Tangled in His Obsession (Seraphina)

Chapter 486

In the days following Seraphina's hospitalization, Simon had been conspicuously absent. But today, as he reappeared, she had half-expected it. Thus, her reaction was muted, her voice steady as she replied, "Sorry, Mr. Martin, but I don't believe we're on familiar enough terms to share a meal." Unperturbed as ever, Simon stepped closer. "How can we ever become familiar if we never interact?"

Before Seraphina could respond, Simon turned to Andrea, "Andrea, pick a restaurant Seraphina would like and make a reservation."

Andrea glanced at Seraphina, nodded affirmatively, and stepped out of the room to make the call. Meanwhile, Seraphina picked up where Andrea had left off, absentmindedly packing her things into a bag by the bedside.

Simon settled onto a nearby couch, silently observing her.

After a few minutes, she ceased her activity, leaned against the bed, and looked at him. "Mr. Martin, this isn't necessary. We're strangers, and that's how it's been and should remain. Isn't that fine?"

"I know you had a rough childhood, and it's understandable you would harbor resentment towards me," Simon said. "But no matter how you feel, I want the chance to make amends to you, and to your mother. The past is the past, and from now on, you are my daughter, Seraphina."

She shut her eyes briefly, then exhaled slowly before replying, "I had a father, but he passed away over a decade ago. You're not him." Simon's expression darkened momentarily before he regained his composure.

"He raised you for ten years, so it's natural you'd call him father," Simon conceded. "But to me, your place remains unchanged." Seraphina just mustered a faint, indifferent smile.

Andrea re-entered the room, announcing, "The reservation is made."

Simon rose and approached Seraphina. "I've never shared a meal with you, and I'd like this chance. Will you give me that?"

Without looking at him, she took her phone and said, "I need to check with my husband first."

She dialed Leandro.

check-up?" she asked when he

wrapped up," Leandro's voice came

me to lunch.

wait for me there," Leandro replied. Within minutes, Leandro appeared at the door, accompanied by Dr. Garrison,

to Dr. Garrison, "How's he doing? His stomach

"It's nothing too serious, just the result of a young man taking his strong constitution for granted-irregular meals

in the country," Seraphina said,

"Did you hear that? Dr. Garrison says you need to take care of yourself. If you overwork like before, I've got him to back

at her and muttered, "As you

forward, acknowledging Garrison before addressing Leandro,

nodded curtly, "Mr. Martin, what brings a busy man

Seraphina interjected, "Mr. Martin has invited me for lunch. Do you agree

planning to take Dr. Garrison to lunch today anyway," Leandro said. "If you want to go,

a hint of a smile from Dr. Garrison, Seraphina quickly added, "Dr. Garrison, I'm entrusting him to you. Please remind him to take care of his stomach over lunch, so it won't get

course," Garrison assured

Simon and Andrea, Seraphina faced them as Simon looked on with an

you'll join me for

"My dad raised me right; I'm not petty. It's

on Simon, unhidden and intense, while Simon nodded at Leandro with a

at a cozy, quiet bistro,