Chapter 4 Jaxson Awakens

The doctor paused for a while, his expression unchanged. "That depends on the individual. If things go smoothly, it could be as soon as three to four months." Elinor did not say anything more. She chose not to ask how long it might take if things moved slowly. However, having already come this far, there was no turning back. It would happen sooner or later anyway. Time went by like a dream. Rain poured in Babington City, and a chill wind swept through the streets, dropping the temperature significantly. One day after her bath, she noticed the skincare products on her table. For some reason, she felt like applying some to Jaxson. "The weather has turned cold lately, which isn't great for the skin. You might not be able to feel it, but your face still deserves some care," she reasoned, providing herself a perfectly logical explanation for her actions. Sitting by the bed with the face cream in hand, she dabbed a small amount onto her fingertips and began to spread it. Just as she touched the man's face, his eyes suddenly opened. Given how often Jaxson had opened his eyes in the past without showing signs of consciousness, Elinor continued her skincare routine without a second thought. However, she suddenly felt an intense gaze fixed on her. In a room occupied by just the two of them, there was no question. That gaze belonged to Jaxson. Elinor's hand froze in place, her muscles taut with tension. Uncertain about what to do next, her eyes met with Jaxson's. In the next instant, she withdrew her hand. Although she realized that Jaxson might have genuinely regained consciousness, she forced herself to quickly regain her composure. "Jaxson, are you awake?" She was unaware of how much her voice trembled, revealing a level of fear she had never before experienced. Jaxson did not respond. Instead, his gaze sharpened, making Elinor feel uncomfortable all over. Fearing to stay in the room any longer, she rose and dashed downstairs, much like she had done on their wedding night a few months before. "Margaret, come quick! Jaxson is really awake this time! He's truly awake!" After shouting those words, her mind went blank. Initially, when she had married him, it was with the belief that he would not live long. That mindset allowed her to imagine a future of freedom for herself. Although she had been forced to become pregnant, she never viewed the child as a burden. However, now that the man everyone thought was at death's door had suddenly awakened, she felt flustered. Her preparations had never included the possibility of him regaining consciousness. What was she to do now? Doctors and bodyguards passed by her, but she stood still, as though cut off from them, isolated in her own world. Stella, upon receiving the news, arrived at the manor 40 minutes later. Seeing her son, who had been comatose for a year, finally awake with a glimmer in his eyes, Stella's own eyes reddened. "My child, you've finally awakened! Do you have any idea how worried I've been about you this past year? Thank goodness you've come back to us." The doctor was examining him, checking his vitals. "Madam Stella, please rest assured. His physical condition was excellent prior to the incident. With proper rehabilitation, there should be no problem in him making a full recovery." Stella was so elated by the news that she actually fainted from the emotional surge. Immediately, everyone scrambled to move her out of the master bedroom and settled her in the adjoining guest room. Everyone gathered around Jaxson, everyone except Elinor. She stood at the doorway, completely at a loss as to what to do next. After sitting up in bed, Jaxson's gaze swept around the room and finally settled on Elinor, who stood at the entrance. She was the first person he saw upon waking up. 'This woman sure is bold! How dare she apply cream to my face!' Jaxson simmered. "Who is this woman?" Margaret, who knew Jaxson’s temperament all too well, braced herself. "Sir, while you were unconscious, Madam Stella was worried and found you a wife." "Get out!" Upon hearing the word 'wife,' Jaxson's brows furrowed deeply. His expression, tinged with irritation, settled on Elinor, with clear undisguised disgust in his eyes. Elinor was already fearful of Jaxson, and his sudden awakening heightened her anxiety. Retreating a few steps, Elinor finally understood. Jaxson was a predator, and she had willingly stepped into his trap. She saw, clearer than ever, that her only option was to leave him to survive. The door to the master bedroom slammed shut. Margaret looked at Elinor, her face drained of color, and felt a pang of sympathy. She consoled Elinor with a tender touch. "Ma’am, don't be afraid. Madam Stella is fond of you and will certainly take your side. Let’s talk tomorrow." Elinor wanted to smile in response, but the shocking events of the evening had left her unable to muster even that. Her face remained painfully stiff. "I understand. Thank you, Margaret." Moving like a puppet on strings, she made her way to the guest bedroom. Once the door closed behind her, Elinor fully realized that she had merely seized an opportunity to become his wife. A man as proud as Jaxson would never allow his life to be manipulated by others. Even if he were unconscious, the idea of accepting a woman solely to bear his children would be intolerable to him. Divorce seemed to be the only road ahead. She lay on the bed, wrapping herself tightly in the blanket but still felt cold. Jaxson was even more dangerous than she had originally thought. A relentless voice in her mind kept insisting that staying alive meant she had to leave him.