Chapter 321

It was as if everything had never occurred. They hadn't divorced or torn each other apart. It seemed as though they were back to a time when everything was simple, and they treated each other with respect. September brought sweltering heat to South Haven. Shelmaine despised the summertime and would often retreat to the terrace, sinking into a deck chair while lost in her thoughts. While Shelmaine and Samuel appeared to be a normal married couple, they rarely engaged in conversation. She had become withdrawn and spoke very little. Whenever this happened, Samuel would deliberately annoy her, hoping to provoke some kind of response from her. He didn't care if it was just humming or making any kind of sound, he just wanted her to speak. But it was all in vain. Shelmaine was like a mute, who only spoke when necessary and could easily go an entire day without saying a single word. She wouldn't talk to Kingston until he came over to examine her health. Samuel stood off to the side, watching. She pretended not to notice him and instead engaged in casual conversation with Kingston. After several times, Kingston was under immense pressure. He couldn't figure out where things had gone wrong between the two of them yet again. Didn't they claim to have gotten a marriage certificate? Why was their relationship still so strained? Kingston wondered if this was what people called—lying in the same bed, yet minds are on different paths? Just a nominal couple? However, upon closer look, this did not appear to be the case. Samuel had been consumed by jealousy, and his intense glare toward Kingston gave off the impression that he could have murdered him for simply doing a check-up for Shelmaine. Looking at her, it was clear that she was incredibly indifferent. Her demeanor toward Samuel was no different than toward a stranger. He didn't understand… Each time Kingston had been tasked with examining Shelmaine's body. He had felt a sense of fear and anxiety, afraid to face the wrath of that jealous maniac. Shelmaine was unable to get up this morning. When Kingston saw her, he noticed her flushed cheeks and she was shrouded in a thin blanket. Despite the low setting on the air conditioner, she couldn't stop coughing. After Kingston examined Shelmaine and identified the cause of her illness, he prescribed medication. He then made his way downstairs to where Samuel was sitting on the couch and said, "Mr. Hasting, well—" "How is she? Is it serious?" Before Kingston could even finish, Samuel jumped in and asked. "It's not too terrible. Just…" "Just what?" Samuel furrowed his brows and turned to look at him. Kingston cleared his throat and began, "I've spoken to Ms. Clarke. Mr. Hasting, there are certain things that I shouldn't say. However, given Ms. Clarke's weak body and how she is unable to endure…I suggest you exercise more self-control regarding that matter." Kingston initially had no interest in meddling with this married couple’s affairs. But when he saw how vulnerable and helpless Ms. Clarke appeared. His compassionate nature kicked in and he spoke an unbiased word. Samuel was extremely serious as he said, "We are preparing for pregnancy." Kingston was taken aback for a brief moment. 'Preparing for pregnancy?" Samuel lifted his eyebrows and gazed up at him. "Well, is there a problem?" Kingston gestured dismissively. "That's not what I meant. What I mean is, aren’t you being too hasty? Based on Ms. Clarke's current physical state, it appears that she may not be ready to have a child right now…" Samuel replied, "I know."