Leah’s sullen expression instantly brightened. Her eyes darted between the two of them.
“Don’t tell me, you two!”
Ruby lowered her head, feigning shyness.
Alaric cast a brief glance in my direction, only to be met with an unreadable expression.
Leah gave me a sharp, unfriendly look.
“Some people have been married for years without even a whisper of good news, while others are only here for two or three months and already proving themselves.”
Alaric pulled me aside.
“Eleanor, don’t overthink this. This proves Ruby really did help cure me. This is my first child! I can’t just abandon my responsibility. But we can raise the baby under our name, alright?”
Watching him lie so effortlessly, without even blinking sent a sharp pain through my chest.
Then Leah’s voice rang out, louder than before.
“Since it’s Alaric’s child, as his wife, she should be the one to take good care of it! That’s her duty!”
Late that night, we returned to the villa. Alaric looked like he wanted to say something, but before he could speak, a loud knock shattered the silence.
“Mr. Alaric! Miss Ruby isn’t feeling well, she needs you right away!”
We rushed to Ruby’s residence.
“The doctor’s already seen her,” the housekeeper said respectfully. “It’s nothing serious, just a bit of fatigue. He recommended some rest and warm foot soaks to help her relax.”
The room fell into a sudden hush.
Half-reclined on the sofa, Ruby suddenly looked up at me.
“Then could Eleanor help me with the foot bath?”
Alaric looked at me awkwardly, clearly torn.
“Ruby, don’t be difficult. There are plenty of maids here. Let them do it. If not, I’ll help you myself, alright?”
Ruby pouted and cast a suggestive glance at Alaric’s lower body. Her voice was sweet and coy, “But you’ve already worked so hard today.”
Alaric’s breath hitched slightly. Then he turned to me and ordered,
“Eleanor, she’s pregnant, it’s inconvenient for her. You do it.”
I clenched my fists so tightly my knuckles turned white.
Just as I picked up the towel, Ruby suddenly swayed and let out a piercing scream,
“What are you doing?!”
Alaric shoved me away with full force. My forehead slammed into the corner of the table. A nearby vase shattered, sharp shards slicing into my skin as blood began to pour.
“She’s trying to kill my baby!” Ruby shrieked, tears rolling down her cheeks.
“I didn’t. I didn’t do anything!” I cried, panicked and trembling.