All Too Late Free Preview

Kathleen Johnson was sitting on the bed with a blanket wrapped around her.

There were small red bruises on her exposed smooth shoulder and delicate collarbone. Although she was in a daze, it was undeniable that she still looked nice.

The sound of running water from the bathroom stopped abruptly, and Samuel Macari came out of the bathroom with a white towel wrapped around his waist after a while.

He had broad shoulders, a lean body, well-defined abs, and the chiseled features of a male model. No, he looked much better than a male model.

“Why are you in a daze?” Samuel's deep and magnetic voice rang out. “Have you thought of what you want?”

Kathleen regained her senses. She swallowed a lump in her throat as she looked at the man's muscular body.

“Is it okay if we don't get a divorce?” Her voice was sweet as usual, and her eyes were filled with a hint of innocence and misery.

“Why have you become so ignorant all of a sudden?” Samuel looked at her gently yet coldly at the same time. “Nicolette is back.”

Kathleen's heart sank.

Of course, I know that Nicolette is back.

Nicolette Yoeger was Samuel's childhood sweetheart.

Unfortunately, she was not welcomed in the Yoeger family, as she was an illegitimate child.

Thus, the Macari family did not agree with Samuel marrying her.

Kathleen, on the other hand, had a clean family background.

Her parents were doctors, who had unfortunately passed away in an effort to rescue Samuel's grandmother, Diana Lane, from a fire. They died because of saving the life of another person.

To thank the couple and prevent Samuel from marrying Nicolette, Diana had forced Samuel to marry Kathleen.

Back then, Diana had been in poor health, and the doctor had issued several notices of critical illness to Samuel.

Samuel did not have any choice but to agree to the arranged marriage.

He had told Kathleen that he would not fall in love with her and that everything was done so that Diana would be at ease.

Kathleen completely understood that. She looked very much like a harmless little rabbit. She was gentle and thoughtful and was never a competitive person.

Thus, he had assured her by saying, “As long as you are still Mrs. Macari, I will not let you suffer. We will get a divorce three years later, and I will compensate you when the time comes.”

Kathleen looked at him meekly.

I married him not because of his money, but because I wanted to fulfill a dream from my youth. And the dream is shattered now. It's time for me to face the reality. I've been gentle and obedient for three years, but I just couldn't let this man fall in love with me. How pathetic of me!

“Sam,” Kathleen called him.

She was the only one who would call him by that name. Every time she called him so, her voice would be unusually sweet to his ears.

And whenever she called him that on the bed, Samuel could never stop himself from making love to her.

At the thought that she would probably marry another man after their divorce and of her using that same gentle voice to call another man, he felt displeased.

“Hmm?”

Kathleen could see her reflection in his eyes. She mustered her courage and said, “Sam, I'm pregnant.”

Samuel's face darkened at once. “What did you say?”

Kathleen trembled involuntarily. She bit her lip and repeated, “I'm pregnant.”

“Get rid of it,” Samuel said without hesitation.

“What?”

“I said get rid of it.” His handsome face was full of hostility. “I'm not going to backtrack on my plan to divorce you just because of a baby. Besides, I don't want the baby to become a hindrance between Nicolette and me.”

Kathleen's face turned pale.

It looks like even a child can't change his decision. How could he tell me to abort the baby? What a cold-blooded man. The baby is his own flesh and blood.

Kathleen chuckled softly.

“Why are you laughing?” Samuel's face clouded over.

“I'm not pregnant. I lied.” Kathleen had a smile on her face, but her heart was bleeding inside.

“You lied?” Samuel was visibly upset.

“That's right. If you don't believe me, why don't we go to the hospital for a checkup?”

“Good. I don't want the existence of a potential threat. Abort the baby if you're really pregnant. I'll give you an extra one hundred million so that you can do what's necessary for your health. Don't worry, it won't affect your... second marriage.”

Second marriage?

Kathleen gave a rueful smile. “I'm really not pregnant, so you don't have to give me extra money. If you're worried, we can go to the hospital for a checkup.”

Samuel held her chin. “What's your plan after we get a divorce?”

Kathleen wrapped her arms around his neck. “I wanna join showbiz.”

Samuel was stunned.

