Chapter 7

VERONICA I was puzzled to see Assistant Blake holding his large figure, which now lay on the floor. "Madam, please help!" His urgent tone brought me back to the present, and I hastened to his side. With the assistance of assistant, Blake, we gently escorted him to the guest room where his children were playing. Upon seeing us, Zeon quickly dismounted from the bed and helped Cadence as they approached their father. "Papa!" His voice quivered with fear as he gazed at his father. Gently placing him on the bed, Blake began removing his shoes and loosening his clothing while I sat with my children. Cadence was frightened, though she didn't understand, and immediately hid in my chest as Zeon watched anxiously. I caressed his cheeks and softly reassured him, "Mom's a doctor; he will be alright." This slowly calmed his expression as he nodded. After reassuring the children, I returned to his side and asked for my medical kit from a servant. Upon examining him, I discovered he had a high fever. I observed his flushed yet still handsome face. His eyes were closed, his long lashes resting gently against his skin. I have known him for five years, but have never witnessed him so frail. Christian Wolfe has always projected an image of strength and dominance. He seldom falls ill, and when he does, he typically minimizes it. However, seeing him now, I perceive him simply as a man, devoid of any titles... "Madam, is everything alright? He'll be fine, right?" Assistant Blake inquired with concern. With an inward sigh, I replied, "He has a high fever and seems fatigued." He nodded emphatically, "Yes, Madam! The director has been extremely busy recently due to workload; he hasn't had any time to rest! And since the young master developed a fever, he has been without sleep for two days." I rose, offering one last glance at his sleeping form before refocusing my attention on Blake. "He'll be fine; I've given him medicine, and now he needs to rest for the day." I stated, striving to maintain a professional demeanour and avoid lingering my gaze on the sleeping man. I'm unsure why, but witnessing him in this condition has unsettled me, leaving me feeling rather restless... Oh my god, what's wrong with me!? "Thank God," Assistant Blake sighed. He seemed to remember something and looked at me quickly. "Ma'am, can we stay here for another day?" His eyes were begging. "The director is unwell, and the weather isn't fine either." It was unfortunate, but I had no other option. While I might disregard Christian, I couldn't risk jeopardizing Zeon. Therefore, I nodded and glanced at the sleeping man. "Just take care of him." "Thank you very much, Madam!" He smiled, his eyes expressing his gratitude. I turned to Zeon, who sat near his father, attentively observing him. I gently stroked his head and leaned down. "Let Papa rest; you can play with Cadence. Don't worry about him; he'll wake up soon." Upon seeing hus father once, he nodded politely and then quietly got off the bed, like a well-behaved child. Cadence, sweetie, take your brother to your room and play with him, okay? Her eyes sparkled at the word 'play' as she immediately held his hand, "bwothew, pway!" She excitedly said. However, Zeon paused and looked up at me. His gaze held a multitude of emotions. "Mom..." he murmured, causing my heart to race as I leaned down before him. "Yes, my love?" My voice trembled with emotion. "Y-ou... you won't leave again, will you?" He looked down; his voice was quiet, but I heard him, and it broke my heart. I gently cupped his cheeks. "If you don't want me to, then I won't," I said. I don't know if I can keep this promise to my son; I don't know what will happen once Christian leaves with him. But in this moment, what I said is true. I won't leave if he doesn't want me to. I want both my children with me. I want them to grow up together as true siblings. I deeply regret that the complexities of adult relationships are causing them both suffering. He nodded, then gently drew closer, putting his arms around my shoulder in a slightly awkward embrace. I couldn't help but smile as my vision blurred. I embraced him, my heart filled with a mixture of emotions as I held my son close after three years of longing. I held him for a long time, my long-wounded soul finding solace in his touch. I don't know how long we remained like that until we both felt a small presence beside us, intruding between us. We broke the hug, looked down, and saw Cadence trying to wiggle between our legs. She looked up, her lips pouted, giving us a disapproving stare, and mumbled, "Cedece need hug too..." I chuckled, pulled them both close, and kissed their cheeks. Her eyes shone, but Zeon looked away, all red-faced. I allowed them to leave, and Cadence eagerly pulled Zeon along. She seems overjoyed to have a playmate. After their departure, I took one last look at the sleeping man and was about to quietly exiting the room. Then— "—nichh—" Christian murmured in his sleep. Both Blake and I turned to him as I approached to check. He is a patient now, and as a doctor, my professional ethics will not let me ignore him. "—enice—eh—" He murmured again, "—ce—eh— D-donn l—lee—ave—" My heart sank immediately as I swallowed hard. He was murmuring in his unconscious state, asking someone not to live; the name seemed to be— Celine. He's even missing her in his unconscious state—I wonder how he traveled far away without her. No wonder he wants her; he always does, but why is it affecting me? I closed my eyes and swallowed the lump in my throat. Don't let it affect you, Veronica, you're better than this. I stood straight as Blake watched me in confusion. I looked away and said, "It sometimes happens during—during moments of i-intense longing. H-he will be alright," and exited the room hurriedly. "Ma'am?" Assistant Blake's voice trailed off as I paused and turned to face him. "Doctor Granger," I corrected him. He blinked, then nodded, regaining his composure. "Um, well, thank you, Doctor Granger, for your kindness," he said, slightly awkward. "Don't bother, Assistant Blake. I only did it for Zeon. I couldn't bear to see him suffer more than he already had," I replied indifferently, and I meant it. If it weren't for Zeon, I wouldn't have considered them. He seemed a little taken aback and then nodded, "Of course, of course. Well, young master missed you a lot in the past three years. Especially when he fell ill, he used to call for you, which always anxious the director. Umm— di-didn't realise he'll—" His words caused me a pang of sadness, and I responded with a wry smile, "Naturally, he would be worried. After all, he desires another name from my son— just as he did now." I found myself feeling rather resentful. "What!?" He exclaimed, appearing surprised by my reply and blinking rapidly. His eyes widened, and he quickly shook his head, "N-no, ma'am, I mean, Dr. Granger. You've misunderstood; he didn't—" "Please, Assistant Blake, let's not discuss your boss," I interrupted rather harshly. "I don't wish to spoil my mood further. While you're here, I would appreciate it if you and your boss refrained from expressing your personal affections for a certain individual. I wish to maintain a pleasant atmosphere in my home," I stated coldly, then turned and left without looking back.