Chapter 6

When Nina regained consciousness, the sharp scent of disinfectant filled her nose. Her head felt heavy, and a lingering pain tugged at her lower abdomen, dull and overpowering. She realized she was in the hospital. Struggling to open her eyes, she was met with the stark white walls of the hospital room. Her mind snapped back to clarity. Instinctively, she placed her hands over her stomach. "What's wrong? Does your stomach still hurt?" a deep, hoarse voice sounded beside her, making her body stiffen. She turned her gaze, and sure enough, it was Shane. Shane stood by her hospital bed, his suit jacket draped over his arm. His tall, imposing frame blocked most of the sunlight streaming in from the window, casting a shadow over her. As he leaned in, Nina found herself completely engulfed in his shadow, and her breathing became labored. "When I found you, you were covered in blood." Shane's voice was slow and deliberate, his sharp gaze locking onto her with a freezing intensity. "Explain." Nina's hand remained frozen over her stomach, unable to move under the weight of his scrutiny. His gaze trailed down from her delicate face, over her slender curves, and finally settled on her still-flat abdomen. Despite the chill in his eyes, Nina felt as if she were being scorched by fire. Startled, she withdrew her hands, forcing them under the covers in a feeble attempt to hide. "I don't know." He should not find out about the pregnancy. A sharp pulse throbbed in her temples. Her mind went blank, and tension locked her spine straight. Shane was clearly dissatisfied with her response. His hand shot out, gripping her chin with bruising force. "You're lying." "I… I'm not…" Nina stammered, her scalp tingling. She averted her gaze, not daring to meet his eyes. The coldness radiating from him was almost tangible, like shards of ice piercing into her skin. There was no escape. It felt as if she had been thrown into a frozen abyss, every hair on her body standing on end. Shane was angry, and Nina knew exactly what that meant. She had learned the consequences of provoking him all too well over the past three years. Fear and helplessness were ingrained into her very bones. "Look at me." Her avoidance only made his expression grow darker. Nina forced herself to meet his gaze, her fingers digging into her palms so hard that her hands turned white. It was the only way to keep herself from revealing her panic. "I really don't know." Her voice trembled as she spoke. The grip on her chin was so tight that it felt like her jaw might dislocate. She couldn't escape. Tears welled up, reddening the rims of her eyes. Her long lashes glistened with moisture. Shane's fingers stilled for a brief moment before he suddenly let go. Nina collapsed onto the bed, utterly drained. A thin layer of cold sweat clung to her back. But she felt no relief—only a deep, gnawing dread. Shane wasn't easily deceived. Towering over her, he spoke in an eerily calm tone, "Nina, you know the consequences of lying to me." Nina lowered her head slightly, her delicate neck curved like that of a small, helpless creature trapped in his grasp. It felt as though he could snap it with the slightest movement. Out of his sight, she bit down on her lips, forcing her voice to remain steady. "I know, and I'm not lying. I truly don't know what happened." A low chuckle echoed above her. It was so faint and fleeting that Nina wondered if she had imagined it. But the next moment, her eyes widened in shock, and a startled cry escaped her lips. Shane had lifted her from the bed and pressed her against the windowsill. From this height, she only needed to glance down to see the hospital grounds 16 floors below, bustling with people. If anyone happened to look up, they would see her and Shane in this humiliating position. "What are you doing?" Feeling the warmth of his body pressing against hers, something in Nina snapped. She shouted in panic. She struggled with all her might, pressing her hands against his chest to keep him away. But against Shane, all resistance was futile. She had learned this over the past three years. Ignoring her struggles, Shane trapped her between his body and the window, his hand tightening around her waist. Dressed in a hospital gown, the loose fabric shifted as they tussled. A few buttons came undone, baring her smooth shoulder. The exposed skin prickled with goosebumps. Shane burned through her, making her toes curl. She wanted to pull her clothes back up, but his unyielding grip left her powerless. "You brought this on yourself, Nina." His gaze was dark, scrutinizing her every reaction with a mix of fury and something else—something scorching. Yet, his heat only made the blood in her veins freeze over. Terror consumed her, making her tremble uncontrollably. "No… Shane, don't—" But he had never allowed her refusals. He only ever acted on his own will. "Nina!" The hospital room door suddenly swung open. Lisette stepped inside, holding an IV bag. She froze at the sight before her, momentarily dumbfounded. Nina saw her and instantly pleaded for help, "Lise…" "Mr. Lawson, what are you doing?" Lisette's voice was hesitant but firm. "Nina is unwell now. This really isn't a good time for that. "Besides, she's on her period. The bleeding was quite heavy. It needs proper care." "Her period?" Shane turned to her, his dark eyes sharp as blades. Nina tensed, worried for Lisette. She bit her lips unconsciously. "Yes," Lisette said, voice puzzled. "Didn't you know, Mr. Lawson? When you brought her in, she was already bleeding heavily. I assumed you were aware." Shane's gaze flickered back to Nina. "If it's your period, why didn't you say so?" He was still skeptical. "I didn't realize it was menstrual blood at first." Nina steadied her voice, though her face remained pale from fright. "Maybe my body is responding to the treatment… I've never bled this much before." Shane stared at her for several seconds. Then, without warning, he reached for the waistband of her pants. Nina's eyes widened in horror. "No—" Just then, his phone rang. She let out a breath of relief, seizing the chance to shrink back. "Shane, I'm so scared!" a sobbing voice came from the phone—Wendy. "Mom and I went to a psychic today, and she said I have a weak bond with my future children. What should I do? I'm so scared. What if I can't have kids?"