BAB 2

HAPPY READING

***

Rubi took a deep breath and smiled, "No need. I just need to go straight, right?"

"Yes, Bu, that's correct."

"Alright, thank you," Rubi said as she walked towards the corridor, still trapped in the vivid memory of the passionate encounter she had witnessed earlier. It seemed like the thought couldn't escape her mind. Why did they do it here?

Rubi shook off her thoughts and walked quickly towards the main door, glancing to the side at the tranquil swimming pool. The breeze brushed against her face as she saw the door to the room slightly ajar. She stepped inside to look for Mr. Peter.

Rubi's steps came to a halt as she saw Mr. Peter sitting there. She walked closer to him, and he noticed her presence.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Peter," Rubi greeted.

"Good afternoon, Dr. Rubi," Peter replied.

"How are you today, sir?" Rubi asked.

"I'm fine, Doctor."

"Have you taken your medication yet?" Rubi asked, trying to remind him.

"Not yet. Is it already lunchtime?" Peter asked.

Rubi glanced at her circular watch, which showed 12:10. "At this hour, we can consider it lunchtime," Rubi said.

"Ah, I almost forgot. Thank you for reminding me."

"You're welcome, sir."

"Dr. Rubi, I bet you haven't had lunch yet, right? Let's have lunch together then. Would you like to join me?" Peter asked.

Rubi smiled and nodded, "Sure, Mr. Peter."

Rubi matched her pace with Peter's as they exited the room and headed to the dining area. Peter glanced at Dr. Rubi beside him. The young woman had been chosen by Alexander to take care of him. His personal doctor was a general practitioner. Why did they choose a general practitioner? Because a general practitioner was knowledgeable about common illnesses. Most importantly, a general practitioner would be aware of the symptoms from the beginning, so referrals to specialists wouldn't be delayed until it got worse. The key here was the symptoms.

"Earlier, Mr. Peter, what book were you reading in the library?" Rubi initiated a conversation.

"I wasn't reading a book; I was just looking at photos of my late wife," Peter replied.

Rubi glanced at Peter and said, "Your wife must have been very beautiful in her younger days."

Peter laughed and nodded, "Yes, she was incredibly beautiful. To this day, there's been no one like her."

"Do you miss your wife?" Rubi inquired.

Peter nodded, "Yes, a little. That's why I visit her favorite room."

"She must have been very intelligent if the library was her favorite place," Rubi commented.

Peter agreed, "Yes, she was very smart. Whenever I had a problem with the company, the first person I would talk to was my wife. She was brilliant at providing solutions and knowing what I needed."

Rubi understood Peter's situation. He must miss his wife terribly. She didn't probe further, and by that time, they had reached the dining room. Rubi saw the kitchen staff setting up the meal on the table, a meal that had been carefully planned by a nutritionist for Peter's health.

"Bi," Peter addressed one of his household assistants.

"Yes, sir?"

"Has Dario returned?"

"Yes, sir."

"Please call him over; we'll have lunch together."

"Of course, sir."

Rubi's heart raced when she heard Peter mention Dario's name. Oh God, what should she do if she meets that man? She vividly remembered his sharp gaze behind the door. Honestly, she felt restless and anxious.

She had hoped not to encounter him, so why did it have to happen now? What should she do next? How do you introduce yourself to someone who has caught you in such a situation?

***

Rubi's heart raced as she gazed at a man approaching from the side. The man's gaze was sharp and directed straight at her. Her guess was correct; the man was named Dario. He had a perfect face, with a strong jaw, thick eyebrows, and piercing eyes, complemented by his tall stature. He was the man she had seen in the room earlier. Where was the woman named Erin with bright brown hair? Why didn't the man bring her along to introduce her to her father? Was the woman in the room?

Rubi shifted her gaze towards Peter. Mr. Peter smiled at her. Rubi took a deep breath and tried to compose herself, gathering the courage to meet the man's gaze. The man stared back at her without a smile. Rubi wasn't entirely sure of herself; honestly, she felt a mixture of unease and anxiety as the man continued to watch her. Her heart didn't stop pounding as the man now stood in front of her.

"Good afternoon, sir," Dario greeted while glancing at the woman in front of him.

"Good afternoon, Dar," Peter replied, looking at the newly arrived Dario.

Peter glanced at Dario and knew that Dario hadn't met Rubi before. "I forgot to introduce you. This is Rubi, our new personal doctor."

Dario raised an eyebrow and then gave a stiff smile to the girl. It turned out that she was the family's personal doctor, Rubi. Dario extended his hand towards her.

"I'm Dario Milan," Dario introduced himself.

Rubi tried to stay calm, reluctantly shaking Dario's hand. She felt the warmth of his grip. "I'm Rubi."

"Pleasure to meet you, Dr. Rubi."

"Likewise, Mr. Dario."

"I'm sure our ages aren't too different," Dario commented, releasing her hand while observing her. She was wearing a white midi dress, with her hair tied back. She wasn't very tall, had fair skin, and a very sweet face. Although she wasn't as beautiful as Erin, he could tell that he wouldn't mind looking at her for a long time.

***