Chapter 233: Shadows of the Past
“Yeah,” Stellan replied, glancing at the building across the street. “That’s a residential area.”
Alaric nodded, his smile widening. “Perfect for foot traffic. The location is ideal. The shop’s space is big, and the decor is inviting. This place really has everything going for it.”
Stellan looked around with a satisfied smile. “I think so too.”
“Reassuring Clinic opens tomorrow, and there’s still a lot to organize. Let’s stay here tonight,” Alaric suggested casually.
“Stay here?” Stellan was taken aback. “But there’s only a small bed upstairs.”
“No problem,” Alaric insisted, wrapping an arm around her. “We can squeeze in. The servants can look after the kids—no worries.”
Stellan raised an eyebrow, a little confused. “There’s nothing left to do here. It’s all set. If you want to be alone with me, we could go to my place or your office lounge. Why squeeze into such a small bed?”
Alaric gave her a mischievous grin. “I like it.”
He pulled her closer and kissed her, his touch warm and familiar. “I just like squeezing into a small bed with my wife.”
Stellan sighed, though her lips twitched in amusement. “You’re crazy. It’s hot today, and you want to cram into a tiny bed? What’s wrong with you?”
“I just like it,” he said, playfully acting cute.
Stellan shook her head with a small laugh. “Alright, alright. If you like it, then as you wish.”
Alaric grinned, leaning in for another kiss. “You’re so nice,” he murmured, before pulling back. “Last time I was here, you made me some food. I’m craving it again. Can you make it for me?”
“Sure, wait a moment,” Stellan replied, already heading to the kitchen.
As she prepared the food, Alaric stepped out of the clinic to look across the street at the residential building. His mind churned with the conversation they’d had earlier. From the loan to renting the space, everything had gone so smoothly. It almost seemed too perfect.
“Food’s ready. Come and eat,” Stellan called out from inside, carrying the dishes over to him.
Alaric inhaled deeply, savoring the aroma. “Smells great,” he said, taking a seat at the small table.
“Hurry up and eat,” Stellan urged, a playful note in her voice.
Alaric dug in, and as he ate, Stellan couldn’t help but watch him. There was something about the way he made even the simplest food look so appetizing. Perhaps it was his military background—he wasn’t picky, and he found joy in the little things.
Meanwhile, Ambrose stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, binoculars in hand. He had been watching the clinic for hours, waiting for a glimpse of Stellan, and when he saw the lights flicker on, he couldn’t contain his excitement. But what he hadn’t expected was seeing Alaric there with her.
Through the lens, he watched them on the couch, Alaric with Stellan on his lap. They were chatting, laughing, occasionally sharing a kiss. Stellan’s face was lit up with a happiness Ambrose had never seen before—not even when they were together.
Had they already married?
He clenched his jaw, his heart burning with jealousy.
Stellan was nestled comfortably on Alaric’s lap, her eyes soft. “Reassuring Clinic opens tomorrow, and I’ll be busy,” she said, her voice filled with concern. “If the special medicine for your aftereffects isn’t ready in a month, we’ll stick with the current treatment. Your condition is unpredictable, like a ticking time bomb. It’s better to treat it early.”
Alaric nodded. “Alright, I’ll listen to you.”
Stellan smiled teasingly. “You’re not just my husband, you’re also my patient. No matter the role, you have to listen to me.”
“Yes, honey, you’re right,” Alaric replied, lifting her effortlessly. “I’ll carry you to bed. You need to rest up for tomorrow.”
“See? This bed is really small,” Stellan said with a slight laugh. “I just wanted a place to lie down when I’m tired, so I picked this small bed.”
“It’s not big, but it’s just right for us,” Alaric replied, lying down beside her.
“I don’t get it,” Stellan said, leaning against him, her eyes closing in exhaustion. “I really need to sleep early. Tomorrow’s the clinic opening, and I’ll be busy all day.”
“Yes, wish you a good sleep. Good night,” Alaric whispered, turning off the light and pulling her close.
Ambrose, from his vantage point across the street, watched the clinic’s lights go out. He felt a pang of loss. Was Stellan leaving?
But after a while, when no one emerged from the building, he realized they were staying the night. Stellan was right there, in Alaric’s arms. The thought of it made Ambrose’s anger bubble to the surface.
“Galatea?” Alaric called softly, but there was no response. Stellan had fallen asleep, her breathing even and calm.
Alaric waited for a few more minutes, making sure she was deeply asleep. Once he was certain, he carefully slipped out of bed, careful not to disturb her. The room was dark, but he moved quietly to the window. His gaze drifted across the street to the residential building where a few lights were still on.
Alaric stood by the window, deep in thought, scanning the lit floors. There were three apartments still with lights on, and his eyes narrowed as he studied them. He quickly took a photo of the building, circling the three apartments, and sent the image to Silas with a short message:
[Find out the owner information of the shop Galatea rented and the owners of these three apartments.]
Within moments, Silas replied: [Got it, Mr. Knight.]
Alaric took one last look at the illuminated windows, then drew the curtains. He turned back to the bed and slid back under the covers, pulling Stellan close to him. He lay there in the quiet, pondering the mysteries that seemed to be swirling around the clinic and its tenants.
The next day, the grand opening of Stellan’s Reassuring Clinic drew a large crowd. As Alaric’s wife, Stellan had garnered much attention, and the media buzzed with excitement. Reporters filled the clinic, their cameras flashing and microphones probing for soundbites.
“Isn’t that Mommy?” Elisa asked, her eyes wide as she watched the television coverage.
It was the weekend, and both Caspian and Harry had expressed interest in attending the event. But Alaric had refused, citing the large crowd and the possibility of them getting lost.
“Mommy’s on TV!” Elisa exclaimed with excitement, her voice rising as she pointed at the screen.
Alaric smiled at the sight of his children, his gaze softening. It was clear that Stellan had come a long way—and though he still had doubts about some of the things unfolding around them, today was her day.
And as much as Alaric might’ve wanted to shield her from the growing shadows of the past, some things were beyond his control.