He sat down, his black shirt accentuating his powerful presence. He retrieved a medical kit from somewhere and held Callie’s leg to examine her injuries from the car accident.
They had almost healed.
As he awkwardly tended to her, he explained, “I will not marry Marilyn, not now, not ever.”
Unexpectedly, Callie remained silent.
Nelson’s touch was gentle. “When the Oconnor Group was in crisis, thank you for everything you did for me, Callie. Thank you.”
So he knew everything.
He paused slightly, not hearing a response from Callie, feeling somewhat disappointed.
“I never had any feelings for Marilyn. Everything was for the bigger picture. I deliberately distanced myself from you back then to prevent you from getting involved. Callie, I had no choice. Can you understand?”
In the past, Callie might have understood upon hearing this, but after a near-death experience and being emotionally scarred, she didn’t know how to respond.
She pulled her leg back. “I know.”
“You know?”
Callie finally looked directly at the man she hadn’t seen in a long time, her tone mocking. “You always have reasons for everything you do. Of course, I can understand. What else can I do but understand?”
Nelson’s pupils narrowed, irritation rising in his heart. He didn’t like her sarcastic tone.
“Do you mind the divorce agreement? Lucia wrote it behind my back; it has no legal effect.”
Callie was exhausted, both physically and mentally. She tried to get out of bed but was stopped by Nelson’s gaze, unable to move.
Seemingly resigned, she pressed her temples and smiled faintly. “All along, it’s been about what I think. Whatever I think it is, that’s what it is. You never explain anything. What position did you put me in as your so-called Mrs. Oconnor?”
“Our marriage was unequal from the start; it was a transaction. But Nelson, did you know that when I married you, I had some expectations and affection for you? Even now, I still like you, but I’m very scared.”
His world was too complicated.
Nelson stared at her intently, his eyes filled with unwillingness and… vulnerability.
Callie met his gaze and said slowly, “I keep standing in your shoes to understand you. But what about me? Who will understand me?”
With that, she turned to get out of bed, but her wrist was grabbed again, almost as if he were clinging to her. “I will understand you in the future.”
Callie was exhausted and wanted to break free.
Nelson ignored all her resistance, making her unable to move. In the dim light, he spoke softly, “Callie, you can hate me, but please give me a chance to make it up to you.”
He took Callie’s phone and wouldn’t let her leave.
She was on the verge of being driven mad by him. Without her phone, she couldn’t contact Jaquan to ask about Regan’s situation.
Nelson seemed to have all the time and energy in the world. He didn’t go anywhere; he just stayed in the hotel, watching her every move.
Callie couldn’t take it anymore. She refused to speak to him, and Nelson could endure it. One night, she woke up and tried to sneak away, only to see him sitting in the dark corner. He coughed lightly, and she nearly jumped in fright.
She felt that if this continued, she would have a nervous breakdown sooner or later.
“At least give me my phone so I can let people know I’m safe.”
“Who do you need to inform?”
She couldn’t say she needed to call Jaquan.
“Don’t you want to know why I went to the Ellison family?”
Callie finally gave up.