CHAPTER 102: CHAPTER 102: BUT SHE’S THE ONE WHO SUFFERS

Worried that she might be tired from standing, Ivy Lane gently took her slender wrist, led her to the sofa, and explained softly, "Evan has been sick for several days now, and his high fever won’t go down. Last week, he missed a step coming downstairs and fell. He fractured his right leg badly."

She sighed. "He’s in a pitiful state. He can’t eat or get out of bed, and the discomfort is so bad he can’t even sleep."

Chloe Preston’s brow furrowed, her eyes filled with concern. "He’s this sick? Why didn’t you tell me sooner?"

"Evan didn’t want me to," Ivy Lane replied. "He said that since you’re pregnant, you need to rest. He was worried you’d get anxious if you knew."

"Besides, with Donovan Xavier watching over you every day, I was afraid he’d be upset if he found out you wanted to visit Evan. It could affect your relationship."

"I only dared to tell you now because I saw he had just left."

She had a point. Donovan was indeed a jealous man. Whether before or after his amnesia, his possessiveness over her was exceptionally strong.

Chloe’s long, thick eyelashes drooped as she fell silent for a moment, deep in thought.

After making up her mind, she stood up, gently caressed her belly, and said softly, "I should still go visit him."

In her entire life, very few people had been genuinely kind to her; she only had two such friends. Evan had helped her more times than she could count. Now that he was sick, it was only right for a friend to check on him.

Besides, Donovan was currently at the Xavier family’s estate. She could go and be back quickly. It wouldn’t take much time, and he would never know.

「Fifteen minutes later.」

The car drove smoothly down the road.

The sky grew gloomy and thunder rumbled. A torrential downpour began, hammering against the car windows.

Knowing that Chloe was afraid of thunderstorms, Ivy Lane drove adeptly while asking in a soft voice, "Chloe, are you alright? Are you scared?"

Not wanting to make her worry, Chloe shook her head slightly. "I’m alright."

The thunder was deafening, and flashes of lightning lit the sky, looking as if they would tear the somber heavens apart.

Chloe closed her eyes and feigned composure, but deep down, she was still a little scared.

Just then, the crisp ringtone of a phone cut through the air.

Startled, Chloe’s hand fumbled, and her phone fell to the floor with a CLATTER.

She reached down, picked it up, and checked the screen—it was perfectly intact.

The phone was still ringing. It was Donovan.

A check-up?

Chloe hesitated for a few seconds before sliding her finger to answer. "Hello, Donovan..."

On the other end, Donovan’s voice was warm and tinged with a smile, deep and pleasant. "You’re at home, right?"

Chloe glanced out the car window, pursed her lips, and mumbled, "Mm-hm..."

Why do I suddenly feel so guilty?

It wasn’t that she was deliberately hiding it from him; she was just afraid he’d be angry if he found out she was going to the Yates family’s home.

When he got angry, he became a completely different person—like a terrifying demon, ruthless and merciless, capable of anything. He was truly frightening.

Donovan’s voice remained gentle and smiling. "Good, stay home. It’s raining and thundering, so you be a good girl and stay put at The Xavier Residence. Don’t go running around."

"If I find out you dared to sneak out behind my back, Chloe Preston, you know what I’m capable of."

Chloe swallowed, feeling her guilt intensify. "Okay, I... I won’t run around."

"Good girl," Donovan said.

Chloe was silent.

They chatted for a short while before hanging up.

Ivy Lane maintained a steady speed, occasionally glancing at the rearview mirror. Her brow furrowed. "Chloe, I feel like there’s a car that’s been following us."

At her words, Chloe turned to look back.

A black Volkswagen was tailing them.

Ivy Lane murmured, "That’s strange. We haven’t offended anyone, so why are they following us? Chloe, sit tight. I’m going to accelerate."

Chloe nodded and gripped her hands tightly, her other hand instinctively moving to her belly. An inexplicable panic began to stir in her heart.

Her intuition told her that whoever it was, they were after her.

Ivy Lane was an excellent driver. She pushed the car to its top speed and, in no time, shook off the Volkswagen.

Or perhaps, the people following realized they had been spotted and decided to give up the chase.

「A while later.」

The car arrived at the gate of the Yates family villa.

The rain was still pouring, beating against the leaves as thunder continued to roll across the sky.

The car door opened, and Chloe stepped out under an umbrella. She wore flat shoes and held one hand protectively over her stomach. The wind howled, whipping strands of hair across her pretty face.

The ground was slick with rainwater. Worried she might slip, Ivy Lane carefully supported her. "Make sure you walk slowly."

***

「The Xavier Family old residence.」

The grand hall was dazzlingly bright.

SMACK!

A loud slap echoed as it struck the man’s face.

Donovan turned his head to the side.

A moment later, as the fiery sting spread across his left cheek, the reality of it sank in.

His grandfather had actually hit him.

Caleb Xavier was seething with rage, so much so that he became unsteady on his feet. He clutched at his heart, the pain so intense he felt like he was about to die.

Evelyn and Ian Xavier rushed to support him. "Dad, you can’t get this worked up! Your health can’t take it!" they said, worried.

Trembling with fury, Caleb raised a finger and pointed at Donovan. "This unfilial son! The Xavier family raised him for nothing!"

Donovan composed himself. His jaw was tight, and his eyes were devoid of any ripple of emotion as he remained silent.

Just moments before, he had told them that Chloe’s belly was growing larger by the day. They couldn’t delay any longer. He had to marry her before the child was born; he couldn’t let her go without a proper title.

He said that the eighth of next month was an auspicious day for a wedding and that he intended to go with Chloe to register their marriage.

Caleb had exploded on the spot. With a furious scowl, he swept things crashing to the floor, absolutely refusing.

But Donovan’s stance remained resolute.

Furious beyond measure, Caleb had raised his hand and dealt him a vicious slap.

Isla Xavier and the others had desperately tried to intervene, holding Caleb back and trying to de-escalate the situation before it got too ugly.

But in the end, they parted on bad terms.

Before leaving, Caleb leaned on his dragon-head cane and stared at Donovan with profound disappointment, his voice cold as ice.

"Donovan, I have tolerated so much. I can accept that Preston girl having the child. I can accept you supporting her. No matter how much you spoil her, I won’t interfere anymore.

"But I will never consent to you marrying her! The position of Mrs. Xavier is one she does not deserve!

"If you’ve got the guts, stay unmarried for life. But if you must marry, it can only be to a lady from a prominent and prestigious family!

"Don’t test my limits again, or I will go to The Xavier Residence and kill myself right in front of Chloe Preston!"

Donovan knew his grandfather too well. He knew that last threat was no joke.

He would actually do it.

Outside, the sky looked as if it had been torn open. The storm raged on with torrential rain and howling winds.

Donovan leaned against the doorframe, his silhouette bleak. His thin lips were pressed into a straight line as he silently watched the blackened sky.

He stood there for a long time without saying a word.

"Brother..." Isla Xavier approached and called to him softly.

Donovan turned his head, his lips slightly pale. "What is it?"

"Are you alright?" Isla asked.

Donovan paused for several seconds before his gaze drifted back to the sky. A faint, bitter smile touched his lips. "There’s nothing wrong with me."

"To remain unmarried for the rest of my life... it’s not a big deal to me."

As he spoke, he lowered his gaze, hiding the turbulent emotions swirling in his eyes. His voice grew hoarse and choked.

"It’s just... unfair to her."

"She’s always so good. She puts me first in everything, accepts being wronged, and never asks me for anything."

"I know... she must want to marry me. Very, very much..."