Chapter 141: A Quiet Escape
“Miss, we’ve arrived.” James’s voice broke the silence of the car, bringing Galatea’s thoughts back to the present. After answering Alaric’s call and following his instructions, she had asked James to drive her to the hotel. The car stopped in front of an elegant, towering building, and Galatea glanced out the window. The hotel was a five-star establishment, its glowing lights reflecting the luxury of the place.
Alaric had been seeking an escape—away from the noise and drama at home. Wanting nothing more than a quiet evening, he had booked a presidential suite at this hotel, hoping to find the peace and solitude he desperately needed. Galatea, now standing before the hotel, felt the weight of the situation. She had the room number Alaric had given her, and it felt strange—especially considering their last encounter at a hotel had been far from friendly. Despite the awkwardness, Galatea couldn’t deny the anticipation and a bit of nervousness as she made her way inside. What would the evening bring?
As Galatea entered the hotel, a private bodyguard informed Ambrose immediately. “CEO Ambrose, Galatea has entered the Milan Hotel.”
“Milan Hotel?” Ambrose frowned, taken aback. It was late, and if Galatea was here, Alaric would most certainly be with her. He grabbed his car keys without hesitation and rushed out of the building, driving swiftly to the Milan Hotel. Once inside, he approached the front desk and greeted the receptionist, Linda Williams.
“Good evening. Do you have a presidential suite available?” Ambrose asked, his tone calm but authoritative.
“We have one left, sir,” Linda replied, offering a polite smile.
Ambrose had already done his research, and his next question came smoothly. “So, there are two presidential suites, correct?”
“Yes, room 8808 is still available,” she confirmed.
Ambrose nodded thoughtfully. “Which means room 8807 is already taken?”
“Yes, sir,” Linda said.
“I’m a bit particular about my accommodations,” Ambrose continued smoothly, handing over a black card, signaling his wealth and status. “I’d like to see the room before making a decision.”
Linda didn’t hesitate. “Of course, sir.”
As they made their way to the top floor, Ambrose’s eyes caught sight of room 8807. He instinctively narrowed them, knowing full well that Galatea and Alaric were likely in that room. After inspecting the other suite, Ambrose chose one with a view of room 8807 from the window.
Meanwhile, Galatea had arrived at room 8807, following Alaric’s directions. The room was everything one could expect from a presidential suite—spacious, luxurious, and richly decorated.
“Alaric?” Galatea called out as she stepped inside, immediately recognizing the room’s layout.
“I’ll be right out. Just wait a moment,” Alaric’s voice came from the bathroom, a bit muffled by the sound of running water.
Alaric had been feeling restless. After they arrived, he had immediately soaked in the bathtub, hoping the warmth would help him relax. However, upon hearing Galatea’s voice, he reluctantly emerged from the water, the sounds of the shower following soon after.
The atmosphere in the room felt heavier now, charged with unspoken tension. Galatea felt it too—she couldn’t ignore the undercurrent of something more intimate hanging in the air. What would happen after Alaric finished bathing? She wasn’t sure how to respond if he wanted to take things further. She had no experience in such matters, and the uncertainty left her feeling uneasy.
Alaric emerged from the bathroom soon after, his wet hair still glistening with water droplets. His head was slightly lowered, letting the water fall in beads down his face. The steam that clung to his body only added to his allure, giving his features a mystifying glow. His bathrobe hung loosely, revealing his toned chest, and Galatea couldn’t help but feel her heart race. He had an air of restraint, yet it was clear that he was powerful, even in this moment of vulnerability.
Galatea quickly averted her gaze, suddenly flustered. She cleared her throat, trying to regain composure. “I thought you’d either come find me or invite me over to your place… not meet me at a hotel.”
Alaric shrugged casually, “It’s quieter here. I needed to get away from everything for a while.”
Galatea understood, sensing that Alaric was still grappling with some unresolved tension. He wasn’t in a great mood, but she didn’t press him further.
“Are you okay?” Galatea asked softly, her concern genuine. She remembered that he had only just been discharged from the hospital and knew his body hadn’t fully healed yet.
Alaric gave her a reassuring smile. “I’m fine,” he said, though his voice carried a hint of weariness. He then added sincerely, “I’m sorry for everything that happened. For involving you in this mess.”
Galatea’s mind briefly wandered back to the public scandal, especially after Orion’s clarification that Galatea wasn’t Caspian’s mother. The comments online had been harsh, many of them cruel and hurtful. Yet, Galatea wasn’t too shaken by it.
“It’s fine,” Galatea said with a soft smile. “Just some ignorant people online. I don’t mind. As long as I know the truth, that’s all that matters.”
Alaric nodded in agreement, his expression softening as he stepped closer to her. “You’re right. Having a clear conscience is what matters.” He embraced her gently, his lips brushing against her ear in a light kiss. “Thank you for being here tonight. You really lifted my spirits.”
Galatea smiled, feeling the warmth of his words. “If I can make you feel better, then this evening wasn’t wasted.”
Alaric’s gaze softened, and he asked, “Any questions for me?”
Galatea hesitated for a moment before speaking. “You told me Orion was Caspian’s mother. Were you deceiving me?”
Alaric didn’t hesitate. “No,” he said firmly.
Galatea gave a small nod. “Okay, then. I don’t have any more questions.”
Alaric raised an eyebrow in surprise. “Is that all? You only had one question?”
Galatea smiled. “Well, as you said, the past is the past. And besides, you came here to find peace, to clear your mind. If I keep dragging up past issues, I’ll defeat the whole purpose of tonight.”
A small smile tugged at Alaric’s lips. “My future wife is truly understanding.”
Galatea felt a slight warmth spread across her cheeks at the mention of the title, though she didn’t protest. “I want to meet Caspian,” she said, her voice filled with sincerity. She had been deeply moved by Harry’s reaction to Orion’s revelation. Galatea hadn’t met Caspian yet, but she could empathize with his pain.
Alaric smiled knowingly. “You’ve already met Caspian… you just didn’t know it.”
Galatea blinked in confusion. “Why are you laughing? Do you agree or not?”
“Of course, I agree,” Alaric said. “But I want you to be prepared. It might be quite a shock.”
Galatea, still unsure of his meaning, furrowed her brow. “Are you overthinking this? I’m not scared of Caspian. I’ve worked as a surgeon—I’m used to dealing with tough situations. I’m not afraid of him.”
Alaric chuckled softly, clearly amused. “That’s right, Dr. Galatea. You’re fearless. Not many people could say they’re used to performing surgery on bodies, but you do it every day.”
Galatea rolled her eyes, a small grin appearing on her lips. “You’re being sarcastic again.”
Her tone grew more serious as she changed the subject. “Did you take your medication before leaving?”
Alaric shook his head. “No.”
Galatea’s frustration was instant. “You’re the worst kind of patient—the one who doesn’t listen to doctors!”
She shook her head in disbelief. “Did you even bring the medication with you?”
Instead of answering, Alaric stepped behind her, wrapping his arms around her. He leaned in and kissed her neck gently, sending a shiver down her spine. Galatea froze, the sudden intimacy taking her by surprise. The sensation of his lips against her skin left her speechless, and for a moment, she simply stood still in his embrace, heart racing.