<b>Chapter </b><b>2</b>


    第43%


    Margaret staggered to the emergency room doors, her legs barely supporting her. As the lights above the door dimmed, a sense of dread filled her. She reached out to a nurse emerging from the room, her voice barely a whisper, “H–How is my dad?”


    The nurse, locking eyes with her, responded gently, “Are you Ms. Wilcox? I’m sorry… your father… It would be best if you came <b>inside</b>. Despite the doctors” utmost efforts, we were unable to save him…”


    Feeling <b>as </b>if her heart had plummeted, Margaret stood motionless, tears cascading down her <b>face </b>without her notice.


    It had been a grueling four years since Keh <b>was </b>diagnosed with cancer, and his condition had deteriorated over the past month. Although she had braced herself for this moment, the finality of the nurse’s words ripped through her, leaving her feeling as though her heartAll text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    <b>was </b>being torn apart.


    With hands shaking and lips dry, she pushed open the door, her steps faltering as she approached the hospital bed.


    “Ms. Wilcox.” The attending physician approached, offering aforting touch on her shoulder.


    Through her tear–streaked vision, Margaret could only gaze at the doctor, speechless, her mind a void.


    After the doctor offered his condolences and a lengthy exnation, he left the room with a quiet<b>, </b>“I’m truly sorry for your loss.”


    Alone in the room, Alone, Margaret was ovee with trembling as she looked upon her father under the white sheet. The world seemed to lose all sense of direction for her.


    “Dad…” she whispered, each breath heavy with pain.


    Eventually gathering herposure, she called out for the doctor, beginning the somber task of managing her father’s final affairs.


    By dawn, Keh’s body was moved to the funeral <b>parlor</b>, and the cremation was conducted in solitude. Margaret found herself as the only one present to say goodbye,


    In the city, no one seemed to care about them. Gideon was the only person she had any semnce of a connection with, though their rtionship was built on a fragile foundation of financial necessity, hardly the grounds for sharing her burdens.


    Suddenly, her phone rang.


    As Margaret exited the funeral parlor, the summer air failed to warm her chilled bones. Leaning against a tree, she numbly answered her phone, “Hello.”


    The voice on the other end spoke in Uprian, asking. “He. Is this Ms. Margaret Wilcox?”


    With a puzzled pause, she confirmed her identity. “Yes, that’s me.”


    “We’re delighted to inform you that Hillson University has epted your application. Furthermore, should you join <b>our </b>war reporter training program, the university is willing to offer partial tuition support,” the caller exined.


    Margaret’s eyes widened as she straightened up. After a moment<b>, </b>she asked, “Are you sure you have the right person?”


    A light chuckle came from the other end. “Yes, it’s definitely you.”


    “Okay… Thank you,” she replied, a mix of Hesitation and disbelief in her voice.


    Alter hanging up, Margaret remained still, lost in thought. With her father gone and no other ties holding her, the decision should have been straightforward. Yet, she hesitated.


    Chapter 2


    Wed,


    She nced down at her stomach, touching it lightly before a resolute sigh escaped her.


    Momentster, she dialed a familiar number, Gideon’s name shing on the screen.


    The phone kept ringing endlessly, and just as Margaret’s eyes began to dim with disappointment, the call finally went through.


    “What’s the matter? The voice on the other end was <b>cold </b>and indifferent, yet oddly appealing.


    43%


    Hearing his voice sent a shiver down her spine. She hesitated before finally saying, “I… I have something important to tell you. Can we meet


    today?”


    “Oh?” After a brief pause, Gideon responded, “I’m busy. We can talk over the phone.”


    “It’s very important. If not today, then tomorrow. I can wait,” Margaret insisted, determination in her voice even as her grip tightened around the phone.


    Silence ensued, heavy enough to make even the sound of breathing seem intrusive.


    As tension mounted, Margaret felt sweat beading her forehead <b>as </b>she thought, ‘Over thest four years, I hadn’t gone to Gideon unless needed. So, this isn’t an exception, is it?”


    Nevertheless, his response came without any dy or hint of emotion, “Let’s meet at Garbo Restaurant after five.”


    The relief that washed over Margaret was palpable, her eyes momentarily brightening as <b>she </b>agreed, “Okay.”


    The day had been exhausting for Margaret. It began with collecting her father’s death certificate, followed by hours of aimlessly wandering the streets until the time of her meeting with Gideon. By the time she stepped into the restaurant, she was met with the sight of Gideon, already seated.


    Upon her entrance, the waitresses whispered among themselves, captivated by Gideon’s undeniable charm. “He’s so dreamy! My heart might just stop,” one gushed, clearly smitten.


    “With such a handsome <b>face</b><b>, </b>why


    hy isn’t he a movie star? Such a waste of his good looks! If only we could be blessed with his presence every


    day,” another chimed in.


    A third waitress added, “<b>Come </b>on! With his background, skills, and smarts, does he need to dip his toes into the entertainment industry? Hey,


    isn’t that woman…


    Suddenly, everyone went quiet.


    Margaret approached Gideon’s table and seated <b>herself </b>opposite him, her eyes firmly cast downward. The sudden silence was quickly filled with hushed whispers, all eyes curiously fixed on her.


    After a brief moment, Gideon broke the silence, casually asking, “What will you have<b>?</b>”


    “Huh?” Margaret’s eyes shot up, locking with his. The surprise in her blue eyes was evident, hardly believing he was initiating such a


    mundane conversation.


    Gideon narrowed his eyes<b>, </b>seemingly annoyed by her hesitation.


    “I’ll have what you’re having,” Margaret quickly replied. The four years by Gideon’s side had taught her to understand even his most subtle


    cues<b>.</b>


    As Gideon handed the menu back to the waiter and casually yed with the napkin on the table, he made it clear to Margaret, “You have 20 minutes”


    <b>43</b>%


    Chapter 2


    Margaret fidgeted with her clothing under the table, her fingers tensing as she braced herself to broach the subject weighing heavily on her mind. “I’ve decided to pursue further studies overseas<b>!!</b>


    Gideon paused, his expression unreadable as he slowly ced the napkin down and fixed his gaze on her. “And?”


    Margaret closed her eyes, unable to meet Gideon’s gaze. With a heavy heart, sheid bare her request. “Could you please reconsider the marriage alliance with the Lambert family. If it <b>means </b>anything, <b>I’m </b>willing to stay by your side.”


    This was the humbling moment of her life.


    In the past, even at her lowest, she held her head high, with integrity. But now, she was forsaking her dignity for Gideon and disregarding the unspoken rules that had governed their rtionship, despite knowing that it would lead to dire consequences.


    There was a heavy silence before Gideon <b>finally </b>spoke, “Margaret, do you know <b>what </b>I’ve always appreciated about you?“*


    Striving to maintain herposure, Margaret responded, “It’s because I’ve always kept my word.”


    He then challenged her, his toneced with sarcasm, “So why choose now to break our rules? Let me guess, your next revtion is that


    you’ve fallen for me?”


    In response, Margaret reached into her bag, withdrawing a medical report which she extended toward him. “No, it’s because I’m pregnant<b>,</b><b>“</b>