Chapter 77

After dinner, Ben arrived with Kathie's three children to pick her up. To avoid further gossip, he had deliberately parked across the street from the research center.

As Kathie got into the car, they exchanged awkward smiles, neither having imagined they would become the subject of rumors.

"Dr. Cavendish, I'm so sorry about this situation," Ben said.

"I should be the one apologizing," Kathie replied. "You were just being kind by giving me rides. and now you've been dragged into this mess."

Ben smiled graciously. "I'm not worried about myself-I just hope it doesn t cause you any more trouble."

"Don't worry, I'll resolve this quickly." Kathie assured him, determined to make Amelia set the record straight. The way people at the research center had been looking at her today made her uncomfortable.If these rumors spread throughout Eldoria, they could affect her children as well.

Kyle piped up from the backseat. "Mommy, what are you talking about?"

Kathie ruffled his hair. "Just grown-up business, sweetheart. Nothing for you to worry about."

"Why did Ben park so far away today?" Zachary asked curiously.

"Mommy's been sitting in her office all day," Kathie explained gently."I asked Ben to park a littlefurther so I could stretch my legs."

Eileen joined in. "Why were you both apologizing to each other?"

Kathie pulled her daughter close."Because Ben works so hard-he has his

own job and still makes time to drive us around. I feel bad for adding to his workload."

"Exactly," Ben confirmed, playing along.

The children immediately began massaging Kathie's shoulders. "You collapsed from exhaustion yesterday. You need to rest. We brought you some treats."

Kyle pulled milk from his backpack, Zachary offered cookies, and Eileen placed her favorite lollipop in Kathie's hand.

Kathie felt a wave of emotion. "Thank you,my darlings. With you three around,I never feel tired."

Despite hating Shirley for the schemes that had destroyed her reputation years ago, Kathie never regretted giving birth to her beautiful,children.Even if she could never find their biological father, she was content to raise them on her own.

When they arrived at Maple Grove Residence, Kathie watched her children race toward Jonathan,giving her a sense of home.

"Seven,did you miss me?" Eileen asked.

"Of course I did. I missed Kyle and Zachary too," Jonathan replied,showing no favoritism.

He glanced at Kathie with a mysterious smile that made her raise an eyebrow. "What's that smile about? It's rather suspicious."

Jonathan's grin widened. "I have a surprise for you. Come with me to the bedroom."

Kathie followed him with trepidation, wondering if this was payback for her pushing him off the bed that morning.Though she doubted he would

risk antagonizing her while his health was in her hands.

Once inside, Jonathan closed the door, making Kathie even more suspicious.

"Why are you closing the door? Is this surprise so secret?"

Jonathan teased,"What harm could I possibly do? I can't even stand."

"You're capable of plenty," Kathie muttered under her breath.

He leaned closer. "What was that, Dr. Cavendish?"

Kathie straightened up, looking around the room. "Nothing. So where's this surprise?"

"I promise you'll be thrilled when you seeit."Jonathan said confidently.

Kathie's curiosity grew until Jonathan placed divorce papers in front of her.She stared in disbelief at Randy's signature and the official stamp. They were actually divorced,

"Seven, is this real?" she asked, instinctively using the nickname she saved for moments of happiness.

Jonathan smiled,never having asked her to stop calling him that."It's all there in black and white, complete with the official seal. Couldn't fake it if I tried."

Overwhelmed with joy. Kathie threw her arms around him. "This is wonderful! Thank you, Seven. You've solved such a huge problem for me."

She had been dreading the lengthy legal process of divorce. Now that hurdle was cleared.

Jonathan returned her embrace, his hands settlingat her waist."How do you plan to thank me?"

l

Kathie quickly pulled away as she realized how close they were. "I could give you a few extra acupuncture treatments. Maybe throw in some special medicinal herbs. How does that sound?"

Jonathan laughed. "Leave it to a doctor to show gratitude through more medical procedures."

"I'm in such a good mood, I'll cook dinner for you myself," Kathie offered sincerely.

Jonathan caught her hand. "You've had a long day-don't worry about cooking. Patricia has sent over a housekeeper who seems quite competent.I think we shoud keep her. You're working, caring for three children, and now dealing with me as a patient. You literally collapsed yesterday."

Even if Patricia hadn't sent someone.Jonathan had planned to hire help.He couldn't bear watching Kathie exhaust herself every day.

In the past, Kathie might have refused his kindness, but she recognized the logic in his suggestion. With her career, the children, and now a patient at home, she needed assistance.

"You're right. Please thank her for her thoughtfulness."

"By the way," Jonathan added, "that medicine Ben prepared today was absolutely vile,but I drank every drop. Don't I deserve some reward?"

Kathie laughed. "You're the patient-taking medicine is what you're supposed to do. Should I give you a gold star for good behavior?"

Jonathan took her hand,causing Kathie to freeze momentarily before pulling away.

"You can talk without touching.," she said firmly.

"You're divorced now-officially single. That means I can pursue you

properly."

Kathie's eyes widened. "What exactly are you saying?"

"Figure it out yourself," hesaid with a smirk. "Also, you kicked me off the bed this morning, which aggravated my injuries. And with Ben goneall afternoon. I've been holding my bladder for hours. Help me to the bathroom,please?"

"You poor thing. Let me help you," Kathie said, pushing his wheelchair toward the bathroom. She helped him stand, unfastened his pants, and quickly turned her head away.

Jonathan suppressed a smile. "I'd like to take a bath too."

"Tll ask the housekeeper to help you with that."

Jonathan grabbed her arm, his expression serious. "I asked for a housekeeper to improve our quality of life, not to handle intimate matters.I'd prefer your help-you're experienced with my condition. If she's not careful, I might fall again, and you'd end up taking care of me anyway."

Kathie shook her head with a smile. "You always have an answer for everything."

Despite her protests, she was already running the bath. When the tub wvas filled,she carefully tested the water temperature before helping him in.

Jonathan rested his head against her knee,grinning up at her. "Would you be so kind as to wash my hair?"

"Of course," Kathie nodded. "Apparently my job description now includes being your personal attendant."

Looking up at her, Jonathan admired how her blouse strained slightly across her chest. Her long eyelashes fluttered like delicate butterflies, each

movement seemingly finding its way into his heart.

He had made his decision: he would pursue Kathie aggressively.planning to win her over within a month. Then they could explore all the possibilities between them.

As Jonathan's thoughts wandered, a mischievous smile spread across his face,earning him a playful tap from Kathie.