chapter478

Nathan adjusted his coat, his expression darkening as he turned toward the source of the interruption. His gaze was cold, a silent warning to whoever had dared to disturb the quiet tension between him and Mila.

"What is the meaning of this attitude, Fenna?" he questioned, his voice vibrating with restrained irritation.

Fenna seemed to realize she had overstepped. She quickly smoothed her features into a mask of professional concern and walked toward him. "I didn't mean to snap, Nate. I knew you were working late, so I brought dinner for you." Her gaze then drifted slowly to Mila, a thin, insincere smile playing on her lips. "I didn't expect to see you here, Ms. Hoffis. I’m afraid I didn't prepare an extra portion. My apologies."

Mila had no desire for conflict. Her guiding principle these days was simple: maintain her peace, avoid trouble, and treat everyone with a courtesy that left no room for gossip. She just wanted to navigate these complicated days safely.

"It’s perfectly fine, Ms. Hudson," Mila replied with a graceful smile. "I’ll have something when I get home." She quickly unbuttoned the coat Nathan had draped over her and handed it back, not waiting for his protest. "There’s no need to escort me. You have a guest."

Nathan’s expression shifted from anger to a visible, pained grimace.

“You two should enjoy your dinner,” Mila added, her voice light despite the dull ache in her chest. She offered a polite nod to Fenna and stepped into the elevator before Nathan could reach out.

He moved to follow, but Fenna caught his sleeve. "Nate, where are you going? The food will get cold."

Nathan didn't answer. He shook off her hand and lunged for the elevator, but the doors had already hissed shut. He pressed the call button repeatedly, but the display remained frozen. Anxious and unwilling to wait, he turned and sprinted down the stairs, taking them three at a time.

Mila stood in the quiet lobby, watching the dark sky through the glass doors. Outside, under the warm amber glow of the street lamps, snowflakes drifted lazily from the clouds, creating a scene that was as lonely as it was beautiful.

She felt the chill of the lobby, but more than that, she felt a hollow ache in her heart. She took a slow, steadying breath, reminding herself of her vow: no crying. She needed to maintain a peaceful, happy environment for the life growing inside her. To succumb to sadness or pain felt like a betrayal of the responsibility she now carried alone.

"Chubs..."

Nathan’s voice, ragged and out of breath, echoed behind her. Mila turned to see him standing there, his eyes filled with a desperate kind of desolation.

She forced a calm smile. "General Morrison, you really should go back. Phoebe will be here any minute. It’s only a ten-minute walk to my dorm; I’ll be fine."

Nathan stepped closer, attempting to wrap the coat around her shoulders again. "Please, put this on. It's freezing out there."

Mila took two steps back, her hand raised in a polite but firm barrier. "No need. I’m not cold."

Nathan slowly lowered the coat, his hands curling into fists. "You should go back," she urged softly. "Ms. Hudson is waiting."

"How many times do I have to say it?" Nathan asked, his voice sharp with suppressed emotion.

"Say what?"

"I have a woman I love," Nathan said, stressing every syllable as he looked directly into her eyes. "And it isn't Fenna."

Mila’s heart skipped a beat. A shuddering breath escaped her, and she whispered, "I know."

Nathan reached out then, his hand finding her arm as he drew her toward him, his frustration finally boiling over. "If you know, then why do you push me away? Why do you treat me like a stranger?"

In her surprise, Mila lost her balance for a fleeting second, her hand instinctively finding purchase against his sturdy chest. Her first thought wasn't for herself, but for the safety of her baby. Only when she was certain she was secure did the floodgates finally threaten to open.

She had endured the exhaustion and the isolation of these past months alone. She had faced every difficulty with a quiet, steely resolve, lacking the family and the partner she so desperately needed. Standing there in his shadow, the weight of everything she had overcome felt heavier than ever.