After dinner, Alaric drove the car towards Blackwood Residence. He was surprised she didn’t insist on taking a cab or calling soone.
Sitting in the passenger seat, Aveline debated with herself whether she had turned into a lamb and follow him or if he was truly dominating, yet frighteningly considerate of her.
Halfway there, when he sensed her unmoving in her seat, her breathing slow and steady, he glanced at her to find she was dozing off.
Then it hit him. Her dicine made her drowsy. That’s why she avoided the cab. ’Smart.’
...
Halting in front of her house, he watched her sleeping face. She looked more than adorable, innocent. He could sit there all night just watching her, but the position wasn’t ideal for her to sleep.
He debated whether to wake her up or wait when he sensed movent outside.
Imdiately on alert, he spotted a middle-aged man. Looking at the uniform, he guessed him to be the butler.
He stepped out and instructed, "Open the door." Then he rounded the car, unbuckled her seatbelt, and scooped up his sleeping passenger princess—with her bag.
She stirred in sleep but leaned on his shoulder and stayed asleep. He was a light sleeper; he couldn’t understand how she managed to sleep through all the movent.
’Good for her.’
The frozen butler quickly ca to his senses when Alaric almost reached the door.
But upstairs, Charles narrowed his eyes at Alaric. Both tis, Alaric beside Aveline couldn’t be a coincidence.
Whether waiting in the hospital or carrying her just because she was sleeping was beyond business, beyond any client relationship.
Yet Charles had no solid reason to suspect him. Alaric wasn’t hiding anything. And his sister Giselle was handling Aveline’s poison case.
’What’s your intention, Alaric Lancaster?’
To avoid alerting Alaric, he stepped behind a wall as the butler guided Alaric to Aveline’s bedroom upstairs.
....
In Aveline’s bedroom,
Alaric carefully laid her down. Under the butler’s gaze, he resisted the urge to caress her cheek. ’I missed my chance in the car.’
He gently tried to untangle her grip from his pullover when she stirred and opened her eyes.
He braced himself for a scream, a gasp, even a push, but she just looked at him, dazed.
Softly batting her lids, her gaze searched his, then slowly dropped to his lips.
As if hypnotised, his own gaze followed and found her lips. The urge to kiss her was undeniable.
But just as he leaned slightly in, he caught himself and stopped. Her hand, still in his, he gently massaged her fingers, soothing her from the abrupt pull.
She drifted back to sleep.
He tucked her in the comforter and quietly left the villa.
...
In the morning,
Aveline stirred in bed, stretching like a lazy cat, when a voice interrupted her. "Good morning." It was gentle.
Recalling the night, not rembering how she got into bed, she jolted at the voice, half-thinking it was Alaric.
Wide-eyed, she turned to find Charles standing at the door with his morning coffee.
She patted her chest. "You scared ."
Charles stepped in casually, closing the door, and walked to her bedside.
She was yet to gather herself. "Are you having an affair?" he asked bluntly.
Aveline: "...?"
"With Alaric Lancaster," he added.
Aveline: "...?"
A married woman returning late at night with an unmarried man raised questions, especially since they weren’t exactly friends. She understands it.
But the question stung.
’If just the question makes this uncomfortable... how do Damien and Vivienne live boldly?’ she thought.
"Bro, are you asking or doubting ?" she asked aloud.
Charles placed his cup on the nightstand and sat in front of her. "I’m doubting him, Lina. Alaric Lancaster is infamous for being cold and heartless." He tugged her cheek. "But when it cos to you, he looks completely... different."
That comforted him, yet it also made him uncomfortable.
Rubbing her cheek, she voiced her thoughts, "I know, right?" That’s what’s been troubling her.
Charles flicked his fingers in front of her when she zoned out.
"I fainted at Ashford Holdings," she began. "Damien took to Lifeline Hospital." Then she started lying, "I was waiting for a cab when Alaric spotted . We went to dinner." She completed with the truth, "Since my dicine makes drowsy, I didn’t feel safe to return alone."
Charles listened carefully. He was ready to scold her for not calling him, until sothing hit him.
"You weren’t well, and he left you to take a cab?!" He asked calmly.
Aveline smiled awkwardly. "I sent him away. He had lots of work."
Charles stood up, his expression darkening. "You’re his wife, goddamn it!" He hissed.
Aveline jumped out of bed and tugged his arm. "Shh... I lied to him that you would pick up. My parents would get angry if they found out."
"Aveline Laurent, are you blind?" Charles snapped.
Aveline braced for a scolding. But he wasn’t mad at her.
Charles didn’t hold back. "What kind of husband hears that his in-laws are upset and runs? Not only did he take you to the wrong hospital, but he also left without making sure I picked you up."
Aveline: "..."
Hearing the rising voices, Henry burst into the room. His eyes scanned Aveline, then Charles. "What’s going on?" He couldn’t rember a ti Charles or Aveline raised their voices at each other.
Aveline muttered, "I’m not a kid." She doesn’t need anybody watching over her.
Charles barked, "His wife! Who fainted. Who’s under heavy dication."
Aveline shuddered. Why was she getting scolded due to her husband?
Henry stepped in and held her. He silently listened to learn more.
Charles continued, "If anything, Damien should be dropping everything to care for you. Day and night."
Henry’s face darkened. But instead of lashing out, he remained composed. "That’s enough." He silenced Charles.
He guided Aveline towards the ensuite, "Freshen up. Co downstairs."
Aveline nodded silently, closing the door behind her.
She had hoped Charles would understand and let it go. But she didn’t realize it would push him over the edge.
"I should have lied about everything. I should’ve hidden it all."
Because now, everything was going to spiral out of control.
Neither her parents nor Charles would stay silent after knowing Damien’s true priorities.
And Damien? He would be rciless once he found out they would question his love, his fake care.
"Why am I a fool?" Aveline wled.
Because now... Damien was going to strike. And rcy was off the table.
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