Chapter 7 On his way to Hillary's apartment, Tristan couldn't shake off the image of Meredith's eyes. She had agreed to his so-called "compensation," but her gaze had been nothing but cold and final. A strange unease clawed at him. I must be overthinking. I was too anxious about Hillary's condition. As for Meredith... after a few days of coaxing, she'll forgive me like she always does, he thought. After all, in seven years she had never once truly tried to leave him. By the time he convinced himself of this, he had already reached Hillary's door. Hillary?" The moment he stepped in, he searched frantically for her. "I brought the doctor and blood acks. How are you feeling?" He finally spotted her, eyes closed, lying motionless in the bathtub. Hillary!" His heart lurched as he rushed forward, calling for the doctor. But as the stethoscope touched her chest, her eyes snapped open and she shrieked- Ah! Pervert, what are you doing?!" he clutched her chest with one hand and splashed foamy water at the doctor with the other. ristan hurried to pull her into his arms. "Don't be afraid-he's the doctor I brought." Hillary froze for a moment, then buried her flushed face against his chest, her voice soft and Iccusing. Tristan, why didn't you call out to me when you came in...? You scared me to death." The doctor, dripping wet and scowling, cut him off before he could answer. Looks to me like Miss Gibson is perfectly healthy. I'll take my leave." Only then did Hillary remember her own act. She quickly pressed her hand over her stomach, vincing. I... I only soaked in hot water because I felt unwell. I almost fainted just now... If you hadn't come in time, I might have drowned..." Tristan watched silently, already seeing through her performance. He dismissed the doctor and held her without a word. Sensing his mood, Hillary rubbed her cheek against his neck and spoke in a trembling, pitiful one. "Tristan, are you upset that I'm fine?" '...No." He didn't even know why irritation churned inside him, only that it gnawed at him for no reason. Her eyes welled with tears. "It's my first pregnancy. Of course, I panic sometimes. I just want to give birth safely to our baby. But when you see me unharmed, you're angry... Do you not want me or the baby anymore?" Her words pierced his heart. He sighed and pulled her closer. "I'm sorry, Hillary. I was just too tense. You and the baby matter more than anything." She lifted her hand, gently pressing it to his lips. Her voice softened into a whisper. "I promise I won't ever worry you the way Meredith did..." Then her body gave a delicate shiver. "Tristan, I feel a little cold..." "I'll carry you to bed." She tilted her face up and kissed him, lingering until his ears burned. Then, breathing hot against his skin, she whispered, "I'm not cold anymore. Tonight... let me reward you properly." His gaze darkened with lust. Reason tried to surface, but it quickly drowned. 'You shouldn't... it's not safe now-" The doctor said it's fine." Her tone grew sweeter, more seductive. "Don't you want to... something new with me?" try The last thread of his restraint snapped. Tristan sank into her embrace, surrendering to the trap he'd so carefully laid.