Chapter 171

Mia's eyes darted between Christina and William.

Eventually, Mia instinctively tried to blend into the background.

William's group did the same.

They were curious, but they knew some things were better left alone.

For some reason, the moment Christina saw William, she instinctively wanted to retreat.

So she just turned around, waved at Mia, and headed to the lounge area.

William quickly followed her.

"Hey, don't get the wrong idea. I'm here for work. You saw those people with their dates. I don't have one."

Christina found his explanation amusing.

"Why are you telling me this? I told you before, what you do is none of my business."

William's expression turned somber at her words.

If Christina had yelled, screamed, questioned, or shown jealousy, he would have been happy.

But seeing her indifferent gaze felt like a needle piercing his heart, leaving him at a loss for words.

"By the way, we haven't seen each other in a few days. You used to love cats, right? I had someone get you one of the breeds you liked."

"And dogs too. If you want a specific kind, we can get one. Whatever you want."

His tone was gentle, his attitude humble.

He was much taller than Christina, and he deliberately lowered his head to speak to her.

From the side, it looked like someone in a position of power trying hard to please someone below them.

But to Christina, it was a joke.

"Don't you think it's funny? Telling me now that you'll get me pets. I had so many before, and what happened to them?"

Christina had once hoped, but the results always disappointed her.

Whether it was pets or children.

Even the scenes she genuinely loved were trivial to William.

They became a joke to gain sympathy.

Thinking of this, Christina's previously calm mood sank again.

She turned around.

William wanted to follow, but remembering what Christina had said, he stopped.

"What's going on?"

The group with William, curious, approached.

"Did you upset your wife? Women need surprises. Just make it up to her."

Listening to them, William forced a smile.

The issues between him and Christina were far more complicated.

Not something that could be resolved with a few words.

But he knew they meant well.

"Thanks. Let's call it a day."

Their business was mostly settled. He was just accompanying some partners to relax. He had been thinking about how to get closer to Christina.

Now that they had seen her, it was a good excuse to leave.

Christina left the resort and messaged Mia.

"Sorry, I can't join you at the hot springs today. I'm not in a good mood."

Mia quickly replied.

"Don't overthink it. If you need anything, just let me know. I've been through it, so I understand."

Christina gave a bitter smile at her phone and didn't reply. She hailed a cab home.

When she got back, she saw a small figure pacing in the living room.

It was a tiny, cream-colored kitten. As Christina got closer, she saw it was a little kitten.

Seeing the kitten, Christina's expression softened.

In her past life, she had a silver tabby cat.

The kitten was soft and cute, keeping her company during countless moments of helplessness.

Later, by chance, she found a puppy.

She thought having a cat, a dog, and eventually a child, despite the issues with William, would be fine.

But everything fell apart.

As Christina reminisced, the kitten licked her hand, melting her heart.

William watched from the second floor. He hadn't seen that expression on Christina in a long time.

His heart began to soften.

After hesitating, he came down with a Dalmatian puppy.

"I remember you said you liked this breed."

Christina didn't take the puppy, just looked at William coldly.

"What's your goal here?"

"To please me? To make me forget the past, or to make me treat you like before?"

Her face was now cold.

Her earlier smile was fleeting.

"I know. I don't expect you to forgive me quickly, but I'll try."

He struggled to say the words.

Christina couldn't help but laugh.

But it was a mocking laugh.

"What are you trying for? To make me relive those 'wonderful' memories?" Christina emphasized the word "wonderful."

William's expression grew more despondent.

"Don't waste your time. Was it you who invited me to the Ferris wheel park?"

"I used to want to go. I longed for your attention, but what did you give me in return? I don't need to say it. You know."

"I don't want to repeat myself. I'll never forget Harper's death. Nothing you do will change that."

Christina thought.

That was my daughter, a part of me. I cherished her, but she couldn't compete with a word from his first love.

Thinking of this, Christina found it laughable.

"Now that you're awake, shouldn't you pursue what you didn't get before? Why waste time on me?"

"Whether this child is born or not, I don't want them to have any connection with you. Don't try to do these meaningless things."

William fell silent.

He realized that whenever they met, it was either tense or they disagreed.

They never had a peaceful moment together.

"I understand."

After a long pause, William gently placed the puppy on the ground and turned to leave.

His figure was desolate. He hoped Christina would call him back, give him a chance.

But Christina didn't. He saw her mocking and angry expression reflected in the glass.

Meanwhile, at the Cavendish Mansion, news arrived.

"Is it true?"

"Of course. It came from the hospital. How could it be fake?"

The butler handed the hospital report to Nicholas.

Nicholas quickly put on his reading glasses and read the report, finally smiling.

"Good, good, very good."

After reading the last word, he kept repeating this phrase.