Chapter 3: Hard To Say No
Words : 2114
Updated : Mar 5th, 2025
"Mila, you don't need to worry about Owen's medical expenses anymore. I promise, as long as I'm here, no one will dare to bully you again!"
After saying that, Peter grabbed Mila's wrist and quickly led her outside.
She stared at his back, feeling a warmth washed over.
Shortly after Peter and Mila left, Russell and his gang regained consciousness. A few of his underlings hurried over to help him up.
"Russell, that guy was really something, huh?"
"Are we going to get Mila back?"
Slap!
Russell turned and slapped the underling.
"Get her back? How dare you question me?"
Russell gritted his teeth. "Today, we were unprepared and underestimated that bastard, which is why we got caught off guard!"
"Tomorrow, gather all our people and bring the video from Mila's previous job interview. We're going to pay them a visit!" Russell spoke viciously, clutching his chest in pain.
...
Meanwhile, Peter and Mila had arrived at the Vienna Hotel.
"Mila, you should get some rest! We'll make do tonight and head to the hospital first thing in the morning."
Peter initially planned to take Mila to the hospital, but visiting hours were over after midnight. So, he had no choice but to take Mila to another hotel. To avoid any misunderstandings, they booked separate rooms.
After showering in his room, Peter lay on the bed, closing his eyes. Reflecting on the night's events, he couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions.
Mila used to be such a wonderful woman, and seeing her in such a situation now was truly regrettable.
Meanwhile, in the room opposite, Mila was restless. After some hesitation, she seemed to make a decision. She took a shower and then stood at Peter's door.
Knock!
After a moment, the door opened.
"Mila, is there something you need?" Peter blinked in surprise, seeing Mila standing there wrapped in a towel. Her hair was slightly damp, resting against her pale skin, with water droplets trickling down into the towel. Whether it was the way she wrapped the towel or if it was intentional, Peter quickly averted his gaze after a brief glance, as he could easily see her alluring figure.
Peter couldn't help but think that after all these years, she had defied age limitations and gained a mature charm.
Mila wasn't upset when she saw his reaction; instead, she smiled slightly, and a slight blush colored her cheeks. She knew she was still attractive if he felt something for her.
"Peter, can I come in? I... I have something to tell you!" Mila looked up, biting her lower lip, appearing somewhat vulnerable.
Their eyes met, and Peter felt himself being drawn in. He quickly turned his face away.
"Mila, you should go back! I know what you're thinking right now, but really, there's no need to overthink. If there's nothing else, I-I'm going to rest."
He took a deep breath, suppressing the restlessness inside him. He knew that at this moment, he must not let her step through that door. It was the only barrier preventing a flood of desire.
"Peter, you've been away from the world for so long, and now that you're finally back in the city, you'd be enjoying yourself if it weren't for me."
"And you've already paid; I don't want to ruin your mood."
"Tonight... let's pretend we don't know each other. Once the sun rises tomorrow, we'll forget this ever happened, and no one will mention it again, okay?"
As she finished speaking, Mila stepped forward, intending to embrace Peter. But he quickly placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Mila, I'm sorry!"
Those simple words landed like a heavy blow to her heart. Mila stood there for nearly two minutes, forcing a smile. "Yeah, I'm... I'm not worthy!"
Just as she closed the door, she paused and looked back, tears slipping down her cheeks as sorrow filled her eyes.
"Mila, some things are meant to be, and some are not. I'm sorry!" Peter murmured, staring at the closed door across the hall.
Mila leaned against the door, sliding down to the floor weakly. Her head rested on her knees as she suppressed her sobs.
That night, Peter tossed and turned, barely enduring until dawn.
The following day, he sat on a chaise lounge watching TV. He deliberately left the door open, waiting for Mila. When she walked in wearing the same dress from the previous night, Peter acted as if nothing had happened.
He greeted her with a calm smile. "Mila, you're awake? I got you some breakfast. See if you like it."
Mila appeared exhausted as if she'd spent the night wrestling with her thoughts. Her gaze fell on Peter.
He wore a bathrobe, the collar open, revealing muscles chiseled as marble. His skin was a tapestry of scars, with some round marks eerily resembling eyes, giving a chilling impression.
Realizing her gaze, Peter quickly pulled his robe tighter, smiling. "Mila, give me a moment to change. Then, we'll bring Owen back. I'm sure I can heal his leg with my medical skills!"
"Ah, okay!" Mila snapped back to reality, nodding instinctively. For some reason, she felt a strange sense of loss. Why had he rejected her last night? Was she that unworthy, or did he see her as tainted?
Biting her lower lip, Mila held back words she didn't dare to voice, leaving them to scar her heart.
Leaving the hotel, they headed together to the hospital where Owen was staying.
When Mila pushed open the ward door, Owen was chatting with a nurse.
The nurse frowned and left in a huff upon seeing Mila.
"You're here?" Owen said indifferently, "Good, take me home quickly. The hospital's demanding payment again, asking for 1200 dollars. They're bloodsuckers."
Mila had seen this scene many times. Recently, Owen seemed like a different person, his temper flaring quickly.
She maintained her composure, smiling at Owen. "Look who is here!"
The woman stepped aside as Peter entered with a smile. "Owen, I'm back!"
Owen was momentarily stunned before bursting into laughter. "Haha, you rascal! You vanished for so long. I thought you were... Come and sit down. Let's catch up."
"Mila, go get me two cans of Red Bull. The hospital water is tasteless; my mouth feels like the Sahara!"
Mila nodded and left.
Peter noticed something unusual in Owen's attitude towards Mila, but it was their marital affair, and he refrained from commenting.
However, as he casually placed his hand on Owen's leg, confusion clouded his face.
"Owen, didn't the doctor tell you anything?" Peter asked abruptly, his sharp gaze locked onto Owen's face.
Owen's smile vanished, replaced by a look of helplessness. "You've become more capable, Peter. The doctor said they couldn't diagnose my condition, only that my health was deteriorating. I'm surviving on medication."
"Not long ago, I could still walk, but now, I can't even sit up without help. If this continues, within half a year, my organs might fail, and then..."
Peter took a deep breath, hugging Owen. "Owen, don't worry, I can cure you! Trust me. I can do it." He forced a confident smile, suppressing his sorrow.
Owen smiled, claiming belief, but inwardly, he felt hopeless. Suddenly, mustering unexpected strength, he pushed Peter away.
"Peter, it's good you're back. I've never asked you for anything, but could you do me a favor?"
Owen's sudden seriousness puzzled Peter, but without hesitation, he nodded, "Owen, just say the word. I'll do whatever you say."
"Good!" Owen replied earnestly, "Help me have a child."
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