Mommy，We Got a Husband
Chapter 55 Galatea, What Are You Thinking?

"She's from the Medical Research Institute of America," Alaric answered Mrs. Carrington nonchalantly. "The American Institute for Medical Science?" Mrs. Carrington was caught off guard.

"Surely you've heard of it, right? It's the pinnacle of the medical community. Galatea is the youngest medical professor there. True, there are many renowned doctors both here and abroad, but each has his or her specialty. Galatea's focus is on post-traumatic conditions. It was Cormac who specifically recommended her to me, and I spared no expense to bring her over from the American Institute for Medical Science."

He was confident Cormac would back up his lie.

"Really?" Skepticism laced Mrs. Carrington's voice.

"You can check for yourself," Alaric replied. "I said she's my fiancée for two reasons; to get Orion off my back and to cover up the fact that she's treating me. If word gets out that I suffer from after-effects that are getting worse, you can imagine the consequences."

Mrs. Carrington fell silent, giving Alaric the opening he needed. "With the sharks circling Nexus Innovations, if they sniff out my weakness, they'll throw everything they've got to thwart my recovery; or worse. Galatea is my lifeline. Should anything happen to her, I have no one else to address these complications - not at the moment, anyway."

"Enough," Mrs. Carrington cut in. "I'll take your word for it. Focus on your recovery. Getting well should be your priority."

"Will do." A sly chuckle escaped Alaric, who then added, "Aren't you planning a world tour? Have fun out there, and don't worry about me or the company."

"I hope to God you're right," she retorted. "Once you're better, we'll settle this matter."

With that, Mrs. Carrington hung up, and Alaric breathed a sigh of relief. Putting his phone into his pocket, he started to head back toward the hospital ward; but halted mid-stride, a sudden thought seizing him.

He pulled out his phone again and dialed another number.

"Alaric, what brings you to call me today?" Griffon answered promptly.

"When you visited Galatea in the hospital, I happened to be out, so I wanted to give you a call to say thanks," Alaric said.

Griffon's expression darkened instantly. 'Happened to be out?' He was fuming inside, recalling Orion's tearful voice on the phone and the public apology his precious daughter had been forced to make to Galatea on Facebook. Nevertheless, facing Alaric, Griffon had to contain his anger, giving a forced smile, "How's Galatea doing now?"

"Much better," Alaric replied promptly, "My mom called me just a moment ago."

"Oh? Is Mrs. Carrington enjoying her world tour?"

"She was until she heard about Galatea's situation," Alaric spoke candidly, "Our families, the Knights and the Nashs, go way back. Your brotherhood with my father was well-known, and in my heart, you're like a father to me.

"I've sincerely explained to you why it can't work out with Orion, and you said you understood. When I mentioned Galatea was my fiancée, you offered your blessings, which I truly appreciate. I'm not asking you to explain things to my mother for me, but at least, don't be two-faced."

"What do you mean by that, Alaric?" Griffon retorted irritably.

"Don't get upset, I didn't mean anything by it," Alaric said calmly, "I understand you're a busy man, not idle like my mom now that she's retired. Maybe it's best if you cut back on the calls to her. She can be quite temperamental, and I wouldn't want her to bother you."

"All right, message received. Thanks for the heads-up, Alaric!" With that, Griffon ended the call and angrily threw the blanket beside him across the room. 'Alaric, are you choosing Galatea over me?'

After the call, Alaric felt a weight lifted off his shoulders. Returning to the hospital room, he found Galatea gazing out the window, her eyes holding a glimmer of hope. "It's a nice day outside. How about we get some sunshine?" he suggested.

Hearing Alaric's words, Galatea shook off her daydream and came back to reality, 'Sunshine? She'd love that. Lying in this hospital bed for so many days, she felt stiff all over.' She was feeling much better, yet she still lacked the strength to walk on her own.

She was about to refuse, but Alaric quickly said, "Just wait for me."

Galatea had no idea what he was up to when he stepped out, but in no time, he wheeled in a wheelchair and positioned it by the bed. He then walked over to her and bent down. "What are you doing?" Galatea tensed up, realizing his intention to lift her.

"Obviously, I'm going to assist you so you can get down," Alaric replied with a mischievous grin, seeing her resistance. "Didn't the doctor tell you that I was the one who cooled you down with a cold compress when you had that fever?" 'A cold compress? Like wiping her whole body down with a damp towel or alcohol?'

"That's taking advantage of someone when they're down!" Galatea accused.

"You certainly have no appreciation, do you? I saved your life, and now you're scolding me." Ignoring her protests, Alaric picked her up and carefully settled her into the wheelchair, saying, "Isn't it the creed of you doctors to see only the patient, not the gender? You were just a patient, and I was merely helping you by bringing down the fever. What else are you thinking about?"

After placing Galatea in the wheelchair, he gently covered her legs with a blanket.

Then, he wheeled her out of the hospital room. Once they reached the courtyard, Galatea took a deep breath, looked up at the sun, and felt its warmth on her skin, as if revived.

The moment that the car was about to hit her, she thought she was a goner. She never expected to see the sun again, to breathe fresh air. It was wonderful!'

Alaric watched her, witnessing the hint of a smile on her lips, and couldn't help but smile slightly himself.

He sat down on a nearby bench and after a moment of silent companionship, he started the conversation, "Since we're here, and it's a rare quiet moment, why don't we have a chat?"

At that moment, Alaric sincerely wanted to understand her more, the woman who said her parents were deceased, and her husband had passed away during her pregnancy. 'If that were true, what kind of torment did she go through, and what kind of experiences did she have?'

"Sure," Galatea agreed readily.

Small talk was something foreign to her. Back when she was Stellan, she had so many friends, most of whom were just flattering her for favors.

Sincere conversations were nonexistent. Once she became Galatea, her life was consumed with work, her child, and taking care of herself, leaving no room for friends. Having a simple chat had become a luxury she longed for.

"What would you like to talk about?" Galatea looked at Alaric.

"Let's talk about you," said Alaric bluntly. "Tell me about your past, your story."