Chapter 625 Confusion
Natalie drew the covers closer and turned away from him, positioning herself so that her back faced him. This gesture made it clear she was not in the mood for conversation.
Oliver found himself perplexed, trying to discern which of the few words he had uttered upon entering the room had managed to offend her.
The young nurse, having just finished checking the monitors, awkwardly raised her hand. With cheeks red from embarrassment, she stammered, “Mr. Windsor, I… I’m sorry. I informed Miss Watson earlier that you were getting blood tests done due to the snakebite."
‘He shouldn’t downplay his injuries to garner sympathy from his wife… Who knew he doesn’t play by regular rules?’
As Oliver rubbed his temple, his fingers encountered the gauze tape covering his wound. He made a dismissive gesture, indicating to the nurse that she was free to go.
The nurse quickly exited, not wishing to overstay her welcome. There were whispers of Oliver’s ruthlessness hidden behind his gentle appearance. She was worried about the possibility of reprimand for speaking out of turn.
"Natalie." Oliver sighed, seating himself at the edge of the bed, gazing helplessly at the back of her head.
She remained still, with her eyes shut, choosing to ignore him.
Oliver contemplated turning her to face him but decided against it. He asked, “Don’t you want to see my injuries?”
Natalie had no intention of indulging him, yet she could not resist and let out a disdainful snort. "What’s the use of that? Some people like keeping secrets."
"Why this sudden sarcasm?" Oliver laughed; his tone akin to one addressing a child.
Natalie turned to face him, her gaze angry as she arched an eyebrow and asked, “Aren’t you the best at being sarcastic?”
"The venom is the least of our worries; I’ll take care of it promptly." Oliver lifted his right hand for her inspection, the sporadic numbness posing little concern to him. "Natalie, I simply wished to spare you from worry."
Natalie's response was dripping with sarcasm. "Worried? Mr. Windsor, you have shown courage enough to unhook your harness and leap, to feed me glucose against my will, and to capture a snake with your bare hands. Why would I be worried when it seems like nothing could possibly scare you?”
"Natalie." Oliver's voice carried a hint of resignation.
The room was quiet.
Natalie could hear their breathing and feel his patient gaze assessing her well-being. A sense of guilt washed over her as she realized she might have been overly harsh. After all, Oliver had taken those risks for her benefit. Yet, she wished he would not be so rash, risking himself without consideration, especially when unnecessary and there were alternative solutions.
She understood Oliver's motivations but could not condone his actions. This discord, this worry, and this discomfort led her to lose her temper.
"I’m sorry. I didn’t intend to snap at you," Natalie admitted. Her gaze was fixed on the sheets, and her fingers traced the patterns embroidered upon them.
Oliver paused before affectionately pinching her cheek, chuckling. "Only you could speak to me in such a manner."
The nurse returned to inform Natalie it was time for her blood to be drawn.
Oliver undertook the task for Natalie. His skill was comparable to that of a professional nurse.
"When did you learn to do this?" Natalie asked, taken aback.
"Arthur taught me," Oliver responded, applying pressure with a cotton ball to the puncture site, "He once studied medicine."
Natalie recalled hearing about this from Flora Lee, and Dr. Rosy May had mentioned she and Arthur were former classmates, noting his inherent talent.
"Why did he change paths then?" Natalie's curiosity was piqued. For someone with Arthur's background, studying medicine suggested a deep passion, making his decision to switch to business puzzling.
"His hand was injured, rendering him incapable of performing surgeries."
Natalie's eyes widened in astonishment at the revelation.
"That’s not your concern, Mrs. Windsor," Oliver interjected, halting any further questions from Natalie about Arthur's circumstances, "If you’re inquiring on behalf of your friend, she should approach Arthur directly. However, frankly speaking, she’s better off remaining in the dark."
Natalie felt a sense of unease. "Is Arthur's injury... related to Flora?"
"Yes."
For a surgeon, their hands represent their livelihood. Any damage to them could spell the end of their career.
A brief chill of apprehension swept through Natalie, as she hesitated to contemplate how Flora might respond upon discovering the truth. It seemed unlikely Flora could persist in her decision to sever ties with Arthur under those circumstances.
"Can I ask a question?" Natalie asked tentatively.
Oliver raised an eyebrow, indicating she should continue.
"I’m unaware of the specifics surrounding Arthur's hand, but if he were to disclose this to Flora, it would undoubtedly influence her decision. He must be aware of this. Why doesn’t he say anything?"
"Why do you think I hide it from you?"
"Huh?"
"The snake venom."
Naturally, it was because he did not want her to worry and feel guilty.
Realization dawned on Natalie suddenly.
"Arthur's not just after Tina; He wants Flora, right?"
"Indeed," Oliver acknowledged candidly, "His aspirations extend beyond merely wanting to be with his daughter."
Perhaps, even his daughter was not as important as Flora to Arthur.
Natalie’s expression turned to one of shock.
"Aren’t you worried I’ll tell Flora about this?” Natalie probed.
She found herself conflicted about whether to share her knowledge. Previously, she would not have hesitated, but the revelation of Arthur's injury added complexity to the situation. A wrong move could lead to unintended consequences.
Oliver's gaze held a knowing spark as he perceived her dilemma. "Had you intended to disclose this, you wouldn’t have asked me this."
He paused, then added, "Besides, Arthur still has a trump card."
If Arthur’s goal was Flora, and if disclosing his injury could potentially drive her away again, it stood to reason he would not keep it secret much longer.
Natalie recognized Oliver's capability for deception – he could orchestrate a fake divorce if it served his purposes, and she did not doubt Arthur would employ equally underhanded tactics.
The more Natalie contemplated the situation, the more she realized the wisdom in remaining uninvolved in their affairs. It was best to feign ignorance regarding the day's occurrences. Her primary concern was to support her friend unequivocally.
"Wait." Oliver's previously relaxed demeanor shifted as he asked, "You didn’t accidentally fall into a sinkhole, did you?"
"How do you know that?" Natalie froze, pausing mid-step from the bed.
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