Diary of Fragile Heart (Spin of Loving You Too Long)

Two weeks of his journey in Turkey had already passed. Gladwin had returned to America and was getting ready to resume his routine while Flavia entrusted her to her uncle, aunt, and grandparents. Flavia would only return to America after her obstetrician declared that her pregnancy was strong enough for long-distance travel.

During the dozen hours of travel she had spent, she thought about the right way to handle Phoebe. It was impossible for her to change her attitude drastically. Phoebe wasn’t a foolish woman; of course, she would suspect even though Gladwin had reasons to be kinder to her.

If only she could admit she was lonely because she missed Flavia, then Gladwin made sure the woman would come and be willing to kneel before her. But that idea wasn’t something Gladwin wanted to actualize.

Gladwin returned to work, wearing a light blue long-sleeved shirt that he had rolled up to half his sleeves and neatly pressed black trousers. His hair, as usual, looked tidy with a touch of pomade. A smile remained on his face as he made his way from the parking area to his office. Jonas, the nurse who also served as his assistant, was already standing in his office with a clipboard and had turned on his computer.

“Your vacation seems enjoyable, Doc,” the man greeted as Gladwin put on his lab coat.

Gladwin nodded. He wouldn’t mention that he had just spent a honeymoon-like vacation and received the gift of his wife’s pregnancy. Although Jonas was one of his confidants, they were in a public area now. Gladwin was still afraid someone might overhear.

“How has the hospital been for these two weeks?” he asked casually.

Jonas snorted. “Many patients have been asking for you. They don’t like having their doctors replaced,” he complained honestly. Gladwin just chuckled. “And, her,” Jonas added, nodding towards an object, “she seems to be really missing you, Doc,” he said mockingly, but Gladwin didn’t care at all.

“Joe,” Gladwin looked up and gazed at his assistant. Jonas returned his gaze, though his face remained expressionless. “Do you know anyone who works in the police? Or if not, someone who works as a private detective?” Gladwin’s question made Jonas furrow his brow.

“Why? Is there a problem?” he inquired.

“Do you have it or not?” Gladwin didn’t want to elaborate.

“Well, there’s this guy. He used to be my senior at the orphanage. He’s smart and physically strong. He’s an army veteran, used to be a presidential guard too. But due to an injury, he decided to retire early. I heard recently he was recruited by a private investigator’s office. But I don’t know if he can do what you’re asking for or not,” Jonas replied honestly. Gladwin just nodded in response.

“Give me his contact. I’ll try to talk to him,” said Gladwin, met with a nod from Jonas. After that, they resumed their work until noon arrived.

“Where have you been? You disappeared for two weeks without giving me any updates!” A loud voice came from a beautiful woman who was now glaring angrily at Gladwin.

Gladwin stared back at her with a blank expression. He still couldn’t bring himself to switch to friendly mode.

“Should I inform you of all my schedules? What’s in it for me?” he asked flatly.

Jonas, feeling like he didn’t want to be involved in a marital drama, finally chose to leave the room.

“Like it or not, whether you accept it or not, I am your wife, Gladwin. At the very least, I deserve to know where you’ve been for the past two weeks. I was embarrassed when a hospital asked me where you had gone while I had no idea at all. You just disappeared, and even your mother didn’t know where you went,” the woman replied in a high-pitched tone. Her emotions seemed uncontrollable.

“Don’t be proud just because you’re my wife, because I can embarrass you by saying that you’re just a nuisance of a woman,” Gladwin pointed his finger at Phoebe’s chest. “Your current position is nothing but a mistress whose presence I never wanted and never cared about,” Gladwin replied with a tight jaw. “So stop pretending like you’re a wife I desire, because that will never happen.

“And stop acting like you’re hurt by me, because clearly, the pain is felt more by me and my wife. My legal wife.

“Stop pretending to care and stop begging my mother as if I’m the one causing you suffering. When in fact, all the agony you claim to feel is a result of your own actions,” Gladwin said. He took off his lab coat and walked out of the room.

“Gladwin! I’m not done talking!” the woman shouted as Gladwin left her behind.

Gladwin acted just as if he didn’t know Flavia’s whereabouts. He didn’t want to arouse suspicion even though he wanted to announce to the world about the happiness he now shared with Flavia.

