Chapter 35 The Situation She Has to Face
Marigold climbed into Cordelia's car, sitting beside her with an intense stare. Cordelia seemed unfazed, her expression calm as if the recent events hadn't affected her at all.
Marigold's eyes darkened slightly. "Cordelia, aren't you even a bit worried about Alaric?"
Cordelia looked puzzled. Alaric was sitting comfortably in the car ahead. She should be worried about Ruth instead; Ruth's health wasn't great, and she might have been upset.
Seeing Cordelia's confusion, Marigold sighed deeply. "Alaric got chewed out by his grandma because of you again. Doesn't that bother you? Is this how a wife should act?"
"A good wife should be a peacemaker, not make them worse," Marigold continued.
Cordelia raised an eyebrow. "Marigold, are you talking about Alaric's erectile dysfunction or the incident with Ms. Martin earlier?"
Marigold frowned. Cordelia's smile was faint as she continued, "You brought up Alaric's impotence first, didn't you? Now it seems like you're blaming me. What did I do wrong in this situation? Please, enlighten me."
Marigold was taken aback by Cordelia's sharp words, a stark contrast to her usual mild demeanor. She took a deep breath, unable to hide the disdain in her eyes, and struggled to find a rebuttal.
Cordelia's smile faded slightly as she turned to look out the window. The rest of the drive to The Hughes Manor was silent.
Once they arrived, Marigold quickly got out and headed straight for Alaric. "Alaric, I think I should leave. Cordelia doesn't seem to like me."
Alaric, who had just been reprimanded by Ruth in the car, looked displeased. He frowned and glanced at Cordelia, his deep eyes revealing no emotion.
Ruth's gaze was heavy as she looked at Marigold. "What are you talking about? Cordelia is the kindest and most gentle person. If she doesn't like you, it's your fault."
Marigold's face stiffened at Ruth's words. "Ruth! You—"
Ruth cut her off, waving her hand and signaling the driver. "Take her home. I need some peace and quiet."
The driver nodded, gesturing for Marigold to follow. Marigold hesitated, gritted her teeth, and shot Cordelia a cold look before leaving.
Cordelia stood quietly, not defending herself or showing any displeasure at Marigold's words. After Marigold left, Ruth immediately walked over and took Cordelia's hand. "Cordelia, Marigold is always nitpicking and meddling. Don't take it personally."
Cordelia nodded. "Don't worry, Grandma. For your sake, I won't hold a grudge."
Ruth relaxed at Cordelia's response.
Marigold had always wanted to introduce her niece to Alaric as a potential wife, but Ruth had chosen Cordelia instead. This had caused Marigold to harbor resentment towards Cordelia for years. Now, with Cordelia and Alaric married for three years without any children, Marigold saw an opportunity to stir trouble. However, the real reason Cordelia hadn't conceived was due to Alaric's issues.
While Cordelia was talking to Ruth, her phone rang. It was a call from a patient's family at the hospital. Cordelia's expression changed slightly as she answered. The patient she was responsible for was in the emergency room.
The hospital rarely disturbed Cordelia during her breaks, knowing her connection to Ruth. The patient's family was desperate and trusted Cordelia, hence the call. Cordelia couldn't shake her concern after the call.
Ruth understood. "You should go to the hospital. Just remember to come to the restaurant for dinner later."
Cordelia nodded lightly. As she was leaving, she glanced at Alaric. The dinner tonight would reveal their relationship; she wondered how Alaric would handle it.
Alaric's deep eyes fell on her. "I'll drive you."
His voice was low, and he got into the driver's seat without another word. Ruth urged Cordelia to get in the car, opening the passenger door for her.
Cordelia nodded and got in. She expected Alaric to discuss the dinner plans on the way, but he remained silent.
At the hospital, Cordelia got out without asking any questions. She went to her department, where the patient's family grabbed her hand, tearfully explaining the situation.
Cordelia comforted them and stayed until the patient came out of surgery. After talking to the surgeon and confirming the situation, she reassured the family before leaving.
As she stepped out of the hospital, she received a call from The Hughes Manor.
The butler's voice was somber. "Mrs. Cordelia Hughes, Mrs. Ruth Hughes won't be able to attend tonight's dinner. She caught a chill earlier and isn't feeling well. We'll need you to host."
Cordelia frowned. "Is it serious? If it is, I'll come back. Alaric can handle the dinner."
The students from Aurora were Janet's classmates, and Cordelia hadn't met them before. Alaric would be more comfortable with them.
The butler quickly replied, "Mrs. Ruth Hughes isn't seriously ill, but she insists you must attend. Otherwise, she might come despite being unwell."
Cordelia sighed. "Alright, I understand."
With Cordelia's agreement, the butler ended the call. Cordelia put away her phone and saw a familiar car pull up. Robert, the driver, opened the back door for her.
"Mrs. Hughes, Mr. Hughes is still in a meeting at the company. He asked me to pick you up."
Cordelia nodded calmly and got into the car. "Let's go straight to the restaurant."
Robert closed the door and returned to the driver's seat, starting the car. As they drove to the restaurant, Cordelia's thoughts were scattered, and she felt a headache coming on from the upcoming dinner.