Chapter 373: Chapter 373: Visiting Daniel
Daniel seemed to know exactly what she was planning and blocked the doorway again.
"You’re not going anywhere."
She ignored him and shoved him aside, but he pulled her straight into his arms and leaned against the doorframe. His face turned pale, and he started to sway.
"Really? That trick again? I’m not falling for it this time," she said, trying to act like she wasn’t so easily fooled.
He stayed silent, but the cold sweat gathering on his forehead just kept getting worse.
Her expression changed for a moment before she pushed him aside again and ran out.
Daniel grabbed the hem of her shirt. "You’re still leaving?" he asked sadly.
She held her breath. "You’re going to die sooner or later anyway. Why should I care?"
"You’re so cruel," he said, letting go and laughing bitterly.
Chantelle rushed down the stairs with brisk steps.
Daniel slid down against the doorframe and sat on the floor. He felt restless. Pulling out a box of cigarettes, he lit one and took a deep drag.
The familiar scent filled his nose, and he realized he hadn’t smoked since she came back.
He used to smoke to cope with his grandfather’s death, but over time, he knew it wasn’t about grief anymore. He only craved it when she was on his mind.
"Are you trying to kill yourself, Daniel? Didn’t I tell you to quit smoking?" Philip said, snatching the cigarette from his hand.
Daniel frowned. "Why are you looking at me like that?"
"Keep smoking like this and not even the gods will save you."
Daniel raised an eyebrow. "I saw Chantelle all dressed up earlier. Do you know where she’s going?"
"How would I know?" Philip replied.
Where else could she be headed if not to see the kids’ godfather?
Was that guy really so important that she had to rush to him after finding out the drug might knock her out? More important than the man lying here now?
"She’s probably gone to see Xander," Philip said. "I’m telling you, don’t risk your life for her. What’s the point? She doesn’t even care about you."
Daniel pushed himself up against the wall. "Don’t ever say that to me again. I chose to save her. I don’t care who she loves. I’ll save her anyway."
"Hear that? I told you Daniel’s a massive sap!" Philip said, grinning as he turned to the person behind him.
Chantelle stood there, holding a cup of warm milk.
Seeing her so calm and peaceful filled the emptiness in his heart. A smile slipped onto his face before he could stop it.
"Chantelle." He reached out and took the cup of milk from her. Once it was in his hands, she turned to leave.
Daniel quickly grabbed her hand and pulled her into his arms, careful not to spill the milk.
"Let go," Chantelle said, pressing her hands against his chest to keep some space between them.
He let her go, worried her anxiety might flare up, but stayed in front of the elevator. He didn’t want her to leave.
When he saw her anger fading, he took her hand and pulled her into the bedroom, shutting the door behind them.
Philip, still standing by the door, had it slammed shut right in his face.
"This is what I get for helping?" he muttered, then headed downstairs to spill the tea to Thea and find out who she’d been gaming with.
Thea, however, was stubborn and wouldn’t spill anything, no matter how many times he called and asked.
Meanwhile, Daniel kept his eyes on Chantelle as he drank the milk, like he was scared she’d vanish if he looked away.
Her anger slowly faded as they stared at each other. She dropped onto the couch. "My illness isn’t urgent. I’ll take the treatment after yours is ready."
He could tell from her face that she wasn’t going to back down.
"I didn’t know my wife loved me this much."
"Don’t flatter yourself. I just don’t want to owe you anything," Chantelle said, turning away to avoid his eyes.
"I’m not asking you to pay me back," he replied, setting down his cup and sitting next to her.
She had changed into a knee-length skirt earlier. When his knee brushed against hers, she could feel how warm he was compared to her.
"I don’t like leaving debts unpaid. You were the one who got me out of that underground chamber. That’s a life-saving favor, and I intend to repay it."
She moved her legs away to avoid touching him.
He casually threw his arm over the back of the couch, like he was pulling her closer.
"So, are you offering yourself to me as a gift for saving your life?"
"In your dreams!" she snapped, shooting him a glare as she stood up. "Have some respect, Mr. Wilson. Stop strutting around like you’re some kind of peacock."
"Peacocks spread their feathers for courtship. I’m courting you. Got a problem with that?" Daniel said, still seated, looking up at her.
"Take your time showing off then," she replied, her heels clicking against the floor as she walked away.
He didn’t stay behind. Instead, he quickly followed her like a shadow.
The moment they reached the bottom of the stairs, the triplets ran up to her, with Kane leading the way.
"Where are you going, Mommy?" he asked, clearly hoping to go with her.
"I’m going to see your godfather."
Chantelle didn’t hide it. She wasn’t about to pretend Xander didn’t exist.
If it weren’t for him six years ago, she wouldn’t be here now.
Xander meant a lot to her.
"I wanna go too, Mommy! Take me with you!" Kane said, wrapping his arms around her.
Stephanie chimed in, too. "I want to go too, Mommy."
Railer glanced at Daniel, then said, "I want to go, Mommy."
"Nope. You’re not allowed," Kane said firmly. "Did you forget how Grandma is? What if she sees you?" He pulled Railer over to Daniel.
Railer shook his head. "I’m not scared."
"You’re not scared of her? She tried to hit us last time," Kane said. Xander had been his friend since childhood.
"I’m not scared of anyone. I want to protect Mommy," Railer said, pouting at Chantelle.
She had planned to take Kane and Stephanie with her, but leaving Railer behind didn’t feel right. "Alright, we’ll all go together."
Wanting to be sure, she turned to Daniel. "Can I take Rai with me?"
His casual expression disappeared. "Rai is your son, too."
That’s when she realized she’d been treating the three kids differently. She only asked Daniel because he was the one who raised Rai.
Did Rai notice it? He was a sensitive kid.