Tangled in His Obsession (Seraphina)

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 | 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, | 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!" Leandro glanced at her and muttered, "As you wish," before turning to Simon.

Simon stepped forward, acknowledging Garrison before addressing Leandro, "Leandro." Leandro nodded curtly, "Mr. Martin, what brings a busy man like you here?" Before Simon could reply, Seraphina interjected, "Mr. Martin has invited me for lunch. Do you agree or not?I was planning to take Dr. Garrison to lunch today anyway," Leandro said. "If you want to go, then go." Catching a fleeting look of surprise 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 it won't get worse so soon." "Of course," Garrison assured with a gentle smile.

Turning back to Simon and Andrea, Seraphina faced them as Simon looked on with an unreadable expression, breaking into a small smile when she turned around.

"So, you'll join me for lunch?" he asked.

"People need to eat," she replied. "My dad raised me right; I'm not petty. It's just a meal, why not?" Leandro's gaze lingered on Simon, unhidden and intense, while Simon nodded at Leandro with a smile.

Andrea booked a spot at a cozy, quiet bistro, perfect for dining and conversation.

During the meal, Seraphina was preoccupied with her phone, catching up with her son Valerio's teacher about school matters. The hospital had restricted her phone usage, and she was now engrossed in the conversation, which seemed endless.

Andrea couldn't help but shoot a glance at Simon, only to find him displaying a rare patience, his eyes devoid of any hint of irritation.

It wasn't until Seraphina hung up the phone that Simon slowly began, "How old's your kid?" "Seven," Seraphina responded.

Hearing this, Simon let out a soft chuckle, "Wow, he’s that big." "Yeah," Seraphina said, Only a rebellious girl from a broken family would have a child at nineteen." Simon didn't pick up on her cue, simply suggesting, "When you've got time, bring him around to meet me." "He's a handful, just like me," Seraphina stated, "So maybe it's better not to. | remember you weren't exactly fond of my attitude before, Mr. Martin, were you?" "No," Simon replied, "I like your spirit. Andrea's got the same demeanor as your mom, all sweetness and light on the surface, but she's tough as nails underneath. You can't tell just by looking. You, on the other hand, you're a lot like me." Seraphina bit her lip slightly and shot back, "Mr. Martin, | can't master all that meticulous attention to detail you have. How am | anything like you?" "That's all just for show," Simon remarked, "How would you know what I'm really like if you don't get to know me?" Hearing that, Seraphina couldn't help but fix her gaze on him more intently.