Chapter 4 I know my body

• "Oh, Victoria," Claudia greeted. Following that, she walked up to Victoria with a broad grin. Before Victoria could even react, Claudia was embracing her.
• Suddenly, Victoria's body became even more rigid as she locked eyes with Alaric over Claudia's shoulder.
• He was leaning against his desk, staring intently at her with his dark eyes, but it was hard to tell what was happening in his mind.
• When Victoria regained her composure, Claudia had already stepped away from her.
• "I heard all about your situation from Alaric. You've had it hard." There was a look of distress on Claudia's face. "You must tell me if you need any help."
• Hearing this, Victoria's mind, sluggish from her cold, paused. Had Alaric told her everything?
• Was it about their fake marriage or the impending divorce?
• Regardless, she had indeed occupied Claudia's position as Mrs. Cadogan for two years. Some things needed to be clarified.
• Moreover, she owed Claudia.
• Then, Victoria shoved aside the bitterness she felt and spread her lips in a smile. "Thank you. When did you get back?"
• "I flew in yesterday," Claudia replied.
• Yesterday? That means Alaric went to see her as soon as she returned. Inevitably, Claudia is the one he cherishes the most in his life.
• "Why do you look so pale?" Claudia suddenly asked. "Are you sick?"
• Hearing that, Alaric, languidly leaning against his desk, suddenly turned to stare at Victoria. A frown formed on his brow as he scanned her up and down.
• "Is it because you got wet walking home in the rain last night?"
• "Walking in the rain?" Claudia looked confused.
• Victoria sighed and was about to explain when Alaric coldly snapped, "Why are you forcing yourself if you don't feel well? The company doesn't desperately need you."
• Why is he suddenly agitated?
• Did he resent her for disturbing them?
• So, Victoria quickly gave her report, "This is yesterday's summary. I've sorted it up. Now, I have work to do, so I'll leave the two of you to your reunion."
• After that, She nodded toward Claudia and left Alaric’s office, not noticing the deep furrow in his brow.
• Meanwhile, Victoria shuffled back to her office with heavy feet and a heavy head. As soon as she sat down, she could not help but slump over her desk. Suddenly, her head was spinning hard.
• She lost track of time until she finally heard Yasmin's voice.
• "Victoria, why don't you go home and rest?"
• At that moment, Victoria felt so lethargic and sick that her only response was, "Yasmin, let me sleep for a while." Following that, she immediately fell into a deep sleep.
• She had a dream in which she was eighteen again. On that day, she and Alaric had their coming-of-age celebration. So, their families decided to co-host the party. That evening, she specifically put on her favorite blue dress, curled her hair, and had her nails done. She planned to confess her love to him.
• After a long, fruitless search, she located him in the garden. As she walked over to him, she heard his friends teasing him.
• "You're an adult now, Al. Are there any girls you like? Maybe you can get engaged," one of them said.
• "Victoria's quite nice. She's always hanging around you," another said.
• When Victoria heard that, she instinctively stopped walking, wanting to listen to what Alaric had to say. After all, his answer was vital to what she would do next.
• However, she did not hear his response as someone spoke up first. "Victoria is impossible. Al only sees her as his little sister. Everyone knows the only one in his mind is Claudia."
• Claudia...
• Then, Victoria snuck a glance at Alaric.
• That evening, Alaric sat on the stone bench, his legs so long that they barely touched the ground. He had a faint smile and didn't object to what they said.
• "Indeed. Claudia is more feminine, gentle, and beautiful, but Victoria is only a little girl. Moreover, Claudia is Alaric's savior."
• Alaric nodded. Finally, there was a response from him as he hummed in agreement.
• Under the moonlight, his face looked very calm. "The spot beside me will always be hers."
• Suddenly, Victoria's heart literally shattered in two when she heard that. She stood there dumbfounded as the blood drained from her face, turning her skin stark white. However, she did not expect her confession would be rejected before it was even given.
• Claudia had saved Alaric's life, and everyone was talking about it. Customarily, heroes would rescue damsels in distress. In the case of Alaric and Claudia, however, a young woman came to the rescue of a man.
• On the other hand, Victoria was not aware of the matter.
• She had also fallen into the river, resulting in a high fever. When she finally woke up, she had forgotten about the events and had no idea how or why she had fallen into the river.
• Suddenly, Alaric appeared before Victoria in the dream. His eyes were cold and emotionless. "Abort the baby, Victoria."
• Meanwhile, Claudia stood beside him, her vine-like arms wrapped around his side.
• "Are you keeping the baby because you want to ruin our love, Victoria?" she asked.
• When he heard the word 'ruin,' his eyes went colder. He stepped forward and grabbed Victoria's chin. "Behave, or I will make my move."
• His grip was so hard that it felt like he would shatter her jaw.
• She struggled arduously but eventually woke up from the dream, her body drenched in a cold sweat.
• As soon as her eyes opened, she saw a busy highway outside the window.
• Is it... a dream? Why does it feel so real?
• Then, she heaved a sigh.
• "Oh, you're awake, Victoria." Hearing the soft voice coming from ahead, she looked up to find Claudia staring at her worriedly.
• Why is she here? Realization soon struck Victoria. She turned to look at the driver. It was Alaric, and Claudia was sitting in the passenger seat.
• When he heard Victoria had woken up, he glanced at her in the rearview mirror.
• "You're up. What hurts? Tell the doctor everything when we're at the hospital."
• Victoria's heart had been pounding hard from her nightmare. She had finally calmed her heart down, but what he said made it race again from anxiety. "No. I don't need to go to the hospital. I'm fine."
• He shot her another look when he heard that. "Why are you causing a fuss? Don't you know you have a fever?"
• "Yes, Victoria, you are burning up really badly. You have to go to the hospital," Claudia said in agreement. "Al said you got wet walking home in the rain yesterday. What happened?"
• What happens? Victoria stared at Claudia. Her pale lips moved, but she ultimately said nothing.
• What can I possibly say? That I have fallen for their cruel prank, rushing over to bring Alaric an umbrella, only to end up the target of their mockery? Or that I have arrived, full of hope to share my pregnancy news, only to be handed divorce papers instead? No—it is better to let it go. We are all adults; some things are best left with a bit of dignity.
• After a moment of thought, Claudia's face turned worried as she guiltily asked, "Is it because yesterday—"
• "Anyway, we'll be going to the hospital first," Alaric interrupted in his deep and steady voice. "Rest for the next few days until you get better. You don't need to head into the office during this time."
• Then, Claudia shot him a puzzled look for his interruption.
• Meanwhile, Victoria lowered her eyes as a spine-chillingly icy look flashed in her beautiful eyes. He is very protective of the person for whom he cares the most.
• It took a few long minutes before she finally looked up and responded, "I won't go to the hospital."
• He frowned. Today, she seems incredibly stubborn.
• "What's your plan? How can you not go to the hospital when you're sick?"
• "I know my body," she shot back with pursed lips.