Chapter 24
Galatea stood silently on the sidelines, pretending to be immersed in the tense conversation unfolding before her. She couldn’t understand the full extent of Alaric’s explanation, but she knew one thing—she had to remain silent to avoid blowing her cover.
After Alaric’s words settled into the air, the Nash couple fell into a heavy silence, neither of them knowing quite what to say for a long time.
“I’m truly sorry things didn’t work out with Orion,” Alaric finally added, his voice sincere. “But I hope it won’t affect the relationship between our families.”
“Of course not,” Griffin Nash responded with a pained smile. “We all understand. After all, you two weren’t truly husband and wife. If there’s anyone to blame, it’s Orion for not stepping up.”
“Dad!” Orion’s voice, filled with frustration, echoed across the room. She had hoped her parents would come to her defense, but instead, Griffin remained unmoved, unwilling to fight a lost cause.
“Enough. Don’t say another word. You could have been a real family, but you blew it. This is all your fault. Now go back to your room!” Griffin’s voice was firm as he placed the blame squarely on his daughter.
“Dad, I’m the one who got dumped! How is this suddenly my fault? What did I do wrong?” Orion protested, her voice trembling with indignation.
“That’s enough. If your dad says go, then go,” Mrs. Ravenna Nash ordered with quiet authority, sensing the potential for more trouble. She swiftly pulled Orion upstairs, not wanting to escalate the situation any further.
The atmosphere in the room had grown cold and tense. Galatea couldn’t help but notice the venomous look Orion shot in her direction before hastily turning away.
“She’s just spoiled,” Griffin Nash said with a strained smile, turning to Galatea. “Don’t worry about it.”
Galatea gave a quick nod, not trusting herself to speak.
“Alaric, we all understand your situation. Just focus on being happy with Galatea, and leave our daughter to us. We’ll make sure she doesn’t bother you anymore,” Griffin continued, his voice attempting to sound reassuring. “But as for your mother, that’s something you’ll need to handle on your own. You know how she can be.”
“I understand, and I appreciate your understanding,” Alaric replied, his tone genuine but tinged with a hint of exhaustion.
Griffin smiled, though it was clearly strained, and then added, “I’ll instruct the kitchen to prepare dinner for tonight.”
“No need,” Alaric said as he stood up, taking Galatea by the hand. “We have other commitments and can’t stay for dinner, but thank you.”
“Of course,” Griffin said, his smile returning, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Just call me ahead of time, and I’ll have something delicious prepared for you.”
“Will do, thanks.”
Griffin escorted them to their car, watching them drive off. As soon as the car was out of sight, his smile faded, and he turned back toward the house, the weight of the evening settling heavily on him.
Inside, Orion was in tears, being consoled neither by her father nor by anyone else. “Neither my brother nor you two are on my side. Am I even your real daughter?” she cried, her voice breaking as she struggled against the hands that tried to soothe her.
Griffin entered the room, his expression stern. “Because you are our flesh and blood, we can’t stand to see you being taken for granted. He’s already brought another woman into our home. If you keep throwing yourself at him, aren’t you just insulting yourself? Where does the honor of the Nash family stand in all this?”
“Honor?” Orion shot back, her anger flaring. “What’s more important, your honor or my happiness? I’ve loved him for so many years. Finally, I’m on the brink of success, and then Galatea shows up out of nowhere. She has no right to compete with me for him!”
The mention of Galatea made Griffin pause, a flicker of recognition crossing his face. He murmured to himself, “Where have I seen Galatea before?”
After they left the Nash estate, Alaric and Galatea drove in silence. Galatea let out a sigh, feeling the awkwardness of the encounter weigh heavily on her shoulders.
“You handled yourself pretty well back there,” Alaric commented, breaking the silence.
“Thanks,” Galatea murmured, still processing everything that had happened.
She hadn’t completely figured out the complicated dynamics between Alaric, Orion, and the Nash family, but she had a rough idea. First, Orion is a famous TV star, the one she used to be infatuated with. And second, wasn’t Alaric sick?
Galatea thought about it, remembering the rumors she had heard about him. Not only does he have a severe physical illness, but there’s talk of mental health struggles as well. He sometimes has delusions where he believes everyone around him is his son. Yet, despite all of that, a female celebrity is still pursuing him. It’s a crazy world. Some women truly value looks above all else.
“As a doctor, I genuinely advise you to get hospitalized for your condition as soon as possible,” Galatea said, her concern showing. “Your symptoms could reoccur at any time. It’s irresponsible to drive by yourself. It’s a risk to both your life and others.”
Alaric raised an eyebrow, sarcasm lacing his tone. “Thinking you’re my fiancée now, are you?”
Galatea’s patience wore thin, and she snapped, “I’m clearly speaking as a doctor to a patient!” She turned her head away, frustrated. “What do I care about your well-being?”
Alaric huffed coldly, an almost amused look crossing his face. “Just remember what your business is and isn’t. You did a good job earlier, and the Nash family is mostly settled. But dealing with my mother will be trickier. So, brace yourself.”
Galatea, still unsure of what she had gotten herself into, responded with a mocking tone, “What, like those dreadful mothers-in-law from the TV shows?”
“Why should I care about your mother?” she retorted, her voice laced with frustration. “I’m not really planning to be with you.”
Alaric flashed her a knowing smile. “Where do you live? I’ll give you a ride.”
“148 Maple Street, Springfield,” Galatea replied, still a little wary of him.
“I’ve never heard of that place,” Alaric admitted, unfamiliar with the location.
“Trust me, it’s the kind of neighborhood where everyone would stop and stare if your fancy car rolled in,” Galatea remarked, a touch of sarcasm in her voice.
Alaric raised an eyebrow. That’s quite a description, he thought. But he didn’t question it further, focusing instead on the road as he followed her directions.
Moments later, as they neared her destination, Galatea, exhausted from the day’s events, drifted into sleep. Alaric glanced over at her, a little surprised by how soundly she had fallen asleep.
“Galatea? Galatea?” He called out, trying to wake her, but there was no response.
Frustrated, Alaric turned to the GPS, relying on it to get him to her address. Sure enough, it led him to a neighborhood that looked like the projects. He frowned. No wonder she’s bending over backward to charm my son. She’s probably just trying to snag a wealthy man.
As they approached her street, Galatea’s phone started to ring. Alaric noticed the caller ID, recognizing the name Elisa flashing across the screen. His curiosity piqued, he glanced down at the phone.
Is that her kid’s name?
The phone rang again, but Galatea didn’t stir, still asleep. Annoyed, Alaric grabbed the phone and answered it, his voice cold. “Hello?”
There was a pause on the other end before a male voice spoke, “Is this a man?” Elisa’s voice sounded startled.
Alaric raised an eyebrow, his patience wearing thin. “Isn’t it obvious?” he replied.
“My mom’s with a man at this hour? What’s your name? What’s your relationship with my mom? Why are you answering her phone? What have you done to her?” Elisa’s voice was full of suspicion.
Alaric couldn’t help but smirk. This little girl has some guts, he thought. But oddly, he found her feistiness kind of adorable.