Chapter 674
Chapter 674
Chapter 674 A Debating Expert On the other hand, Simone understood that Yelena would inevitably come to learn about the situation, and with a heavy heart, she reluctantly decided to let Yelena inside. Afterward, Yelena changed into sterile clothing before cautiously opening the door and entering the room. When she laid her eyes upon the sight of the frail and weak Hank lying in the hospital bed, tears welled up in her eyes. “Hank, I’ve come to see you.” However, the moment he saw her, a sudden spike in his heart rate caused the monitor next to him to register rapid fluctuations. She noticed this phenomenon and interpreted it as a clear indication that he did not wish to see her, so she lowered her head. “I’m sorry. I understand you may not want to see me right now, but I still need to be here to see you and try to understand your condition.” Meanwhile, Hank had not yet reached the stage where he required an oxygen tank, but his voice remained weak and strained. “What are you doing here? Didn’t I make it clear that we’ve already broken up? Please, don’t come to see me anymore.” Even though Yelena understood that his condition was taking a toll on him, his words stirred a sense of grievance within her. “I understand what you said, but I still want to ensure you’re okay.” “Yelena, I’m warning you. We’ve broken up.” “Of course, I’m well aware that we’ve broken up. Can’t we at least remain friends after breaking up?” Yelena retorted stubbornly, her determination unwavering. “Mrs. Damazio is also a good friend of mine. Can’t you interpret my presence here as a visit to see her?” “Then, go and see my mom instead. Why did you come in here?” Yelena huffed in response, her tone defiant. “She and I have become like sworn
sisters. I came in to see how my godson is doing.” After hearing this, Hank’s breath caught in his throat, almost causing him to choke. Godson? She dares to say that! “No matter what your intentions were for coming in, I want to clarify that I do not want to see you here. Your presence will only affect my
mood negatively. Please leave immediately.” Nevertheless, as Yelena looked at the man’s cold and distant expression, a sense of nervousness washed over her, intensifying in response to his harsh words. “I already know the truth. You intentionally ended our relationship because of your condition, right?” Hank’s sneering conveyed a cold and dismissive tone. “What do you mean by intentionally breaking up with you because of my condition? I broke up with you because I no longer have feelings for you. Do you understand?” “Hank, do you realize how hurtful your words are? Do you understand that I genuinely care and worry about you?” “I don’t need you to worry about me.” Hank, intimately familiar with Yelena’s sensitive and compassionate nature, deliberately chose to use harsh words to hurt her. However, she also knew he deeply understood her character and emotions. Now, she couldn’t help but feel a sobering sadness settle within her. Deep down, she understood that he intentionally uttered those hurtful words to drive her away. She recognized his desire for her to let go of any lingering feelings and to find happiness even after his inevitable passing. Despite the pain and sorrow, she saw through the layers of his actions and words, understanding the complexities behind his choices. This newfound understanding brought a mix of emotions, from heartache to admiration, as she grappled with the depth of their connection and the sacrifices he was making for her well-being. Hence, Yelena sat beside the hospital bed and said, “Well… I’m sorry, but I won’t leave
today since you’re lying in bed and can’t do anything to me.” “You!” Hank’s anger intensified, causing him to become so enraged that he had trouble catching his breath. Given his already compromised health, the increased agitation exacerbated his breathing problems. She could not help but be concerned about her actions on his fragile health. Then, she cast a worried glance at his complexion and noted that he had not yet reached a critical stage, which provided her with a sliver of solace. “What? You said such hurtful things to provoke me. Can’t I defy your wishes a little bit?” Does he think I am someone who can be easily bullied? At this, a sense of equilibrium gradually settled into Yelena’s heart. While observing Hank’s inability to respond to her words or actions, she couldn’t help but feel a peculiar sense of calm and serenity. At this instant, an inexplicable satisfaction enveloped her when she witnessed his frustration in being unable to challenge or counter her. After that, she hummed a tune as she picked up an orange from a nearby table, peeled it, and savored its flavor. “Do you think you own this place?” After hearing those words, a gentle smile graced Yelena’s lips, and she responded, “Yes. I shall not only embrace this place as my own, but I shall also extend my utmost care to you, my critically ill husband.” With a tender gesture, she lifted a segmented piece of orange, bringing it closer to his lips. “Here. Would you like a bite?” As Hank’s rage mounted, a searing intensity welled inside him, pulsing through his veins and making his headache with a nearly intolerable weight. He struggled to raise his hand and gently massaged his temples, seeking a brief respite from the raging emotions. With his voice laced with icy coldness, he warned her, “I understand your intent, but please refrain from playing with me now. If you have nothing important to do, I advise you to leave as soon as possible. Otherwise, you won’t receive a pleasant response from me.”
“Oh. I won’t leave. Why don’t you call the police?” After saying that, she rose to her feet and continued, “I’m feeling a bit hungry. I’m going to get some food. I haven’t eaten much, as my worries have consumed my appetite.” She muttered to herself, then turned her head and asked, “Could you help me think of something to eat?” “This is none of my business.” Despite the sadness that washed over her upon hearing Hank’s dismissive attitude, Yelena maintained a nonchalant expression. “Fine. I noticed a Mexican restaurant in the vicinity while looking around.” She spoke deliberately to test his reaction. As she observed him lying on the bed, she noticed his eyelids fluttering open ever so slightly. Though his voice was faint, she strained to catch his words. “Aren’t you unable to eat spicy food?” A small thrill coursed through her heart as Yelena absorbed Hank’s consideration and the warmth underlying his words. “Don’t you dislike me? Why should you care what I eat? We have nothing to do with each other anymore.” She deliberately irritated him, and as she watched his face become slightly displeased, she felt satisfied. Despite her attempt at testing the waters might not have been the most subtle or clever, she could not help but detect a flicker of lingering emotions within him. “Of course, it has nothing to do with me. However, someone’s face breaks out in acne after eating spicy food. If you don’t mind, you can go ahead and eat.” Despite his calm voice, the words flowing from his lips were enough to infuriate anyone. On the other hand, Yelena knew the consequences of spicy food on her skin. Each time she consumed chili or fiery ingredients, her face would break out in pimples, a frustrating occurrence that took time to resolve. Given the nature of her work and the importance of maintaining her appearance, her manager had taken steps to ensure that she refrained from consuming spicy food. With a hint of grumpiness, she acknowledged the restriction placed upon her. “Got it. No spicy food, but I can’t ignore my hunger. I’m famished.” With those words hanging
in the air, she shifted her gaze toward Hank, lying on the bed. His closed eyes, evading any acknowledgment of her presence, led her to purse her lips in disappointment. Then, she chose not to disturb him, so she turned on her heels and silently walked out. Unbeknownst to Yelena, as she stepped out of the room, the man lying on the bed couldn’t help but let a subtle, fleeting smile curl at the corners of his lips. … Coincidentally, those men didn’t show up to cause trouble at the Azure Corporation’s doorstep after Slevin’s threat. Nevertheless, Elspeth’s thoughts were far removed from those men, for her singular focus rested on the precious life growing within her womb. Her unwavering determination compelled her to take every precaution necessary to ensure the baby’s safe arrival. However, the path ahead unfolded with unexpected complexities, defying the simplicity she had yearned for.