Chapter 149
Michael's eyes lit up with a flicker of pride he didn't even notice himself. "Where to? You can say it again now," he asked.
Rachel slapped the armrest in frustration. Michael saw it and smirked a bit. "If you don't say anything, we'll just keep driving."
"I'm going to the hospital to see Catherine," Rachel snapped, glaring at him. How had she never noticed before that Michael had this weird habit of insisting on taking people exactly where they needed to go? If she didn't let him, he'd pull stunts like this. It was so annoying.
Michael was a bit taken aback when he heard Rachel's destination. So, she was going to see Catherine. He thought she was bringing those supplements for John's parents. Thinking about it, Michael's mood lifted for some reason, while Rachel stayed grumpy the whole way.
Finally, they pulled up at the hospital. Rachel got out without a word of thanks and headed straight for the entrance.
Michael followed, watching her storm off with a slight smile. Was she still mad? Back when they were with the Smith family, he'd never seen her angry; she was always so down, and even her smiles seemed forced, which was pretty annoying. She never showed the energy she had now.
It was clear she wasn't happy at all in the Smith family, and divorcing was the right call. Even though he knew the divorce was a relief for both of them, Michael couldn't shake this heavy feeling. It just kept getting worse as time went on.
He didn't even want to think about why. His gut told him not to. If he figured it out, his life would be turned upside down. Thinking about this, Michael's smile faded, and he went back to his usual cold demeanor.
Soon, they reached Catherine's ward. The door was open, and Isabella wasn't there. Rachel knocked.
Catherine was sitting up in bed, reading. She looked up at the knock. When she saw Rachel, her face lit up with a warm smile.
"Rachel, come in!" Catherine waved her in.
"Catherine, I came to see you," Rachel said, walking in with some gifts.
Catherine was about to scold her for bringing stuff when she saw someone else walk in. "Michael?" Catherine looked surprised, glancing between Rachel and Michael. "Did you come together?"
"No, I just ran into Mr. Smith in the elevator, so we came up together," Rachel said with a smile.
Michael knew she said that to keep Catherine from getting any ideas about them getting back together. Even though Rachel was right, it still bugged him. Was he some kind of plague she had to avoid?
"Yeah, Grandma," Michael replied, looking a bit annoyed.
Catherine sighed, disappointed. "I thought you came together."
Rachel saw Catherine's expression and knew she hadn't given up on the idea of her and Michael getting back together. She smiled and changed the subject. "By the way, Catherine, how's your health?"
"Much better," Catherine replied with a smile.
Rachel nodded. "That's good."
Catherine suddenly remembered something and pointed to the bedside table. "Rachel, Isabella's son came by yesterday and brought a bunch of her favorite soft cheese. You love soft cheese, right? Take some with you."
Rachel eyed the soft cheese, feeling tempted. Just as she was about to agree, Michael cut in, "No!"
Catherine frowned. Rachel's smile faded. Catherine looked at Michael, clearly annoyed. "Why not? This is for Rachel; do I need your permission?" Since when was her grandson so stingy? He wouldn't even share a bit of cheese!
Rachel didn't say anything and wasn't mad either. It was just some cheese. If he didn't want to share, fine.
Looking at their expressions, Michael knew they misunderstood. He lowered his eyes and said calmly, "She can't eat soft cheese."
Ever since he found out Rachel was pregnant, Michael had been doing some serious online research about what expectant mothers should avoid. Turned out, soft cheese was a no-go.
"Why can't she eat it?" Catherine demanded, her face stern. She clearly wasn't going to let this slide without a good reason.
Rachel looked at Michael too, confused about why he thought she couldn't have it.
Michael pressed his lips together, unsure of how to respond. Rachel hadn't told anyone about her pregnancy yet, so he couldn't spill the beans.
After a moment, Michael's eyes flickered as he came up with an excuse. "Isabella gave this to you. It wouldn't be right to give it away. What would Isabella think? You should keep it for yourself."
Catherine's hands shook with anger. "That's your reason? Really, Michael? You've been around Emily too long, picking up her stinginess. Always calculating. If I'd known, I wouldn't have let Emily raise you."
Hearing Catherine call him selfish, Michael's mouth twitched. He glanced at Rachel. He didn't want her to think he was that kind of person.
"Rachel, take the soft cheese with you. Don't listen to him. It's mine, and he has no say in it," Catherine said firmly, glaring at Michael.
Rachel nodded. "Okay." The more Michael didn't want her to have it, the more she wanted to take it. If it annoyed him, all the better. Rachel looked up at Michael, her eyes full of defiance.Michael said nothing. Fine, if she took it, so be it. At worst, he'd find a way to get rid of the cheese later. No way was he letting her eat it.
Seeing Michael just standing there, Catherine snapped, "What are you standing there for? Go get Rachel some water."
After what had just happened, she found her grandson more and more irritating. He used to be such a good kid; what happened?
Michael sighed, grabbed a disposable cup, and went to the water dispenser. He filled the cup and handed it to Rachel.
"Thanks," Rachel said politely, taking the cup.
Michael nodded. "Careful, it's hot."
Catherine looked at him in surprise. Was he actually showing concern for Rachel?
Rachel didn't think so. It was a common courtesy to warn someone about hot water. She blew on the water and took a sip, then made a puzzled sound.
"What's wrong, Rachel?" Catherine asked, concerned.
Rachel looked at Michael with a strange expression. "Mr. Smith, did you add honey?"
"Yeah." Michael nodded. "Don't you like it?" There was a hint of tension in his voice. Catherine, with her years of experience, noticed it, even if Rachel didn't.
She had just suspected Michael might care about Rachel. Now, hearing that he added honey to her water and was nervously asking if she liked it, it was clear Michael had feelings for Rachel. But he didn't even realize it himself! Thinking of this, Catherine found Michael even more irritating.
Rachel smiled slightly. "No, I was just surprised. Thanks, Mr. Smith."
Michael lifted his chin slightly. "You're welcome." He felt relieved. It seemed his gesture hadn't annoyed her.
Michael's lips curled up slightly, feeling a bit happy. Catherine gave him a sidelong glance and muttered, "Idiot."
Michael raised an eyebrow. "Grandma, are you talking about me?" What had he done to deserve that?
Rachel looked at Catherine curiously too. Catherine snorted. "Who else would I be talking about?"
Michael pressed his lips together, feeling a bit hurt. Just as he was about to ask for clarification, his phone rang. He frowned and took it out. Seeing Mandy's name, his expression became complicated.
"Why aren't you answering?" Catherine asked.
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