Chapter 3

"Let me escort you back to your room. You're not in good shape," I said flatly, looking at her and Bonnie.

"Perhaps you should check if you're expecting first."

Tessa paused, taken aback.

It was unusual for me to speak so harshly.

I had even risked my life to rescue her from a fire just three months ago.

This may have emboldened her to bring men to my bedside for trysts, seeking some sort of thrill.

"What's gotten into you? Is it because I haven't visited for two weeks?"

"I told you, I wasn't feeling well, so I couldn't come see you."

Her tone had cooled considerably, and she looked annoyed.

I gazed at her with icy detachment, "You two are together, yet you accuse me of making a scene?"

Something I said must have struck a nerve with Tessa, as her expression darkened completely.

"Enough, Howard. He's your brother. How can you be so distrustful of us?"

"From the moment you saw me, every word out of your mouth has been barbed. I think you're trying to take my place!"

What a classic case of projection.

I dug my nails into my palms, struggling to maintain composure.

At that moment, I found the situation so ludicrous that I couldn't help but laugh at myself.

My own brother had become my wife's paramour.

And somehow, I was the one being accused of infidelity.

The world had turned upside down.

Bonnie arched his eyebrows, his gaze mocking, but his words dripped with false sincerity.

"Brother, you've got it all wrong. I would never betray you like that."

Fighting back a wave of nausea, I fixed him with a sardonic smile.

"Well, if you're not an ungrateful cur, that's a relief."

My brother's face contorted with anger, and he stepped forward, but Tessa held him back.

She turned to me, clearly irritated.

"I'll take you back to your room now."

Then she looked at my brother, her voice softening.

"Wait here for me, I'll be back soon."

I shrugged off Tessa's hand.

"How much longer are you two going to carry on in front of me?"

"Hah, don't bother escorting me. I wouldn't want to interrupt your intimate moment!"

They both looked shocked.

Tessa stared at me in disbelief.

"Howard, have you lost your mind?"

Her voice quavered slightly.

I met her gaze.

"My apologies, I forgot to mention."

"Two weeks ago, when you two were passionately entangled in the ward."

"I actually regained consciousness that night."

Panic flashed in Tessa's eyes.

"Darling, you've misunderstood."

I smiled at her.

"It's too bad your name isn't in the Beijing Film Academy's acting handbook."

"After I became comatose, you insisted on preserving my seed every day."

"I see the seed is there, but it's not mine, is it?"

Tessa stumbled backward.

The color drained from her face.

"Darling, I'm feeling faint......" She reached out, seeking my support.

I recoiled in revulsion, flinging my discharge papers at her.

"I forgot to tell you, I've recovered and been discharged today."

I pointed at her stomach and laughed.

"Now, shouldn't you be considering what to do about the illegitimate child you're carrying?"

Tessa's eyes trembled, and she suddenly looked up.