Once he departed, Sirena mustered the strength to prop up her weakened body and forced a polite smile. “I apologize, Ulric, but it seems the contracts I’m handling will experience a delay of a few days. However, rest assured, I’ll soon be capable of managing my work. Johnny has kindly agreed to bring my computer to the hospital!”
Ulric admired her dedication, but as the president, he had to discourage such desperate behavior.
“Your focus should be on your recovery first. The legal department doesn’t solely rely on you. Cedric and Rosalind will handle the contracts.”
“No!”
Sirena’s voice suddenly rose upon hearing Rosalind’s name. She realized her mistake. “I’m sorry… It’s not about personal preference, I just don’t like others handling my work! Besides, I have nothing else to occupy my time at the hospital, so working might actually be more engaging.”
“Your well-being takes priority.”
“I assure you, I’m truly fine! By the way, Ulric, due to my unexpected surgery, I won’t be able to travel to see your mother this week. She called me earlier and learned about it… and then she expressed her desire to come back to the country.”
His mother wants to return?!
Ulric’s brow furrowed instantly. “Her health isn’t suitable for long-distance flights.”
“I told her the same, but she insists on visiting to ensure someone takes care of me after the surgery.”
“I’ll arrange for additional caregivers for you. Even if she comes, she won’t be able to provide the care you need.”
“… Yes, I mentioned that as well.”
A slight headache began to form, and Ulric spoke in a deep voice, “I’ll try to persuade her.”
“Ulric,” Sirena interjected, “Do you oppose your mother’s return because of her health or because of Rosalind?”
Perhaps caught off guard by her directness, Ulric cast her a cold glance and remained silent.
“You know your mother doesn’t approve of Rosalind. I suggest you refrain from informing her about this for now,” Sirena advised, adopting a tone of a concerned friend that she had perfected over time. “Otherwise, all the progress we’ve made so far could be in vain, and it might even worsen the situation.”
“I’ll carefully consider your suggestion.”
…
Rosalind arrived back at Easthaven Bay, but her sense of relief dissipated.
As she surveyed the vast empty house, she couldn’t help but envision Ulric and Sirena at the hospital.
Were they tightly embracing each other?
Or was Ulric tenderly caressing Sirena’s face or gently applying medicine, just as he had done for her?
Annoyed, she slapped her forehead, trying her best to dismiss those inappropriate thoughts.
She should occupy herself with some household chores!
Staying busy would prevent her from dwelling on such matters.
Grabbing a cloth, she moved from the bedroom to the living room, only to realize that Ulric, with his obsession for cleanliness, had maintained a spotless house! Every nook and cranny was devoid of even a speck of dust.
What time does he wake up in the morning?
Just as she was about to retreat, she noticed that the door to his study was slightly ajar.
Would he be angry if she entered to pick a book?
Feeling like a thief, she pushed the door open and switched on the light, scanning the walls adorned with rows of books.
Suddenly!
Rosalind’s eyes fell upon several meticulously arranged middle school textbooks!
These were a rarity, hers had long been discarded somewhere…
Curiosity piqued, she pulled one out and immediately noticed a letter that came with it.
Retrieving it from the floor, she saw a few words written boldly on the envelope:
“Do you know the secret of 0825?”