Kathleen had graduated from a film academy after taking an acting course.

If not for her marriage to Samuel, she would have won the award for best actress long ago.

For some reason, Samuel did not like the idea of her joining the entertainment industry.

He knew that she was an attractive woman and was afraid that people would have their eyes on her.

“Very well. I will add another clause to our divorce agreement. You'll be signed under Starlight Entertainment, and they'll make you famous in five years.”

Kathleen smiled faintly. “It's fine. I was just saying. How are you going to tell Grandma about it?”

Samuel felt the onset of a headache at the mention of Diana.

He knew that Diana would not agree with them getting a divorce.

Moreover, Diana did not like Nicolette's identity as an illegitimate child.

“You tell her.” Samuel looked at Kathleen coldly. “She listens to you. I will give you an extra house if it works.”

Kathleen was at a loss for words, and there was a throbbing pain in her heart.

Did he really think that I married him for the money and the house? It doesn't even concern him that he has hurt my feelings.

“Fine,” Kathleen agreed. “Sam, make love to me one more time.”

“Your wish is my command, you little vixen.” Samuel pulled her out of the blanket and positioned her such that she was sitting on him.

Truth be told, he could never have enough of her, for the woman was a delightful treat to him.

When he realized that he could never taste her again, he acted even harder than before. He wished he could drain her energy.

The next morning, Kathleen was awakened by the sound of a phone ringing.

Even though she was emotionally abused by Samuel, he had pampered her in other aspects.

Knowing that she would be grumpy in the morning, he would set his phone on silent or vibrate mode when he arrived home at night.

He was afraid that someone would look for him and wake her up.

However, unbeknownst to her, he had switched it back off.

Lifting the phone groggily, she intended to tell him that there was an incoming call for him.

But the moment she saw Nicolette's name on the phone screen, she froze.

So that's the reason for the change. Is he afraid that Nicolette can't find him? What a considerate man!

All of a sudden, Kathleen realized that the past three years had merely been a dream.

As a matter of fact, it was not without any signs.

Even though Samuel did not love her, he had doted on her, for she looked very identical to Nicolette.

She had been Nicolette's replacement for three years.

Samuel picked up the call from Nicolette.

There was a gentle look on his face.

Samuel was also gentle to her, but that was only because he saw her as another woman.

That was what broke Kathleen's heart the most.

Not once had he seen her for who she was.

Instead, she was just a replacement.

Kathleen hated herself for resembling Nicolette so much sometimes.

They weren't even related, but they looked almost identical.

“Don't cry. I'll come over right now,” Samuel assured tenderly. Hanging up, he turned to Kathleen and said, “I'll get Tyson to take you to the hospital later.”

“You still don't trust me, do you?” Kathleen grumbled in a daze.

“No, I don't,” he admitted.

Kathleen pursed her lips, an impenetrable look in her eyes. “Okay.”

“Just hurry up and tell Grandma,” Samuel said indifferently.

“She hasn't been feeling well lately. Are you sure you want me to tell her now?” Kathleen stared at his cold, handsome face.

“Yes. Nicolette can't wait any longer.”

Nicolette can't wait any longer? Does that mean he doesn't care about Grandma's life and death? I guess true love is enough to make him throw his whole family aside.

Kathleen knew she had lost, but she had not expected herself to lose so thoroughly.

“Fine,” she conceded with a weak nod. “But no matter how much of a rush you're in, you have to give me at least three days.”

“Sure. I hope you won't let me down.”

“Why would I?” There was a heart-wrenching smile on her face as she said that. “When have I ever let you down, be it in our three years of marriage, or as your wife?”

Her words caused Samuel to freeze.

It was the truth.

Having been married to him for three years, she had never disappointed him in any way.

She had done well in every aspect and carried things out flawlessly, especially in bed.

Kathleen had always given in to him and had tried to satisfy him in every way.

That was the only thing he felt reluctant to give up on.

“Good, then.” Samuel turned around and stepped into the walk-in closet to change his clothes.

Wrapped in the blanket, Kathleen was lost in thought.

Is this the end?

Even though she was upset, she knew that it wasn't up to her.

After Samuel left, she got out of bed as well.

