### Chapter 7: Pour Away the Medicine Victoria's words cut through the air with a clarity that contrasted sharply with Claudia's customary politeness. The direct approach left Claudia feeling a twinge of awkwardness tightening in her chest. "I-I didn’t mean it like that," she stammered, desperately trying to claw back her stance. But Victoria, with unwavering resolve, paid no heed to Claudia’s discomfort. With a quick pivot, she seized the narrative and ushered them towards the exit. Before leaving the clinic, Dominic provided her with a small packet of medicine, his brow creased with concern. "Though your friend might be hesitant, she should at least attempt to take this if she can. It’s traditional medicine—safe, and just a few doses will suffice." "Okay," Claudia responded, though her voice was swallowed by the weight of unspoken tensions. The trio soon departed the clinic, retracing their steps back to the Cadogan Residence. As they rolled into the driveway, Victoria, still reeling in discomfort, made a valiant effort to exit the vehicle swiftly. All she yearned for was the sanctuary of her room, where she could surrender to sleep. But fate had other plans; she stumbled as her foot met the ground, teetering dangerously close to a fall. Just in time, Alaric reached out, catching her arm with a frown etched on his face. "You’re in this state and still refuse to take any medicine or get a shot? You really are something else, aren’t you?" Claudia, trailing behind them, witnessed the touch between Alaric and Victoria and felt an involuntary jolt of urgency. "Let me help her, Al," she interjected as she rushed to Victoria’s side, wrapping a supportive arm around her. As they entered the house, Claudia greeted the maids, who exchanged surprised glances. "Did I just see what I think I did? Wasn’t that Miss Johnson?" one of the younger maids whispered, her eyes wide with disbelief. "Who is Miss Johnson?" another inquired, clearly out of the loop. Most of the seasoned maids recognized Claudia, but the newer recruits were oblivious. "Claudia Johnson. The woman who has captured Mr. Cadogan's attention. Haven’t you heard?" the older maid chimed in, her voice dripping with authority. "Mr. Cadogan likes her?" gasped the younger one, surprised. "But isn’t he already married?" "Ah, my dear, in elite circles, most unions are business transactions devoid of real romance," the older maid replied knowingly, glancing around to ensure no one was eavesdropping. "I’ve been at the Cadogan Residence long enough to know the truth. This isn't just another fling; Claudia actually saved his life when he was in danger. After a stint abroad for studies, he's been waiting for her return." "Then why did Mr. Cadogan marry someone else?" the curious maid pressed on, longing for the juicier details. "Well, there was a pressing situation—Old Mrs. Cadogan fell ill and insisted he find someone to settle down with. With the Selwyn family’s decline, options were few," the older maid finished, a sly smirk playing on her lips. "It’s a well-guarded secret among the upper crust; not many are privy to it. Keep it under wraps." The younger maid, disillusioned, murmured, "I really thought they were in love. I had no clue it was all a facade." "Of course, it’s all an act. Don’t be so naive," the older maid sneered, just as Hector strode into their midst, his expression dark and unyielding. "Aren’t there chores awaiting your attention?" he barked, and like startled birds, the maids scattered, dispersing from his formidable presence. Once the commotion died down, Hector allowed the tension in his shoulders to ease slightly. A man in his fifties, with gray streaked through his otherwise dark eyebrows, he frowned deeply upon learning about Claudia’s return. ### Pour Away the Medicine Claudia’s mind raced; events from the previous night began to make sense. As she supported Victoria back to her room, gratitude shimmered in the younger woman’s eyes. "Thank you," Victoria breathed, her voice soft yet sincere. "Don’t mention it," Claudia replied, a smile flitting across her lips. "You really should rest now." With a weary nod, Victoria shed her shoes, collapsing onto the bed. Alaric entered slowly, his gaze flitting over her before settling on Claudia. "Shall I arrange for you to get home?" he asked, ever the gentleman, considering that Claudia had no reason to linger. "Sure, thanks," she nodded eagerly. Just before she left, her gaze caught on a finely tailored men’s suit draped over the coat rack—Alaric's unmistakable style. A chill crept through her, and she followed them out, her lips pursed in contemplation. Once the door clicked shut behind them, Victoria’s eyes fluttered open, the stark white of the coiling ceiling swirling into her vision, drowning her in a haze of confusion. **What should I do about the child?** The realization of her pregnancy loomed like a dark cloud. Concealing her feelings for Alaric could last a year, maybe even two, yet how could she hide a growing belly? The thought spiraled into turmoil, leaving her no choice but to drift into a long, deep slumber. In her dreams, a shadowy figure approached, tenderly unfastening the collar of her gown. She felt a cool touch against her heated skin, and with a sigh of comfort, her body instinctively wrapped around him. A muffled groan resonated in her ears, deep and heavy, as her neck was ensnared with a firm yet soft grip, her lips kissing his fervently. Suddenly, a sharp intrusion jolted her awake—she bit down, tasting blood and eliciting a gasp from the figure. Before she knew it, she was flung aside. A rough hand seized her cheek, and in a voice both angry and playful, he remarked, "I’ve spoiled you too much, haven’t I? You even dared to bite me." She winced, shoving his hand away before surrendering once more to unconsciousness. When Victoria next stirred, twilight had settled into her sanctuary. A maid hovered nearby, joy illuminating her features as she beamed, "Mrs. Cadogan, you’re awake!" With a gentle touch upon her forehead, the maid exhaled a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness your fever has finally broken, Mrs. Cadogan." Victoria met the maid's eager gaze, memories flickering like sparks in her mind. "Have you been looking after me all this time?" she inquired, half-hoping for a different answer. The maid's eyes sparkled as she nodded vigorously. But any flicker of hope vanished from Victoria’s face as the realization hit her—it wasn't Alaric who had been by her side. Caught in her reverie, she barely noticed the woman approaching with a bowl of steaming medicine. "Good news, Mrs. Cadogan; now that you’re awake, you should drink the medicine while it’s warm." The stench of the traditional concoction hit her nose like a wall, and she recoiled, grimacing. "Please, Mrs. Cadogan, drink it before it turns cold!" the maid pleaded, inching the bowl closer. With a reluctant sigh, Victoria turned her head defiantly. "Just set it down for now, will you? I think I’m a bit hungry. Could you fetch me something to eat? I promise I’ll drink the medicine when you come back." The maid hesitated but eventually relented. "Very well, I’ll be right back with something for you. Just please remember to drink the medicine." "Yeah, sure," Victoria muttered, watching the maid scurry away. As soon as the door closed, she felt a surge of relief wash over her. She lifted the covers and swung her legs over the side of the bed, cradling the bowl of medicine. Making her way to the bathroom, she poured the foul brew down the toilet, watching as it swirled away, refusing to leave a trace behind. She turned back to see Alaric standing in the doorway, quiet and imposing, his sharp gaze fixed on her. "What are you doing?" he questioned, an edge of intrigue woven into his tone.