Chapter 0523
+25 BONUS
Before long, Peter arrived at the hospital where Celeste was being examined by a doctor Peter trusted.
“Peter,” the doctor said, “I’ve checked on Celeste. Her wounds are healing well. If things continue like this, we can consider discharging her. After all, I know you’ll take good care of her. There’s nothing like being at home.”
“When would she be discharged?” Peter asked eagerly.
“I think she could leave today or tomorrow, depending on what you two decide. It might be a little inconvenient, but as long as she’s well taken care of, she can go home. I’ll just give you the full list of care instructions, medications, and follow–up appointments you’ll need to stick to.”
“Perfect! Say no more.”
Celeste watched the two men attentively, feeling a bit uncomfortable. Peter was acting as if he were fully responsible for her. She couldn’t quite explain the strange feeling in her chest. Part of her was touched, but another part felt overlooked.
Noticing her unease, the doctor addressed her directly.
“Celeste, you’re a young woman. This man will take very good care of you. He’s been through similar situations- worse ones, even–so he knows exactly what to do and what not to do. Trust me, you’re in capable hands.”
Celeste smiled faintly and nodded. After the awkward exchange, the doctor left. It wasn’t until then that she noticed the bruise on Peter’s face.
“Peter, what happened to your face?” she asked immediately.
Peter took off his coat, walked over to her, and greeted her with a warm kiss on the forehead.
“I slipped in the bathtub,” he replied.
“Are you okay? Shouldn’t the doctor check you out?”
“Don’t worry about it–it’s nothing, just a slip and a bump.
Celeste half–believed the excuse but didn’t press further. Peter sat across from her, gently caressing her cheek and staring at her intently. His actions made her blush. She wasn’t intimidated by him, but she couldn’t hold his gaze the way she used to–not after spending several nights together.
“Listen… With what the doctor just said, I think there’s something I need to tell you.‘
“Go ahead,” she said.
“I need to travel. I have to leave the country.”
“I see…” Celeste replied, lowering her gaze.
Something inside her told her the plan wouldn’t unfold as they had initially discussed.
“Celeste, I have to go to Slovenia. I’ll be away from Valentia for a while. I can’t stay here, so…‘
“You have to go,” she finished for him.
Peter saw a hint of sadness in her eyes and hurried to say something he hadn’t planned.
“I want you to come with me!”
“What?”
1/2
Chapter 0523
425 BONUS
“Yes! I want you to come with me. I told you I want to take care of you, and I’m not going back on my word. But I can’t stay in Valentia. I’ll be traveling alone–my family will stay here, mainly because of Ethan. But I’d like to know if you’d come with me.”
“Peter… But what about my follow–ups? I’ll just be a burden to you. Look at me–I can’t even walk.”
“You’re not a burden! Celeste, I want to take care of you. I don’t want to leave alone–I want you to come with me, please,” he said, his voice tinged with nostalgia.
“Peter… But what about my job?”
“Remember, you’re on medical leave for now. I’ve already asked Theodore to handle that for you.”
“Peter… I don’t like the idea of you neglecting your life for me. Look at you–you’ve already spent several days here. How do I know you’re not putting everything else on hold for me?”
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