Chapter 185
Alisa’s Check-up.
“Based on what you’ve described and what I observed, Alisa has episodes where she briefly becomes unresponsive,” the doctor explained. “Even a one-second lapse can be consistent with a focal seizure — what some people call a silent seizure p>
Since they missed Alisa’s check-up last week, Nathaniel had prioritized rescheduling the doctor’s visit on a Thursday afternoon.
Nathaniel never left Rexam.
He worked from within his new mansion, only sometimes driving to Greyhold.
Every day for the past few days, he had been taking Serena to the office. He or Bianca took the kids to their playgroup. And every afternoon, he’d fetch her from the office unless Silas ended work early and they drove back together with at least four security personnel.
“We can start her on a low-dose anti-seizure medication as a precaution. Untreated focal seizures can progress. What begins as subtle may eventually become more noticeable or symptomatic. Given the findings, I wouldn’t recommend ignoring it,” the doctor further explained.
“That said, many children with mild seizure disorders respond very well to medication. Some even outgrow them as their brains mature. The developing brain is remarkably adaptable p>
The doctor offered a reassuring smile. “This isn’t something you should panic over. We’ll monitor her closely and adjust treatment if necessary. Early management gives her an excellent outlook p>
Alisa stared at the doctor, frowning, like he had wronged her. Then she pulled her father’s sleeve and whispered something in his ear.
Serena noticed.
Nathaniel smiled at the doctor and said, “She was asking what a seizure is p>
But instead of the doctor explaining, it was Nathaniel who did. He pulled Alisa into his lap and said, “Baby, inside your head, your brain sends tiny electrical signals to help you think, move, and talk. Most of the time, those signals are very organized – like cars following traffic lights p>
“Sometimes, though, the signals get a little mixed up for a few seconds. When that happens, your brain might pause or feel a bit confused. That’s what we call a seizure p>
“It doesn’t mean you did anything wrong. Everyone’s brain works a little differently. Yours just has its own pattern,” Nathaniel said, kissing Alisa’s cheek.
The doctor, Mr. Chen, looked very impressed. He commented, “Mr. Thorne, you explain it very well p>
“My husband—” Serena flushed. “I mean, Alisa’s father is in the business of neuro research, so he is familiar with medical conditions of the brain p>
Dr. Chen laughed at the way Serena corrected herself. “It’s okay, Miss Vander. It must be hard to define your relationship, given how you and Mr. Thorne are still very close. Are you sure you are divorced p>
It was because Nathaniel was so attentive to her.
Earlier, when they arrived, they sat close to each other, with Alisa sitting on either Serena’s or Nathaniel’s side.
He often rubbed her back, held her hand, and called her by their previous endearment, “Love p>
It did feel like they were back to the way they used to be — but not really.
Serena felt a sense of relief hearing the doctor’s words. Nathaniel wasn’t worried at all either, so she tried to be optimistic.
After the check-up, they went straight home.
Sebastian met them at the driveway.
“Daddy! Dad, I want to play hide and seek!” Sebastian exclaimed.
Leslie, the maid, rushed out, laughing. She explained, “Miss Vander, we played a
little hide and seek at the back. Bastin wants to keep playing, but we still have work to do p>
Alisa had just hopped out of the car. When she heard her brother, she turned to Nathaniel. “I want-play, Daddy p>
“You want to play hide and seek?” Nathaniel asked, and Alisa nodded eagerly.
Serena gave him a sharp look and subtly sliced her hand across her throat. Bastin is sly. He hides in
places no one ever expects. The last he hid under the
time we did this, he hid under the
sink. We almost had a heart attack p>
Nathaniel laughed, ruffling Sebastian’s hair. “Don’t worry, Love. I’m an expert finder p>
“Really?” Serena questioned. “You want to go there p>
“Really. I’m an expert at these games,” Nathaniel insisted. “Wanna bet? Between
the two of us, if I find them first, I’d like all of you to stay overnight at my place p>
“Including me?” Serena echoed, pointing to herself. “What makes you sure my dad would agree p>
As if on cue, Sterling stepped out of the door to check on Sebastian. Seeing Nathaniel and Serena, he gave a polite smile. “How was the check-up p>
“It’s as expected,” Nathaniel said. “Alisa will take a low-dose anti-seizure medication. It’s nothing to worry about p>
Still, Sterling’s brows met. He gazed at Alisa and turned to Nathaniel. “I trust your judgment p>
That part already came as a surprise to Serena, but what he said in response to Nathaniel’s proposal completely took her aback.
“Sterling, we are going to play hide and seek with the kids, and Serena doesn’t believe I can find Bastin. I told her would and if win against her, I want my family to stay over at my home tonight – Serena O included p>
Sterling blinked. He looked at Serena before replying, “That’s fine with me. As long
as you know your boundaries. I trust Nathan p>
Serena, p>
Ever since Serena’s kidnapping, things had been changing. It started with Silas, and now her father saw Nathaniel differently.
Perhaps it was the harsh truth that
betrayal rarely announces itself. In their case, it had come quietly, from someone they never imagined capable of it Against that revelation, Nathaniels past mistake became forgivable.