Chapter 42 He Is Quite a Gentleman
Cordelia had a rough night and woke up looking pretty worn out.
She dragged herself to the bathroom to freshen up. After getting ready, she left her bedroom.
There was a note from Evelyn on the dining table in the living room: [I have to go to the office first.]
Evelyn had an emergency at work and had to leave early.
She'd made breakfast for Cordelia and left it in the microwave to keep warm.
Cordelia felt really touched. Only her family would take such good care of her.
After eating breakfast, she headed to the hospital.
Since she had already handed in her resignation, Joe didn't schedule any more surgeries for her.
Her job now was to pass along her duties.
Hannah was swamped, so Cordelia organized all the patient files and handed them over.
For patients with more complicated conditions, Cordelia took Hannah to their rooms for a direct handover.
Cordelia and Hannah had just walked out of a patient's room when they saw Alaric entering Janet's room with a bag from a fancy restaurant.
Hannah shot a look at Cordelia.
Cordelia noticed Alaric too but stayed cool, acting like she barely knew him.
Hannah couldn't help but admire Cordelia's self-control.
She remembered how much Cordelia had adored Alaric when they first got married. Now, her calm demeanor showed just how much she had been through and how numb she had become.
Hannah bit her lip.
To her, Janet couldn't hold a candle to Cordelia.
"Guess it's true what they say, the grass is always greener on the other side."
Cordelia raised an eyebrow, finding Hannah's analogy a bit gross.
"Don't say that."
Seeing Cordelia's look of disgust, Hannah muttered something under her breath.
Cordelia was amused and a smile tugged at her lips.
As Alaric left Janet's room, Cordelia's smile caught his eye.
She seemed to be in a good mood, her face relaxed, and her eyes sparkling with amusement.
Seeing Alaric come out so quickly, Cordelia's smile faded, and she gave him only a brief glance before looking away.
Hannah, seeing Alaric approach, quickly pulled Cordelia along.
During Cordelia's final rounds after work, she checked on Janet and saw Alaric still in the room.
Janet greeted Cordelia with a gentle smile.
"Dr. Stone."
Cordelia nodded slightly, focusing on the check-up. No matter what Janet said, Cordelia's expression remained neutral. She listened but showed no interest in conversing.
Janet noticed Cordelia's reluctance to chat and fell silent.
After finishing the check-up, Cordelia gave some professional advice and left Janet's room to change out of her scrubs and head home.
As she walked out of the hospital, she saw Alaric's car drive past her.
He didn't stop or acknowledge her, just drove away.
Cordelia sighed, her mood souring instantly.
She hailed a cab. As soon as she gave the driver her address, her phone rang. It was Donald calling.
Cordelia answered.
Donald's voice was cheerful. "Cordelia, can you come home for dinner tonight?"
Cordelia paused before replying, "Sure thing."
"Dad, I just finished work. I'll be home soon. What are you cooking for me?"
Ever since Donald handed the company over to Evelyn, he seemed more relaxed and always looked forward to Cordelia coming home for dinner.
"You'll see when you get here."
"I made some of Alaric's favorite dishes too. I just learned the recipes. You two have to try them."
Donald's tone warmed when he mentioned Alaric, almost like he was talking about his own son.
Allegra had mentioned that Donald's mood had improved a lot recently, and his doctor said he was doing well.
Depression could be triggered by the smallest things.
Cordelia worried that if Donald found out about her impending divorce from Alaric, it might worsen his condition.
"Alaric's been busy lately. He might not have time."
Before she could finish, Donald interrupted, "I texted Alaric this morning. He said he's free tonight."
"Come straight home after work. Alaric might be late. The food's ready, so I'll hang up now."
Donald ended the call.
Cordelia was silent.
She rubbed her temples.
When she arrived at Stone Manor, she saw Alaric leaning against his car.
His hands were in his pockets, and although he looked relaxed, he still exuded an air of elegance.
It seemed he had been waiting for her. When he saw her get out of the cab, he walked over.
Cordelia pursed her lips.
"You agreed to come for dinner this morning?"
Alaric nodded.
"Yeah, your dad's in a good mood. I couldn't say no."
Cordelia pursed her lips.
If he had agreed earlier, why didn't he give her a ride from the hospital?
Now he was waiting here. After three years together, Cordelia realized she still didn't understand Alaric.
Seeing her thoughtful expression, Alaric broke the silence.
"I figured you wouldn't want to ride with me, so I didn't offer."
He seemed to read her mind and spoke calmly.
Every time she rode with him, Alaric noticed her discomfort and distance.
Cordelia paused.
She didn't want to ride with him?
Maybe he didn't want her in his car.
With their divorce imminent, Cordelia didn't want to argue over such things.
She didn't deny not wanting to ride with him.
"Let's go inside."
She said softly and walked toward the manor's entrance.
Alaric didn't rush inside. He opened his car's back door and took out several gift boxes, carrying them into Stone Manor.
Cordelia raised an eyebrow.
Alaric's expression was cool. "It's only polite to bring something when visiting your father."
Cordelia scoffed.
He was quite the gentleman.
"We're getting divorced soon. You don't need to keep up appearances."
Her voice was indifferent. She looked away from Alaric.
Donald's fondness for Alaric had grown recently, even more than when they first married.
Probably because Alaric had spent more time with Donald in the past few months than in their entire three-year marriage. Donald admired Alaric, and with Alaric's impeccable manners, he liked him even more.
Donald's attention to Alaric worried Cordelia.
If he found out about Alaric and Janet, his condition might worsen.
Cordelia didn't want to think about it.