She went to wash up, then put on a pretty dress in preparation to go see Diana.

However, the moment she left, she bumped into Tyson Hackney.

Kathleen had her arms crossed as she looked at him with displeasure. “What?”

Tyson was confused.

Mrs. Macari is certainly an enigma. She acts like a cute, innocent little rabbit in front of Mr. Macari, but in front of me, she's like a hostile version of Hello Kitty.

“Mr. Macari wants me to take you for a checkup,” Tyson said.

“Hmph!” Kathleen was visibly annoyed. “I can't believe how little trust you have in me.”

Tyson didn't know how to reply to that.

“Take me to Goodwill Hospital,” Kathleen said specifically.

It was the number one private hospital in Jadeborough that was equipped with the best medical equipment and the most qualified doctors in the country.

Seeing that there was an unfathomable look in Tyson's eyes, Kathleen asked frostily, “What is it? Too expensive for you?”

“N-No.” Tyson didn't know how to explain. “Please get in, Mrs. Macari.”

Kathleen stepped outside, completely bare-faced, but she still looked stunning.

After she got in the car, all she did was stare out the window.

She had chosen Goodwill Hospital not because she wanted to act superior, but because her parents had worked there as doctors and she was born there.

Everyone working there, from the director to the nurses, all knew who she was.

They all treated her as if she was part of their family.

On top of that, they would undoubtedly agree to help her if she ever asked for it.

A long while later, Tyson piped up, “We're here, Mrs. Macari.”

Kathleen came back to her senses and realized they had arrived at the entrance of the hospital.

She pushed the car door open and stepped out.

Tyson followed her from behind. He wanted to say something but eventually held his tongue.

When they got to the entrance of the obstetrics and gynecology department, Kathleen turned around. “Stop right there, Mr. Hackney. Men aren't allowed to go in.”

The moment Tyson saw the sign on the door, a wave of embarrassment washed over him. “Understood.”

Truthfully speaking, Mr. Macari should have been the one to come here with her. She's his wife, after all. What's the point of me going with her?

Kathleen turned and walked in.

“Ms. Williams,” she greeted the doctor.

Quinn Williams was dumbstruck at the sight of her. “It's you, Kate! I thought it was just someone with the same name as you when I saw the papers earlier.”

“Yeah, it's me,” Kathleen uttered while taking a seat.

“So you're here to check whether you're pregnant or not?” Quinn asked in surprise.

Kathleen nodded. “I think I am pregnant, Ms. Williams. Can you help me hide it, though?”

“Why?” Quinn looked stunned.

“I might be getting a divorce, Ms. Williams. I want to keep the child, but my husband will never allow it. That's why I really hope you can help me out, Ms. Williams,” Kathleen begged.

“How could you mess around like that, Kate?” Quinn was both angry and heartbroken. “Do you have any idea how hard it is to be a single mother?”

Kathleen hung her head. “I know, Ms. Williams, but I have money. I can still raise this child.”

“This has nothing to do with money,” Quinn protested. “Who on earth is your husband? When you told me you were getting married, I kept asking you about it, but you refused to say. Tell me who your husband is right now. Is he treating you like this because your parents aren't around anymore?”

“I think it's better if you don't know, Ms. Williams.” It was impossible to decipher any emotion from Kathleen's pale, delicate face. “I knew that all of this would happen when I married him. Now that we're getting a divorce, I have nothing to complain about. That's why I want you to help me out here, Ms. Williams. Once we're divorced, I'll leave this place with the child.”

It's not like I can stay. Samuel will definitely find out.

Quinn felt as if her heart was being ripped in half. She's suffering because she's all alone and there's no one to support her.

“Kate, if you really don't have any other choice, you should try and plead with Old Mrs. Macari. She sees you as her own granddaughter after all,” Quinn suggested, not knowing what was going on behind the scenes. “Samuel treats you like his own sister, too, doesn't he? I'm sure he'll deal with that husband of yours.”

Kathleen averted her gaze. “This is the only thing I can't go to the Macari family for, Ms. Williams. Just help me out here, please?”

“All right.” Quinn frowned. “Lie down for now and let me have a look.”

“Okay.”

