Chapter 32 The Idea of Marrying Him Gradually Takes Root
Cordelia walked into the restaurant and took a seat.
Alaric sat across from her, his expression neutral.
Saskia noticed the tension between them had eased a bit and quietly reminded Alaric of something.
"Hey, Alaric, tomorrow's your mom's death anniversary. Some of her old students visit her grave every year. This year, since it's on a weekend, Mrs. Hughes wants to invite your mom's students to dinner at the restaurant to thank them for remembering her."
Alaric nodded slightly, showing no disagreement. "Alright."
Cordelia paused for a moment. If she remembered correctly, Janet was also one of Alaric's mother Aurora Rivera's students. So, Janet would likely be there.
Cordelia's eyes darkened slightly. "I'll make sure to be there."
Saskia nodded and left to attend to other matters.
Alaric glanced at Cordelia with an unreadable expression before quickly looking away.
After their meal, Cordelia rode with Alaric to the hospital.
Saskia saw them off, noticing Cordelia still sat in the back seat, feeling the emotional distance between her and Alaric despite being in the same car.
Saskia sighed quietly. They hadn't reconciled yet.
On the way to the hospital, Cordelia sat quietly for a while before looking at Alaric, who was driving.
"Alaric, who made the first move between you and Janet?"
Alaric raised an eyebrow and looked at her through the rearview mirror. "What, thinking of becoming a journalist?"
Cordelia pressed her lips together, avoiding his gaze. "No, just curious. If you don't want to answer, that's fine."
When they arrived at the hospital, Cordelia got out of the car. As she did, she heard Alaric's answer.
"I made the first move."
Cordelia paused briefly, then smiled bitterly. "That's nice. I've never been pursued by anyone."
Alaric's eyes darkened. "So, did you pursue Dominic?"
Cordelia stopped in her tracks and turned to Alaric.
She and Dominic had never been together. But seeing Alaric's indifferent expression, she took a deep breath and replied almost instinctively.
"Yeah."
She wanted to see his reaction, but Alaric's expression remained unchanged, his deep eyes revealing nothing.
Cordelia pressed her lips together, feeling a pang in her heart.
He didn't like her, so naturally, he wouldn't care if she had pursued someone else.
Cordelia felt foolish, causing herself unnecessary pain.
She swallowed hard and walked into the hospital.
As she turned, Alaric drove away.
Cordelia changed into her work clothes and walked out of the locker room, seeing Janet waiting at her office door.
Janet sat quietly, looking poised like a lady from a noble family.
Cordelia approached her.
"Ms. Martin."
Janet stood up with a smile. "Dr. Stone. Can I be discharged today?"
Cordelia nodded. "If everything looks good after we take out the stitches, you can go home."
Janet looked excited. "Good thing I can leave today, or I might miss Ms. Rivera's death anniversary over the weekend."
Cordelia stayed calm and walked into her office.
Janet followed, curious. "Dr. Stone, you're pretty close with the Hughes family. Are you gonna be visiting Ms. Rivera's grave too?"
Cordelia nodded. "Yeah, I go every year."
Janet nodded and continued, "I heard from our class group that Ruth plans to host a dinner for Ms. Rivera's students."
Cordelia's expression stayed neutral. "I haven't heard about that."
She sat down at her desk.
Janet seemed hesitant. Cordelia noticed and frowned slightly. "Is there something else you want to ask?"
Janet bit her lip and cautiously asked, "Will Alaric's wife be attending?"
Cordelia didn't answer, which Janet took as confirmation.
Janet looked disappointed and softly said, "Of course, she's Alaric's wife and Ms. Rivera's daughter-in-law; she'll definitely be there."
Cordelia remained composed, quietly watching Janet.
Janet smiled awkwardly. "I'm just curious about what kind of person became Alaric's wife."
Cordelia looked away and began reviewing patient records on her computer.
"Nothing to be curious about."
Janet seemed eager to talk and, seeing Cordelia working, didn't leave. She sat down across from Cordelia.
"Actually, I met Alaric because of Ms. Rivera. When she was sick, I visited her often and got to know Alaric. I fell for him instantly. I didn't expect Alaric to feel the same. After Ms. Rivera passed, he pursued me, and I agreed."
Janet's eyes sparkled as she spoke, her emotions fluctuating.
Cordelia listened quietly, feeling a dull ache spread through her body.
It wasn't unbearable, but it was hard to ignore.
She took a deep breath, her throat feeling tight.
"Ms. Martin, I need to work now."
Janet paused, looking apologetic. "Sorry, Dr. Stone, I didn't mean to disturb you. I'll go back to my room."
Cordelia nodded slightly, focusing on her computer screen.
As Janet left, Cordelia couldn't help but glance at her retreating figure.
When Aurora was sick, Cordelia often visited her too.
She had met Alaric at a party, seeing him from afar and feeling an instant attraction, just like Janet described.
At that time, Donald was considering having Evelyn take over the company but worried she couldn't handle the pressure alone. He wanted to arrange a business marriage.
But Evelyn was secretly dating Bruce, a man with no background, and the Howard family was already in decline.
The Hughes family seemed like a good choice.
Evelyn was focused on Bruce and had no interest in a business marriage.
Through Evelyn, Cordelia met Aurora and often visited her in the hospital.
Aurora's kindness and warmth inspired Cordelia's desire to study medicine.
With Evelyn and Donald busy, Cordelia confided in Aurora, who listened patiently as she talked about her feelings for Alaric.
Aurora's motherly warmth deeply affected Cordelia, who had grown up without a mother.
The idea of marrying Alaric took root during that time, becoming a deep-seated wish.