Chapter 20
дет
A moment ago, Simon had impulsively wrapped his arms around Tia Clark, and now he was reluctant to let go. He was genuinely worried that after seeing Nathan, who loved her deeply, Tia Clark might change her mind.
Tia Clark turned her head slightly to see that Simon’s ears were flushed red, and she couldn’t help but laugh. “How long are you planning to hold on like this?”
“Mia isn’t here,” Simon murmured, “Let’s just stay like this for a while, Tia. It’s so cold outside.”
Tia Clark had spent the afternoon soaking up the sun, and her body radiated warmth. They squeezed into a deck chair, snuggled up, and took a nap together.
Golden rays of sunlight fell on Simon’s tousled hair, and the dust particles floating in the air resembled tiny stars, dancing around their resting faces and forming a serene and peaceful cocoon.
They remained in each other’s embrace for quite some time.
At the hospital entrance, there were always meal boxes placed there. Each time Simon went out, he would accidentally kick one over. Tia Clark would chide him for wasting food, and he’d retort with feigned annoyance, saying he was feeding the neighborhood cats and dogs instead.
Over the past three years, his cooking skills had improved remarkably. Whether it was baby food or bland meals suitable for patients, Simon managed everything with meticulous care. He even rented a small kitchen near the hospital, where he could transform simple ingredients into delicious dishes.
They both knew the exquisite meal boxes were Nathan’s doing. Tia Clark was aware that Simon disposed of the soups and dishes, but neither of them mentioned it, avoiding any tension that might spoil the moment.
Nathan would never succeed in getting Tia Clark to eat what he brought, Simon thought to himself.
With a day left before the surgery, Simon went out to buy groceries. Tia Clark handed him a list. She had been reading a lot lately, and the doctor advised limiting screen time, so Simon took on the additional task of picking out books for her from the bookstore.
There were philosophical and psychological books, as well as light–hearted reads that appealed to her. Sometimes, Simon would tease her about her childish tastes, but he willingly traveled miles to fetch what she wanted, hoping to keep her entertained.
Today, the list seemed particularly long. Simon glanced at it and sighed, “I don’t know how long this will take. You’ll be discharged in a few days, and we’ll have to cart all these books back home!”
“I’ll donate them to the hospital library,” Tia Clark said with a smirk, “Now hurry up and get them for me.”
“Alright, alright.” Simon relented, jingling his car keys as he left.
He hadn’t been gone long when Nathan knocked on the door.
Tia Clark had expected his visit and had sent Simon on an errand, not because there was anything Simon couldn’t hear, but because she knew his personality too well–prone to jealousy and overthinking. She couldn’t bear the thought of Simon stewing in his own thoughts and getting upset.
This was her mess to clean up.
Nathan appeared more composed than before, though he still carried the same meal box. It was no surprise to them that he was the one leaving things at the door.
“Don’t leave them anymore,” Tia Clark said softly. “It makes him overthink.”
Last time, Tia Clark had caught Nathan off guard with Mia’s story. Once he recovered, Nathan realized how impossible it was for Tia Clark to have a child so grown in just three years, especially with her illness.
He lowered his head, opened the meal box, and placed a bowl of soup on the table in front of her. “This is your
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Chapter 20
favorite.”
“No, thank you, Mr. Harrison,” Tia Clark replied with a smile. “Did you make this yourself?”
Nathan was caught off guard by her guess and awkwardly admitted, “Yes, I did. Would you like to try it?”
Without a word, Tia Clark poured it onto the floor.
The soup splashed onto Nathan’s trouser leg, and his face fell, turning ashen. Tia Clark said, “The one who loved soup was Victoria, not me. Consider this my tribute to her.”
“Mr. Harrison, have you forgotten? The Harrison family never allowed me to mourn Victoria. So doing it here is only fitting.”
“Yes,” Nathan nodded, his lips tinged with a bluish hue as he shakily got to his feet. “I’m sorry, Tia Clark.”
He looked around for a mop but couldn’t find one. Instead, he removed his expensive jacket, wiped up the mess, and then turned to leave.
Tia Clark watched him go with a gentle sigh. She didn’t hate Nathan, but she knew Simon was insecure. Allowing Nathan’s actions to continue would be unfair to Simon.
So when Simon returned and noticed there were no more deliveries at the door, he immediately scoffed, “Couldn’t even keep it up for a few days.”
Tia Clark flipped through the books he had brought and smiled, saying nothing.