After the checkup, Quinn pushed her glasses up and stated, “You're already eight weeks in, but it seems that you're a little anemic because of your weak body. You should eat more nutritious food.”

“I was a premature baby, so it's how I've always been,” Kathleen muttered glumly.

“Does your husband not know about this?” Quinn inquired in a serious tone.

“He never asked, so I never told him,” Kathleen answered in dejection.

Even though Samuel had always been generous when it came to providing her with daily necessities, he never had any questions regarding her health. Instead, he would get Maria to take care of it.

His only responsibility was to provide her with money.

Quinn let out a sigh, then passed Kathleen a report. “This is what you wanted. I hope you can think things through, Kate.”

Kathleen stared at the report in front of her. Her lips quirked up. “What I want doesn't matter. When it comes to my marriage, my husband has the final say.”

Just as she got up to leave, Quinn called out, “Kate, is your husband—”

Kathleen turned around with a faint smile. “I don't intend to get you involved, Ms. Williams.”

With that, she proceeded to make her way out.

Tears began to drip down Quinn's face.

Kathleen's mother used to be her mentor, yet there was nothing she could do to help Kathleen.

She didn't know how she was going to face her own mentor.

When Kathleen came out of the obstetrics and gynecology department, she showed Tyson the report in her hands. “Take a good look. I'm not pregnant, so you can go now.”

What she said made Tyson feel awkward.

“Where are you heading, Mrs. Macari? I'll send you there.” Here, he paused and added in a softer voice, “Mr. Macari told me to.”

“I don't like being followed around. Tell Samuel that I will visit Grandma, but I have something else to do right now,” Kathleen declared.

“Understood.” Tyson nodded.

Kathleen turned and left.

After taking two steps, she realized that she had forgotten to take her phone, so she went back to get it.

When she came out again, someone stopped her by calling her name.

“Kathleen.” Nicolette's voice traveled into her ears.

Kathleen froze. How did I end up bumping into her?

She turned around quietly and looked at Nicolette, who was dressed in a hospital gown and looked a little pale.

Even so, she was still gorgeous.

Despite the physical resemblance between them, their temperaments were completely different.

Kathleen was alluring, but there was something innocent about her.

Nicolette, on the other hand, was purely priggish.

The two of them were worlds apart.

Kathleen furrowed her brows and asked, “Why are you here?”

Nicolette stared back at her icily. A glint of envy flashed in her gaze. “I've been admitted to the hospital for leukemia.”

“Leukemia?”

“Samuel was the one who arranged for me to get admitted here.” Nicolette smirked. “Oh, right, I heard that the treatment for leukemia in this hospital was perfected by your parents.”

Her words disgusted Kathleen. She didn't like the idea of Nicolette receiving the treatment that her parents had perfected.

“Good luck with your treatment, then,” Kathleen said emotionlessly.

She wanted to leave, but Nicolette stopped her again. “Give Samuel back to me, Kathleen.”

Kathleen paused.

“If it isn't because you snatched him away, I would have been the one who married Samuel three years ago. Because of you, we were separated for so many years, and now, this is the state that my body's in. Do you still intend to have him all to yourself? He doesn't even love you!” Nicolette continued.

Kathleen remained expressionless. “What a joke. If he wants to get a divorce, then he should be the one talking to me about it. Why are you the one saying it? Is he that much of a coward?”

The truth was, she knew that Nicolette had only said that on purpose to provoke her and let her know just how much Samuel cared about Nicolette.

Even though Kathleen was aware of it, that didn't change the fact that it hurt.

She had loved him for so many years, after all.

“Samuel just feels bad,” Nicolette muttered through gritted teeth. “You think it's natural for you to be with Samuel because you lost your parents and Old Mrs. Macari likes you. But you seem to have forgotten that he doesn't love you. Not even a tiny bit!”

“How can you be so sure?” Kathleen challenged.

Nicolette was dazed upon hearing that.

“Why would he touch me if he didn't love me?” Kathleen continued taunting.

Nicolette trembled slightly. Right then, she looked behind Kathleen. “Samuel?”

Kathleen froze for a second and smiled calmly. I guess I fell for it in the end.

She turned around and was greeted by the sight of a cold, striking man.

