Chapter 22 Cordelia, This Pajama Set Is Wasted on You
After taking her medicine, Ruth felt drowsy. The maid helped her back to her room, and Cordelia headed upstairs.
Seeing Cordelia, the maid smiled and quickly said, "Mrs. Hughes, your pajamas are ready. They're in the closet."
Cordelia nodded in acknowledgment.
When she entered the bedroom, Alaric had already finished his shower and was lounging on the bed, playing on his phone.
Seeing Cordelia enter, he glanced up at her and said, "I adjusted the water temperature for you."
His voice trailed off as he returned to his phone, tapping on the screen as if replying to messages.
Cordelia looked away and went to the closet to get her pajamas.
The maid had prepared several styles of pajamas, but they all had one thing in common: they were very short.
Cordelia chose the longest one she could find. It was a red pajama set that, while slightly longer than the others, had an open back.
She rubbed her temples, deciding to show her back rather than her legs.
After grabbing the pajamas, she went into the bathroom.
Alaric finished replying to Robert's message, set his phone aside, and stared at the bathroom door.
He had noticed the sexy styles of pajamas the maid had prepared for Cordelia when he went to the closet earlier.
Each one was something Cordelia had never worn before.
He felt an inexplicable sense of anticipation.
When Cordelia came out, she awkwardly covered her chest with her hands. She hadn't realized that the pajamas not only had an open back but also was so low-cut.
She had never worn this style before and felt uncomfortable.
She glanced towards the bed, but Alaric, who had been lounging there, was no longer in the room.
She looked at the spot where Alaric had been lying, feeling conflicted.
Just as she was about to look away, she saw Alaric standing by the balcony door, watching her.
The red nightgown made her skin look delicate, and the mist from the bathroom created a soft glow around her.
Alaric's gaze was intense, his Adam's apple bobbing.
"Did you think I left?"
Cordelia pressed her lips together, trying to control her discomfort. She dried her hair as she walked to the dressing table, not responding to Alaric.
Alaric raised an eyebrow.
Cordelia, who had been so talkative in front of Ruth, was now like a clam in front of him.
He frowned and walked over, taking the towel from her hand to dry her hair.
Cordelia was momentarily stunned, watching Alaric's focused expression in the mirror, her heart racing.
Alaric noticed her confused look and said lightly, "Don't get the wrong idea. You're too slow at drying your hair. It'll affect my sleep, and I have an important meeting tomorrow morning."
Cordelia remained silent, letting Alaric help her with her hair.
She had promised Ruth to give Alaric three months. If three years brought no progress in their relationship, what could three months possibly accomplish?
Though she knew the outcome, she couldn't help but feel a sliver of hope.
In three months, her baby would be over four months old.
Her child might not have a father in the future, so she decided to cherish these few months.
Alaric's movements were gentle, drying her hair without any tangles.
His skilled actions made it seem like he often dried women's hair. But his fingertips occasionally brushed against Cordelia's back, each touch making her nerves tingle.
Even after her hair was completely dry, Alaric didn't put down the hairdryer.
Cordelia touched her hair and said, "It's dry."
Alaric turned off the hairdryer and responded softly, his voice hoarse, "Let's go to bed."
He then turned and got into bed.
Cordelia pressed her lips together. Despite sharing a bed for three years, her heart raced as if they were newlyweds. She controlled her emotions and got into bed from the other side, quickly pulling the covers over herself.
She lay stiffly on the bed, staring at the ceiling.
Alaric noticed her tense posture and chuckled coldly.
"Cordelia, that nightgown's a waste on you."
Cordelia paused and glanced at Alaric, seeing the mocking look in his eyes. She felt a sting and immediately retorted, "Then why don't I take it off and you can give it to Ms. Martin tomorrow?"
Alaric's face darkened instantly.
Seeing his angry expression, Cordelia turned away, feeling more at ease. She didn't know why she had been so nervous and expectant earlier!
Alaric stared at her smooth back, frowning, his eyes darkening. He reached out to pull her into his arms, but Cordelia quickly turned off the light, plunging the room into darkness.
In the dim light, Alaric's grim expression was hidden.
The next morning, Cordelia woke up on time. She opened her eyes and was clinging to Alaric. She froze.
"Awake?" Alaric's deep, slightly suppressed voice sounded.
Cordelia quickly pulled her hand back and looked up at Alaric. His deep eyes were fixed on her, trailing downward.
Cordelia hesitated, then quickly covered herself. But Alaric grabbed her hand, pressing it down as he leaned over.
His movements were rough, and Cordelia, startled, became tense.
"Alaric!"
Alaric's intense gaze silenced her, his lips covering hers to stop her from speaking.
The first three months of pregnancy weren't suitable for vigorous activity. And with her heavy workload, the pregnancy was unstable. What if intense sex caused a miscarriage?
Alaric's grip was tight, and Cordelia couldn't break free. His rough actions made her panic, tears welling up.
Feeling her tears, Alaric paused, stopping all his movements.
After a long moment, he lifted his head, seeing her tears. He gritted his teeth.
"Cordelia, we're not divorced yet!"
Cordelia remained silent.
Seeing her silent tears, Alaric felt like a bucket of cold water had been poured over him, his voice tinged with frustration.
"Fine, I won't touch you."
Calming down, he got out of bed and went to the bathroom. Shortly after, the sound of running water filled the room.
Cordelia quickly wiped her tears and got dressed.
When Alaric emerged from the bathroom, his expression was much cooler. He glanced at Cordelia, said nothing, and walked past her out of the bedroom and downstairs.
The earlier incident seemed like it had never happened.