Chapter 28 He Was Particularly Eager to Send Her to Work
Cordelia glanced at him and nodded.
"I'll talk to Grandma once she's feeling a bit better."
Staying here for too long wasn't a solution.
Today, the maid even checked the trash can. If she stayed for a month and missed her period, Ruth would definitely notice.
Alaric, expressionless, responded with a grunt before stepping out of the car and heading inside.
He felt inexplicably irritated, his steps quick and forceful.
Cordelia watched his retreating figure, took a deep breath, and then opened the car door to follow him inside at a more leisurely pace.
The butler had seen Alaric return and was about to greet him, but Alaric walked past him with a scowl, clearly in a foul mood.
When Cordelia walked in behind him, the butler asked with concern, "Mrs. Hughes, is Mr. Hughes upset? Did you have a fight?"
Cordelia smiled gently, "Don't worry, Alaric's just throwing a little tantrum."
Seeing her calm demeanor, the butler relaxed. "That's good to hear."
Cordelia urged the butler to take a break and then headed upstairs.
As she reached the bedroom door, she heard Alaric's voice inside.
"I'll have someone pick you up tomorrow."
Cordelia paused at the door.
Alaric ended the call and glanced over to see Cordelia standing there. His eyes were unreadable as he looked at her briefly before heading into the bathroom.
Cordelia entered the room, hearing the sound of water running in the bathroom.
Alaric's phone lay on the bed, a message notification popping up. Cordelia couldn't help but glance at it, but the lock screen prevented her from seeing the content.
Janet's image flashed in her mind.
Cordelia took a deep breath, forcing herself not to think about the message.
A few minutes later, Alaric emerged from the bathroom.
Cordelia kept her head down as she entered the bathroom, her mind in turmoil. She slipped as soon as she stepped inside, nearly falling.
She grabbed the sink for support.
All the toiletries on the sink fell to the floor.
Cordelia was shaken but relieved she hadn't fallen, as it could have caused a miscarriage.
She sat on the floor, her face pale with fear.
Alaric heard the commotion and rushed back into the bathroom, seeing Cordelia on the floor. He hurried over.
"Are you okay?"
He helped her up, his face full of concern.
Cordelia's face was white as she looked at Alaric, her eyes welling up with tears.
They had almost lost their baby.
Seeing her teary eyes, Alaric felt a pang of panic.
"What happened? Are you okay?"
Cordelia bit her lip, fighting back tears, and shook her head, her voice choked, "I'm fine."
"Please, leave."
Alaric frowned, seeing her move toward the bathtub. His eyes darkened, but he left the bathroom, closing the door behind him.
Cordelia adjusted the water temperature and filled the tub, watching the droplets create small ripples on the surface.
She wiped away her tears and sank into the warm water.
After bathing, Cordelia changed into a black lace camisole nightgown, which barely covered her hips.
She took a deep breath, opened the bathroom door, her cheeks flushed, and looked around the bedroom but didn't see Alaric anywhere.
Cordelia paused, noticing the open balcony door. A breeze chilled her, and her heart sank.
She lay quietly on the bed, unable to hide her disappointment.
Alaric must have left after seeing that message.
It was probably from Janet.
Alaric had received a work call and returned to the room to find Cordelia already asleep, with only a bedside lamp on.
He closed the balcony door.
In the soft light, Cordelia's delicate face looked even more beautiful, her lashes damp with tears.
A mix of emotions swirled within Alaric.
His deep eyes darkened, and he withdrew his hand.
Cordelia's sleep was light, and she stirred as Alaric lay down.
She opened her eyes, glanced at him, and murmured, "You're back?"
She fell asleep again before he could respond, her pregnancy making her drowsy.
Alaric was about to answer but saw she'd drifted off again. He felt a surge of frustration, looking at her peaceful face.
The next morning.
Cordelia woke in Alaric's arms.
Her head rested on his arm, the faint scent of his body wash comforting her. She opened her eyes briefly, then snuggled back into his embrace for a bit more sleep.
Alaric had been awake for a while, not wanting to wake her by moving his arm. He watched her with a slight smile, feeling unexpectedly pleased.
He placed his hand on her waist.
The silk of her nightgown felt smooth, like her skin.
A phone vibration interrupted the rare moment of warmth.
Cordelia woke with a start, and Alaric frowned in annoyance.
Cordelia lifted her head from his arm, and Alaric picked up his phone, seeing it was a call from Robert. He checked the time on his watch.
"The meeting's delayed. I'll be there soon."
He hung up, got dressed, and went to the bathroom to freshen up.
Cordelia stayed in bed, reluctant to get up, thinking about her doctor's appointment.
Early pregnancy made her sleepy.
She got up, stretching her aching back.
Alaric finished in the bathroom and saw she hadn't changed. He spoke firmly.
"I'll wait for you downstairs."
Cordelia guessed he had an early meeting.
"Go to the office first. I'll have the driver take me."
Alaric frowned. "I don't want Grandma to complain."
Cordelia sighed, "I'll explain to her."
Alaric cut her off, "Hurry up. I'm waiting."
He left the room.
Cordelia sighed and got up, speeding up her routine.
Lately, Alaric seemed unusually keen on taking her to work.
She guessed it was because Janet was staying at their hospital.