“I came here to get a checkup. I'll be on my way now,” Kathleen said.

“And what were the results?” Samuel questioned in a frigid voice.

Kathleen pulled out the lab report and stuffed it into his suit pocket. With a grin on her face, she answered, “Don't worry. I'm not pregnant.”

Samuel took the report with a slight discomfort in his heart.

Truthfully speaking, he had had his hopes up.

However, the feeling soon dissipated.

“Well, since you're not pregnant, let's discuss the future,” he suggested in an unconcerned manner.

“Are you sure you want to talk about that here?” Kathleen looked aggrieved. “I haven't even eaten anything yet just so I could get a checkup.”

“Go eat, then,” Samuel responded impassively.

“Take me there.” Kathleen smiled. “We can talk while we eat.”

Samuel stared at her without any warmth in his eyes. “Don't play any tricks.”

Kathleen giggled, which was music to one's ears. “If I had done so, you would have been kneeling in front of Grandma at this moment. All I'm asking is that you join me for a meal.”

Samuel furrowed his brows.

“You can go with her, Samuel. I'll wait for you in the hospital,” Nicolette piped up, pretending to be understanding.

Kathleen beamed and grabbed Samuel's arm. “If you say so, Ms. Yoeger. Let's go, then. There's a place nearby that I've been wanting to try for a while.”

Nicolette watched as they linked arms with venom in her eyes.

Samuel glanced at her and said, “Go back to the ward and get some rest. I'll be back soon.”

“Okay.” Nicolette bit her lip. “Hurry back. Let's have lunch together.”

“Sure.” Samuel nodded.

Kathleen dragged him outside, and they went to the nearby restaurant that she had mentioned.

She took one menu, looking relaxed. “What are you getting, Sam?”

“I'm not eating.”

“You're trying to save some room in your stomach to have lunch with Nicolette later, right? I get it.” Kathleen gestured for the waiter. “Can I get one quinoa salad? Also, I want a plate of chicken drumsticks. Thanks.”

“Sure.” The waiter nodded, then walked away.

Samuel knitted his eyebrows. “Why are you eating so much?”

He knew that Kathleen typically had a small appetite. She would be full after just a few bites.

“Really, Sam? I only ordered a bowl of quinoa salad and some chicken drumsticks, and you think I'm eating too much? Has your company gone bankrupt or something? Are you poor now?”

“Just eat.”

Sometimes, her cheekiness was adorable. Other times, however, it was plain infuriating.

Even so, Samuel had to admit that it hadn't been too bad waiting for Nicolette to come back for the past three years with Kathleen by his side.

When the food was served, Kathleen began to dig in.

She was practically starving at that point, and so was the baby she was carrying.

As she chewed her salad, her cheeks puffed up. That action of hers was incredibly cute, and she looked just like a squirrel.

“What did you want to say to me?” Kathleen asked softly.

“What did Nicolette tell you just now?”

Kathleen frowned. Is he trying to settle the score?

“She told me that she had leukemia.”

“That's true. I went to check for a bone marrow match for her. Surprisingly enough, there's a donor in this hospital whose blood type is a perfect match for her. Can you guess who it is?”

Kathleen's eyelid twitched. “You mean... me?”

Samuel nodded.

This is unbelievable. Seriously, what a f*cking cruel twist of fate! Kathleen, who played the part of a gentle princess most of the time, cursed internally. Is God playing tricks on me?

“I'm not going to donate to her.” Kathleen bit her lip. “I will never donate my bone marrow to a woman who destroyed my family and stole my husband away.”

Truth was, those actually didn't matter that much.

What mattered was that she was pregnant with a child, so she couldn't donate her bone marrow.

However, she couldn't tell Samuel about that.

If he found out, he would force her to get rid of the baby.

“I'll do anything you want as long as you agree to be her donor,” Samuel offered generously.

“Even if it means not getting a divorce?” Kathleen muttered with her head lowered.

She didn't want him to notice the sorrow in her gaze.

Samuel fell silent.

Looks like he can't let Nicolette go. Even if he agrees to my request, that's only because he wants to save Nicolette's life. He's willing to sacrifice his marriage and happiness for her. What an admirable show of love.

