Chapter 109

Nathaniel smiled helplessly. "I'm sure you know I treat you as my treasure, so don't be willful, okay? I still don't like the way he looks at you." Any woman would be thrilled by such jealous words. Melanie smiled, squinted, and then burrowed into Nathaniel's arms. "You're so jealous! I haven't seen you like this in a long time; I'm happy! However, I still think I should go with Mr. Moreau," she said half-jokingly.

"How dare you?!" He wrapped his arms tighter around Melanie's neck. "I'll break your legs if you dare run off with him!"

"Ooh, how fierce, Mr. Hall," Melanie said, a sudden thought making her bite her lip. She looked shy. "You shouldn't worry so much. Even if Mr. Moreau has feelings for me, nothing will happen. Especially since…"

"What is it?" Nathaniel asked, puzzled.

"I'm…"

Nathaniel initially didn't understand Melanie's hesitation. Then, understanding dawned. He hugged her tighter, exclaiming, "Are you pregnant?! You're pregnant! Are you serious? Am I the father?"

His excitement was childlike. Melanie slapped his shoulder. "That's a dumb question! Who else would be the father?!"

"Yes! I'm going to be a father!" Nathaniel was overjoyed, feeling as if he could already hold his child.

"Relax. I might be pregnant. I'm not entirely sure."

"You're unsure?"

Melanie nodded. "Yeah. My period is two weeks late, and I've been feeling nauseous. I bought a pregnancy test, and there were two lines—faint, but I think it's positive. I'll go to the hospital in a few days to be sure."

Nathaniel nodded frantically. "Okay! Good! I'm right, then. You shouldn't be running around so much." He then returned to the original topic.

Melanie's face fell. She left his embrace and exclaimed, "No, you're not right! This is a fantastic opportunity, and if I'm pregnant, I won't be able to attend for at least a year or two! I'll miss out on other activities and travel. I'd regret it terribly if I didn't go now!"

Nathaniel, powerless against Melanie's charm, especially knowing about the possible pregnancy, didn't want to argue. "B-But…"

"Just stop, all right? I've already decided. Why can't you just oblige me this once? After this event, I'll listen to whatever you say, okay?" Melanie, knowing his weaknesses, softly persuaded him.

She'd learned Nathaniel's temperament during his relationship with Lily. Controlling him hadn't taken long; he was submissive and would never disobey her.

Nathaniel, unable to resist, raised his hands in surrender. "Okay, I promise, but you have to promise not to get too close to Frank. I'll send someone to go with you."

"You don't trust me?" Melanie's initial happiness faded, replaced by seriousness. "It's not that I don't trust you. I'm protecting you, in case Frank has ulterior motives. Plus, someone will be there to help if you encounter any problems."