He was actually envisioning their future. How could they possibly have a future?
Iris Yates lowered her eyes and nodded obediently. Her docile demeanor greatly pleased William Quinn.
William carried her out to eat. Every dish was tailored to her tastes, and each meal seemed more delicious than the last. Iris felt puzzled and subconsciously cast him a glance.
William immediately spoke up, showing off like a child presenting a treasure. “I made all of these, baby. Aren’t I amazing? I learned how to cook all your favorite dishes. From now on, I’ll cook for you every day!”
Iris instantly lost her appetite. She put down her chopsticks and said, “I’m full.”
William looked at the rice she had barely touched, his brows instantly furrowing. “But you’ve eaten so little. Does it not taste good?” As he spoke, he picked up his chopsticks and took a few bites himself before adding, “It tastes fine to me.”
Fearing he might snap, Iris quickly explained, “I was starving for so long before, so my stomach shrank. I get full after just a couple of bites now. It will get better later.”
Hearing her explanation, William found it reasonable and didn’t dwell on the matter. Instead, he ladled out a bowl of soup and placed it by her hand. “Then have a bowl of soup. It’s light, and it has plenty of nutrients.”
Iris knew she couldn’t refuse again. If she kept rejecting him, he would definitely get angry. She obediently picked up her spoon and began to sip the soup.
William sat beside her, watching with great relish. He truly loved his baby so much.
As soon as she finished the soup, William grabbed her hand and said, “Let’s go. I’ll take you to see him.”
Iris’s breath hitched, and she immediately grew alert. “Are you really willing to let me see him?”
“Of course.” William grinned, his blue eyes fixed intently on her. “I want you to know that I am a man of my word.”
Iris didn’t say anything else, but her heart remained in her throat until she arrived at the door of a medical ward. Through the glass window, she saw Nathaniel Monroe lying on the hospital bed inside.
The bloodstains on his body had been washed away, and he was dressed in a clean hospital gown. His head was wrapped in bandages, and his face was bruised black and blue, but at least his features were visible now. One of his legs was suspended in a sling, and one arm was in a cast, making him look both comical and battered.
Iris covered her mouth, her eyes filled with uncontrollable sorrow and heartache.
“Baby, do you want to go in and see him?” William stood behind her, his voice drifting over like a ghost. “Do you want to go in and show him some care? Give him a comforting hug?”
Iris’s body tensed. She hurriedly turned around and walked outside.
Watching her retreating back as she walked away briskly, William curled his lips in satisfaction. Excellent. His baby was very good and obedient!
After stepping out of the clinic and breathing in the fresh air, Iris finally felt the suffocating tightness in her chest ease a little. She looked at him and said, “You don’t need to test me. Since I gave you my word, I won’t regret it.”
William held her hand. “Baby, I just wanted to confirm if you were telling the truth.”
“Do you believe me now?” Iris asked.
William pulled her into a hug. “Yes, I believe you. Baby, I love you so much.”
Iris let him hold her. As she gazed at the distant horizon, she felt incredibly empty inside.
By the eve of the Spring Festival, Nathaniel’s body had mostly recovered. William gave her daily updates on his progress.
“Your most important festival is coming up soon. I’m going to send him away from here,” William suddenly told her two days before the holiday.