“You shouldn't get too greedy, Kathleen,” Samuel said. “Even if I did it to save Nicolette's life, you should know that I don't love you.”

Kathleen's face paled.

Those words were like a dagger stabbing through her heart.

It was as if fresh blood was pooling out, and it hurt like never before.

“And what if I insist on keeping this dead love alive?” Kathleen slowly lifted her gaze and revealed her sparkling eyes.

“You won't get anything from it, then. It doesn't matter what aspect you're talking about.”

“It's the first time I've found you so disgusting, Samuel.” Kathleen put down the spoon in her hand. “You said I'm greedy, but aren't you the same? You want to divorce me so that you can be with Nicolette. Fine, I agreed to that. But don't you think you're being too brutal to ask me to save her life now?”

Does he even know how much I love him? How can he be so cruel to torture me like this?

“You can't have the best of both worlds, Samuel. It's just like me and you.”

She had loved him for ten years, but that love had only turned into a source of pain to her.

“You're absolutely avaricious.” Samuel stood up to leave.

Kathleen gave a self-deprecating chuckle and muttered to herself, “That's right. I'm avaricious. I want everything—I want you, and I want your heart.”

She lost her appetite then.

There was no way she could take another bite.

After getting out of the restaurant, she went to the Macari residence.

Diana had had a stroke a while ago, and her condition had only improved recently.

When Kathleen saw the kind old woman, she couldn't bring herself to tell her about the divorce.

“Grandma,” she greeted before taking a seat beside the bed.

“Katie, you're here.” Diana was all smiles at the sight of Kathleen.

Out of everyone in the Macari family, she was the one who liked Kathleen the most.

It wasn't just Kathleen's parents who had saved her life, but also Kathleen herself.

Back when Diana had an abrupt stroke attack, Kathleen was the one who had stayed calm and saved her.

Even the doctor had said that if Kathleen hadn't acted fast, Diana would have already lost her life.

However, only Diana, Kathleen, and the doctor knew about it.

Everyone else was kept in the dark.

Diana took Kathleen's hand in hers with a sigh. “I never knew that you were well-versed in so many things.”

Kathleen felt embarrassed. “That's what my family specializes in, Grandma. Even though my parents practiced modern medicine, my granddad was a practitioner of traditional medicine. I only learned a few basics from him. I didn't think that they would be of any practical use.”

“Relax. I'm not questioning you,” Diana reassured. Her heart ached as she continued, “I just feel that your marriage with Samuel is holding you back. Otherwise, with your talent, you can go as far as you want.”

Kathleen's eyes began to water. She knew that Diana was the one who understood her most in the entire Macari family.

“You wouldn't have made so many sacrifices if not for the fact that you loved Samuel so much.” Diana sighed. “It's unfortunate that he's an ignorant child. He knows nothing.”

“Don't tell him about it, Grandma. I don't want to burden him,” Kathleen begged.

“Okay, I won't tell him,” Diana promised. “You and Samuel have been married for three years now, Katie. Why isn't there any news yet?”

Kathleen's cheeks flushed red. “Grandma, I—”

“Don't listen to him. Are you really not going to have a child just because he says so?” Diana cut her off. “You should hurry up and have a kid and tie him down so that even if Nicolette comes back, she won't be a match for you.”

Kathleen was dumbfounded.

Nicolette had already come back.

Even if they had a child, she still wouldn't be a match for Nicolette.

Samuel was much more ruthless than they thought, and he was completely devoid of emotion.

Kathleen took Diana's pulse and flashed a smile. “You've gotten a lot better, Grandma.”

“That's good. I'd like to live a few more years so I can see you have a baby, Katie.” Diana smiled amiably and expectantly.

“Of course.”

Kathleen chatted with Diana for a bit longer, then got up to take her leave.

Right when she stepped out of Diana's room, she bumped into Wynnie Staines, Samuel's mother.

“Mom,” Kathleen greeted respectfully.

Wynnie was different from most mothers-in-law.

She wasn't the picky kind, nor was she incredibly welcoming.

Instead, she was standoffish and cold.

Even so, she had never insulted Kathleen in any way, nor had she looked down on her.

Kathleen felt that it was a good thing.

