Dispute

"You can't leave; you have to clarify things." Nathan Ford and Ava Sterling were at an impasse.

"Nathan Ford, how about we take a detour to the psychiatric hospital? Also, the comment I made was purely for the atmosphere. If you think I discriminated against you, then I'm sorry—I apologize. But I didn't. Dealing with your entire family, with all its aunts and uncles, puts me in a difficult position. So, can we agree to turn the page on this matter, ok?"

Ava Sterling was on the verge of kneeling before Nathan Ford, baffled by her own ramblings.

All she wanted now was to return home, take a warm bath, and sleep peacefully. Why was that so hard?

She had dealt with Nathan Ford's family, which was headache enough. Shouldn't they be united on this issue? Why was it now...

"Do you think I still need to replenish my body?" Nathan Ford asked coldly after Ava Sterling had finished her rapid-fire explanation.

Ava Sterling was at her wit's end, striving to maintain composure as she looked into Nathan Ford's eyes and shook her head. "No need, you're fine, you're great, you're the best."

Hearing Ava Sterling's words, Nathan Ford felt much better inside and nodded in agreement, "I also think it's unnecessary. And I think your compliments about me are quite accurate."

...

Ava Sterling felt dizzy. How could there be such shameless men in the world?

"So... can we go now?" Ava Sterling didn't want to argue with this man who seemed to lack basic intelligence anymore.

Nathan Ford's lips curled up slightly, pleased. He nodded and then started the car again.

"Ava Sterling, you're quite eloquent, aren't you? Why were you so silent at the dinner table, like a mute?" Nathan Ford almost whistled in happiness.

For some reason, Nathan Ford now found that teasing Ava Sterling was one of the great pleasures of his life.

"What... do I have to do with you?" Ava Sterling responded with a forced smile, utterly exhausted from engaging with this tedious man.

"Firstly, I'm your husband, and I definitely think it concerns me," Nathan Ford shot back with glee, responding to Ava Sterling's earlier jab that he couldn't say anything nice. "Secondly, I believe I'm just showing concern for you. I hope you won't snap at me like a thankless task."

"Thanks for that, now focus on driving and maybe keep quiet," Ava Sterling retorted, too weary to engage further.

"What's the matter? Ate too much and can't even bother to speak? Seeing how you're eating these days, you'll end up looking like a pig," Nathan teased, almost whistling happily after Ava's series of backhanded compliments.

"Fine, let me tell you why. It's because the approach depends on the person. Are you satisfied with that answer?" Ava Sterling, initially unwilling to engage, found herself responding as Nathan seemed even more energized by her silence. She wasn't about to be seen as weak.

What manner of person was Nathan Ford then? In Ava's eyes, was he lesser than Aunt Susan?

This thought soured Nathan's mood, and without another word, he accelerated the car to 200 mph, racing home in silence.

Upon arrival, Ava Sterling felt dizzy and nauseous, stumbling out of the car to vomit by the roadside. Clearly, Nathan must be suffering from some malady.

"Didn't realize your physical constitution was as poor as your mental resilience," Nathan quipped as he stepped out of the car, handing her a box of tissues.

Ava took the tissues irritably, wiped her mouth, and, without acknowledging him, took out her keys to unlock the door. Her stomach was churning too severely to argue with Nathan.

Unbeknownst to her, Nathan followed her inside.

"So, you want a glass of water before you go? The cups are over there, help yourself and leave as soon as you're done," Ava said, pointing towards the cups.