Chapter 21
The young man was like wolf, still yet to fully mature. He gave off the vibe of an irresistibly cute puppy. Given his willingness to step forward, Nellie pondered whether she should take full advantage of the situation.
But the thought of that enigmatic figure at the top of the social ladder–a breathtakingly beautiful yet untouchable man–gave her pause. Nellie decided it wasn’t worth the risk.
“I’ll stick to what I know best for now–women’s fashion,” she concluded.
Nathan looked a bit crestfallen. “Well, when you do get into men’s fashion, let me be your model, okay?”
Nellie gave a casual nod. “Sure, we’ll see.”
Throwing herself into her work, Nellie started with sketches of several designs for women’s clothing. She picked her favorite and carefully cut the fabric, sewing it into a complete outfit. It was a grass–green high–waisted skirt paired with a chic beige cropped blazer. The outfit, lined with a soft oatmeal hue, struck the perfect balance between elegance and a hint of softness.
Nellie tried pitching her designs to various clothing stores. Unfortunately, she lacked influence and often couldn’t even get past the sales staff to meet the managers.
The long nights of toil eventually took a toll on her already delicate health. One day, while making soup for Nathan, she suddenly felt dizzy and collapsed on the kitchen floor.
When Nathan noticed her absence, he called out a few times, “Nathalie?” With no answer, he limped from room to room until he found her in the kitchen, unconscious on the floor. She was even clutching the pie crust she’s preparing.
Panic washed over Nathan’s face. He quickly picked her up and rushed downstairs to the hospital.
After a full check–up, the doctor asked Nathan, puzzled, “The patient is missing a kidney and has surgical scars on her back. Has she recently had a kidney removed?”
Nathan’s face turned ashen, and his fists clenched, his knuckles white. “Doc, how’s she going to manage now?” Nathan’s voice was heavy with worry.
Nathan had a mature air and coupled with Nellie’s youthful looks, the doctor misunderstood their relationship. He advised, “You should cut back on, um, intimate relations and definitely take precautions. Her body isn’t strong enough for pregnancy.”
Nathan flushed with embarrassment but simply nodded. “Got it.”
The doctor added, “She’s very weak and malnourished. Cook her some nourishing soups, like chicken soup, and add some ingredients to boost her energy.”
Nathan’s face grew more serious as he recalled how Nellie had pushed herself, despite her illness, to pay for his treatments. She’d work through the night and make sure he got nutritious food, leaving herself with so little…
How could someone be so selfless and kind–hearted?
Nathan’s heart ached.
After Nellie was moved to a regular ward, she gradually woke up feeling groggy. When she realized she was in the hospital, she asked weakly. “What happened to me?”
Nathan, holding her hand, eyes slightly red, said, “The doctor said you shouldn’t push yourself anymore. No more late nights. I’ll take care of the money–making.”
Chapter 22
