Chapter 376: Chapter 376: Don’t Push Your Luck
"What therapist? Don’t tell me you fell for some shady scam," Chantelle replied, still doubtful. The idea of Daniel going out of his way to help someone he saw as a rival was way too suspicious for her.
"You’re hurting my feelings, my dearest wife," Daniel said, showing her his call log. The details of the therapists were there.
Seeing that they were actually certified and experienced made her feel better.
She was about to show Xander the info when Railer pushed his wheelchair out to the balcony.
"I’ll peel some apples for you, Uncle Xander," Railer said, grabbing an apple and starting to peel.
"Do you know how to do it, Rai?"
Kane rushed over and blocked Xander’s view of Chantelle.
"You’ve been sleeping for so many years, godfather. Do you dream?" Stephanie added as she moved to stop him from wheeling himself back toward the door.
Xander heard a soft, amused chuckle behind him and let out a small laugh at himself.
All the care he had given to Kane and Stephanie didn’t matter now. Their real father was back, and he had been pushed aside.
"Can you let go? If you hate being here so much, why did you even come?" Chantelle looked at Xander, who was surrounded by the triplets, then gave Daniel a helpless look.
"I had to see what my love rival looks like," Daniel said, lacing his fingers with hers and leaning casually against the wall. His expression made it clear: don’t even think about getting too close to Xander.
Chantelle finally understood. Daniel didn’t just see Xander as the kids’ godfather. He saw him as a threat.
"Xander’s a good friend. If you keep acting like this, I’m going to get mad. You’ll ruin my friendship with him."
Her tone turned serious.
"Next time, I’ll ask Ashton to take a picture of how he looks at you. What kind of friend stares at someone all day?" Daniel justified his action.
He believed Chantelle only saw Xander as a friend. But he knew Xander didn’t feel the same.
Daniel could recognize that kind of look. He saw the flash of hostility in Xander’s eyes when he looked at toward him.
"We haven’t seen each other in two years. So what if he looks at me?" Chantelle replied. "Why do you always interfere with my friendships? Don’t forget, Mr. Wilson, we’re just friends too."
Chantelle tried to pull her hand away so she could go to Xander, but Daniel wouldn’t let go.
He stood up straight and swiftly leaned closer so their noses touched. "So we’re the kind of friends who hug and kiss?"
Her heart pounded. She stomped on his foot hard. "Don’t push your luck."
"Alright, I get it. He and I are different kinds of friends," he said, lifting their intertwined hands and kissing her knuckles.
His smug expression made her face turn red. She grabbed his arm and dragged him out to the balcony.
This time, Daniel didn’t stop her. He just followed behind.
What a shady guy, she thought.
She smiled as soon as she saw Xander. "You’re healing well. You’ll be back on your feet soon."
Xander saw the blush on her cheeks and Daniel’s smug face behind her. The confidence he’d just gathered disappeared in an instant.
"What’s wrong?" she asked, noticing the way he stared blankly at her. Daniel’s words echoed in her mind.
Does Xander really see me that way? No. That’s impossible. We’ve been friends for six years. He’s never once crossed the line. There’s no way he feels that way about me. And if he did, why would he let the kids call him godfather so easily?
Chantelle shook the thought away. If she kept thinking like that, it would just make things awkward between them.
Xander caught the shift in her expression. He saw the hesitation in her eyes and looked away with a faint, sad smile.
"I’m just tired. It’s hard to stay focused." Xander tried to explain casually but he failed.
She let out a small sigh of relief and shot Daniel a look that clearly said, "See? I told you. We’re just friends."
Daniel smiled at her warmly, as if saying, "Of course. You’re totally right."
She raised an eyebrow, proud of herself.
Daniel just grinned and shut his mouth. She had no idea Xander was only acting like a friend because he was scared she’d push him away if she figured it out.
"If you’re tired, you should rest. I’ll bring you that gumbo you like tonight," she said, wheeling him back to the bed and helping him get settled.
Daniel suddenly picked Xander up and put him gently on the bed.
Chantelle had to bite her tongue from saying, "Now that’s boyfriend material."
He acted like Xander’s pale, uncomfortable face didn’t exist.
"Make the bed, honey," Daniel said casually.
The words threw her off completely.
This is a hospital. The kids are here. And right in front of Xander? Why would you say that now?
She shot him a glare while making the bed. He just kept smiling.
"Thank you, Mr. Wilson," Xander said with a flushed face. The earlier irritation in his eyes had faded, and it was replaced with embarrassment and a bit of gratitude.
Daniel took the quilt from Chantelle and wrapped Xander in it. "Rest well, Mr. Quinn. My wife and I will leave you to rest now."
Do you really have to keep saying she’s your wife? How insecure are you?
Xander’s hands clenched into fists under the blanket.
Am I just supposed to sit here and take this? Xander thought, fuming.
Daniel, on the other hand, was clearly enjoying himself. He looked at Xander’s stiff expression with satisfaction. You want to challenge me? You’re a hundred years too early.
I’ve got fame. I’ve got power. What do you have? You can’t even get out of bed.
Chantelle stood between them, watching the two stare each other down like they were having some silent, emotional moment.
What am I supposed to do here? She thought. He’s the father of my kids!
"Rest well, Xander. We’ll head out now," Chantelle said, giving him a warm smile as she gently pulled Daniel along.
Xander nodded. "How long are you staying in Carcosa? I’ve missed Kane and Stephanie since I woke up."
"We’ll be going back to Easthan in a few days," she replied. "But we’ll visit again once you’re feeling better." She saw how much he didn’t want to say goodbye to the kids and gave her daughter a little nudge.
Stephanie understood right away and smiled at him. "I’ve been in a bunch of magazines and even did a few movies, Godfather! I’ll send them to you."