That was why she held Wynnie in high regard.

“Mm.” Wynnie was a sophisticated woman in her forties. She was wearing a professional suit with high heels and was still working hard as a lawyer.

“I'm here to see Grandma,” Kathleen said. She looked as adorable as a little rabbit.

Wynnie, in fact, liked her a lot. She just wasn't accustomed to expressing herself that much.

That was one thing she had in common with Samuel.

The only difference was that Wynnie liked Kathleen and cared for her a lot.

To her, Kathleen was a delicate young girl who was as pure as snow.

“I brought some crabs home. Let's have dinner together,” Wynnie said.

One of her clients had given them to her. She didn't want to accept them at first, but she had done so because she knew that Kathleen liked them.

She had even wanted to call Samuel and get him to bring Kathleen over for dinner. But surprisingly, Kathleen was already there.

It was true that Kathleen really enjoyed eating crabs. In the past, she could eat five all on her own.

On top of that, Samuel would help her with the shells. When she thought about it, she realized that they had shared quite a few intimate moments.

The only thing was that there was no love in them.

Even though she liked crabs very much, she felt absolutely disgusted when she thought of the taste right then.

She immediately turned and dashed into the bathroom before vomiting into the sink.

Wynnie came in and watched as Kathleen washed her mouth with some water from the door.

Kathleen wiped her hands with a towel and said, “My stomach hasn't been feeling well lately, Mom.”

Wynnie's eyes darkened. “Did you go for a checkup?”

“I did. The doctor told me to get enough rest.” Kathleen pursed her lips.

Wynnie hesitated for a moment and asked, “Nicolette's back. Do you know that?”

Kathleen did not respond, but Wynnie was well aware because she knew her son very well.

Wynnie did not understand why her son was so into Nicolette. Every time she was around, he would devote all his attention to her, not caring anything else.

She did not discriminate against Nicolette's background and upbringing but because her actions were undignified.

“Why don't you go back to your room to rest? I'll call Samuel and ask him to come back,” said Wynnie calmly.

Kathleen pursed her lips and replied, “Okay.”

After that, she turned to leave.

Wynnie watched her leave and sighed.

If only Kathleen isn't so thoughtful. I'll stand up for her if she cries.

Wynnie took out her phone and called Samuel, “I don't care what you're busy with now, but I want you to get your ass home this instance!”

She hung up after saying that, and Samuel frowned.

Wynnie was evidently angry, judging from her tone.

Could it be that Kathleen told Grandma?

Samuel became upset, and his eyes darkened.

Nicolette was afraid when she saw that.

“Samuel, what happened?” Nicolette bit her lips and asked, “Could it be that Kathleen didn't want to get a divorce and told your Grandma?”

“I'm not sure.” Samuel grabbed his coat and said, “I'll be leaving for a bit.”

“Are you coming home tonight?” asked Nicolette while she tugged at the corners of his shirt.

“Yeah.” Samuel nodded.

Nicolette smiled and said, “I'll wait for you. I'll be waiting for you no matter how late it is.”

She would definitely not let go of him again.

Samuel looked at her meaningfully and left.

Nicolette's eyes turned cold right afterward.

Samuel returned to the Macari residence, and Wynnie blocked him at the entrance.

“Mom, what happened?” asked Samuel coldly.

“You smell entirely of disinfectant. Could it be that you realized that having children is your problem, so you went to the hospital for a checkup?” asked Wynnie icily.

Samuel frowned and said, “Mom, what are you saying? I'm perfectly healthy.”

“Very well. Why don't you want children?” asked Wynnie unhappily.

“Kathleen was the one who didn't want kids,” replied Samuel calmly.

“Nonsense.” Wynnie scolded, “Samuel, how could you push the responsibility for this to a girl? This is akin to resenting your wife for not being able to have children. How did I give birth to a son like you!”

Samuel's brows furrowed, saying, “I'm telling the truth.”

He had tested Kathleen.

After they made love, she said she wanted to sign up for art lessons, and he asked her about having a child since she felt bored.

Kathleen instantly rejected the idea.

Wynnie laughed coldly and said, “Were you the one who raised the idea of having kids?”

