Chapter 163: Unexpected Encounters
Galatea hadn’t expected to wake up so early. When she saw Alaric standing before her, the events of the previous night came rushing back, and she suddenly remembered something that made her fully awake.
“How did I fall asleep?” Galatea smacked her forehead in regret. “I was waiting for you to come back with the medicine. How did I end up falling asleep?”
Alaric chuckled. “I’ve always said your ability to sleep is enviable. You fall asleep as soon as your head hits the pillow.”
Galatea glanced at the clock and let out a small sigh of relief. “Luckily, it’s still within the effective time.”
She quickly got up, grabbed a pill, and swallowed it with some water. Alaric could only shake his head in amusement.
He had been thinking a lot lately about their future. He wanted to have a child with Galatea, but her resistance had kept him from pushing her.
“Dr. Galatea, are you planning to start my treatment today?” Alaric asked, breaking the silence.
“Yes,” Galatea answered, nodding. “Just a friendly reminder though—make sure to eat a proper breakfast. If you don’t, you won’t be able to eat much once the treatment begins. Conservatively speaking, you could lose at least 4.5 pounds during it.”
“I see.” Alaric said, taking note of her advice. “How about I take you out for breakfast this morning?”
“Sure,” Galatea replied without hesitation.
A Trip Down Memory Lane
After that, they both headed to the car, but as they drove further than she expected, Galatea raised an eyebrow.
“Just for breakfast, we’re driving this far?” she asked. “Where are you taking me?”
“We’re almost there,” Alaric replied with a mysterious smile.
Soon, Alaric parked the car outside a small breakfast shop, and they both got out. Galatea’s eyes widened in surprise when she saw the shop.
“You like the barbecue here,” Alaric said, noticing her shocked expression. “It’s been a while since you’ve been here.”
Galatea stood still for a moment, her mind flashing back to a time when she had brought Caspian here. That was the day he had called the police, and shortly after, she was arrested. It was a bittersweet memory, one that made her pause.
“How do you remember this place?” she asked incredulously.
Alaric smiled knowingly. “I noticed you liked the barbecue here, so I made a mental note of it.”
“Are you planning to eat here too?” she asked, still processing the fact that Alaric had remembered such a small detail.
“Of course,” he replied with a grin.
“Does the esteemed Mr. Alaric want to have breakfast in such a small, humble place?” Galatea teased.
Alaric pinched her cheek, his grin widening. “Don’t be so sarcastic. I’ve endured a lot in the military. I’m not that picky.”
Galatea laughed softly. “I forgot you used to be a soldier. A good man who can cook and take care of children.”
Alaric raised an eyebrow. “If you keep teasing me like this, tonight I might just have to…”
“Alright, alright, I’ll stop,” Galatea interrupted, still laughing. “Let’s go eat.”
A Cozy Breakfast
Sitting together at the small table, the warm atmosphere between them was comforting. The food was simple but delicious, the kind of meal that reminded Galatea of home.
“The barbecue here really is amazing,” Galatea commented after taking a bite. “So many great dishes are found in little, unassuming places like this. Big hotels can’t replicate these flavors.”
“You’re right,” Alaric agreed, savoring his own bite. “I think what Mrs. Knight said about food is definitely true.”
Galatea lowered her head to take another bite, but her words were teasing. “You haven’t married me yet, so don’t get ahead of yourself.”
Alaric chuckled. “I’m not getting ahead of myself. Just making an observation.”
A Reminder of Duty
After a peaceful breakfast, Galatea’s phone alarm went off, snapping her out of her pleasant mood.
[Ravenna Nash’s chemotherapy.]
Galatea winced. “I almost forgot. Today’s the day for Ravenna’s chemotherapy. I’ll have to postpone your treatment for now.”
Alaric raised an eyebrow. “Are you going to the Nash family today?”
“Yes,” Galatea answered. “I’ve been giving Ravenna her chemotherapy injections regularly. Her treatment is going well this time, so I can’t afford to delay it.”
Alaric didn’t hesitate. “Alright, I’ll accompany you.”
Galatea turned to him, surprised. “You’re coming with me?”
“Yes,” Alaric replied simply. “I want to support you, and I also need to find out more about the situation indirectly. I can’t just ask Griffon about the DNA incident outright. I need to gather information in another way.”
Galatea wasn’t sure if she should press him on the matter, but she didn’t ask. Instead, she simply nodded, knowing that it was pointless to argue with him once he’d made up his mind.
Meanwhile, Rook’s Search
While Galatea and Alaric were heading to the Nash family, Rook was deep in his own investigation. He had skipped breakfast, preoccupied with his mission. His focus was entirely on finding the doctor who had delivered Stellan Storm.
After some effort, Rook managed to track down the doctor’s whereabouts. He called Mrs. Marigold to update her.
“Mrs. Marigold, Aminta has been transferred to another hospital. She’s no longer at Serenity Heights Medical Center.”
“Then find out where she’s been transferred to and ask her directly!” Mrs. Marigold snapped. “This is such a simple matter. Why are you making it so complicated? Rook, you’re getting more and more forgetful as you age!”
Rook winced at her sharp tone but didn’t take offense. He knew she was only upset because she was relying on him for answers.
“Understood,” Rook replied. “I’ll find out where Aminta is now.”
To his surprise, the search went smoothly. He was able to find her quickly, much to his relief.