Bride of Retribution: Aloof Billionaire's Dominant Game-Chapter 220 - 145 You have your strategies, I have my ways to overcome obstacles.
Charlotte Miller looked at Atlas Hallow, her smile appearing tranquil and faint, so subtle that it lingered only at the corners of her eyes.
Yet this kind of gentle smile pierced Atlas Hallow deeply, leaving him unsure of how to comfort, or whether he should continue to feel angry.
He stood opposite her, bathed in morning light, a tall and elegant figure reflected in the glass window appearing both graceful and lonely.
The morning air carried her familiar layered musk scent, pervading Ethan Baird’s lungs and blood vessels; seeing the man’s rebellious back, Charlotte’s nose tingled with a spontaneous ache.
She didn’t want this sentimentality, but all the anxiety and sensitivity locked her lips at this moment, leaving her unable to ask him whether he loved just the child, while she was merely a vessel to nurture it.
This was the terrifying doubt lingering in Charlotte’s heart for a long time; perhaps a man’s eagerness to marry is most due to a child?
The man standing in the morning light pressed his thin lips together tightly, like sharp paper, this deep sternness at work used to fascinate Charlotte profoundly, but now it caused unfounded fear.
She wondered what was on Atlas Hallow’s mind? Why did this child elicit such a reaction from him?
Before he knew about this news, he treated her like a treasure, but now he was cold to her, a contrast and drop that she couldn’t accept.
"You should rest at home, and if your health permits I’ll consider letting you return to work at the Hallow Clan..." Atlas Hallow’s tone began to soften, growing gentler bit by bit.
Charlotte looked into his eyes, which turned tender and seemed to harbor a trace of distress and reluctance in those dark eyes.
Such acts from him left Charlotte unable to argue rationally, because in this marriage, the Miller Family was always at the lowest point; at times he even pressed her down to dregs.
But Charlotte knew she couldn’t live like this forever, when Atlas said he’d consider it, Charlotte’s breath felt painful, as if this wasn’t her concern; everything about her had to be decided by him.
Actually, Atlas’s words weren’t entirely unreasonable, but his attitude and his recent reaction made her feel he cared only about the child in her womb, completely disregarding her feelings.
This was indeed why he felt truly conflicted.
Atlas wasn’t blind to the struggle in Charlotte’s eyes; he even hoped sometimes that Charlotte wouldn’t be so stubborn, so beautiful, so competent, or so unextraordinarily intelligent, yet such a stunning and wise woman came to his side, attracting his gaze, making him want to spend a lifetime with her.
"Charlotte, be obedient, or you’ll suffer losses." Atlas slowly moved to her side, the winter chill spreading from his palms, no longer carrying that fervent warmth.
The pressure he exerted upon her was overwhelming, making her feel suffocated, heavy, and disgraced.
The two of them looked at each other, gazing into Atlas Hallow’s deep, dark eyes, which at any time and place were enough to attract a woman, making one fall into them; he was the most marvelous end every woman desired, yet Charlotte refused to be ensnared by his charm, losing her original intentions.
So, Charlotte secretly made a significant decision in her heart.
Anyway, he stayed in the company all day long, recently he’s been so busy that he almost forgot his name; such a massive company is no joke. He certainly can’t watch her all the time; at home she’d be bored. If not going to the Hallow Clan, she could go to supermarkets, malls, or even walk in the park. The phone couldn’t be carried because of too much radiation, so if he couldn’t reach her, it was normal.
Originally, Ethan Baird was her best partner; Ethan always sought peculiar large clients providing vast amounts, while she managed the funds as widely as possible; this was what she needed to do, one day she would become the most successful banker.
Atlas embraced her, his thin lips lightly resting on her forehead, a low voice descending from above: "You rest and strengthen your body, I’ll handle work matters, okay?"
Though sensing Charlotte’s mood wasn’t right, Atlas comforted her softly, reflecting on whether his wording was too harsh given she was originally a daughter of the Miller Family, perhaps never criticized.
"You said it, can I not listen?" Looking into Atlas’s eyes, her voice hinted at an ambiguous tangibility, as if speaking to him, or maybe to herself.
"Smart girl." Atlas kissed her forehead appreciatively; she should just rest well now, avoiding matters too taxing mentally, moreover with her injured foot needing rest.
Very smart indeed, otherwise how could she duel with him.
After making up her mind, she felt happier, anyway she was now pregnant; if caught red-handed, the most he could do was scold, couldn’t hit her what’s there to fear? Not even possible punishment, she could see Atlas’s face after discovering she worked for Ethan Baird, he often stayed calm but if realizing she tricked him, would he blow his top?
"You must know, my actions are never erroneous by even a fraction, thus the rules have always been set by me; Charlotte, you must follow the track I’ve outlined, you might feel unhappy now, but sooner or later you’ll understand my decisions are correct." Atlas pushed the bowl toward Charlotte, even deciding what she ate, every detail.
Indeed, his dominance and dictatorial nature have never changed.
The gentleness and sweetness were merely hormonal impulses maybe partly affection, but not true affection; if true, he’d respect her wishes.
After breakfast, seeming mutual agreement was reached, Atlas restored his tender and loving demeanor, changing her clothes to take her for a check-up.
Only then did Charlotte truly appreciate the power of money.
The obstetrics and gynecology chief, and orthopedic authority had been waiting early, even the hospital dean personally greeted Atlas Hallow.
This was a private hospital, very well but also undeniably pricey.
From prenatal check to childbirth had various grades, Atlas was indeed generous, adhering to premium requirements, even mentioning foreign experts for delivery; Charlotte couldn’t help but roll her eyes.
For so many doctors to point at her belly, what’s the point?
She envisaged herself looking like a large frog, limbs thin and a round, bulging belly; unbearably unattractive and she didn’t want many people seeing, though telling him now was unclear.
He was outside negotiating with the dean about matters possibly occurring ten months later, while she underwent prenatal examination inside.
The chief physician was a woman, very gentle in voice and meticulous during examination: "Do you remember when was your last period?"
"Seems like... um... last month, the tenth." Charlotte seriously considered, recalling those few restful days monthly, quietest because Atlas couldn’t bother at night, seems it was those days.
The chief physician nodded, continuing recording while asking, proceeding to various checks, nurses cautiously pushed a wheelchair fearing Charlotte’s swollen foot couldn’t bear weight, but Atlas signaled to remove it, carrying Charlotte throughout every examination.
When doctors reviewed the report afterward, smilingly saying: "Congratulations to both, the fetus is normal, Mrs. Hallow is healthy, just needs more rest."
Upon hearing Charlotte felt even more indignant, she was fine, even the swelling reduced quickly today, seemed improved much; mere rest was fine, no need for such exaggeration to avoid work.
Atlas nodded seriously, absolutely agreeing with the doctor’s words: "See, the doctor advises more rest." Appearing prophetic.
Suffering from an ailment, not minor.
Too domineering; you have your tricks, I have my ladder, let’s talk when caught...
