The Abandoned and Terminally Ill Lady Married a Monster - Chapter 81

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Chapter 81

“But if my dear wants to go flower viewing with me, I suppose we can spend the day together tomorrow. It’s the least I can do for my sweet girl.”

“I’m going too, Mother. Don’t make it sound like it’s just a date for the two of you.”

Kin took my hand in his. His hand was so large and thick that mine felt swallowed whole whenever he held it. I tapped his hand with my index finger, a silent plea not to sulk.

Mother was about to call back the servant she’d sent to cancel her appointment, but strangely, the servant was already approaching before she could. Mother tilted her head, a puzzled look on her face.

“Dr. Hiram went down to Soho County last week for his research. He’s currently unavailable but should be back sometime next week. Dr. Chiton is still here; shall I schedule an appointment with him?”

“Ah, yes, he requested leave for his research, didn’t he? Goodness, I approved it myself, but I completely forgot.”

Mother laughed sheepishly, then fell into thought. Could it be postponed until next week? I watched Mother and the servant, holding my breath.

“Dr. Chiton is fine, but Dr. Hiram is better at conducting a thorough overall health examination. Hmm, having two checkups with different doctors isn’t necessarily bad, but it might be too much for her.”

Mother’s blue eyes briefly met mine. I nodded in agreement and quickly replied, “It would be better to have it all done next week.”

“Is that so?”

“Actually, Mother, the sooner the appointment, the better.”

No, Kin, don’t say that! I shook my head slightly at him. He pretended not to see, rolling his eyes. A little frantic, I wiggled my hand in his grasp. With a sigh, Kin finally relented, reversing his previous opinion. “Then we should contact Dr. Chiton for a full checkup this week, and…”

“On second thought, next week wouldn’t be so bad.”

Mother’s eyes flickered. Kin, catching her glance, shrugged. “That would be preferable.”

Mother’s lips parted, then she shook her head as if she had a headache. In the end, she simply told the servant to contact her as soon as Dr. Hiram returned. “Let me know the moment Dr. Hiram is back. Send a message by carrier pigeon, asking him to return as quickly as possible.”

“Yes, madam.” The experienced and efficient servant calmly nodded and disappeared from view.

“Well then, let’s schedule the appointment for next week. It’s almost dinner time; shall we go eat? How about lamb tonight, child?”

Mother’s blue eyes met mine. I’d never had lamb before, but I had no reason to refuse. I nodded politely and replied, “Yes, that sounds lovely.”

Mother’s eyes crinkled with pleasure. My free hand was taken by hers. Just like when we went to see Father, it seemed we would be walking back together, all three of us side-by-side. …I hated that I didn’t mind.

***

Full from dinner and relaxed from a warm bath, I felt languid. Despite my nap earlier, I couldn’t shake off the fatigue. My years of inactivity had weakened me, and my illness certainly didn’t help.

I blinked my tired eyes, taking in the familiar scent of the bedroom. The firm embrace around me was also far too familiar. Kin, his face buried in my shoulder, murmured, “When the roses bloom, we’ll watch them together. Just the two of us.”

Half-asleep, I glanced at his shoulder. Normally, I would have readily agreed, but this request gave me pause. Roses bloomed in early summer, and it was still spring. The days were getting longer as summer approached, but it was still a long way off. Put another way, he wouldn’t be here when summer arrived.

Because I would be gone soon. Even if I stayed longer, it would be a month at most. The roses would bloom a little later than that, so I wouldn’t be able to see them with him.

Instead of agreeing, I deflected, “It’s still a long time until the roses bloom.”

“My wife is so popular, I have to make these arrangements in advance if I want any time alone with her.”

He nibbled gently on my shoulder. I hesitated to answer. He continued to nuzzle my shoulder, as if he intended to keep it up until I responded. “Aren’t you going to watch the roses with me?”

He finally lifted his head. His bright blue eyes, seemingly luminous even in the darkness, filled my vision. They sparkled, as beautiful as they had been when we were children.

Looking into those beautiful eyes, I couldn’t help but answer. I averted my gaze, feigning annoyance. “I never said I wouldn’t.”