Chapter 786 Can’t Married Couples Kiss?
The swelling was not part of her flesh. Her abdomen was firm and protruded noticeably.
"How come..."
Natalie felt a surge of terror and could not resist touching the swollen area of her abdomen. She instinctively stepped back, guarding her stomach. She was unsure if her actions were driven by her subconscious, which might have suspected that she was pregnant.
Natalie had not had her period for three months. However, this was not conclusive evidence of pregnancy, as her friend and doctor, Rosy, had mentioned experiencing irregular periods. During this time, Natalie frequently felt nauseous. After a consultation with her private doctor, she was assured that her stomach was fine.
However, missing periods and vomiting were typical symptoms of early pregnancy. But what if Oliver had instructed Rosy and her private doctor to conceal the truth from her? If they were in collusion, everything would make sense.
A cold sweat broke out on Natalie's back, and a chill crept up from the soles of her feet, filling her with dread and fear.
She thought, 'Why would Oliver hide this from me? Am I pregnant? Am I just being paranoid? I don't mind having a baby with Oliver. He wouldn't do something like this, would he?'
Natalie hoped she was merely overthinking.
…
Oliver quickly noticed that something was amiss with Natalie.
After her shower, Natalie opened the door and saw Oliver standing at the doorway, examining her.
"What's wrong?" Natalie asked as she adjusted her clothes.
"Natalie, are you keeping something from me? You're not yourself."
Oliver had already surmised that she was hiding something.
Natalie paused her hair drying and looked up at Oliver. She countered, "What about you? Are you keeping something from me?"
"Yes," Oliver replied without hesitation. Denying it would mean deceiving her, and nobody, especially not Natalie, would believe a denial.
"Can you tell me?" Natalie paused, then added, "Tell me something you think I should know."
"Natalie, I'll tell you what I can," Oliver responded, holding back his secrets.
Temporary secrets, or perhaps, secrets for eternity.
"Well, I'm not telling you either!" Natalie declared defiantly, tilting her chin upward.
Oliver looked at Natalie as though she were a petulant child. He sighed and gestured to her, saying, "Come here. Let me help you dry your hair."
Natalie sat in front of the vanity mirror, the sound of the hairdryer filling her ears. She could see Oliver's solemn expression reflected in the glass. She had no doubts about Oliver's love for her. However, she was plagued by a suspicion that had nothing to do with their love.
She hesitated to ask Oliver directly if she was pregnant. She suspected as much, believing he might be conspiring with doctors, and possibly even chefs, to keep it hidden from her.
With this, she had become preoccupied, her thoughts no longer on the accident during the live broadcast but consumed by suspicion. She remembered various odd occurrences over the past two or three months.
The more she dwelled on these events, the more suspicious they seemed.
Rosy had suddenly urged her to get a hospital check-up. While the advice seemed sound and beyond reproach, it also fit the scenario of a newly pregnant woman.
In the early stages of pregnancy, due to the unstable nature of embryo implantation, pregnant women were advised against vigorous exercise to prevent miscarriage. Additionally, over the past fortnight, her tastes had become peculiar, and she found herself frequently changing her food preferences dramatically within moments.
Natalie resolved to visit the hospital for a check-up after the finals, planning to go when Oliver was not around.
…
The third round of the Supermodel finals was set in an international convention center in the capital of Forinland. The stage boasted an advanced, futuristic mechanical design that energized the audience as soon as they entered. The seating was arranged in a practical and orderly fashion, optimizing the spectators' experience and engagement in the scoring process.
Natalie had scarcely left the suite these days. It was only today that she realized the intense scrutiny over her and Oliver's kiss had not subsided but was increasingly becoming a focal point.
Backstage, Nola was dressed in a striking red dress for her role as host. Upon spotting Natalie, she blurted out, "Shameless!"
Natalie turned to face Nola and asked, "Are you referring to the kiss between me and Oliver?"
Nola remained silent, just staring at Natalie.
Natalie laughed lightly, crossed her arms, and challenged, "Nola, why is it shameless for me to kiss my husband? Does your country prohibit married couples from kissing?"
"You..."
"I'm surprised you even know the phrase 'shameless'. Weren’t you trying to seduce my husband? Who's the shameless one here?"
"Natalie, stop talking nonsense!" Nola retorted, her face flushed red with anger. She glanced anxiously around to see if anyone was listening. She had harbored thoughts about becoming Oliver's mistress, though she knew it was nothing to be proud of.
Everyone around them was preoccupied with preparations for the competition, and nobody seemed to notice the exchange between Natalie and Nola. Only one or two people overheard their conversation, but they did not understand the language spoken.
"Today, I'll let it go. Next time, I'll speak in a language everyone can understand," Natalie said. After a pause, she added, "I can speak French, too. You didn't think I knew that, did you? I can prove it if needed."
Nola was visibly embarrassed. She thought to herself, 'How did she know? So what if she knows French? I'll still make her the laughingstock.'
…
When the five mentors were introduced on stage, the host brought each one forward.
As Natalie stepped forward, the audience's excitement was palpable, with cheers erupting from various sections.
Natalie just hoped the Q&A session would not veer too far off the main topic.
"Natalie, you're in for a challenge," Cocker whispered to her with a grin, "The journalists here today are fearless. They'll ask anything, and they'll definitely bring up your husband. Is that him?"
As she spoke, Cocker gestured towards the audience.
Melvyn, Innes, and Louis, along with the recently added top male model, all turned their attention toward the crowd.
There were two prime spots in the venue: one was the mentors' seats, and the other was the VIP audience section directly opposite.
The front row of the VIP section was occupied by prominent figures in the fashion industry, all familiar faces except for one unfamiliar man.
This man had deep-set eyes and a composed demeanor. He was dressed in a bespoke silver suit, complemented by a fine striped tie. This tie was a special edition from a renowned luxury brand, not available for sale but exclusively gifted to a select few top clients.
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