Chapter 34 His Morning Temper is Particularly Severe
Saskia's hand paused mid-air, just outside the door.
Alaric seemed to be in an especially bad mood today.
She hadn't heard him this furious in a long time.
The last time he was this angry was when Aurora passed away. Maybe it was because today was the anniversary of Aurora's death, which was why he was so upset.
Wisely, she decided not to knock again and turned to head downstairs.
Cordelia had already lost interest, and Alaric seemed to feel the same.
However, noting Alaric's dark expression, she asked softly, "Should we keep going?"
Alaric, face cold, threw off the covers and got out of bed, clearly not intending to continue.
He headed straight to the bathroom while Cordelia lay in bed for a moment before getting up.
Downstairs, Saskia had breakfast ready.
Seeing Alaric's stern face as he came down, she didn't dare make a sound.
She stayed silent the entire time, almost like she was invisible.
It wasn't until they were about to leave that Saskia grabbed Cordelia's hand.
"Mrs. Cordelia Hughes, I bought a bouquet of flowers for Mrs. Aurora Hughes. Could you take them to her grave for me?"
Cordelia nodded gently and agreed. "Sure."
Ruth and Marigold were already at the cemetery.
Due to Janet, Ruth had been quite unhappy with Alaric lately.
"Cordelia, come pay your respects to your mother-in-law first," Ruth said.
Cordelia nodded softly.
Although Ruth was displeased with Alaric, she still said a few words in front of Aurora's tombstone.
"Aurora, I hope you're at peace up there. Please watch over Alaric and Cordelia's marriage; keep them happy, healthy, and safe together."
"I know how much you wanted grandchildren. Please help make that dream come true for them. I hope that somehow, some way, you'll get to watch over their future children too."
As Ruth mentioned children, she cast a disappointed glance at Alaric.
Cordelia stood beside Alaric, feeling a bit guilty and lowered her head.
Marigold, thinking Ruth was dissatisfied with Cordelia, smirked.
Ruth had insisted on Alaric marrying Cordelia back then.
Now, three years had passed, and Cordelia still hadn't gotten pregnant. Ruth's initial fondness for her had likely worn off.
Marigold, who never liked Cordelia, glanced at her and said, "Ruth, I know a great doctor who specializes in health treatments. I can introduce you. My sister-in-law's granddaughter just had her second child this year."
"Cordelia and Alaric have been married for three years and still haven't had a child. This can't go on."
Ruth nodded immediately. "Alright, I'll take Alaric to see him sometime."
Alaric's face darkened.
Marigold, puzzled, said, "Ruth, Alaric is busy with work. Just take Cordelia."
Ruth didn't answer. After all, discussing Alaric's issues was difficult for her as his grandmother.
She coughed a few times and glared at Alaric, feeling he had embarrassed her.
Marigold continued to prattle on about treatments, subtly criticizing Cordelia.
Cordelia listened quietly, not responding.
The wind at the cemetery was strong, and Ruth coughed a few times. The butler suggested they head down the hill while he stayed to wait for Aurora's students who might visit.
Ruth nodded.
Cordelia helped Ruth down the hill.
Marigold pressed her advantage. "Cordelia, it's been years, and you still haven't gotten pregnant. As a doctor, shouldn't you check yourself and get treated?"
"Are you hiding something from Ruth and Alaric?"
Cordelia paused, feeling a rush of anxiety.
"Marigold, what could I possibly hide from Grandma and Alaric?"
Marigold scoffed, "As a doctor, you should know. I'm talking about your fertility issues."
Cordelia sighed in relief, her expression awkward.
Ruth's face darkened. "Enough! This has nothing to do with Cordelia. It's Alaric's issue!"
Ruth's words stunned Marigold.
Alaric's face turned livid, veins bulging on his forehead. "Whether I have an issue or not is for Cordelia to say."
He shot a threatening look at Cordelia, as if demanding she defend him.
Cordelia, feeling guilty, remained silent.
If Alaric didn't get treated, she would be the one forced to undergo treatments.
Her long lashes fluttered, her cheeks flushing slightly.
"Grandma, Alaric is fine. He's just been busy and tired lately. I understand. Once things calm down and he rests, everything will be okay."
Ruth's face remained grim, silent.
Cordelia smiled slightly to ease the tension.
Alaric's face remained stern.
Cordelia's explanation was as good as no explanation at all.
Marigold hadn't expected to hit Ruth's sore spot, her expression awkward. She quickly tried to console her.
"Ruth, don't worry too much. Alaric is just tired. They'll have children eventually."
Cordelia raised an eyebrow at Marigold's double standards.
Janet arrived at the cemetery with a few classmates.
She had just undergone surgery, so her classmates helped her out of the car.
At the foot of the hill, Cordelia and the others ran into them.
Janet's gaze lingered on Alaric for a moment.
Ruth also noticed Janet being helped and glanced at her before looking away.
Janet didn't dare meet Ruth's eyes but greeted her nervously, "Mrs. Hughes."
Ruth snorted. "If you're sick, rest at home."
Janet was speechless.
Her classmates, intimidated by Ruth's presence, didn't dare make a sound.
Cordelia remained calm, interrupting their exchange, "Mrs. Hughes, it's getting windy. Let me help you to the car."
Ruth nodded, giving Janet a cold look before getting in the car with Cordelia's help.
As they got in, Ruth saw Janet talking to Alaric and frowned, calling out, "Alaric! Get in the car. I need to talk to you."
Alaric, his expression indifferent, walked past Janet and got in the car.
Cordelia closed the door for them and got into another car.
Seeing Ruth's displeasure, Marigold joined Cordelia in the car.
As the cars drove away, Janet watched them go, her hand clenching in frustration.