Richard's words really touched Pearl.
"Okay, I'll be more careful, promise," Pearl said, her head still downcast in frustration. "But I took the blow for you. Can you please stop arguing withabout it?" Seeing Pearl's swollen hand broke Richard's heart. It hurt him more than when he was hurt himself. "Please, don't put yourself in danger like that again. You know that nothing will happen to me." It wasn't easy though, especially when Hugo tried to attack Richard. But Richard was fast and nimble, making it hard for Hugo to hurt him.
"But I couldn't bear the thought of something happening to you. If he had succeeded, he could've really stabbed you. I'd rather he cut my hand." It wasn't just a wound. If the cut had been deeper and hit Pearl's wrist, she could've lost the use of her hand.
Richard took a deep breath. "Regardless, your safety comes first." Stunned, Pearl smiled. "What's the second then?" Without hesitation, Richard replied, "Our future kid, of course." Pearl was taken aback, not expecting such an answer from him. "Do you want a child that badly?" "No, no, don't worry. I mean, if we have a kid someday, then-" Pearl interrupted him and hugged him tightly. "Then let's have one." Richard was shocked by her sudden proposal. "What did you say?" "Why? Don't you want that?" "Of course, I do," Richard said sincerely. He had seen his et colleagues start families and play with their adorable babies, and he wanted that too, especially with Pear. The child would be the fruit of their love. And when Pearl grinned and suggested it, his heart raced with excitement.
Nervously, he held her uninjured hand and asked, "Do you really want to have a baby with me? Or are you just saying it to makehappy? I'|| be happy either way, you know. We don't have to-" "Richard, I've known you for four years," Pearl interrupted, her voice muffled against his chest. "I know you well enough. I just want you to be happy. That's one reason why I want this." He had always been the one to make her happy, so she wanted to do something for him this time.
"You won't regret it?" "Never. When have I ever regretted anything I said..." Pearl suddenly punched him in frustration, forgetting he was holding her hand. She winced in pain, tears threatening to spill.
Richard wanted to laugh but felt sorry for her instead.