Chapter 79
"We're home, honey!" Severin carried Diane from the car to the second floor of the villa. Selene followed, worriedly asking, "Does your ankle hurt, Mom?"
"Don't worry, Selene! I'll be fine. Daddy will heal me!" Severin's heart melted at her adorable concern.
"Really? You're amazing, Dad!" Selene admired him, believing he could do anything.
"Okay, rest for a while, Selene. I'll run you a bath soon. We have a bathtub now!" Diane smiled tenderly. Motherhood, though tiring and difficult, was worthwhile because of Selene.
Surprisingly, Selene folded her arms, pouting. "No, I want Dad to bathe me!"
Diane was speechless. "She wanted you to bathe her when you got back," she explained to Severin. "I didn't expect it today!" Severin chuckled at his daughter's antics. "Okay, let me put your mother to bed, then I'll bathe my precious darling."
"Yay!" Selene beamed, spinning happily.
Severin settled Diane in bed, then filled the tub and bathed Selene. He was surprised by her happy obedience, sensing her eagerness for his affection. After putting her to sleep, he returned to Diane's room.
"Are you sure you can cure me? My foot is terribly swollen!" Being alone with Severin after so many years made Diane nervous. Her heart pounded as he carried her to the bed in a bridal carry.
"You'll see. How do you think I managed to cure Henry? He wouldn't have given us this villa if I'd failed."
Severin sat on the bed's edge, gently lifting Diane's ankle onto his lap.
"What are you doing?" Diane was startled.
"Curing you, of course. It's just dislocated. I'll reset it and apply some ointment. Then you'll be fine!" (The extraneous website advertisement has been removed.)
Severin smiled faintly, noticing Diane's blush. He murmured, "Honey, our daughter is four. Why are you so shy? Did you think I'd be fooling around?"
Diane retorted, "Hmph, I don't want to talk to you. I don't even know you that well. If I hadn't been drunk, I wouldn't have—"
Suddenly, Severin gently twisted her foot. A click sounded.
"Ah!" Diane winced. "What kind of doctor are you? You did that on purpose!"