72

Nathan and Suzanne's faces were illuminated by the bright lights of the cameras and microphones pointed in their direction.

The tumult of voices and questions rose into the air, creating a cacophony that resonated around the hospital.

Nathan took a deep breath, seeking to remain calm amid the chaos.

"Please, respect the place we are in and the difficult time we are going through," Nathan said firmly, looking directly at the journalists. "I can't give much information yet, but the police are handling everything."

The questions didn't cease, but Nathan, used to dealing with the press, raised a hand to ask for silence.

"I promise I will make a statement about what happened later, but at this moment I ask for your understanding. My grandfather is in delicate health."

Suzanne, unaccustomed to being the center of attention, tensed up when the journalists directed their questions at her. Her eyes widened, and she looked at Nathan with fear and confusion.

He noticed her distress and stepped forward, protectively placing himself in front of her.

"Please, step back," Nathan insisted. "We need privacy."

A bold journalist, however, was not deterred.

"Are you back together? Is it true you have children?" he asked insistently.

Suzanne looked at Nathan, seeking an answer. He met her gaze and sighed.

"No, we are not together," Nathan finally said. "Now we need to go home and rest. We appreciate your understanding."

They made their way through the crowd and headed to the car. Suzanne was still nervous, her heart pounding from the press's harassment.

Nathan smiled reassuringly as he opened the car door for her.

"It's something you get used to over time," he said as he sat in the driver's seat.

Suzanne shook her head, her voice trembling slightly. It had been a terrifying experience for her.

"I don't think I could ever get used to something like that," she admitted.

"I thought the same thing at first," Nathan replied, laughing softly.

Suzanne looked at him with admiration, surprised by his composure.

"It's amazing how you handle all this. I don't know if I can live in such a hectic world," she confessed, biting her lip.

"You can just say 'no comment' and let me answer the questions. It's almost like a movie, isn't it?" Nathan looked at her tenderly.

Suzanne smiled weakly, finding some comfort in his words.

"Yes, it does seem like something out of a movie," she said with a smile.

Nathan continued talking, his eyes reflecting his own experience as he wanted to make her feel comforted after everything. He knew that something like this wasn't easy.

"My life has always been like this," he admitted, grimacing. "I know for someone like you, who is more peaceful, it can seem like harassment, but for the media, it’s not. They are relentless and often obsessive about getting scoops."

Suzanne sighed, absorbing his words.

"I guess I'll have to learn to live with this. I'm already in this world, right?" she said with determination.

Nathan felt warmth in his chest, moved by her resolve. She looked calmer, and that gave him satisfaction.

"I'm here to help you with whatever you need, Suzanne," he said sincerely.

Despite his own doubts and repressed desires, Nathan tried to remain serene.

He remembered the passionate kiss they shared in the hospital hallway, and the desire to repeat it hit him hard. However, he mentally scolded himself for creating illusions in his mind.

Finally, they arrived home. The nanny was waiting at the door, and the children were sleeping peacefully.

"A new nurse will come tomorrow. The previous one was very scared by the attack," the nanny informed them before leaving.

Suzanne, embarrassed, apologized, her hands visibly trembling, and she swallowed hard every few seconds.

"I'm so sorry for everything that happened," she said, her voice breaking.

Nathan noticed her agitation and, after saying goodbye to the nanny, led her to the kitchen. He knew she was replaying in her mind what had happened and why they needed a new nurse.

"Come on, I'll make you some tea to calm your nerves," Nathan said with a gentle smile.

While the water boiled, he approached Suzanne, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"Everything will be alright, darling. You're not alone in this," he assured.

Suzanne looked up, finding solace in his words and smiling weakly, seeing the effort he was making to hold everything together.

For a moment, in the quiet kitchen of their home, the outside world and its problems seemed to fade away, leaving them both in a momentary peace.

The place was bathed in a soft, warm light, creating a cozy atmosphere that contrasted with the tension and chaos they had left behind at the hospital.

Nathan poured the boiling water into a cup, added linden leaves, and then handed it to Suzanne, who received it with a big smile.

"My father used to make me linden tea too," she said, bringing the cup to her lips and enjoying the familiar aroma.

Nathan watched her, noticing how her eyes softened as she remembered her father.

"Did he know where you were?" he asked with concern, not mentioning the false death that still weighed on his mind.

Suzanne nodded, her fingers caressing the edge of the cup.

"Yes, I couldn't live with the thought of causing him anguish. I informed him as soon as I could," she replied, her tone soft but firm.

Nathan felt a pang of bitterness. For Suzanne, there had been someone who knew the truth, someone who hadn't suffered the same devastation he had endured.

During all those months, he had been the only one believing in Suzanne and their child's death, and that had marked him deeply.

Suzanne looked at him, noticing the shadow that crossed his face.

"Is everything okay?" she asked, leaning towards him.

Nathan tried to smile, but the weight of the memories was hard to shake.

"Nothing, it's okay," he said quickly, afraid that another revelation might be too much for both of them at that moment.

He didn't want to expose his grandfather or worry Suzanne. First, he wanted to let the waters settle.

He looked at her intently, and although the thought of leaving her alone pained him, he thought perhaps it might be for the best.

"Maybe I should go home," he suggested, trying to sound casual.

Suzanne bit her lip, lowering her gaze sadly.

She didn't know if she should ask him to stay. Would he see her as desperate? Would it be a mistake to ask such a thing?

Noticing her dilemma, Nathan leaned in a little closer.

"Suzanne, do you want me to stay?" he asked directly, his voice low and gentle.

Suzanne felt her cheeks flush. The intensity of Nathan's gaze made her feel vulnerable.

He swallowed, completely drawn to her. Suzanne finished her tea, trying to calm her nerves.

"It's delicious, thank you," she said, with a grateful smile.

Nathan moved to take the cup, and as he did, their fingers brushed.

Suzanne's eyes lifted to meet his, that same look he had given her in the hospital, vulnerable and almost unreal.

Nathan leaned in a little more, watching for any small reaction from Suzanne. She remained still, which gave him the courage to proceed.

Closing the distance between them, he gave her a sweet kiss. He felt her respond, and the kiss deepened with each passing second.

Suzanne felt a rush of emotions; her heart beat strongly as their lips moved in sync.

There was a mix of relief, desire, and hope in that kiss, a desperate attempt to reconnect after all the time and pain they had endured.