Rift in the perfect picture

Chapter 0222

My heart ached terribly. My child was leaving this world, yet Nicholas was so joyful. Although I was deceiving him, he was also guilty of doing me wrong!

A wave of sorrow instantly enveloped me. I really could not bear to have any intimate contact with him at a time like this.

But all my strength seemed to have been drained away. I did not even have the energy to stand, so I leaned on him heavily. He thought I was clinging to him and that I was also aroused.

“Nicholas,” I refused, “Don’t touch me. I’m so tired.”

He looked up at me with eyes full of desire. “I know. I’ll just kiss you, nothing more.”

He smiled a little foolishly. “Even if I wanted to, I could not do anything now. I’ll just have to suffer and wait for ten months.”

I smiled weakly without any response. Then, he carried me to the bed and pulled off my thin clothes in one go.

He explained, “I’ll help you bathe, then we’ll go to sleep. It’s too late. If you don’t rest well, our child won’t rest well either.”

His slightly rapid breathing fell on my cheek, neck, then collarbone… The one who said he would help me bathe was still reluctant to let go.

I

I grabbed his hand. “No bath. I’m too tired. I’ll take a bath tomorrow.” Fearing he would not believe me, I added, “Pregnant women get tired easily.”

I did not dare to move carelessly for fear that my child would leave me right. then.

Nicholas held back. The usually dignified and calm man now looked like he had lost his composure. He kissed my lips softly before reluctantly going to take a cold shower.

I watched his blurry silhouette on the bathroom glass as I gradually fell into a deep sleep.

13

Chapter 0222

+25 BONUS

When I woke up, the man was long gone from my side. Today was the day. Nicholas was holding a press conference for Claudia. In the mirror, there was pain and stubbornness in my eyes.

I put on light makeup to cover my pale complexion. I also chose a black satin gown that revealed my long neck marked with kiss marks. Then, I took a cab to the press conference venue.

It was a lively scene with many reporters carrying cameras. I did not avoid them. Walking on the red carpet, I gracefully met everyone’s gaze.

The flashing lights nearly blinded me for a moment. My arrival had caused quite a stir. The bolder reporters even squeezed over next to me. “Excuse me, but are you Mrs. Hawk?

“What’s your view on the incident where Ms. Claudia hurt someone on purpose?”

“There are rumors that the mastermind behind the intentional harm incident is a mystery. Are you here to clarify that as well?”

I

I stopped and grabbed a nearby microphone. I cleared my throat. “Everyone, I’m also very concerned about the questions you’ve raised. Please be patient and wait for the press conference to begin. I believe you’ll get the answers you want then.

“Also, please keep a bit of distance from me.” I smiled slightly as I caressed my tummy. “I’m pregnant. If anything unexpected happens, I’m afraid everyone here will be implicated.”

As soon as I finished speaking, everyone gasped. They instantly took a few steps backward.

I had just returned the microphone to the reporter when Nicholas quickly walked out after hearing the commotion. He wrapped his arm around my waist, every bit the elegant gentleman in front of the media.

“Mr. Hawk, Mrs. Hawk, look here!”

“This way too! We need a shot here as well!”

2/3

Chapter 0222

+25 BONUS

Nicholas and I smiled. I stood on tiptoes to kiss his cheek. Photos of us as a loving couple were captured by countless cameras and were live–streamed online.

“Why did you come? I don’t want you to be too tired,” Nicholas said in a low voice.

“This is Claudia’s big moment. How could I not come?” I waved to our reporter friends with a half–smile.