Chapter 186 Countless Recurrences
"She requires a physician, not you. You're not a doctor, do you even possess the ability to heal her? This situation has recurred too many times now, you..."
"Ava." Alexander interjected, his eyebrows knitting together—possibly wearied by the repetitive discourse, or perhaps considering her demands irrational—"If you were in dire need of emergency care, I'd be at your side in an instant, irrespective of my medical qualifications."
"You're my husband." Ava's emotions surged, tears welling up and cascading down her cheeks, "But what is Isabella to you? Is she your wife? Or is she your lover?"
Alexander merely observed her in silence for a prolonged period.
It seemed as though an eternity had elapsed before he finally exhaled, "Get some rest. I'll return shortly."
"No, you won't return!" Ava mustered strength from an unknown source, sprang from the bed, and clung to him from behind, "I'm aware that once you depart, you won't come back!"
Alexander had departed in this manner previously, more than once, but tonight Ava's emotions were particularly heightened. She was certain she couldn't let him go; if she did, it would signify the definitive end of their relationship.
Sensing the trembling woman pressed against his back, Alexander shut his eyes, his heart starting to churn.
After an extended silence, he harshly seized her hands, prying them apart, then spun around and gripped her shoulders, "I must leave, it's my obligation."
"What obligation do you owe to Isabella?" Ava inquired through her tears, "Even if you harbor affection for her, I am your wife, I am! You've deceived me for so long, don't you feel any remorse? If you've always loved Isabella, why marry me? And since you chose to marry me, why maintain ties with Isabella? Alexander, you're toying with both of us, you scoundrel!"
"Consider me a scoundrel then." Alexander callously retreated into the closet. After a moment, he reappeared clad in casual gray attire, his hair unkempt, and hastily made for the exit.
Ava could only watch him, her eyes wide with disbelief.
As Alexander's feet crossed the threshold, he paused and then pivoted, "Ava, if there's something you wish to convey, speak now."
He could lend an ear and then depart; he always suspected she was concealing something she yearned to disclose.
Ava's gaze was vacant, as serene as a lifeless pond. She mustered a wan smile and responded in a raspy voice, "Aren't you in a hurry to see your Isabella? Why ask me?"
"I can spare a moment to hear you out before I leave. It won't take long. Just tell me."
Perhaps all Ava had to impart was a solitary sentence.
Ava managed a rueful smile, yes, it wouldn't consume much time, merely a few fleeting seconds.
'I am pregnant.' Just those three words.
He was willing to tarry a few additional seconds, perhaps a few minutes at most, but he would not stay.
"Alexander, if you want me to tell you, then you aren't allowed to go to Isabella's place."
She yearned to be selfish for once, to play the villain for the sake of her unborn child.
Alexander's brow furrowed, "Are you attempting to blackmail me?"
"It's not blackmail, it's a compromise. If you visit Isabella, you forfeit the right to learn this secret."
If he refrained from going, there might still be a glimmer of hope for their relationship.
However, hope was the very thing Ava should have refrained from nurturing.