Gladwin spent his time busying himself at the hospital, the workshop, and the office. His routine was always the same. Acting in public as if he still missed the woman he loved, but in between, he spent his time contacting his wife through video calls.

“How’s our baby doing today? Is she giving you trouble?” He was in his workshop’s break room, looking at the screen, seeing his wife who always looked beautiful to him.

“We’re doing just fine, Daddy,” Flavia answered in a childish manner. “The baby isn’t causing me any trouble at all,” she replied from the other side.

“Darling, is it just me or are you indeed carrying a baby girl?”

Flavia frowned. “Why, is there something strange about me?”

Gladwin shook his head. “No, there isn’t. But in my eyes, you look radiant. Very beautiful and… captivating.” Gladwin’s response clearly made his wife blush.

“You’re such a smooth talker,” Flavia replied shyly.

“I’m telling the truth, Darling. Not just sweet talk. In my eyes, you look so radiant right now. Or is it because you’re far away from me that makes me feel so longing?”

Flavia chuckled. “Stop sweet-talking me, you’re making me embarrassed,” she said, covering part of her face with her free left hand.

“I’m not sweet-talking you, on the contrary, right now I feel miserable and feel like a beggar.”

“What do you mean by a beggar?”

“A beggar for your love and affection,” he replied, chuckling, making Flavia cover her face again out of embarrassment.

“Oh, God,” Flavia whined.Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.

“Yes, Darling. I know what you want to say. You want to say that you miss me too, right? I know, I feel the same way as you.”

“For God’s sake, Doctor Gladwin!”

“Yes, Darling. I know that you love me very, very, very much. You don’t need to express it, I know your feelings.” Once again, Gladwin made his wife blush. It always happened like this every time they communicated.

Gladwin felt reluctant to discuss anything else, even though it was important. For him, taking the time to indulge his wife’s feelings like this was far more valuable than discussing other people.

“Don’t buy anything for the baby there yet, okay? Anyway, I don’t want to know, I want to go shopping for our baby’s needs together.” His command was met with a nod from his wife. After spending a considerable amount of time chatting, Gladwin decided to end the video call.

***

A knock diverted Gladwin’s attention. On the fifth day since his conversation with Jonas, now his assistant stood in front of his workshop door with a tall, medium-built man with long, wavy hair almost touching his shoulders.

“This is the friend we talked about earlier, Doc,” Jonas informed him.

Gladwin continued to scrutinize the man before politely inviting him in. They introduced themselves, and without much ado, Gladwin discussed his needs. The man, named Hendrick, simply nodded without saying much.

“This is the data I have. I need your assistance with the rest,” Gladwin concluded the conversation.

The man accepted a piece of paper and a photo, glancing at them briefly before tucking them into the pocket of his leather jacket. After discussing the payment, the man bid farewell and left. Meanwhile, Jonas remained there, looking at Gladwin with a puzzled expression.

“You seem odd, Doc. Did your sudden departure some time ago affect your mental state?” asked the man who was twelve years younger.

“Are you mocking me?” Gladwin raised an eyebrow. Jonas shrugged.

“You look different. When you hadn’t left yet, you almost seemed like a living mannequin. Only answering questions when asked. Although yes, it could be said that you still behaved professionally and friendly to those around you. But clearly, you weren’t yourself.

“And now? You actually seem weirder than before. If I were a stranger, I might just think you’re a friendly guy. But considering I’ve been working with you for several months now. Honestly, I thought you were heading towards madness.” Gladwin looked at Jonas with one raised eyebrow but then smiled to himself. The young man turned out to be very perceptive.

***

Sitting in his apartment with a laptop on the table, Gladwin gazed at his wife’s sleepy face. They had been on a video call for quite some time, but Gladwin felt reluctant to turn off the video. Even though he knew it wasn’t good for their baby, but missing someone was indeed very difficult to overcome.

Reluctantly, Gladwin shut down his laptop after repeatedly uttering words of longing, love, and how much he wished to be with his beloved. Yet Gladwin reassured himself to be patient. Gian and Joanna promised that they would personally accompany Flavia back to America once her obstetrician gave the green light.

With a heavy heart, Gladwin made his way to his bedroom, patting the bed before lying down on it. “Darling, I hope this all ends soon. May our trials come to an end, and let’s conclude everything beautifully,” he silently monologued before closing his eyes and drifting into a blissful dream.