Chapter 184: Awkward moments
Nathaniel’s anger only intensified at the bewildered look on Eugen’s face. "Don’t act innocent," he snapped. "You are the one who told me to see a sexologist. And now, Zara is repeating the same thing. If it wasn’t you, then who else had the guts to put that thought in her head?"
Eugen felt his scalp go numb. True, he had once advised Nathaniel to consult a sexologist—worried that suppressing his urges for so long might cause problems down the line. But he had never breathed a word of it to Zara.
"I swear, I haven’t even met her," Eugen said desperately. "How could I have possibly spoken with her?"
"Still denying it?" Nathaniel growled, yanking him up and cocking his fist, ready to strike.
"Wait—don’t hit me!" Eugen squeezed his eyes shut in panic, his body trembling like a leaf in the wind.
Nathaniel’s fist stopped just inches from his face.
Eugen cracked open his eyes cautiously, then let out a dramatic sigh before collapsing to his knees. "I’m telling you the truth. I never suggested anything to Zara. Maybe...maybe she just came up with that idea on her own."
Nathaniel’s eyes darkened further. ’On her own?’
"Are you begging for death?" he roared. "Why would she suddenly think that way unless someone—you—put doubts in her head?" His arm twitched, ready to deliver the blow.
Eugen threw his hands up in surrender. "Please, listen. I didn’t say a word to her. Maybe she confided in someone else—maybe one of her friends."
Nathaniel’s face shifted, doubt creeping in. Could it be that Zara had misunderstood his restraint and confided in Bree instead?
Eugen noticed his hesitation and felt a wave of relief. "You barged in here and accused me without even knowing the truth," he complained, clearly offended. "I’m a director in this hospital. I have a reputation here. And just because we are friends, you think you can treat me this way? It’s not fair."
Nathaniel’s temper cooled a fraction, regret flickering in his chest, but his pride refused to let him admit fault. "Who was the one who first suggested that nonsense?" he snapped back. "Naturally, I’d suspect you. That’s on you."
"Fine, fine," Eugen gave in with a defeated nod, realizing it was pointless to argue. "You win. But I still honestly believe you should see a doctor—"
"You—" Nathaniel’s rage flared again, his fist drawing back for a heavy blow.
"Wait," Eugen yelped, flailing wildly in panic. Instead of catching Nathaniel’s fist, his hands ended up fumbling at his waist, clutching his belt in desperation.
At that exact moment, the office door creaked open, and Liam stepped inside, only to stop dead in his tracks, eyes widening at the startling scene before him.
Nathaniel jerked his head toward the doorway, his fist still suspended midair. Shock flickered across his face when he realized Liam was standing there.
"You two..." Liam stammered, still trying to make sense of the sight before him.
Nathaniel glanced down and saw Eugen kneeling, clutching tightly onto the belt of his trousers. His frown deepened, recalling their heated exchange just moments ago.
"When did this... start between you two?" Liam blurted out, disbelief clear in his tone.
Nathaniel’s scowl grew heavier as he looked back at Liam. He struggled to grasp what Liam was implying. But Eugen understood instantly.
"No—it’s not what you think!" Eugen protested, panicked.
"It’s fine," Liam cut in quickly, waving his hand dismissively. "Actually, I should be the one apologizing. I shouldn’t have barged in without knocking."
His eyes flicked briefly toward Nathaniel. "Sorry for interrupting your... private time. Please, continue."
With that, he hurried out of the office.
"What the hell does he mean?" Nathaniel muttered. A suspicion began creeping into his mind. "Did he... misunderstand us?"
"What else could it be?" Eugen snapped in frustration. "Of course, he misunderstood. He thinks we are..." He jabbed his finger back and forth between himself and Nathaniel.
"Fuck off," Nathaniel growled. "Go after him and tell him there is nothing between us."
"Why me?" Eugen shot back hotly. "You barged into my office uninvited. You yelled at me, nearly punched me, and then Liam walked in and saw me practically begging you not to hit me. That’s why he got the wrong idea. None of this is my fault. I told you the truth, and you refused to believe me. Now look where we are. You should be the one to clear this mess, not me."
"Eugen, you are asking for death, do you realize that?"
"This arrogance of yours won’t solve anything," Eugen retorted boldly. "Think about it—what if Liam spreads rumors about our so-called affair?"
His lips curved into a sly grin. "I’m single, so I don’t care what people say. But you? Can you face your wife if she hears about... us?"
He leaned closer, eyebrows wagging playfully. "How will you explain our little intimacy to her?"
"You—" Nathaniel’s hand shot out, wrapping tightly around Eugen’s throat.
"Wait, I was just teasing," Eugen croaked, eyes widening. "Don’t kill me...I-I’ll go talk to Liam and clear everything up. But you’ll have to apologize to me first."
"Apologize?" Nathaniel’s glare sharpened, his grip tightening. "I could crush your neck right here. Why would I ever apologize?"
Eugen’s mouth gaped as he gasped for air. "I know you won’t kill me... but I still deserve an apology. Don’t you think so?"
Nathaniel narrowed his eyes dangerously, then finally let go, straightening Eugen’s white coat with a sharp tug. "You’d better clear things up with him. If you don’t, I swear I’ll end you."
"I will," Eugen said quickly, then added with a stubborn tilt of his chin, "but what about my apology?"
Nathaniel’s lips twisted in annoyance, his pride stinging. "Sorry," he muttered, looking away.
"What was that?" Eugen leaned closer, cupping his ear mockingly. "Didn’t quite catch that. Say it louder."
Nathaniel’s jaw clenched. He grabbed Eugen’s collar again and hissed, "Is this enough for you?"
"Alright, alright..." Eugen shoved his hands off and backed up. "Why do you always have to be so violent?"
"You’d better do as you promised, or I’ll come back and beat you for real." With that icy warning, Nathaniel turned and stormed out, slamming the door behind him.
Left alone, Eugen threw a few half-hearted punches and a kick at the empty air. "Come back if you dare—I’ll fight back this time," he barked. With a heavy sigh, he dropped into his chair, grumbling a string of curses under his breath.
Nathaniel strode into the parking lot, his pace brisk and heavy with irritation. But as he neared his car, he slowed, spotting a familiar figure casually leaning against the car beside his. His brows knitted as he stepped closer.
"Liam? Were you waiting for me?" he asked, suspicion lacing his tone.
His expression wavered as the earlier misunderstanding with Eugen flashed in his mind. "Listen... about what you saw in there—you got it wrong. Eugen and I..."
"I don’t care about your personal life or your sexuality," Liam interrupted flatly. "That’s not why I’m waiting for you. I have something important to tell you. Very important."