Chapter 294

Still looking a little bewildered, Verena asked with earnest sincerity, "Dr. Owen, I remain unsure. Could you tell me plainly what I should do?"

Luther offered a gentle smile and answered with patience, "Mrs. Bennett, my advice is to tend both body and spirit at the same time. Right now, the key issue isn't to restore every memory at once, but rather to lift your mother's mood first."

As he spoke, his hands moved to emphasize his words."The physical concerns cannot be set aside, of course.But if emotional distress is soothed, then recovery will be half the battle won."

He paused, reflecting a moment, and then met Verena's gaze. "You should try to create more chances for her to interact with you, her daughter.From her records and from what you've just said,there's something vital. Your mother remembers you only as a small baby. That is not a curse but a window of opportunity.You may relive those early years with her,almost as though walking the same road once more."

Hope flickered in Verena's eyes. "So, you mean letting her get to know me gradually, little by little?" Exactly. You have the right idea." Luther's smile deepened with appreciation. "Begin with the simple threads of daily life. Play lighthearted games-puzzles,perhaps, or a board game. Walk with her in the park and talk along the way. And, as you share these moments, weave stories of your own journey-of school days, of youth, of college, and the present. As she pictures her daughter growing step by step,her heart will find ease,and her healing will be swifter."

Listening closely, Verena rose to her feet and offered a small bow, her voice full of gratitude. "Thank you,Dr. Owen. I'll try it. I'll do my utmost to help my mother."

Luther stood as well, extending his hand with a smile."I believe you can. And should you face any obstacle or need support, do not hesitate to reach me."

Verena clasped his hand, her lips curved in a smile steeped in thankfulness.

After parting ways with Luther, she stepped out of the café and walked to the car waiting by the roadside.

The driver opened the door, and she slipped into the back seat.

The engine started with a low roar, and soon the car was gliding down the street. Her gaze wandered to the window. The scenery slipped by like a slideshow, swift and fleeting.

Crowds hurried, cars streamed endlessly, yet she felt no urge to admire the city's pulse.

Her eyes remained fixed in the distance, quiet and faraway.

Two burdens pressed heavily against her heart.

One bore the name of Isaac, the other,her mother.

Both needed her.

Unconsciously,her hand came to rest on her abdomen.

Feeling the swelling curve beneath her palm, she lowered her head, a tender smile gracing her lips.

But the smile faltered soon after, stiffening as the reality weighed down.

Isaac's recovery, her mother's condition, and the child she carried-all demanded the best of her.

That mixture of joy and pressure tugged her heart in two directions at once.

Drawing a deep breath, Verena straightened her back.Resolve rekindled in her eyes, a flame refusing to die out. At least, she told herself, Isaac's matter already had a path forward.

Night descended upon Seraphina Villas.

The moon was veiled behind drifting clouds, stars scattered like faint pinpricks of silver.

In the study, Isaac sat at the broad mahogany desk,his posture upright, mind buried in work.

His brows were faintly drawn, his face stern in its silence. Under the lamplight, his lashes traced a soft shadow across his cheeks.

The door creaked open just a little.

"Still busy?" A voice, gentle and melodious, slipped into the room.

Isaac's hands stilled. He lifted his eyes toward the sound.

There,Verena stood.

Since her pregnancy, she had favored loose gowns that flowed with ease.

Now she wore a creamy-white silk nightgown,its hem brushing her knees, her rounded belly softly outlined,her legs smooth and graceful beneath.

Though her face bore no cosmetics, her skin shone with a natural glow, and a few loose strands framed her bun, lending her an effortless charm.

Isaac's sternness dissolved at once, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Just a little longer. Are you sleepy?I could watch you fall asleep and then come back to finish."

As he spoke, he guided his wheelchair closer to her.

Verena's lips curved in a gentle smile. She shook her head and walked inside. "Not yet. I saw how hard you were working and thought I might sit with you, keep you company, and ease your mind."

Moving behind him, she placed her hands on his shoulders and began kneading with practiced care,her touch firm yet tender.

Little by little, the tension left Isaac's body.Weariness faded from his eyes.

He tilted his head slightly, teasing, "I had no idea you were so skilled at this, darling. Where did you learn it?"

A playful smile appeared at Verena's lips.

She leaned forward, strands of hair tumbling down,brushing his cheek with a feather's touch. Drawing closer, she let her warm breath skim his ear as she whispered, mischievous and mysterious, "From a man."

Isaac froze, the smile on his face stiffening. A flicker of unease darkened his eyes.

His brows knitted, and he started to turn, but her hands pressed lightly on his shoulders, holding him still.

"Which man?" His voice carried urgency, though he tried to mask it with calm.

His tension amused Verena, endearing in its way.

She straightened and gave his shoulders a playful squeeze. "My grandma often had backaches,so lonce learned a few tricks from a massage therapist. He was a seasoned master. Why? Are you jealous?"

Isaac let out a slow breath as the truth settled.He realized he had been toyed with. Feigning annoyance,he chided, "You do enjoy making sport of me."

Verena laughed softly, patting his shoulder,her voice light and coaxing. "Well, I only wanted to lift your spirits since you've been working so hard."

Isaac shook his head, half resigned, half indulgent, yet the smile lingering on his lips betrayed his affection.