“Yeah.” Samuel nodded.

“You fool. Would you have let her go if she didn't say that?” Wynnie angrily continued, “You probably told her she's thinking about something she shouldn't. Moreover, what are you going to do if Nicolette returns after the both of you have a child?”

Samuel replied, “If Kathleen doesn't want a child, she can give birth to the child and let Nicolette and I care for the baby. She's still young, and she can find another man.”

Wynnie let out a chuckle from frustration and scolded, “You can't be my son! I need to check if I took home the wrong child!”

Samuel was at a loss for words.

“I seldom interfere with the issues between you and Kathleen, so you guys can do what you want.” Wynnie coldly said, “You're such a jerk and are not a match for Kathleen. Plenty of talented young men in my law firm will be a good match for her!”

After that, Wynnie turned to leave.

Samuel frowned.

He knew that Grandma liked Kathleen, but he was surprised that Wynnie liked her as well.

What kind of mother-in-law will look out for men for her daughter-in-law?

Samuel's heart clenched, and he was uncomfortable at the thought of his wife who was as cute as a rabbit in the arms of another man.

He went up the stairs, and Kathleen was lying on the bed, hugging her blanket, sound asleep.

They might have unpleasantly parted ways, but Samuel's anger toward her was usually short-lived and dissipated as quickly as it came.

This sweet peach is too delectable and I can't stop myself from having a few bites.

Kathleen had an odd habit when she slept. She did not like to wear too much as she felt it was constrictive.

That was why she immediately changed into a pearl-white sheer nightgown when she went upstairs.

At that moment, she was hugging her blanket, and her fair and slender hand and legs were exposed, appearing alluring.

“Kathleen,” whispered Samuel as he supported himself on both sides of her body.

Kathleen was sleepy and tired. She did not even open her eyes when she heard someone calling her. Instead, she just said in a soft and raspy voice, “Be quiet. I'm sleepy.”

She became drowsy very often after getting pregnant.

Samuel grinned and said, “Why don't I accompany you to sleep?” He extended his hand and caressed her smooth and soft face.

He wondered how she cared for herself as her skin was very smooth.

“No. You'll crush...” Kathleen was in a daze, and she wanted to say that he would crush the baby.

Samuel's face darkened, and he said, “We are not even divorced yet, but you're already rejecting me?”

She never rejected him usually, aside from the days she had her period or if she did not feel well.

He knew when Kathleen's period was, and it was not time yet.

Kathleen suddenly felt her body dip, surrounded by an intense embrace.

She immediately became wide-awake.

Kathleen watched Samuel, who was hugging her, and froze. “Samuel Macari?” she asked in shock.

He was upset as she rarely called him by his full name.

She usually called him Sam and did not allow others to call him that, saying it was her exclusive nickname for him.

Kathleen quickly sat up, hugging her blanket, and looked at him nervously.

She knew Samuel loved to misbehave, but she could not allow that as she was pregnant.

Kathleen was willing to indulge him and was happy to do so, but the circumstances were different then.

Samuel did not like Kathleen avoiding him and icily said, “What did you tell my mom?”

Kathleen's eyes showed how puzzled she was, and she replied, “I didn't say anything to Wynnie.”

“How did Mom find out that Nicolette is back if you didn't say anything?” asked Samuel unhappily.

“Samuel, Nicolette is not invisible, and many people in Jadeborough know her. You also let her move into Goodwill Hospital. Don't you know how many wealthy people in Jadeborough go there to see the doctors? Won't they gossip if they saw Nicolette? It's normal that news may travel into Wynnie's ears!” Kathleen was usually gentle, and she never got angry at Samuel.

She kept trying to be a good wife, but she finally understood that Samuel would not like her no matter how good she was.

He even wanted her to save her love rival.

Samuel saw her defensive manner and frowned, saying, “I'm just asking.”

“Aren't you suspecting me? You felt that I complained to Grandma and Wynnie because I don't want to get a divorce.” Kathleen felt wronged.

She was not someone like that. Ever since she married Samuel, she remained silent about the injustice she faced.

However, she was hurt that Samuel would misunderstand her that way.

Does he not have the slightest trust in me even if he doesn't love me? What am I to him?