Chapter 182: The Girl You Like is My Wife
When Galatea heard those words and saw Alaric’s posture, she froze. Alaric was going to carry her.
“Alaric, don’t act like a child,” she said, a playful edge in her voice. “You’re still worried about saving face at this point?”
Alaric gave an exasperated sigh. “Honey, I want to carry you because I’m really fit. It has nothing to do with saving face.”
Galatea raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical. Alaric, sensing her doubt, smiled wryly. “I used to be in the special forces. During training, I carried weights twice your weight. Come on, let’s go!”
This time, Alaric’s tone was firm, almost an order. Galatea realized that if she refused, it might hurt his pride.
“Fine, but you really need to be careful,” she said. “If you can’t carry me, just put me down.”
“If I can’t carry you, I’ll put you down. Now, get on my back.”
With a resigned smile, Galatea climbed onto Alaric’s back. The ease with which he lifted her made her feel at ease as she rested her head on his shoulder.
Alaric, feeling her relax against him, couldn’t help but smile. He began walking forward, his steps steady and sure.
“Is carrying me more comfortable than carrying those heavy weights during your training?” Galatea asked, amused.
Alaric grinned. “How can carrying weights compare to carrying my wife? That was hard work. This is happiness.”
“You’re getting smoother with your words,” she teased.
“That’s only for you,” he replied, his voice low and affectionate.
Galatea’s eyes sparkled as she smiled. “Well, I’m honored to witness this side of Mr. Alaric.”
As they walked back toward Nexus Innovations, Alaric continued carrying her, both of them comfortable in the quiet of the night. When they reached the rest area, they found the house already dark—Harry and Elisa had long since gone to sleep.
After their long walk, Alaric and Galatea enjoyed a relaxing bath together. The soothing warmth of the water made them both unwind. Galatea grew drowsy, and Alaric gently carried her out of the bathroom and into the bedroom.
He placed her on the bed, then leaned over, propping himself up with one hand beside her face. His gaze was intense, captivating.
Galatea looked up at him, raising an eyebrow. “What are you up to now? You just got better today. Don’t mess around.”
Alaric’s expression softened, but his tone was playful. “Sometimes, Mrs. Knight, you really have a short memory. I’ve told you before—the last thing a man wants is to be doubted.”
Galatea couldn’t help but feel exasperated. She had come to understand his thought process, but it seemed like it was too late to stop him now.
When she realized Alaric’s true intentions, she was at a loss for words. “Once you start… can you stop?” she asked, almost helplessly.
Alaric pretended to think for a moment, then answered seriously, “It just means you’re so charming that I can’t resist.”
Galatea was speechless, not knowing whether to laugh or roll her eyes.
Though she couldn’t resist what followed, Alaric had learned his lesson. The last time, she’d asked him to take precautions, and this time, he did.
Once it was all over, Galatea exhaled, her tone casual. “Alright, let’s just sleep. The medication reaction is gone, and there’s no need for any of this.”
“Yes, no need for it,” Alaric agreed, pulling her close. “Let’s sleep.”
They settled into the bed, holding each other as they drifted into a peaceful slumber. The warmth of their embrace kept them both comfortable, and they woke up the next morning, refreshed, when the first rays of sunlight filtered through the room.
It was the second day without the medication’s side effects. Alaric, now fully himself, needed to attend to some work.
“I have some work to take care of today,” he said, rubbing his eyes. “You rest here.”
Galatea nodded. “You go ahead with your work. I plan to go find Cormac and ask about Ravenna Nash. Although Orion and his daughter aren’t friendly toward us, Ravenna Nash has always been kind. I’m worried about her sudden change. Plus, Cormac has always been good to me.”
“Alright, but make sure James accompanies you,” Alaric instructed. “Call me if you need anything.”
“Got it,” Galatea replied, already reaching for her phone.
She contacted Cormac and, with James at her side, set out to meet him. Once she had left, Alaric sat in his office, lost in thought for a moment before giving instructions to Silas.
“Bring Ambrose over,” he said, his tone cool and measured.
Ambrose arrived shortly after, as composed and serious as ever.
“Mr. Alaric, what can I do for you?” Ambrose asked politely.
Alaric gestured for him to sit. “Silas mentioned that you came to see me when I wasn’t in the office.”
Ambrose nodded. “Yes, the project deadline was moved up, so we had to adjust some schedules. I wanted to show you the updates, but you weren’t available.”
Alaric waved a hand dismissively. “Such minor matters should be handled by the head of the engineering department. There’s no need for you to come personally.”
Ambrose’s face faltered slightly, but he recovered quickly. “I see. I’ll coordinate directly with the engineering team next time and won’t trouble you again.”
Alaric smiled faintly. “Good. By the way, Ambrose, I’ve been meaning to ask. Weren’t you previously employed at the Storm Group? I recently came across the news of their bankruptcy. It’s a pity that such a prominent company collapsed.”
Ambrose stiffened at the mention of the Storm Group but remained composed. “The bankruptcy happened seven years ago. Why the sudden interest in it, Mr. Alaric?”
“As businesspeople, we must always be prepared for the worst,” Alaric said. “Success and failure both teach valuable lessons. The downfall of a company like Storm Group is full of insights.”
Ambrose nodded. “Indeed. The Storm Group’s collapse was due to mismanagement and a lack of integrity from Mr. Storm Senior. It shows that honesty is essential, or the consequences will follow.”
Alaric’s smile was thin, his tone sharp. “That’s true. But there’s something that really puzzles me. When Storm Group fell, Brennan Storm committed suicide, and other shareholders went to jail. Yet, you managed to walk away unscathed. How did that happen?”
Ambrose’s smile faltered, his eyes briefly flickering with discomfort. “It was just luck,” he said quickly. “I happened to resign a few days before the trouble started. Pure coincidence.”
“To resign just before the storm hit… you were certainly lucky,” Alaric remarked, his voice low.
Ambrose’s demeanor shifted, and he no longer seemed eager to continue the conversation. Alaric’s insinuations were becoming too direct, and the subtle hints were starting to lose their effect.
“Mr. Alaric,” Ambrose said, his voice steady but with a trace of irritation, “Your words seem to carry a deeper implication. Why don’t you just come out and say what you mean?”
Alaric leaned forward, his expression unflinching. “In that case, let me be direct. The current Galatea is the former Stellan Storm, your ex-girlfriend.”
Ambrose’s eyes widened in realization, and Alaric didn’t miss the subtle shift in his expression.
“I remember our first dinner together,” Alaric continued, a slight edge to his voice. “You mentioned your special feelings for Arizona because the girl you liked was there. At that time, I never imagined that the girl you’ve always liked turned out to be my wife.”