Chapter 33 Aurora's Death Anniversary
Cordelia pulled herself together and threw herself into her work completely.
Janet's test results came back, confirming there were no issues. Only then did Cordelia proceed to remove Janet's stitches.
After the stitches were out, Cordelia gave Janet some post-discharge instructions.
"You still need to rest a lot in the first few weeks. Light activity is okay, but nothing too strenuous. And it's best to avoid any sexual activity for at least six months."
Cordelia's face was serious, and Janet blushed slightly.
"Dr. Stone, don't worry. Alaric knows how to be considerate."
Cordelia's heart tightened, and she looked away, saying flatly, "Congratulations on your discharge."
Janet thanked her softly.
Cordelia nodded slightly and turned to leave the room. As she reached the door, she saw Alaric walking towards them.
It was clear he was there to pick up Janet.
Cordelia's eyes dimmed, and she looked away, walking past him without a word.
Alaric paused slightly, his eyes probing as he glanced at Cordelia.
Janet came out carrying bags of medication, her eyes lighting up when she saw Alaric.
"Alaric, you came to get me? I thought you were busy at work today."
Alaric's expression was calm as he took the bags from Janet's hands. "I was in the area and thought I'd stop by."
"Let's go. I'll take you home."
Janet's eyes dimmed a bit.
He hadn't come specifically to pick her up.
Once they left the hospital, Alaric walked quickly.
Not yet completely well, Janet struggled to keep up. By the time they reached Alaric's car, she was slightly out of breath.
Alaric placed the medication in the passenger seat and got into the driver's seat to make a phone call.
Janet walked around to the passenger side, trying to open the door, but it was locked.
She froze slightly, then opened the back door and got in, feeling a pang in her heart, which seemed to make her wound ache even more.
"Alaric."
Janet hesitated.
Alaric finished his call and glanced in the rearview mirror. "Where do you live?"
Janet paused.
She had told Alaric where she lived before, but he hadn't remembered.
Her hands tightened on her lap, and she softly gave him an address.
Cordelia stayed late at the hospital, finishing her work before heading home.
When she arrived at Garden Vista Estates, she saw that only the living room light was on, indicating that Alaric wasn't home.
She felt a pang of sadness as she stepped into the living room.
Saskia was doing some final cleaning and looked up as Cordelia entered, quickly asking, "Mrs. Hughes, why did you get home so late? Was there a difficult patient?"
Cordelia's exhaustion was evident. "Yeah, something like that."
She didn't stop as she headed upstairs.
Saskia watched her go and asked, "Mrs. Hughes, would you like a late-night snack?"
Cordelia shook her head. "I just want to sleep."
Saskia said no more.
Cordelia washed up and collapsed into bed, falling asleep almost immediately.
She didn't even notice when Alaric came to bed.
The next morning, Cordelia woke up to find an arm draped over her waist. She glanced down and then turned to see Alaric's handsome face.
She paused.
Alaric woke up too, his eyes still heavy with sleep. He frowned slightly, his voice grumpy.
"Don't move. Or I'll make love to you."
His voice was low and threatening, and he tightened his hold on her.
Cordelia lay still, staring blankly at the ceiling.
Alaric sensed her stiff body and sighed, opening his eyes.
"Are you really that scared of me making love to you?"
Cordelia looked at his stern face and shook her head.
Alaric pushed himself up, leaning over her. He stared at her for a long moment, then lowered his head and kissed her tentatively.
Seeing no resistance from Cordelia, he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer.
"Should we?"
His voice was husky, his gaze intense, but he made no further moves, waiting for her response.
Cordelia hesitated, looking at his handsome face so close to hers.
Alaric was only wearing pajama pants, his upper body revealing perfect muscles that made her pulse quicken.
She was a normal woman with physical needs.
It was hard to refuse such an attractive man looking at her with such expectation.
Cordelia didn't answer, but her hand moved to touch the hard lines of his abs. After a few seconds of hesitation, she whispered, "Be gentle. I'm not feeling well lately."
Her voice was soft and gentle, and so was her touch.
Alaric felt his heart soften.
He held her tightly, as if he wanted to merge her into his body.
Perhaps he heard her request, for his movements were incredibly gentle, taking his time even as Cordelia became more responsive.
Just as they were about to get into it, Alaric's phone vibrated.
He frowned but ignored it.
After a while, the vibration stopped, but then Cordelia's phone rang.
Because of her job, Cordelia had to keep her phone on in case a patient needed her at any time.
Alaric's expression grew darker.
Cordelia also frowned, feeling frustrated by the interruption.
"See who it is," she said.
Pinned beneath him, she couldn't move.
Alaric sighed, his face darkening as he grabbed her phone. Seeing it was Ruth calling, his expression grew even more severe.
He answered the call.
"Grandma."
His voice was deep and husky, carrying a different kind of intensity.
"Are you trying to kill me?"
Ruth snorted at his tone.
"Today is your mother's death anniversary. Marigold and I are already on our way to her grave. Bring Cordelia and come quickly."
With that, Ruth hung up.
The desire in Alaric's eyes vanished.
Cordelia also regained her composure, blinking as she looked at Alaric on top of her.
After a few seconds, Alaric leaned down, and there was a knock on the bedroom door.
Saskia's voice came from outside.
"Mr. Hughes, Mrs. Cordelia Hughes, Mrs. Ruth Hughes called earlier. She wants you to wake up. Today is Mrs. Aurora Hughes' death anniversary."
Alaric's face turned cold, and he shouted, "Get out!"