TO SAY that Nikolai was shocked to hear Mona say that she can't live without him would be an understatement.
Of course, he was really happy to hear that from his wife.
He just didn't expect it.
[Because I know Mona is still mad at me, and she has the right to feel that way.]
Nikolai was happy to know that Mona still cared about him, but his happiness was short-lived when the realization hit him.
[I hate seeing my wife cry, especially if it's because of me.]
"Don't cry, Mona," Nikolai said worriedly, extending his hand to touch Mona's face. When she didn't flinch and even gave him her silent permission, he carefully wiped the tears off of her cheeks with his hand. "As I said earlier, we're already looking for a donor. I won't take our children's livers. Moreover, they're both minors. I will never risk our children's safety just to save my life."