Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling glass window, painting golden streaks across the pristine hospital floor. I should have been shivering under the blast of the air conditioner, but instead, a strange warmth crept up my neck. My cheeks flushed—not from the temperature, but from him. I felt like a schoolgirl staring at the campus heartthrob.
"That night…my driver made a terrible mistake. He hit your car," he said, his voice low and even, laced with something unspoken. "So, I came today to apologize in person."
He took a slow step forward. "Ah, before I forget—these are for you."
He extended a bouquet, and I blinked at the sudden burst of color. Creamy white peonies spilled over the edge like soft clouds. Deep crimson roses pulsed at the heart, bold and dramatic. Elegant black calla lilies curved like whispers around them, and tiny lavender sprigs peeked through, giving the whole arrangement a delicate, calming scent. But what caught my eye was the single blue hyacinth standing tall in the center—silent and stunning.
I hesitated, unsure if I should take them. Then slowly, my fingers reached out. The stems were cool against my palm.
"They're beautiful," I murmured, bringing the bouquet to my nose. The scent was soft and sweet, almost unreal. My heart thudded.
He tilted his head, watching me with those stunning sea-glass green eyes. "If you're expecting compensation, just name your price. I'll have my secretary transfer it immediately."
There was a pause. Then, he added smoothly, "But… if money isn't what you want, just say the word. I'll do my best to fulfill whatever it is—so long as it's within my reach."
***
It took some effort to convince him that I was fine and didn't need any compensation. I kept repeating it was just an accident—no one intended for it to happen, so there was no need for anything in return. But he didn't seem ready to let it go.
Not until I gave him my phone number, added his contact, and even added him on WeChat did he finally ease up. Only then did he give me that small, satisfied smile and leave without protest.
As soon as the door clicked shut, I let out a long breath I didn't realize I'd been holding. My fingers curled around the flower bouquet in my lap. I leaned in, breathing in the calming scent of fresh petals—lavender and peony, my favorite flowers.
I ran my fingers along the edge of a calla lily, but my mind wasn't on the flowers anymore. I could still see his face—those sculpted features, the sharp line of his jaw, and especially those sea-glass green eyes. Caspian. Even his name had a storybook weight to it, like some noble character from a legend.
I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't notice Mike returning with a fruit tray.
"Still daydreaming?" he asked, raising a brow as he set the fruit tray down. Ready to peel an apple.
I blinked, quickly straightening up. "No. I was just… admiring the flowers."
"Mike, do you know someone named Caspian… wait, what was it again… Caspian Aurelius?" I asked carefully, observing his reaction. Maybe he could shed some light on that mysterious man who visited earlier.
"Caspian Aurelius?" Mike paused mid-motion, the apple half-peeled in his hand. His ethereal face turned toward me, brow furrowed. "That name sounds familiar. Why do you ask?"
"He came to see me earlier," I said slowly. "Said his driver was the one who hit my car. He brought flowers and talked about compensation. I don't even know if he told me the truth. "
"So…do you know anything about that accident?" Ask me. He shook his head. "Not really. I wasn't the one who brought you to the hospital. That was our second brother. He just happened to be nearby when it happened."
I nodded, watching his reaction carefully. Seems like he did not lie. But why did my second brother bring me to the hospital but did not visit me once after I was awake. The other brothers also did not come. Why?
"Second brother?" I frowned. "Can you tell me more about him? It seems I also forget about my other brothers. Can you also tell me about the other two?" I asked hesitatingly, taking a chance.
Mike studied me for a long second, like he was trying to read between the lines. Then he sighed. "Alright," he said, setting the fruit aside. "Let's start from the top."
"Our eldest brother is Martin. Since our parents died when we were five, he's been the head of the family. He basically raised us. Maybe you forget this but our family is an incredibly rich family with a history stretching back centuries. We used to be powerful dukes who protected the country. Now, eldest brother is in charge. He manages our huge businesses, money, and everything we inherited".
"Oh," I muttered, caught off guard by the weight of that.
"Next is Matteo, our second brother. He's a neurosurgeon—works here at the hospital and teaches med at the building next door – Lumora University Medical Department. He should have a few classes today. He rarely stays at home because of his busy work. My advice is don't ever make him angry. Trust me"
I nodded slowly. That sounded manageable. Maybe.
"And third brother, Mikael…" Mike's tone changed slightly. "He used to be a special forces soldier. A few years back, he nearly died during an overseas mission. Spent almost a year in recovery. He quit the military after that. Now, he's with the crime division as a police officer."
I raised an eyebrow. "And?"
Mike gave me a look. "If you can… avoid him. At all costs."
Huh? I can understand why I should avoid making my second brother angry. Anyway, I have a troublesome elder sister that has a bad temper and treats me like some arch-enemies. But… avoid Mikael altogether? Do we have a very bad relationship?
"Why?" I asked, my brows furrowed in confusion.
"I also want to know—why, Mike?" The voice came from the doorway, smooth and laced with amusement. Low, masculine… strangely familiar.
I turned, startled.
A tall figure leaned casually against the doorframe, arms crossed, a faint smirk playing at the corner of his mouth. The late afternoon light caught in his electric-blue eyes, making them gleam with quiet curiosity.