Chapter 177 Entwined in Affection and Animosity
Having conducted a thorough examination and dressed the laceration on his forehead, the physician confirmed that Alexander was suffering from a mild concussion.
Ava, seated at Alexander's bedside, held his hand in a firm grip, her features carved with anxiety. "Alex, are you still in pain?" she inquired.
"It's bearable, I assure you. You foolish girl, why would you throw yourself in harm's way for another? What if you had been injured?" Alexander's brows knitted together, his eyes filled with profound concern and a hint of admonishment.
"She's not just anyone; she's my friend," Ava defended.
"But you are my wife, and you are the only one who matters to me."
"Alex..." Ava's voice trembled, tears breaching her composure. She hadn't anticipated Alexander's intervention, his readiness to shield her in such a dire situation.
Just when her faith in him was faltering, he had stepped in without hesitation, absorbing the impact even if it meant bleeding from his head, all to ensure her safety.
Her emotions were in turmoil—caught in a love-hate relationship with this man, she was uncertain how to navigate her conflicting feelings.
"What's the matter?" Alexander, sitting up, cradled her face in his hands, his thumb gently erasing her tears. "Why are you weeping?"
Had his words been too harsh, frightening her?
Perhaps it was the pregnancy, but Ava had grown more sensitive. Hastily wiping her tears, she confessed, "I was terrified that something might happen to you."
His defense had been so impulsive; what if the attacker had been armed with a knife, or something even more lethal?
Despite the ordeal being over, Ava was still deeply unsettled.
"There, don't shed any more tears." Alexander drew her into his arms, comforting her as one would a child, his large hand tenderly stroking her back. "It's all over, I'm unharmed. It’s merely a scratch that will heal in a few days."
His soothing voice was akin to the warm sun on a winter's day, providing solace to her soul.
It was as if they were still the devoted couple who had never encountered any hardships, him cherishing and safeguarding her, while she reciprocated his deep affection.
Drying her tears, Ava extricated herself from his hold, "Alex, why did you intervene so recklessly? What if it had been a knife?"
The more she pondered, the more her fear escalated.
"You're my wife. I couldn't just stand idle while you were in danger."
He playfully ruffled her hair. "No matter the circumstances, I’ll always protect you."
Ava's eyes brimmed with fresh tears as she stared at the man before her, their shared history playing out in her mind like scenes from a film.
Why was this man always so capable of driving her to despair, yet continually sparking new hope within her?
However, between her and Alexander stood the undeniable reality of Isabella.
"What's the matter?" Noticing Ava's distant gaze, Alexander reached for her hand, concern etching his features.
Ava rose to her feet and announced, "You rest here for a while, I'll go check on Amelia."
Before Alexander could respond, Ava had already spun on her heel and exited the room.
...
Upon entering the resting ward, Ava found Amelia wiping away tears. She rushed over, "Amelia."
Amelia dabbed at her eyes, "Ava, how's your husband?"
"He's recovering. You had quite a fright, didn't you?" Ava took her hand.
"I'm fine, just feel like today was a bit of a disaster. Thank you for shielding me." With Ava by her side, Amelia found a comforting presence amid the chaos.
