Departure with a Belly (Alaric and Victoria)

Chapter 69

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“That’s right, Grandma.” To prevent Griselda from getting suspicious,

Victoria made things up. “I never liked fish ever since I was young. When I

was little, I thought that it was something delicious. However, I threw up as

soon as I tried it. I might have been traumatized when I got a whiff of the

smell.”

When Griselda heard her words, the thoughtful expression on her face was

gone. After all, she felt it was normal to get traumatized by throwing up

after eating something at such a young age.

However, she was still worried about Victoria. “Are you sure you are fine?

It’s best if you get a checkup from the hospital.”

“It’s fine, Grandma. There’s nothing wrong with me. Do I look sick to you?”

asked Victoria.

Griselda eyed her up and down and realized that she had indeed

Chapter 69 Why Did She Return?

recovered. Still, she couldn’t help but pinch Victoria’s cheeks gently. “Why

didn’t you tell me sooner that you don’t like fish?”

Victoria whined. “That’s because you like it, so I want to have a taste too.

Initially, I thought I wouldn’t throw up again since I’m already an adult.

However, who knew… I’m sorry, Grandma. I’ll make sure to inform you next

time about the food I dislike. It won’t happen again.”

“Alright now, dear. You must be starving. Come on, eat some food.”

“Okay. I want to have some chicken soup.”

“I’ll tell the servant to prepare it for you.”

“Okay.”

Just as Victoria stood up and was able to push Griselda back home,

Claudia whispered, “Let me do it, Victoria. You must still be weak from all

that vomiting.”

Chapter 69 Why Did She Return?

When Victoria heard her words, she looked at Claudia and knew the latter

was trying to get Griselda’s liking. Thus, she didn’t say anything. After

Claudia left with Griselda, Victoria was about to follow them when she

heard a voice from behind.

“Did you really throw up after eating fish when you were young?”

Only when Victoria heard Alaric’s voice did she realize he was standing

behind her. She turned around and was met with his sharp gaze. “I never

heard you say anything about it,” he added.

Victoria averted her gaze and felt guilty when she looked into his eyes.

“Why should I tell you such an embarrassing thing?”

Hearing her words, Alaric said with a snort, “I have known every

embarrassing moment about you.” Since they were childhood friends,

Alaric had seen her grow from a child to an adult, which meant he knew

all her awkward puberty moments.

Chapter 69 Why Did She Return?

Victoria was startled when she heard his words. That’s right. Alaric and I

have known each other for years. We know each other like the back of our

hands. Sometimes, she wondered if Alaric wouldn’t even love her, even if

Claudia didn’t rescue him. After all, they were too familiar with each other.

Thus, how would Alaric be able to fall in love with her when he had seen all

her downsides?

Still, Victoria insisted and said, “There are many things you don’t know

about me.” Then, she ignored him and left. On the other hand, Alaric

pondered for a moment before following her footsteps.

After what had happened, Victoria hadn’t eaten any oily food and tried to

eat as blandly as possible. She was afraid to let the cat out of the bag if

she ate any of those foods again. However, she didn’t notice that Alaric

was watching her every move.

After breakfast, Victoria suggested taking Griselda for a stroll, which

Claudia insisted on tagging along. Thus, the duo left the house with

Chapter 69 Why Did She Return?

Griselda. Initially, Alaric wanted to tag along but was forced to stay back

due to work. Therefore, he could only remind them not to go too far.

At that moment, Hector said, “I’ll accompany them, Sir. Since they are just

taking a walk nearby, I don’t think there should be a problem.”

“Okay.” Alaric nodded. “Keep a lookout for them.”

It had been a long time since Griselda had left the nursing home. Thus,

she was excited and enjoyed the moment she could leave the house and

look around other than the nursing home’s garden. She was in awe when

she saw the people walking outside the villa and the house’s structure. As

Victoria walked behind them, she saw Claudia smiling while pushing the

wheelchair. She looked gentle and patient as she talked with Griselda.

Looking at them, Victoria couldn’t help but admit that Claudia knew how to

act like a gentle and sweet person. Plus, she knew how to win Griselda’s

heart. For the whole afternoon, Griselda had burst out laughing because of

Chapter 69 Why Did She Return?

her words.

When it was almost 11.00AM, Griselda felt tired. Claudia noticed it and said

softly, “Are you tired, Old Mrs. Cadogan? Why don’t we go back and take a

rest? It’s almost noon. If you want to come out again, I’ll come by

tomorrow and accompany you.”

Griselda nodded since she was exhausted. Then, Claudia pushed her back

to the house while Victoria fell behind. When Hector noticed it, he slowed

down.

“Mrs. Cadogan.” He called out to Victoria.

Victoria turned to look at him with confusion. “What is it, Mr. Bowen?”

Seeing that she was looking at him with confusion, Hector felt resentful. He

lowered his voice and said, “You should be taking charge of the situation

more.”

Chapter 69 Why Did She Return?

“Huh?” At first, Victoria didn’t understand what he meant. However, she

soon realized it and smiled. “It’s fine. As long as Grandma is happy.”

However, Hector seemed to be opposed to her words. “Old Mrs. Cadogan

will be happy too if you accompany her. Plus, you are her

granddaughter–in–law. She would be thrilled.”

Victoria looked at Hector with surprise. When she saw the resentment in

his eyes, she sighed and said nothing.

Seeing that she was calm, Hector continued, “You can’t always be passive,

Mrs. Cadogan. She did a favor for the Cadogans in the past and is now

trying to get on Old Mrs. Cadogan’s good side. If you don’t act soon, she

will soon replace you.”

Replace me? Victoria thought self–deprecating. The title of Mrs. Cadogan

was never mine. Thus, there is no way someone will take it away from me.

According to our agreement, that title was never mine, to begin with.

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Although the others may think I’m Alaric’s wife, I know my place.

Hector was anxious when he saw that Victoria remained calm and didn’t

seem to get worked up by his words.

Is she going to divorce Mr. Cadogan? he thought.

To be honest, Hector had taken a liking for Victoria. After all, Victoria

wouldn’t think lowly of them and have treated them well. As for Claudia,

she was Alaric’s savior, but that was it. Alaric wouldn’t need to marry her

because of this. After all, who would be willing to rescue others or to be

rescued if one would lose their freedom after saving a person? Moreover,

Hector could tell that Alaric had feelings for Victoria. However, he didn’t

make a move since Claudia had saved his life. Hector couldn’t understand

what Alaric was thinking. Moreover, he couldn’t figure out why Claudia

would leave two years ago if she truly loved Alaric and decided to return

now.

Chapter 69 Why Did She Return?

As he thought about it, he realized he didn’t understand what was on the

younger generation’s mind.