
“Since you insist, Mr. Carter,” she said coolly, “I won’t object. It’s only right to completely dispel your doubts.”
