Chapter 124
Ambrose’s fury reached its peak when he saw them kissing. The sight of Alaric and Galatea locked in an intimate embrace sent him into a frenzy. With a loud crash, he smashed a tall glass with his bare hands, his blood mingling with the shattered pieces on the floor. His anger burned hot as he watched them kiss so boldly in broad daylight, a sight that cut through him like a knife.
Galatea had been kissed by Alaric many times before, but this one felt entirely different. The previous kisses had been forceful, like commands or punishments, but this time it was different. This kiss was gentle, tender, almost as if he was savoring it, and it intoxicated them both. It wasn’t about power or control, but a soft connection that left both of them breathless. It felt like a balance of fire and ice—intense, yet refreshing. It was a sweetness she hadn’t experienced in a long time, a sensation that surged from the depths of their kiss, bringing warmth to her soul.
They kissed for a long time before Alaric finally pulled away, his cheeks flushed and his eyes locking onto hers with a knowing glint. “Do you like this feeling?” he asked, his voice low.
Galatea’s face heated up even more, her pulse racing as she quickly looked away, afraid her emotions would betray her. “You jerk, always making these sudden attacks and taking advantage of me!” she scolded, pushing him away with a huff.
Alaric only smirked in response, his amusement clear. “After we finish eating, hurry back to the hospital,” she continued, trying to regain some composure.
He didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he surveyed the small clinic, nodding approvingly. “This clinic, whether it be its location or spatial arrangements, is quite good. Dr. Galatea has great taste.”
Galatea managed a small smile, pleased by his compliment. “Thank you for the compliment, Mr. Alaric.”
Alaric’s expression turned more serious. “However, Everpeace Street is full of jerks. I hope nobody causes trouble for you.”
Galatea shrugged, trying to sound casual. “Nobody is. Even though I’ve had my share of difficulties, nothing’s happened recently.” She wanted to reassure him, even though there were always risks when you were alone in a place like this.
He gave her a thoughtful look before continuing. “That’s good. Oh, and one more thing: my mom is back.”
Galatea’s eyebrows shot up. Mrs. Marigold? The woman who was feared by everyone in Alaric’s circle? “Oh, so… are you going to take me to meet her?” she asked, her heart suddenly racing. She was now his fiancée, so meeting his mother seemed inevitable.
“No rush,” Alaric replied. “Wait until I’ve completely convinced her.”
“Convince her?” Galatea repeated, confused.
“My mom is stubborn, feudal, superstitious, dominant, and self-centered,” Alaric explained. “She’s especially difficult to get along with.”
Galatea laughed at his blunt honesty. “Who else talks about their mother like you?” she teased, shaking her head.
“It’s the truth,” he replied with a shrug. “But don’t worry. I won’t let her bully you.”
Galatea was taken aback by his words. He really cares about me, she thought. But then her mind drifted. Wait, our relationship is still fake, isn’t it? What am I daydreaming about?
“Well,” she said, trying to push the thought away, “if we do meet someday, she’s the elder. I’ll naturally respect her. Why would she bully a polite woman like me?” she added with a wink.
Alaric nodded, clearly agreeing with her reasoning. “That’s right.”
“Alright,” Galatea said, rising from her seat and helping him up. “I’ll take you back to the hospital. You came out before finishing your IV drip; how brazen.”
“It’s not that serious,” Alaric protested, trying to stand on his own. “I can walk by myself.”
Galatea wasn’t having it. “You just survived a near-death experience and still haven’t fully recovered. Why are you showing off here?” she grumbled, guiding him carefully to the car.
“I told you it’s not suitable for you to drive when your condition can relapse at any time,” she continued, still scolding him. “It’s fine when you feel good, but running out of the hospital and driving yourself? Don’t you have any sense of safety? Do you know how reckless and despicable your behavior is?” Her voice was filled with frustration as she fussed over him.
Alaric just smiled, listening to her reprimand him. He seemed to enjoy it, the way she cared for him so intensely.
She drove him back to the hospital, helping him into his ward. After making sure he was comfortable in bed, she adjusted the IV drip and took care of the spot where he had bled earlier, finding another vein to insert the needle.
“I’ll take good care of myself,” Alaric said, his tone soft but firm. “You can go home now.”
Galatea wasn’t convinced. “I’m also busy with the clinic’s renovations, so I don’t have any major work either. After that car accident, you took care of me at the hospital. Consider this my repayment.”
“I can’t believe Dr. Galatea is so dedicated,” Alaric quipped, his usual playful tone returning.
“I have more conscience than you think,” she replied with a smirk, glad to see him in higher spirits.
He laughed, the sound comforting in the quiet room. “You should get some sleep. I’ll watch over you.”
“I’m not sleepy,” Alaric said, his eyes fixed on her as if trying to savor every moment. It felt like it had been too long since he’d seen her.
“Galatea,” he murmured.
“Yeah?” she answered, meeting his gaze.
“I won’t ask about your past anymore,” he said softly, “but I just want to know one thing. Is Ambrose Harry and Elisa’s father? Of course, you have the right to refuse to answer.”
“No,” Galatea replied confidently, her voice unwavering. “I never had sexual intercourse with him.”
Alaric’s eyes widened slightly in surprise. “Thank you for answering,” he said quietly, a sense of relief washing over him.
Galatea wasn’t sure why, but she felt a weight lift from her shoulders too.
“What else do you want to know?” she asked, mentally bracing herself. She was ready to share anything if he wanted to know more.
“I only needed to know that,” he said, looking content. “After all, I’ve said before, the past is gone. There’s no need to bring it up again.”
“Okay,” she responded, her tone neutral.
“Are you interested in my past?” Alaric asked, his voice suddenly serious.
Galatea had already heard some things about his past, but if he wanted to talk more, she was willing to listen. Perhaps there were things she still didn’t know.
“You can tell me,” she said, sitting down beside his bed, her gaze steady. “I’m listening.”