Chapter 134
When Josep asked about Galatea’s relationship with the friend she was helping, she was momentarily taken aback. She hadn’t expected him to bring up such a personal topic. She awkwardly smiled and replied, “Just a friend.”
Josep, however, seemed to read between the lines, his tone playful yet knowing. “He must be an opposite-sex friend.”
Galatea sighed, helplessly. “Josep, you’re a bit talkative. He’s just an ordinary friend,” she quickly clarified, not wanting to delve into more personal details.
“Alright, if you don’t want to say, I won’t ask,” Josep said, his voice softening with concern. “I haven’t asked you how you’ve been since you returned. How’s everything going there?”
Galatea took a breath and answered honestly. “It’s fine. I rented a shop and plan to open a clinic soon.”
Josep had always been supportive, especially after she joined the research institute. He had no family of his own, so he took on a protective role for her, always looking out for her well-being. Naturally, she felt comfortable telling him about her recent endeavors.
“You’re capable enough, Galatea. You should be working on groundbreaking treatments, not running a small clinic. You could be solving cancer and other terminal illnesses at the research institute. It’s a waste of your talent to settle for this,” Josep remarked, his admiration for her skills evident in his voice.
Galatea smiled softly, though there was a hint of sadness in her expression. “The goal is the same: to heal and save lives. It doesn’t matter if it’s through groundbreaking research or a small clinic.”
Josep’s tone softened, tinged with regret. “You’re right, but the impact… it’s different. Anyway, if you ever change your mind and want to come back, the research institute will always be here for you. We need people like you.”
“Alright, I understand, Josep,” Galatea said gratefully. “Let me know when you have time to review the medical records. I’ll be waiting for your response.”
After hanging up the phone, Galatea took a moment to think about what he had said. She had once dreamed of staying at the research institute, of devoting her life to helping others on a larger scale. But now, her priorities were shifting. Perhaps her true calling lay in this small clinic, even if it wasn’t what everyone expected of her.
Galatea sent Alaric’s detailed medical records along with her treatment plan to Josep. As she did, her thoughts lingered on his words. She hadn’t realized how much she missed the research institute until now. But she was determined to make her own path, even if it was different from what others envisioned.
Meanwhile, Alaric, who had been lying in bed, overheard parts of Galatea’s conversation. He didn’t catch everything, but he heard enough to know how much the research institute meant to her. From the way she spoke, it was clear that her passion for medicine extended far beyond just healing individuals—she wanted to change the world.
Alaric also understood that Galatea came from a wealthy background, though she had always been humble and selfless. Unlike Orion Nash, who was prideful and arrogant, Galatea never let herself be taken advantage of. She endured many hardships to help others, and it was that quality that made her so special.
As Galatea finished sending the information, she looked over the treatment plan one last time, making a few adjustments before finally succumbing to exhaustion. Without realizing it, she fell asleep at her desk.
When she awoke, she found herself lying on the bed beside Alaric. He had already started receiving his intravenous drip again, now twice a day. The sun had risen, and the room was bathed in soft light.
“I slept on the bed,” Galatea murmured, realizing what had happened. She must have fallen asleep at the desk, and Alaric had carried her to the bed.
Alaric chuckled, his voice filled with amusement. “Your quality of sleep is really enviable. You could be stolen and sold, and you wouldn’t even know it.”
Galatea flushed, feeling embarrassed, especially since the nurse had probably seen her sleeping deeply. The thought of being caught in such an unflattering position made her uneasy.
“I’ll go make breakfast for you,” she said quickly, eager to change the subject.
Alaric shook his head. “I’ve already eaten. I left some breakfast for you.”
“Did you buy it?” Galatea asked, her voice filled with guilt.
“It was brought by the assistant,” Alaric replied, casually.
“Silas brought it!” Galatea felt even more embarrassed now. How many people had come by while she had been asleep?
Alaric just smiled, enjoying her discomfort. He didn’t say anything more, merely watching her with a gentle smile on his face.
“I’ll go wash up and then have breakfast,” Galatea said, eager to move on from the awkward moment.
She went into the bathroom, leaving Alaric to continue lounging in bed with that indulgent smile still on his face.
When Galatea returned and sat down at the dining table, she ate quietly, her head down, avoiding eye contact with Alaric. She finished her breakfast in silence, lost in her thoughts.
Once she was done, Alaric spoke up, breaking the silence. “After my drip this morning, I can leave the hospital.”
Galatea looked up, concerned. “You’re leaving today? Alaric, your body hasn’t fully recovered yet. Don’t push yourself too hard.”
“I’m fine,” Alaric reassured her.
Galatea sighed, still worried. “Then don’t overwork yourself, especially don’t stay up late.”
“Don’t worry,” Alaric said with a soft smile. “By the way, I haven’t finalized your treatment plan. Once it’s confirmed, I’ll start the treatment. You need to fully cooperate with me. Otherwise, it won’t work.”
Alaric’s sudden compliance made Galatea uneasy. There was something about his change in tone that made her cautious. He was acting too agreeable, too easy to please.
“Alright,” she said, unsure how to respond.
Alaric reached out, pulling her close with the arm that wasn’t hooked to the IV drip. He looked at her tenderly, his voice low. “After I’m discharged, I need to talk to Mrs. Marigold about something, and I also have some unfinished business at the company. I might not have time for you for a while, but please don’t turn off your phone or blacklist me. I’ll find you when I’m free.”
Galatea’s heart fluttered at his gentle tone. There was something so irresistible about the way he spoke, as if he was coaxing her into believing his every word. For a brief moment, she felt swept up in his charm, her resolve slipping away.
She nodded, though a part of her felt uncertain. Was this the beginning of something real? She wondered.
Alaric smiled faintly, as though he knew exactly what she was thinking. He leaned in and kissed her softly on the lips.
It was strange, she thought. They hadn’t established a real relationship, but somehow, they were falling into a familiar, almost normal romance.
Later, as Alaric was about to be discharged, Galatea helped him pack his things and completed the discharge procedures. Once everything was set, Alaric’s drip was finished, and he was ready to leave.
“Are you going to the shop?” Alaric asked as they stepped out of the hospital room.
“Yes, I’m going to check on the progress of the renovation,” Galatea replied.
James, Alaric’s driver, was waiting for them outside. Alaric sat in the back with Galatea, while James drove them to her shop.
“It’s not close to your home, and taking a taxi isn’t convenient. I’ll arrange a car for you,” Alaric said, but Galatea immediately protested.
“No need.”
“Listen to me,” Alaric interrupted, his voice firm but kind. “I’ll have James contact you later. If you need a car, just call him.”
Galatea nodded reluctantly. “Alright.”
He dropped her off at the shop, but before she could leave the car, Alaric stopped her.
“Remember what I said, Galatea,” he said softly. “You’re still in the recovery period. Don’t overwork yourself. If you need anything, call me. If I’m busy, I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.”
“Okay,” she nodded, her heart fluttering at his concern.
Alaric smiled, kissed her again, and then let her go. Galatea stood by the car, watching him leave with a soft smile. It felt like the beginning of a sweet romance, and though she was cautious, her heart couldn’t help but ache with longing.
As Alaric drove away, Galatea turned and headed into her shop, her thoughts still on him.
Alaric didn’t go home after dropping Galatea off. Instead, he drove straight to the house where Mrs. Marigold was staying. When she saw him, she was surprised.
“You’ve been discharged?”
“Yes, I’m fine now,” Alaric said, not wanting to waste any time. “Mom, let’s talk about what you mentioned on the phone last time. About Caspian.”