CHAPTER 41: CHAPTER 31: WANT TO ESCAPE?

A thought struck her, and she covered her mouth with her hand, pretending to retch. "Howard, let me down... I feel nauseous..."

Already pale, her act of feigning queasiness immediately convinced him.

Howard rushed her to the bathroom, holding her in his arms.

As soon as he set her down, she dashed to the toilet and forced herself to "dry heave." Perhaps fate was on her side, as she genuinely began to experience morning sickness just as he approached to pat her back.

She was prone to severe morning sickness, and it wasn’t long before her stomach was churning violently.

He seemed pained watching her, and he held her tenderly after she finished.

She leaned against his chest, trying to suppress the waves of nausea.

He gently stroked her back. "Are you okay?"

Her face was pale, and she weakly shook her head. "Just a bit uncomfortable." This time, there was no need to pretend; she was genuinely suffering from the turmoil of morning sickness.

"I’ll get you a glass of water," Howard said gently.

Rebecca Quentin nodded.

Howard then handed her a glass of warm water.

After rinsing her mouth a few times, the nausea finally subsided, and she said gratefully, "Thank you."

He ruffled her hair. "Silly girl, there’s no need to be so polite with me."

Rebecca Quentin managed a faint smile for him.

Howard tenderly kissed her forehead, speaking softly. "My dear, pregnancy is hard work. Ten months can feel both long and short. I’m worried you won’t know how to take care of yourself alone."

She gave a faint smile. "Don’t worry. Most pregnant women go through this. It usually gets better after the first three months, and I’m not uncomfortable all the time."

Howard gazed at her intently. "But I’m still worried."

If my reason hadn’t overcome my emotions, I think I would have been moved by his deeply affectionate and considerate expression...

Unfortunately, she would not believe him.

Although her mind was a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts, she continued to act as if she were immersed in happiness.

He lowered his head and pecked her lips again, his magnetic voice laced with tender concern. "I don’t want you to go through this alone. Why don’t you come back to the US with me? My mother can take care of you... She’s very good at looking after people."

Rebecca Quentin had never expected him to mention his mother today.

According to the background information that had been uncovered about Howard, he grew up in a single-parent home. His father had died young, and his mother had raised him all by herself.

From this, it was clear how important his mother was to him.

But during their two years of marriage, he had never mentioned this revered and beloved figure to Rebecca Quentin, let alone taken her to America to meet this "mother-in-law."

To be honest, during their first year of marriage, she had felt disheartened by this.

Back then, she still harbored fantasies about him, believing that they, who seemed to be getting along quite well, might actually make it to the end together. Consequently, the fact that she didn’t even know her "mother-in-law" had always been a point of resentment for her. But after learning about Christine’s existence, this feeling of disappointment gradually faded. The reason was simple: he had never truly considered her his wife, so naturally, there was no need for his mother to know about such a daughter-in-law.

So now, she was stunned into silence, not responding for a long moment.

He thought she was hesitating, so he continued in a gentle voice, "You know that \"Skytop’s\" headquarters are in the US. Even for you, I can’t stay in T City for an extended period. Especially since \"Skytop\" has recently taken on several important projects that require me to return to the US to handle personally. I won’t be back in T City for a very long time. So, I’ve decided that after we’ve settled your father’s affairs, we’ll move to the US permanently."

Every word he spoke at this moment sounded so sincere, so genuine. If I hadn’t already known how unfathomably deep his schemes ran, I might have truly fallen for it... Because no one knew that following him was once my most beautiful, extravagant wish.

It’s so ironic, I think. All those beautiful futures I once fantasized about are now within my reach, requiring only a nod from me. Yet, at this very moment, all I want to do is tell him NO...

"Becca, come back to the US with me. I’ll give you the kind of happiness that women all over the world dream of." He pulled her seemingly hesitant form into his embrace, his voice hoarse as he made his promise.

She leaned against him, dazed. Her body could feel the heat of his longing, but her heart remained as cold as ice.