Chapter 83: Daddy, You Have to Doggedly Chase!
The wind picked up, chilling Galatea’s body as she sat on the deck of the yacht. She tightened her jacket around her, feeling more disordered than before. The beautiful evening had turned into something else entirely, and the tension between her and Alaric hung heavy in the air. What had started as a heartwarming birthday celebration had now spiraled into a confrontation that had left her more confused than ever.
Galatea glanced back at the cabin, where Alaric had retreated after their conversation. She stood at a crossroads—should she follow him inside, or should she leave? The situation felt so different now, like a distant memory of what had been a pleasant evening.
With no other choice, Galatea steeled herself and made her way back to the cabin.
“About earlier, if something I said upset you, I…” she began softly.
“You didn’t say anything wrong,” Alaric cut her off, his voice unexpectedly calm. “I was the one who wanted to get the marriage license from the start. It was all wishful thinking on my part. If you want to refuse, I respect that. From now on, you’re just my fiancée in name. All I ask is that you play the part in public. Other than that, I won’t force anything. Is that acceptable, Dr. Galatea?”
His words struck Galatea like a cold wave. Could he really be devoid of emotion when saying this? He had mentioned needing a wife earlier, but she hadn’t refused outright; she’d only tried to clarify her stance, and that had set him off.
Before she could say more, Alaric cut the conversation short. “It’s getting late. I have an early meeting tomorrow. I’m going to bed,” he announced curtly. “Goodnight.”
“Alright,” Galatea murmured softly, unsure whether he had actually fallen asleep or if he was simply pretending. She quietly slipped out of the bedroom and made her way back to the deck. The night sky above was breathtaking, and the sound of the waves brought a sense of peace as she settled herself on the deck.
Alaric’s words echoed in her mind, along with the memory of how carefully he had taken care of her when she was at the hospital. “He wouldn’t have stayed by your side in the hospital if he didn’t have feelings for you,” the voice of Mia echoed in her thoughts. Was she really that oblivious to it? Could Alaric actually have feelings for her?
She hadn’t let herself entertain such thoughts, and the mere idea of it filled her with dread. Galatea couldn’t help but mock herself. “Oh, Stellan Storm, how pitiful you are now.”
What had happened in the past was far too difficult to speak about with anyone, and it seemed to haunt her in ways she couldn’t escape. She was torn—she longed to find Mrs. Marigold to retrieve her eldest son, but at the same time, she didn’t want to suffer through the injustice of it all.
Beyond that one man, she hadn’t compromised herself with anyone else. She was certain the child was his. The DNA test results Mrs. Marigold had shown her must have been wrong, though she couldn’t understand where the error lay. After finding Mrs. Marigold, she wanted to clear things up—but the fear that Mrs. Marigold would refuse to return her child and take Elisa away again held her back. With such a significant issue unresolved, how could she possibly consider love or entertain the idea of marriage?
Galatea sighed in hesitation and glanced toward the cabin. Alaric must be asleep by now, right? But for some reason, sleep eluded her. She’d upset him, and now she felt the weight of that tension.
The next morning, Galatea waited outside the bedroom, trying to be patient. “Are you awake?” she asked eagerly as Alaric emerged.
“Uh-huh,” he replied lazily, adding, “After the yacht docks, I’ll take you home first. I’m going to be particularly busy for the next couple of days. I’ll call you on the day of the kick-off banquet.”
“Okay,” she replied, assuming he didn’t want to see her for a few days.
True to his word, the yacht docked, and Alaric took her home. Galatea, still feeling the remnants of their earlier conversation, turned to him.
“Thank you so much for celebrating my birthday last night, and I’m really sorry for upsetting you,” she said quietly.
“It’s fine. It was my fault,” Alaric replied, his tone surprisingly gentle. “You should get back now. You’re still recovering, so don’t work too late as an online doctor.”
“I know, you too,” she said softly.
“Uh-huh,” he acknowledged, and with that, he turned and walked away.
Galatea stood there, watching him leave, suddenly overcome with a feeling of guilt.
Alaric had just returned to the company when his phone rang. It was Harry calling.
“Daddy!” Harry exclaimed excitedly as soon as Alaric picked up. “Did you celebrate Mommy’s birthday last night? Was it super romantic?”
Harry had been holding back all night, afraid of interrupting their time together, but now he couldn’t hold back anymore.
“It was okay,” Alaric replied nonchalantly.
“Just okay?” Harry was taken aback. “With the yacht decorated so warmly, Mommy should have been moved to tears. How could it just be okay?”
Harry had designed the entire birthday setup, carefully considering his mother’s preferences. She cherished ceremonial sentiments and had a deep appreciation for romance. Surely, such a thoughtful surprise should have had a bigger impact than “just okay”?
Alaric chuckled wryly. “Caspian, your wishful thinking didn’t quite pan out this time. The mommy you’re so sure of isn’t that easy to win over, got it?”
“I don’t quite understand,” Harry said innocently, his words making Alaric momentarily lose his train of thought. The boy’s translation was spot on.
“Then you should just keep at it, doggedly,” Harry advised sagely. “I finally nodded in agreement to let you chase after her. You can’t just give up that easily. As the saying goes, the harder something is to get, the more precious it is. You have to really go for it!”
Alaric couldn’t help but laugh, though there was a hint of exasperation in his tone. “You sure know a lot for a little guy.”
“Just telling it like it is,” Harry replied with a grin.
“Alright, Caspian. Daddy’s gotta work now. See you tonight.”
“Okay, Daddy. See you tonight.”
After hanging up, Alaric let out a wry smile. “Chase after her doggedly? Me, a high-and-mighty tycoon, never thought I’d be reduced to this.”
When Galatea arrived home, she felt a deep sense of unease. The moment she stepped through the door, she caught Mia’s knowing gaze. It was a mischievous grin, the kind that suggested Mia was well aware of their little secret.
“Back already?” Mia asked with a teasing smile.
“Yeah,” Galatea hurriedly explained, “When I got his call yesterday, I didn’t expect him to take me out, so I—”
“I know,” Mia interrupted, her tone full of amusement. “A special birthday surprise. That’s what young people in love do these days.”
“Young people in love?” Galatea repeated, flustered.
“It’s not like that, Mia. I’m not in a relationship with him,” she quickly clarified.
“The flirting stage before dating,” Mia suggested with a grin. “I’ve never been in love myself, but I know enough to recognize the signs.”
“The flirting stage before dating?” Galatea echoed, her face turning even redder as the reality of the situation began to set in.