Tangled in his Obsession novel 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.

"Have you finished your check-up?" she asked when he answered.

"Just wrapped up," Leandro's voice came through.

"Someone invited me to lunch. Do you mind?" she queried.

"Just wait for me there," Leandro replied. Within minutes, Leandro appeared at the door, accompanied by Dr. Garrison, flown in especially from Summitville.

Seeing them, Seraphina rushed forward, latching onto Leandro and turning anxiously to Dr. Garrison, "How's he doing? His stomach has been acting up so often, it's been worrying me to death."

Dr. Garrison 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 be any major issues."

"You're the top gastroenterology expert in the country," Seraphina said, relieved. "Hearing this from you puts my mind at ease."

Then she addressed Leandro, half-joking, half-serious, "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 me up!"