Mommy，We Got a Husband
Chapter 31 He Gained a Private Physician

Galatea's medical malpractice case had become a public sensation, and even being one of Alaric's people, Galen couldn't protect her. He docked Galatea's entire annual bonus, issued a hospital-wide reprimand, and offered to pay half of the compensation out of his pocket to the patient's family.

"I'm sorry, Galen Archer. It was my fault that the hospital got into this mess," Galatea Hartley said after she dried her tears. She refused to succumb to despair, seeking out Galen Archer in the hospital instead.

Galen's face was etched with concern. Ever since Galatea had arrived at the hospital, it seemed like they had been in a never-ending chaos.

"You must be aware of the hospital's decision regarding the sanctions. I understand that you acted out of professional duty, but the hospital has its regulations," he said solemnly.

"I know, and I'm ready to face any consequences. I will find a way to repay the settlement to the hospital as soon as possible."

Eventually, it was decided that the compensation would be a staggering million dollars. If Galatea was to shoulder half of it, that meant five hundred thousand dollars-an overwhelming debt for her, but she had no choice but to accept the burden.

"The settlement has already been fully paid by Mr. Knight."

'Alaric? Was he always this generous?'

"With everything that's happened, I'm sure you're distressed. Take a few days off. Once you've settled down, you can come back to work."

"Okay, thank you, Galen."

Galatea Hartley left the hospital with a sunken heart, baffled by Alaric's unexpected kindness in handling the settlement.

However, she had her doubts about his goodwill and decided to seek clarity. Leaving the hospital, she went straight to his company.

Upon arrival, she was informed that he was busy with important clients, leaving her no choice but to wait in the reception room the entire morning.

Finally, running out of patience, she planned to step out and inquire with his assistant, Silas Moon. Just as she reached the office door, without having the chance to speak, it suddenly swung open.

Alaric was the first to walk out with the so-called important clients. Spotting him, Silas greeted him deferentially, "Mr. Knight, Mr. Cassius."

The name 'Silas Moon' drew the attention of others in the room, and suddenly all eyes were on Galatea. She found herself in an awkward position.

"Mr. Knight, is this lovely lady also with your company?" asked Mr. Cassius with curiosity. The women at Nexus Innovations were always in business attire, and Galatea was visibly not. Alaric replied with ease, "No, she's my fiancée, Galatea."

"The future Mrs. Knight indeed possesses a unique grace and beauty," complimented Mr. Cassius.

Galatea offered a modest, thankful smile. "You're too generous, Mr. Cassius."

"Well, now that Mr. Knight's charming partner has graced us with her presence, I'll take my leave," Mr. Cassius said diplomatically.

Silas, knowing his cue, promptly guided Mr. Cassius out. Once they were gone, Alaric turned to Galatea, who diverted her eyes and spoke, "I hope my sudden visit hasn't interrupted your work." Alaric let out a scoff, his tone laced with his usual sarcasm, "What happened to the feisty woman I encountered just the other day?"

Having spoken his bit, Alaric turned and retreated into his office. Galatea, trailing behind him, cursed Alaric under her breath.

If it weren't for the fifty thousand that he had loaned her, she wouldn't be humbling herself this way!

"Did you tell Galen that you've already taken care of the compensation for me?" she blurted out before he could say anything else and quickly added, "Don't worry, I'll repay you." Alaric remained silent, just leaning against the window, casually sipping his coffee while observing her.

Frustrated, Galatea had no choice but to approach his desk and, using his pen, wrote an IOU on a sticky note.

"I hereby borrow $50,000 from Mr. Alaric with the promise to repay the full amount with interest. Borrower, Galatea."

Alaric read the note and then looked up at her, "No mention of a deadline?"

'A deadline? Back when she was Stellan's, fifty grand was just pocket change to her, but now, with her modest salary and two kids plus Mia to support, it's a whole different ballgame.' "Can we agree on a three-year payback period?" Galatea offered reluctantly, barely believing her own words.

"What if you can't pay it back in three years?"

Feeling trapped and all too familiar with the shame of debt, Galatea retorted, "Then what are you suggesting?"

No sooner had the words left her mouth than Alaric tore the promissory note in half, prompting the startled Galatea to ask, "What are you doing?"

"You don't have to pay me back," he said.

'What? Don't pay it back?'

Galatea took a wary step backward, hastily asserting, "What are you up to? Remember, we're just pretending to be a couple!" Alaric couldn't help but laugh, though there was a hint of mockery in his mirth. "Do you really think I'm interested in your body?" "So, what do you want, exactly?" she questioned.

Alaric moved away from the window and settled onto the couch. He spoke slowly, "Not many know about my health. I've reviewed your resume. Your medical skills are more than competent. You can continue your work at Serenity Heights Medical Center, or you can quit. Whatever you decide, you will be my personal physician, on-call 24/7."

"If I become your private doctor, the debt is forgiven?" she asked while doubting him.

"Exactly."

This seemed like a reasonable trade to Galatea, who was, after all, a doctor.

"Agreed," Galatea replied. "But since I'll be your personal physician, I have the right to know the full extent of your condition. What are you suffering from? You must tell me the truth."

"I'm not sick," Alaric confessed. "I'm an ex-soldier. I was severely wounded in an anti-terrorism mission. Surviving was a miracle, according to the doctors. However, what the world doesn't know is that I'm left with severe side effects. When I have an episode, it's like what you saw the other time."

The realization that he'd been seriously injured during a military mission commanded Galatea's respect. It meant he had nearly made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. Truly, the valor of soldiers was immense.

"How often do the episodes occur?" she inquired.

"They used to be pretty frequent when it all started, and I was constantly on medication. But it has improved a lot in the past couple of years," Alaric responded.

"Can I take a look at your previous medical records?"

"Sure," Alaric replied, "I'll have Silas Moon send them over to you."

As Alaric reached for his coffee again, Galatea quickly intervened, advising, "Someone with a psychiatric condition would do well to avoid coffee."

"Psychiatric condition?" Alaric was irked.

"The aftereffects on you aren't just physical. They've had a significant impact on your mental state as well," Galatea explained, pouring out his coffee. "Since you've hired me as your private physician, it's my duty to take care of your health. Starting today, no coffee for you. I'll create a plan to manage your health."