230: INGRID’S CONDITION

INGRID’S CONDITION

The siblings grew up close to each other despite that they aren't biological siblings so naturally she knew his brother's way.2

When Clifford heard his sister's remark he laughed.

"That's why I cannot trust anyone to handle crucial and important matters other than you since you knew me so well."

"Okay, spill it out. I'm all ears." His sister's playful demeanor suddenly shifted to seriousness.

"Well, I need you to take over as the Veanco's interim CEO…"

. . . :heart_suit: . . . . . . :heart_suit: . . . . . . :heart_suit: . . .

In Vienna…

It was almost at dusk when Ingrid finally decided to wake up. This day has been tiring for her. She just woke up for few minutes and then went to sleep again. It's the first time for her to be so lazy and want nothing to do.

She knitted her brows when she realized there's an IV attached to her right hand.

"Am I that sick that they should do this?" she mumbled.

The woman looked around and for the first time she noticed how large their bedroom is and how she realized how empty it is when Clifford isn't around.

Suddenly, a surge of melancholic atmosphere enveloped the room.

"When will you be back, love?" she whispered in the air.

As if the air heard her plea that the door unexpectedly opened and there come into view a man, holding a bouquet of flowers, smiling at her.

"Did you miss me, love?"

"Cl-Clifford? Is it really you?" she wanted to jump from her bed and rush to her husband's side to make sure that it's really him and it isn't a dream.

"Yes, in flesh. Not just through video calls." He smiled.

'Oh I miss that lovely smile.' She screamed in her thoughts.

He walked to her side, never letting his eyes off from his wife.

He wanted to stare at her deeply, savouring the lost days or weeks perhaps of being removed from each other's embrace, not because of their doing but because of some unavoidable circumstances.

"Oh, Clifford, I miss you so, so much. Video calls didn't give us much justice." Ingrid cried.

Clifford placed the bouquet on the bed and to cup his wife's longing face.

"Hush now, love. I'm here, I realize that can't go anywhere without you. So where I or you go, we'll both be there for each other. We'll follow each other's paths. I love you so much."

Upon hearing it, warm feeling filled her. But then, Ingrid feels like throwing a tantrum at him.

"You said, no, you promised that you'll be back before we know it, but it's been two weeks since you swore that." She accused.

"Oh yeah, I apologize for that, I thought I could do it for a couple of days, but then I was wrong, I miscalculated it." Her husband then showed a guilty face. When Ingrid saw it, she feels guilty of her behavior, too.

"I'm sorry, that was harsh of me. I just don't know what has eaten me that I suddenly felt weird and wanted to nag at you."

"Silly." He ruffled her hair, "…Here, flowers for you, and please accept this as way of showing my apologies." He said grinning from ear to ear.

Ingrid's eyes twinkled when she accepted the flower but when she smelled it…

"Ahchooo." She sneezed thrice.

"Are you allergic to chrysanthemum?" her eyes and nose becomes watery. She sniffed and shakes her head.

"No. I'll never be allergic to any plants or flowers." She answered. Clifford suddenly remembered the event earlier.

"How about the doctor? What did he tell you about the reason for your sudden fainting and vomiting?"

"I don't know. Only mom knows the finding because I always pass out to sleep a few minutes after I woke up."

Clifford feels so perplexed. His sudden decision to be back in Vienna is just right since Ingrid may need him this time.

"And they even gave you a drip. We shouldn't tell it to father, alright? I fear for his health."

"What are you saying? I'm still in good shape, husband, and don't think negatively, okay? Why not call my mom to ask her about my condition?" Ingrid requested.

"Better. Just wait here. I'll go fetch Clark and mother."

When Clifford left, Ingrid decided to sit on the bed while waiting for them. Her husband's sudden appearance boosts her energy and awakened her being. She feels giddy and excited to be with him again.

She's smiling from ear to ear when Clifford, Clark and Rose came in.

"I suspect you had the great time resting, dear?" her mother teased.

"Mommy!" Ingrid protested and pouted her lips.

"Why, but you've become a child after your husband appeared." Her mother teased again.

"Mommy, do you know that dad brought so many gifts for me?" their son's eyes twinkled with so much gratefulness.

"You're so sweet, daddy." Ingrid complimented him and he smiled lovingly.

"Mother, before I forget, what did the doctor say about Ingrid's condition, it isn't serious, I believe?" Clifford asked.

Rose countenance suddenly fell. The smile on her lips is gone replaced by gloominess and sadness. She couldn't speak instead she evaded their questioning gaze.

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