Chapter 84: Planning to Pamper Her?
Galatea hadn’t expected Mia to be so perceptive.
“It’s not the flirting stage before dating either,” Galatea protested, still trying to find the right words. “Yesterday, he did surprise me for my birthday, and I didn’t see it coming. He put so much effort into it, and then… I messed it up in the end.”
“Messed it up? What do you mean?” Mia’s confused tone mirrored Galatea’s internal turmoil.
Galatea, feeling completely adrift, recounted the events of the previous day to Mia, her mind still a jumble of confusion and self-doubt. She didn’t know what to make of Alaric’s sudden coldness after his initial kindness.
Mia listened attentively and then couldn’t help but laugh. Galatea blinked, puzzled by her friend’s reaction.
“You silly girl,” Mia chided, her tone teasing but full of affection. “For someone who’s read so many books, how can you not understand this? He just wants to marry you. Everything else was just an excuse, but you took it all seriously—discussing finances and divorce with him. No wonder he got mad.”
Galatea stared at Mia, processing her words. “Do you mean he actually wants to marry me?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Of course,” Mia replied, tapping Galatea’s head lightly as if trying to knock some sense into her. “Silly girl, you’re not thinking straight. Believe me, as an outsider, I can see it clearly—he’s really fallen for you.”
The realization hit Galatea like a wave. Fallen for her? Could it be true?
Mia continued, her voice softening, “Stellan, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I want you to move on from the past and find the happiness that’s truly yours. And from the looks of it, Alaric is a decent guy. If happiness comes knocking, don’t you dare miss it.”
Galatea didn’t know how to respond. She was torn between the possibility of something new and the shadow of her past that still loomed over her.
Mia’s voice interrupted her spiraling thoughts. “Just think about it. If you really want to develop things further with him, be honest about your past and see how he reacts. If he can accept it, what else is there to worry about?”
Galatea remained silent, lost in thought. She didn’t know if she was ready to open up, to trust again, or to even entertain the idea of love with someone new.
Later that day, Galatea found herself sitting on the windowsill in her room, clutching a pillow and staring out at the view. Her mind kept returning to Alaric’s gestures the night before—the way he’d cared for her, his surprising kindness. It was so different from anything she had known, and it touched something deep inside her. She was moved, more than she cared to admit.
The thought of Ambrose, the man who had never treated her with such care, was hard to shake. Could she really move on from him? Could Alaric be the person to help her heal?
She didn’t realize how much time had passed until Mia entered her room, a knowing smile on her face.
“Stellan,” Mia began, “I’ve made some stomach-soothing chicken soup. Alaric has been unwell, hasn’t he? Why don’t you take it to him?”
“Stomach-soothing chicken soup?” Galatea echoed, puzzled. “Take it to him?”
“Yes, take it to him,” Mia repeated firmly.
“But he said he’d be busy and doesn’t want to see me,” Galatea protested, her voice low.
“People say a lot of things when they’re upset. Trust me, take the chicken soup to him. He will appreciate it,” Mia urged.
Galatea hesitated. Wouldn’t it seem too desperate to bring him the soup after he had made it clear he didn’t want to see her? She felt unsure of herself, her nerves getting the better of her.
“I’d rather not, Mia. I don’t want to go,” she admitted, her uncertainty palpable.
Mia’s expression softened, but there was a sense of urgency in her voice. “If not now, when are you going to take the step? Trust me, just go.”
Galatea sighed deeply, feeling the weight of Mia’s words. Why was everyone around her trying to set her up with Alaric? First, Harry and Elisa, and now Mia. Was that man’s charm really so irresistible? Was it so hard to let go of the past and embrace something new?
“Stop freezing up and hurry over,” Mia urged, a playful but determined tone in her voice.
With no other choice, Galatea finally gave in. She took a deep breath and prepared to face the inevitable.
Meanwhile, Alaric had just finished a meeting and returned to his office. As he entered, he found Cormac lounging on the sofa, waiting for him.
“Why are you here instead of taking good care of your mother at the hospital?” Alaric asked, a frown on his face.
“Am I not allowed to breathe some fresh air?” Cormac complained. “I’ve been treating all kinds of patients with mental issues, and ever since my mom was diagnosed, I feel like I’m the one getting depressed.”
“How’s your mother doing now?” Alaric asked, his tone softening as concern for his friend’s mother crept in.
“Not great,” Cormac replied. “She’s had a big reaction to the medication—can’t eat, has lost a lot of weight.”
“Then shouldn’t you be at the hospital taking care of her?” Alaric asked, a bit exasperated.
“Her husband’s there; she doesn’t need me,” Cormac explained. “I came today to tell you that I’d like for the following rounds of chemotherapy to be done at my house by Galatea. Firstly, I trust Galatea’s medical skills, and secondly, it won’t arouse my mother’s suspicions.”
Alaric raised an eyebrow. “If you’re looking for her, why come to me first?”
“Stop playing dumb,” Cormac shot back, clearly frustrated. “You’re cherishing her like a treasure right now, and she’s in her recovery period. You wouldn’t want her to overwork and tire herself out. If I want her to handle my mom’s chemotherapy, I need your consent first, right? Otherwise, even if she agrees, you’ll get angry with me. I’m not that foolish.”
Alaric gave a cold laugh. “What’s that supposed to mean? Are you agreeing or not?”
“No,” Alaric stated firmly.
“Really not agreeing?” Cormac couldn’t hide his frustration. “It’s just regular chemo sessions. It won’t be too exhausting for her, and I’ll pay her a generous salary.”
“I said no!” Alaric snapped, his tone hardening. It wasn’t just because of Galatea’s health—he knew she was afraid of Griffon.
Cormac seemed surprised by the level of Alaric’s protectiveness. “If there’s nothing else, you can leave. I’m very busy.”
Just as Cormac was about to leave, a knock echoed through the door.
“Come in,” Alaric called out.
Galatea stepped into the room, clearly reluctant. The moment she entered, Cormac raised an eyebrow and smirked. “Speak of the devil,” he joked, “I was just talking about you, and here you are.”
Galatea forced a polite smile. “Hello, Mr. Nash.”
Cormac waved his hand. “I grew up with this kid, running around bare-butt since we were little. If you’re gonna be his future wife, then you’re like family to me. Just call me Big Bro Cormac, no need to stand on ceremony.”
“Stop talking nonsense and get out!” Alaric ordered, clearly irritated.
“Alright, alright, I won’t play third wheel here. I’m leaving,” Cormac said quickly, standing up and repeating, “I’m leaving.”
Galatea was caught off guard by Cormac’s presence. After he left, Alaric turned his gaze to her.
“What brings you here?” he asked, his voice still somewhat distant.
Galatea felt her cheeks burn with embarrassment. “I… Mia made some stomach-soothing chicken soup, and there was a lot of it, so I thought I’d bring you some.”
Alaric’s gaze remained cold as he replied, “Put it on the coffee table.”
“Okay,” Galatea said, nodding, and placed the soup on the coffee table. As she did, her eyes caught the sight of the trash can, and the gift box inside it stood out painfully.