Chapter 12 She Wants to Thank Her in Person
Cordelia shivered as she left the warmth of Alaric's embrace, quickly burrowing under the covers and turning her back to him. A silent tear slipped down her cheek, hidden by the darkness.
When Cordelia woke, Alaric was gone. She pushed away her disappointment, got up, and went through her morning routine. After getting dressed, she headed downstairs.
Alaric was sitting on the living room sofa, glancing up as he heard her footsteps. Cordelia wore light-colored jeans and a simple white shirt, her hair pulled back into a ponytail, exuding a youthful energy.
Seeing Alaric, Cordelia hesitated slightly but then smiled and greeted him. "Morning, Mr. Hughes."
Alaric's eyes grew cold at her casual address. "Morning," he replied, his voice devoid of warmth, before returning to his magazine.
Saskia had breakfast ready and called out to them, "Mr. Hughes, Mrs. Hughes, breakfast is ready."
Cordelia nodded lightly and walked into the dining room, pulling out a chair to sit down. Alaric followed, sitting across from her. They ate in silence, neither speaking.
After breakfast, Cordelia stood to leave. Alaric put down his cutlery and glanced at her. "Ride with me."
Cordelia nodded. "Sure." Her car was still at The Hughes Manor, and the driver hadn't returned it yet.
At the hospital, Janet was already waiting by Cordelia's office. Seeing Cordelia and Alaric emerge from the elevator together, her expression froze. "You came together?"
Cordelia glanced at Alaric, who remained silent, then smiled and nodded. "Yes, Alaric picked me up."
"Ms. Martin, you're lucky Mr. Hughes cares so much about you," Janet remarked, her wary expression easing slightly.
"Alaric and I are just friends," Janet said softly, looking frail in her hospital gown, eliciting sympathy from Cordelia and likely from Alaric as well.
Cordelia noticed Alaric's worried expression and smiled faintly. "I understand."
Previously, Janet had flaunted her relationship with Alaric, but now that his marriage was revealed, she could only claim to be a friend. Being labeled a homewrecker wasn't flattering.
"You should take Ms. Martin back to her room to rest. A nurse will come to prep her for surgery soon," Cordelia said, brushing past Alaric and entering her office.
Janet noticed Alaric's gaze follow Cordelia and bit her lip. "Alaric," she called softly.
He finally looked away from Cordelia. "Let's get you back to your room."
The surgery lasted five hours. Cordelia oversaw the procedure, ensuring everything went smoothly before stepping away.
Given Janet's connection to Alaric, everyone was extra cautious to avoid any mishaps.
Cordelia left the operating room through a side door, glancing through a small window at Alaric, who sat in the same spot he had at the start of the surgery, looking worried. She turned to her assistant. "Inform the patient's family."
The assistant nodded. Cordelia cleaned up, changed into her white coat, and returned to her office, feeling a bit faint from hunger. She sipped some water and checked the time—she had another surgery in an hour. Sighing, she pulled a piece of bread from her bag to tide her over.
Alaric appeared in her doorway, watching her eat. "Is that all you're having for lunch?"
Cordelia looked up at him. "I have another surgery soon. The cafeteria is closed, and going out would waste time."
She spoke naturally, glancing at the bread but continuing to engage with him. "Ms. Martin's surgery was successful. She needs to rest and recover, but it won't affect her fertility."
"This was my best surgery yet."
Alaric hummed in acknowledgment, his expression unreadable, before leaving.
Cordelia finished her bread, feeling slightly better but worried about the baby's nutrition.
About ten minutes later, Robert entered with a bag of takeout. "Mrs. Hughes, this is from The Golden Spoon. Mr. Hughes said it's a reward for your hard work."
The Golden Spoon was her favorite restaurant before she got married, but she hadn't been there in a while. She accepted the bag. "Thanks, Robert."
Robert noted her calm demeanor and left to report back to Alaric. "Mrs. Hughes accepted the food and thanked you."
Alaric nodded slightly, his expression unchanged.
An hour later, Cordelia prepared for her next surgery. Janet woke up and saw Alaric still in her room, feeling pleased. "Alaric," she called weakly. He set down his papers and stood up.
"The surgery was successful. You need to rest and recover."
Janet smiled faintly. "I need to thank Dr. Stone. Could you bring her here?"
Alaric nodded and left to find Cordelia. He entered her office and immediately noticed the untouched bag of takeout from The Golden Spoon on her desk.