17 Chapter 17

"It seems that our little Prince is in a good mood." The nurse in charge of his care greeted them with a bubbly smile, cheerfully putting down the medications in her hand on the table beside his bed.

"Yes, my Oliver is feeling so much better." Jules returned her greeting with equal enthusiasm as she patted her son on his arms.

It had been a week since he had woken up. So far, the doctors did not find anything wrong with him, assuring her he would have a smooth recovery.

But, of course, he would still need therapy and constant supervision, which meant additional expenses she could not afford, and going back to work anytime soon seemed out of the question.

But how could she return to her job when Damon transferred her son to the big hospital in the city? Of course, she was glad that her son was getting the best care money could buy.

"Mom said that I can have ice cream today." Oliver turned to Nelly, his private nurse, whom Damon hired, even if it was against her will.

She did not think that hiring Nelly was necessary. She could take care of her son all by herself. But Damon insisted, saying that it did not hurt to accept help.

Eventually, she had to give in. After signing the prenup contract that the lawyer brought to her, she did not have a choice.

"Remember, you agreed to the arrangement. I also have a say in anything involving the welfare of my son." She remembered him saying when she tried to say no.

Anyway, she had to accept the things she could not do anything about. Besides, she liked Nelly. She was fun, and clearly, Oliver enjoyed having her around.

"Is that so?" Nelly started fussing around, checking on his charts and ensuring everything was what it should be. "I don't see any reason why not. But I hope I also get to have one."

Jules was glad her little boy was gradually regaining strength and body functions. And she could not wait to take him home.

However, there was still the question of which place they were going home to. Things had been swirling around her, spinning her world like she was in the center of a whirlwind.

"Can you also buy one for Nelly?" Oliver asked, looking hopeful as he stared at her with his doe eyes. How could anyone say no to that? Not her.

"Of course, Nelly can have an ice cream, even your Mom and your friends." Another voice joined them, making all of them turn to the door.

But she already knew who it was even before her eyes saw his face. However, she was not surprised to see him anymore since he had constantly visited since they had transferred to this hospital.

She could only guess that could be why he wanted Oliver to move to the big city. So he would have easier access to him.

"Damon. You came." Her young boy greeted him excitedly. "Are you going to buy all of us ice cream?" He asked, but his tone was skeptical as if he could not believe it was possible.

"Of course, really," Damon responded with a boyish smile. "And..." He paused as he walked closer until he stood on the other side of the bed. "...you can even have two if Nelly thinks you have been a good boy."

Oliver's eyes lit up like fireworks just lit up the sky. He was ecstatic about the prospect, agreeing with everything that Nelly said.

"Oh, I promise," Oliver swore to the man before him, appearing glad to see his father.

However, Oliver was still unaware of who Damon was in his life. As far as he was concerned, Damon was just a friend who liked to visit him.

She had asked him not to say anything yet. At least for now, while her son was still recovering. She did not know how Oliver would take it.

"Jules, can we talk outside?" He mildly said in a whisper as he walked toward the door.

She agreed, feeling they had much to discuss about this arrangement. But truthfully, she was having a hard time dealing with the situation.

There was a part of her that warned her about this entire arrangement. She was suddenly afraid that Damon would gain interest in their son and try to take him away from her.

"Sure." She nodded before turning to her son. "I will just be outside." She told her son as she followed Damon.

But, of course, she did not want to jump to conclusions, hoping she was only overthinking his motives.

She might just be paranoid because nothing came easy for her without something terrible happening in return. That was not how her life worked.

"The doctors..." He started.

"I don't want you..." She also began.

But both stopped simultaneously, allowing the other to continue with what was on their mind. But the same thing happened.

"Why don't you go first?" Damon told her, giving her the floor to say her piece.

"I was just going to say you should not spoil him too much." She did not want her son to think he could get anything just because this man said so, even if he was his father.

She knew Damon was rich, but she was not. Once this was all over, or if something went wrong. She and Oliver would return to their original lifestyle.

"But he is my son. I want to give him everything he wants and needs." Damon said as if that was only logical.

But, of course, that was not what she wanted. But how could she argue with a stubborn man responsible for saving her son's life? For now, she felt powerless.

"Just don't overdo it." She begged him, feeling like there was nothing else she could do for now. "Anyway, what was it that you want to say?" She eventually asked.

As much as she wanted to argue her point, it seemed this was not the place to do it. She suddenly felt like she should have asked for a lawyer before she had signed that contract.

"The doctors seem to think that Oliver is recovering fast. They may recommend that he go home soon." He told her, taking charge of Oliver's situation.

She believed that was good news, but again, she could not help but fear going home with this man.

Suddenly, the thought of marrying him scared the living daylight out of her, but it could be due to several different things, like living in the same house as him or meeting his family.

"Oh! That soon?"