“You were so gentle with her just now. You wouldn’t have fallen for her, would you?”
Preston embraced her patiently, gently smoothing her forehead with his hand.
"How's that even possible? She's pregnant with our child. I have to be nice to her, so she doesn't get suspicious."
"She’s nothing compared to you. Don't let it upset you, okay?"
I couldn’t bear to listen anymore. My legs felt weak as I returned to the bench outside the clinic and waited, the words Preston had just spoken echoing endlessly in my mind.
“She’s nothing compared to you.”
In his eyes, the woman he had shared a bed with for three years was no more attractive than his love interest, Krystal.
It seemed as if Krystal's unhappiness was the real issue for him.
“Is the checkup done? I just went to the restroom. I’ll go ask the doctor if the results are ready.”
Preston’s voice snapped me back to reality. I nodded and watched him walk into the doctor’s office.
A moment later, Preston emerged with a frown, crouching down in front of me so that our eyes were on the same level.
"Alissa, the doctor said your emotions have been fluctuating a lot recently, and the baby's heartbeat is a bit irregular. You might need to stay in the hospital for observation."
I obediently nodded, not daring to refuse.
My brother was coming back tomorrow, and I didn't want any trouble with Preston, so I decided to keep it low-key before he got here.
Just as I stood up, Krystal walked over to us and announced, “Actually, my heart hasn’t been feeling well lately either, and the doctor also advised me to stay for observation.”
"Although we're not in the same department, this is the hospital affiliated with the Ellison Group. So, Preston, could you arrange for my room to be next to Alissa's? That way, we can keep each other company."
I didn’t want to watch their interaction anymore, so I followed the nurse toward the assigned ward.
But Krystal seemed oblivious to my resistance and followed us into the ward.
As soon as we entered, Krystal began to inspect the furnishings of the private ward.
“My goodness, Preston, you’re so good to your wife! Such a luxurious ward—it’s so comfortable!”
"But then again, she is the mistress of the Ellison Group. Everything here belongs to her. Not just the ward—even if she wanted the stars in the sky, you'd probably find a way to get them for her."
Preston gazed deeply at Krystal; his eyes filled with tenderness that even he might not have noticed.
Krystal pouted, casting a quick glance at Preston before turning to me with a teasing smile.
“Hmph, I think I’ve changed my mind. I don’t want to stay single anymore. Watching how well you treat Alissa makes me want to get married too!”
“If only I’d said yes to your proposal back then… hahaha, Alissa, I’m just joking. You know how I am. Don’t be mad, okay?”
I looked up at Krystal and saw the look of satisfaction on her face.
To be honest, I didn't really know much about Krystal. I just knew that she and Preston had grown up together as a couple.
It wasn’t until high school that Krystal moved abroad with her family, and they lost touch.
I met Preston in college, and we’ve been together for five whole years since our freshman year.
Even after Krystal returned to the country, I only really knew a few things about her: she was Preston's childhood friend and didn't believe in getting married—nothing more.
Over the years, whether it was because Preston had protected her too well or because I was too clueless, I never thought twice about their relationship.
When I didn't reply, Krystal looked a bit upset.
“Alissa, are you upset? I’m sorry. I was just joking without thinking. I’ve known Preston for so many years, and our relationship is like that of siblings. I didn’t realize you’d be upset.”
