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.

finished your check-up?" she asked when he

Leandro's voice

me to lunch. Do you mind?"

replied. Within minutes, Leandro appeared at the door, accompanied by Dr. Garrison, flown

Leandro and turning anxiously to Dr. Garrison, "How's he doing? His stomach

smiled, "It's nothing too serious, just the result of a young man taking his strong constitution for granted-irregular meals and too much drinking. With proper care, there shouldn't

in the country," Seraphina said, relieved. "Hearing this from

Garrison says you need to take care of yourself. If you overwork like before, I've

muttered, "As

stepped forward, acknowledging Garrison

what brings a busy

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

today anyway," Leandro said. "If you want to go, then

and 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

course," Garrison assured with a gentle

Seraphina faced them as Simon looked on with an unreadable expression, breaking into a small smile

me for lunch?" he

need to eat," she replied. "My dad raised me right; I'm not petty.

gaze lingered on Simon, unhidden and intense, while Simon nodded at Leandro with

at a cozy, quiet bistro,