Chapter 472

Richard was about to say something when Kelsey suddenly walked past him. "Nina, you're awake."

In an instant, the Jose family surrounded Nina.

"Nina, how are you feeling?"

"Nina, are you feeling any better?"

"Is there anywhere you feel uncomfortable? I'll go get the doctor right away."

Everyone asked anxiously. Richard stood at the foot of the bed, his thin lips pressed together, his eyes filled with deep emotions.

Suddenly, someone patted his shoulder. Richard find it was Seb.

Seb whispered, "Want to go out for a smoke?"

Richard hesitated for a moment, but seeing the current situation, he felt it was inappropriate to stay, so he went out with Seb.

As soon as Richard left, Kelsey asked, "Nina, when did Richard come back? Why didn't you tell us?"

"I don't know either." Nina shook her head gently.

When Richard appeared in front of her last night, she thought she was dreaming. She really didn't know Richard would come back.

Isabella spoke guiltily, "I'm sorry, Nina. I knew Richard was coming back, but I was afraid you'd reject him, so I didn't tell you. I thought that when you met, the misunderstanding would resolve itself. I didn't expect this to happen."

Nina shook her head, "It's not your fault. I knew this day would come sooner or later."

"So, Nina, have you reconciled with Richard?" Isabella spoke cautiously.

Reconciled?

Nina felt an inexplicable urge to laugh at this word.

The rift between her and Richard was irreparable.

In the smoking room.

Seb asked, "How did it come to this?"

Richard glanced at him, feeling a bit irritated, "I don't know either."

Richard had always been self-controlled, but last night he lost it a bit.

In the car, he and Nina made love for almost an hour.

Because of Nina's resistance, he didn't control his strength well and ended up hurting her.

Seb utteered, "I understand. But the Jose family is very resistant to you now because of the child Nina lost."

Richard's brow furrowed deeply, feeling a painful tightness in his chest. He wanted to find a way to release the pent-up frustration, so he asked Seb, "Got a cigarette?"

Seb smiled, "I've quit. Nina and Bella both don't like the smell of smoke. You should quit too."

Richard gritted his teeth, "Seb, you're something else."

Seb was showing off his affection with Bella in front of Richard.

Richard couldn't understand why he had gone to such lengths to help Seb save Isabella back then.

Seb pulled out something, "This is all I have. Want to try it?"

Richard looked closely, "Candy?"

In Seb's palm was a piece of candy wrapped in colorful sugar coating.

"A grown man carrying candy instead of cigarettes?" Richard mocked.

Seb shrugged, "I use it to appease my daughter."

Richard felt even more frustrated.

"If you don't want it, forget it," Seb said, about to put the candy back in his pocket. "I'll save it for my daughter."

"Wait!" Richard said coldly.

After a few seconds of stiffness, Richard reluctantly took the candy.

Seb patted his shoulder, "Don't worry. You helped me, and I won't leave you in the lurch."

Richard rubbed the candy wrapper with his fingers, answering softly, "No need. You live your life. Nina and I will sort things out ourselves."

Around this time, Isabella walked over, interrupting the two men's conversation.

Seb immediately took Isabella's thin shoulders in his hands, "Why did you come out? It's windy by the window."

"Nina doesn't need me right now. I thought I'd go home to make some soup for her," Isabella said, then looked at Richard. "Richard, are you leaving now?"

Richard caught the implication in her words and frowned slightly, "Did Nina ask me to leave?"

"No. It's just that everyone is here with her now, and you haven't rested all night. Why don't you go home for a rest?"

Last night, in the rush to get Nina to the hospital, Richard was still wearing yesterday's clothes, even his shoes were slippers. He looked worn out and exhausted.

Isabella thought, the issues between Richard and Nina are so deeply rooted, it will be hard to resolve quickly.

These things couldn't be rushed. It would be better for Richard to go home and freshen up before coming back. Nina always liked cleanliness, and seeing Richard in a better state might make her feel more comfortable.

But Richard rejected, "No need. You all go home first."

Then Richard, holding the candy Seb gave him, walked towards the hospital room.

"Let's go too." Seb said, pulling Isabella into his arms to shield her from the cold wind coming through the window.

Isabella looked up at Seb, "Do you think Nina can forgive Richard?"

Seb was silent for a moment, then replied, "If they still love each other, then yes."

In the hospital room.

After the doctor said there were no major issues, just needed rest, Margaret's worry finally eased a bit.

"I've prescribed some topical medication. Can someone go to the pharmacy to get it?" The dotor asked.

Kelsey stood up, "I'll go get it." Then she followed the doctor out.

The room was left with just Nina and Margaret.

Margaret sat by the bed, tucking in Nina's blanket and holding her hand, gently stroking it.

Margaret didn't say anything, but her eyes were filled with concern for Nina.

Seeing Margaret's eyes, Nina thought of the pain of losing her child.

In this world, no one cares for you more than your mother.

"Mom, I'm fine," Nina forced a smile.

Nina intended to reassure Margaret, but after she said that, Margaret's face showed even more worry.

"What's going on between you and Richard?" Margaret inquired softly, her brows furrowed.

Nina couldn't answer.

Margaret sighed, "Nina, I'm not trying to interfere. I just think that you and Richard are from different worlds. Your circles, your personalities, your ways of dealing with things, they're completely incompatible with Richard's. I have experience, I know what kind of people are suitable for dating and marriage. I never approved of your relationship with him from the start. This time he hurt you so deeply, I think it's time for me to say something. Nina, have you thought it through? Do you really want to spend the rest of your life with someone like Richard, living such an unstable life?"

Nina looked up, about to answer, when she caught a glimpse of Richard standing at the door.

Nina paused, then chuckled softly, "Don't worry, Mom. Richard and I won't have a future."