Chapter 597 Want to Leave Through the Back Door
Yvette's heart hammered against her ribs as the car pulled into the hospital grounds, her palms slick with sudden perspiration. A wave of inexplicable panic crashed over her—had Albert discovered something?
The vehicle glided through the hospital entrance like a predator stalking into foreign territory.
Yvette could hear her own pulse thundering in her ears, each beat a warning that danger was closing in.
The color drained from her face as her lips pressed into a thin line, as if she could somehow seal away the terror clawing at her chest. Her fingers twisted into the fabric of her dress, knuckles white with tension.
"Why are we here?" Her voice trembled as she addressed the driver.
The driver seemed startled by her reaction and quickly explained, "Mrs. Valdemar, Mr. Valdemar's orders. Is everything alright? You seem upset about coming to the hospital."
His careful tone made Yvette realize how badly she was overreacting. She drew a shaky breath and turned away, her voice hoarse. "No, I'm just... surprised."
She lowered her gaze, knowing that even if she feared what Albert might discover during the examination, it was too late to escape now.
The car came to a gentle stop. As Yvette sat wrestling with her thoughts, the door beside her suddenly swung open. She turned to find Albert's concerned eyes fixed on her.
Albert held the door as Yvette hesitated, then finally stepped out. Without a word, he guided her toward the hospital's main building. Yvette followed nervously, afraid to question him or resist, terrified that any unusual behavior might give her away.
In the elevator, Albert positioned himself protectively in front of her. He looked down at her worried expression and spoke softly. "Don't worry, I've arranged everything."
Yvette bit her lower lip but said nothing.
The moment they entered the VIP examination room, the sharp scent of disinfectant invaded her nostrils. The antiseptic smell felt like icy fingers trailing down her spine, raising every hair on her body. The sight of uniformed medical staff made the atmosphere feel suffocating.
If she underwent the examination today and Albert discovered her condition, she couldn't bear to imagine his reaction.
Yvette stepped backward until her spine pressed against the cold door, her breathing shallow and rapid.
A nurse approached with a professional smile. "Mrs. Valdemar, Mr. Valdemar has arranged your examination schedule. If you'll just follow me."
Yvette took a deep breath and looked at the nurse with obvious reluctance. "I know this is your job, but I don't need any tests. I'm perfectly fine!"
The nurse appeared surprised. "Mr. Valdemar has only scheduled routine examinations that won't affect your health. It's wonderful that you feel well, but the tests will give everyone peace of mind."
Yvette shook her head firmly. "I really don't need any tests. I'm sorry for wasting your time."
Her eyes flashed with stubborn determination mixed with a hint of pleading.
"This is for your health," the nurse said helplessly. "The examination will reassure both Mr. Valdemar and your family, won't it?"
Yvette fixed her with a steady gaze. "Is there a back exit from this room?"
The nurse's face registered confusion.
Just as Yvette was about to speak again, a knock came at the door. Albert's voice carried through. "May I come in to accompany my wife?"
Yvette's body went rigid, her face turning ashen.
The nurse opened the door as Yvette quickly composed herself. Albert strode over to her, studying her face. "Why haven't you started the examination yet? Is there a problem? Why don't you ask them?"
He glanced at the nurse with a cold look that suggested displeasure at the delay.
The nurse froze under his intimidating stare, too frightened to defend herself. She could only look helplessly at Yvette for support.
Feeling guilty for involving the innocent nurse in her resistance, Yvette exhaled slowly. "It's my fault. I don't want the examination. I'm really fine."
Albert's brow furrowed slightly, his tone gentle but unwavering. "You haven't been feeling well lately. An examination would put my mind at ease."
His words carried deep concern as he took her hand, coaxing softly, "I can't bear to worry about you collapsing again."
Yvette shook her head. "I'm fine, just tired. I want to go home and rest."
"You're making me very worried, you know that?" Albert's voice was earnest. "You've been weak and getting sick easily. We can't ignore these symptoms."
Yvette looked up into his eyes. "I know you're concerned, but I really don't want to see a doctor. I just had tests not long ago—why do I need more? I just want to go home and spend time with the children."
Her voice rose with agitation, her breathing becoming labored. Without warning, she turned and tried to push past Albert toward the door.
But Albert wouldn't let her escape so easily. He caught her hand. "I'll have someone pick up the children—don't worry about that. Your previous tests were before you fainted. I need to know what caused it."
He stepped closer, placing both hands on her shoulders and bending down to meet her eyes. His gaze seemed to offer strength and reassurance. "Don't be afraid. I'm right here with you."
Yvette's heart skipped a beat under his intense stare.
Albert's voice was both tender and firm, brooking no argument. "Be good. Don't rush to leave just yet."
Yvette looked at him, complex emotions flickering in her eyes. She knew his concern was genuine, but the fear inside her still made her want to flee.
She understood that once the test results came back and revealed her true condition, all her careful deception would crumble. The more Albert cared for her, the more he loved her, the more she dreaded his reaction when he learned the truth.
But now she felt like a fish pinned to a cutting board—almost powerless to resist or struggle.
Yvette drew a deep breath, making one last desperate attempt. "I really don't want to do this."
"Yvette." Albert spoke her name softly, his eyes searching hers. "Are you hiding something from me?"