Chapter 60
After Galatea received her injection, Alaric suggested, “How about we take another stroll outside today?”
“I’d like to try walking on my own,” Galatea replied. “I feel like I’ve gained some strength.”
“Alright, I’ll support you,” Alaric offered, noticing her reluctance but deciding to help nonetheless.
“I’ve wiped you down, carried you, and now I’m just holding you up. What’s all the fuss about?” Alaric teased, his tone light but firm. “Listen to me!”
Galatea honestly felt like cursing at that moment, but she didn’t.
With a bit of struggle, Alaric helped her out of bed. Her first few steps were shaky and painful, but they managed to proceed.
“If it’s too much, don’t push yourself,” Alaric cautioned.
“It’s okay, I think I can do it,” Galatea said with determination. She leaned on the handrails outside her hospital room, moving forward with Alaric’s careful support.
“Stop if you need to,” he reminded her after some time.
“I’ll keep going a bit longer,” Galatea replied. The walk was difficult but manageable, and it felt like progress. It was her first attempt at walking since the accident, and though painful, it wasn’t too bad. With each passing day, she would get out of bed to walk—first with Alaric’s assistance, then gradually doing more on her own, until eventually, she would be able to walk entirely by herself.
After a comprehensive examination that day, the doctor nodded approvingly. “You’re recovering faster than expected. A few more days of observation, and if there are no issues, you can be discharged.”
Having been hospitalized for over a month, Galatea feared that if she stayed any longer, she might forget how to walk altogether.
“Just because you’re discharged doesn’t mean you’re out of the woods. With your condition, don’t even think about going back to work for six months. Get plenty of rest, avoid overexerting yourself, and try to stay upbeat. Don’t let your emotions swing too wildly,” the doctor advised.
“Okay,” Galatea replied, understanding the gravity of the situation. As a doctor herself, she knew how demanding her job was, and with her current physical state, returning to work in the near future was out of the question.
At least six months? The thought is worrisome. That means no income for half a year.
“Thank you, Doctor,” Alaric said gratefully as the doctor left. He turned to Galatea and added, “There’s something I haven’t told you. The guy who caused the accident says he’s broke and would rather do jail time than pay you any compensation.”
Galatea could only offer a muted acknowledgment. The revelation didn’t seem to surprise her, but it was still frustrating.
“If money’s tight, I can lend you some,” Alaric said, his tone casual but deliberate.
“No need,” Galatea replied quickly. “I already owe you half a million, with the promise of being your private physician to pay it off. If I borrowed more, wouldn’t I be indebted to you for a lifetime? Don’t worry, Mr. Knight, I’ve got savings. I won’t starve.”
“Alright then, if you don’t want the loan, I won’t insist,” Alaric said with a shrug.
“I don’t want it!” Galatea said firmly, then stood up. “I’m going to take a walk in the garden. Don’t follow me!”
With that, she turned and slowly made her way outside. Watching her walk with difficulty, Alaric couldn’t help but shake his head and smile. She was determined, even if it was hard.
Once in the garden, Galatea seated herself on a bench. Her phone suddenly rang. It was Elisa.
It’s been over a month since I’ve seen Elisa. I’ve missed her.
“Hello, Elisa.”
“Mom, did you run off to tour the world with Mr. Knight? How long are you going to be away? You and your future hubby are having fun traveling and forgot you have two kids?” Elisa’s voice teased, but there was a hint of concern underneath.
“I’ll be back in three or four days,” Galatea replied, smiling at the sound of her daughter’s voice.
“Really?” Elisa’s voice brightened. “That’s fantastic! And it’s almost your birthday. We can celebrate it together when you get back!”
Birthday? Had Elisa not mentioned it, I would have completely forgotten.
“How sweet that my Elisa remembers my birthday.”
“I’m your angel, of course I remembered,” Elisa responded proudly. “Alright, Mom, you and Mr. Knight have fun. I’ll be waiting at home.”
After hanging up, Elisa reached for the black card she had set aside. She had made up her mind.
She decided to use Harry’s money to buy Mom an extraordinary birthday gift.
“Harry, don’t just sit around at home. Come with me. We’re going out.”
Elisa grabbed Harry’s hand and dragged him out the door.
“Why’d you drag me to the mall?” Harry grumbled, clearly displeased. Shopping with girls was his least favorite activity, and he knew he was about to endure a lot of it.
“To get Mom a birthday present. Did you forget her birthday is coming up?”
“Of course not. Isn’t it still over two weeks away?” Harry said, rolling his eyes.
“That’s exactly why we need to start preparing now!” Elisa’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “I want to get Mom a really beautiful necklace. She’s such an elegant and lovely lady. She deserves the finest jewelry.”
“Elisa, didn’t we just agree not to be reckless with money?” Harry tried to reason.
“Wow, there’s the jewelry store!” Elisa didn’t hear a word he said as she dashed inside, instantly falling in love with a particular necklace.
“Excuse me. How much is this necklace? I’d like to buy it!” Elisa asked the sales associate eagerly.
The sales associate smiled at her enthusiasm and replied, “Young lady, this is an exquisite and costly piece. If you want it, you should get an adult to purchase it for you.”
“I’m getting a birthday surprise for Mom. She can’t know about it,” Elisa said confidently, whipping out a sleek black credit card. “Don’t worry, I’ve got the funds.”
The sales associate, who had initially been skeptical, now recognized the black card and her demeanor shifted instantly.
“Alright, sweetheart, you want this one? Let me wrap it up for you.” She swiped the card quickly and prompted, “Please enter the PIN.”
Elisa glanced at Harry, signaling for him to enter the PIN. Harry froze.
How was I supposed to know the PIN for Caspian’s card?
“Sorry, ma’am, just a moment,” Harry said, pulling Elisa aside. “Elisa, have you lost your mind? Buying such an expensive necklace—do you even realize what you’re doing?”
“Harsh, Harry. Since when did you become so stingy? It’s a birthday present for Mom. You’re loaded, and you still can’t be generous?” Elisa’s tone was hurt. “Harry, we’re talking about Mom—the one who raised us on her own, pinching pennies, barely spending on herself so she could take care of us. Now that you’ve made it big, can’t we splurge a little on her? I’m heartbroken. You’re just an ungrateful kid.”
Harry stayed silent, feeling the weight of her words.
“Come on, if you’re starting to feel guilty, it’s not too late. Go enter that PIN.”
“I don’t know the PIN.”
“It’s your card, and you don’t know your PIN? Harry, are you lying now just to avoid paying for Mom’s gift?”
Suddenly, Harry felt trapped in a web of lies, each one piled upon another, all to keep the illusion alive.
What now? he wondered.