From His Invisible Wife to the World's Icon novel Chapter 126

In a flash, his large hands clamped onto her stomach, ready to violently shove her away.

Completely off balance, she swayed helplessly, her face draining of color in sheer terror.

But instead of pushing her, his hands slid around her waist, instantly hauling her flush against him.

"She's awake, and she's asking for Ms. Sterling." Right as Dr. Vaughn's words hit the air, she landed securely in Xavier's grasp, staring up at him in shock.

His sharp jawline was clenched tight, radiating sheer irritation.

He glared down at her, his dark, commanding gaze locking onto hers.

Lydia's eyelashes fluttered as relief washed over her. "She's awake? Thank God."

Overcome with relief, fat tears rolled down her cheeks.

The moment the tension broke, her legs gave out, her body sinking like a stone.

The grip on her waist tightened to an iron band, burning hot through her clothes.

Through her tear-blurred vision, she suddenly felt a cool touch on her cheek.

She blinked, and as her sight cleared, she saw Xavier intensely focused on wiping away her tears.

His eyes were as dark and deep as the ocean, tracing the path from the corner of her eyes down to her cheek.

His calloused thumb lightly brushed over her lips, sending a jolt of electricity straight through her...

Heat flooded her chest, and she swiftly clamped her hands over his, about to shove him away.

"Lydie..." Grandma Eleanor's feeble voice drifted from the room.

Lydia snapped her head up, suddenly realizing Xavier was only putting on a show because Grandma Eleanor was watching them.

He practically carried her into the room, his arm locked firmly around her.

"Lydie... are you leaving Xavier?"

The old woman was so weak she could barely speak.

A pang of sheer guilt squeezed Lydia's heart.

Above her, Xavier spoke. "No, Grandma. We're doing great."

"But... on the TV... Lydie was with another man..." The old woman struggled to speak, the oxygen mask fogging up with every ragged, desperate breath.

Even breathing seemed agonizing for her.

Lydia froze.

Suddenly, Xavier gave her waist a sharp, warning squeeze, sending a jolt of pain mixed with a bizarre thrill shooting through her.

She snapped out of it, resting her hand softly against Xavier's chest. "Grandma, that was just a misunderstanding."

"Xavier and I are completely real."

"Really?" Grandma Eleanor murmured anxiously.

"Yes, really." Desperate to convince her, Lydia slid her arm around his waist and hugged him tight.

The man stiffened instantly and let out a faint cough.

She looked up and saw his face was still a frozen mask, but his eyes were fixed on his grandmother with clear, naked worry.

How could she have ever thought Xavier was lying to her?

His devotion to his grandmother was absolute. There was nothing fake about it.

"Just promise you won't give up on me, no matter what happens!"

Even without his demand, she had zero intention of ever being near Frederick again.

Just the thought of Frederick brought back the terrifying, suffocating memory of the ocean.

Xavier was the man who had pulled her from the depths. She owed him her life; there was no need to negotiate.

Still, she hated uncertainty.

Especially when it came to her career.

Xavier held the power to destroy her professional life on a whim.

She needed a safety net.

After saying it, she stared at him nervously, terrified she had pushed too far.

Xavier studied her blankly for a few agonizing seconds before replying. "Come to my office tomorrow. We'll sign a new contract."

The icy tension between his brows noticeably thawed.

He actually agreed!

A genuine smile curved Lydia's lips. "Thank you, Mr. Ford."

She left the VIP floor in unusually good spirits.

After finishing her fertility treatments, she went to Madeline's room.

Her mother was still awake, and to her shock, Charles was sitting right beside her.