Maggie returned to her room with thoughts swirling about Aldrich’s consideration of her proposal. The idea of no longer being separated from the children excited her, reigniting her hope. It was a hopeful beginning.
Lunchtime arrived, and they gathered once again in the opulent dining room. This time, Aldrich joined them. Maggie’s eyes fell upon a table laden with delicious meats, but she had little appetite. She mustered the courage to express her desire for dessert, craving various sweets to satisfy her sugar hankering.
However, Aldrich firmly refused her request, saying, “Wolves don’t eat desserts, Maggie. You need to consume a lot of meat to support the development of our twins.”
“Wolves don’t eat desserts… So, does that mean you’re agreeing to my proposal from this morning?” Though she faced rejection, Maggie showed no signs of anger. She looked at Aldrich with anticipation.
Aldrich, however, continued to gracefully carve a rack of lamb and replied, “No, I’m simply reminding you to consider the health and development of our babies. As for your morning proposal, the risks are too great…”
Aldrich paused, unable to outright deny Maggie, so he softened his tone. “I’m still considering it.”
Maggie’s face darkened. She felt Aldrich was overthinking it and avoiding a direct answer, possibly to postpone his refusal.
“Fine, let’s not discuss the morning proposal for now,” Maggie’s tone was filled with disappointment. “But, Aldrich, I really want some sweets. Can’t we make an exception, just this once?”
Aldrich’s expression softened, and his eyes showed understanding and concern. “Maggie, I understand your craving, but we must prioritize the health of our twins. Your previous lack of proper nutrition led to your fainting. We can’t jeopardize their well-being.”
Maggie nodded, her gaze lowered. “I know you’re right, Aldrich. It’s just… I can’t help but crave something sweet. Maybe it’s the babies’ cravings…”
As Aldrich continued to contemplate, a voice, the voice of his inner wolf, echoed in his mind. “Her emotions affect the babies. Satisfy her desires, for her happiness is vital to the well-being of the children.”
Aldrich’s expression became even softer, and he made up his mind. “Alright, Maggie, I’ll make an exception for you this time. Your happiness is important, and I’ll go talk to the chef to prepare a dessert for you.”
Maggie’s face brightened, and a hint of joy returned to her eyes. “Thank you, Aldrich! I appreciate you more than you know.”
The chef, who had overheard their conversation, approached their table with a smile. “Ma’am, what would you like for dessert? I can make anything you desire.”
Maggie’s excitement grew, and she couldn’t contain her happiness. She reminisced about the times when she had to restrain her desires due to financial constraints. “Oh, if you could! I’ve always wanted to try a chocolate cake with raspberry filling or a cream cheese cake with fresh berries.”
Listening to her suggestions, Aldrich furrowed his brow. “I’m sorry, Maggie, but those choices aren’t suitable for you. We need to ensure both sweetness and nutrition. How about a plate of juicy raspberries? They are sweet and provide the necessary nutrition for you and the babies.”
Maggie’s excitement dimmed slightly, but she understood Aldrich’s concern. “Raspberries will do. As long as they satisfy my craving for something sweet, I’ll be content.”
The attentive butler couldn’t resist joining the conversation. “Ma’am, you’ll be delighted to know that Barrett Manor boasts the finest raspberries on the entire continent. Not only are they delicious, but they also offer many benefits to expectant mothers.”
Maggie was somewhat curious and cast a glance at the butler. “Really? I had no idea. Well then, I suppose I should enjoy them.”
After the conversation, Maggie lowered her head and began to eat her meal. However, disappointment silently gnawed at her. Despite her efforts to appear satisfied, her craving for delicious desserts still lingered in her mind, betraying her true feelings.
Aldrich noticed the subtle change in Maggie’s demeanor. His face displayed concern as he gazed into her eyes. “Maggie, is something troubling you? You seem a bit distant.”
Maggie put on a forced smile, attempting to hide her disappointment. “No, it’s nothing, Aldrich. I’m just used to the idea of having raspberries. It’s no big deal.”
The butler, noticing Maggie’s wordless disappointment, approached her. “Dear mistress, please allow me to assure you that the raspberries at Barrett Manor are indeed exceptional. Perhaps you’ll find something you like.”
Maggie politely nodded while concealing her disappointment. “Thank you. I believe they’ll be enjoyable.”
Maggie continued to eat her meat, but a heaviness settled within her. Each bite lacked the satisfaction she longed for, and her taste buds yearned for the sweet indulgence she had imagined. She pondered the compromises she had made for her unborn children, yet the desire for more children remained elusive.
With a sigh, Maggie finally set down her utensils, rose from her seat, and expressed her disappointment with a touch of sadness. “I’m sorry, Aldrich. I just… I need some fresh air.”
Aldrich’s concern deepened, and his gaze searched Maggie’s face. “Are you sure you’re okay? Can I accompany you?”
Maggie forced a smile, trying to hide her disappointment. “No need, it’s okay. I just need a moment alone; I’ll be back soon.”
Maggie left the dining room, taking heavy steps towards the outside. Disappointment weighed on her heart, and she sought solace in solitude, hoping that the fresh air would alleviate her discontent.
She wasn’t sure if she could coexist harmoniously with Aldrich in the days to come, and she longed for someone to confide in.
“Elizabeth, can you fetch my phone for me?” Maggie turned to the newly acquainted maid for help.
Hearing her request, Elizabeth’s eyes flickered with panic. She politely nodded and responded with a courteous tone, carefully concealing any signs of unease. “Of course, ma’am. I’ll get your phone for you. Please wait a moment.”
As Maggie sat down, supporting her abdomen, the plush leather sofa cushion slightly sank. Just as she settled in, she noticed Aldrich walking over from the entrance.
“Maggie, this is for you. I hope it brings you some joy.” Aldrich handed her a violet plant, recognizing it as a flower from the garden outside the hall. Maggie saw the remorse and apology in Aldrich’s eyes.
Violets were beautiful and temporarily eased Maggie’s melancholy. She accepted the flower and said, “Thank you.”
At that moment, Elizabeth arrived with Maggie’s phone, and upon seeing Aldrich present, she breathed a sigh of relief. She lowered her head and responded politely, disguising her unease. “Here’s your phone, ma’am.”
The phone was turned off, and Maggie attempted to turn it on. Before she could ask, Aldrich came up behind her and said, “Is there anything else you need? If you have any requests, please tell Thomas or Elizabeth. Everyone here would be more than willing to assist you.”
The screen lit up, and Maggie noticed several missed calls, including ones from the bank and a florist, but especially from her sister, Alisa, who had tried to reach out to her multiple times. Maggie frowned and asked, “Why wasn’t I informed?”
Alisa couldn’t reach her by phone, and she had sent several text messages expressing concern and worry.
Maggie’s expression turned cold, and her accusatory gaze fell upon Elizabeth. “I trust all of you and follow your advice to stay away from electronic devices for my safety. But when someone is trying to reach me, you should have told me…”
Elizabeth stammered and couldn’t find the words to respond. Fortunately, Aldrich gestured for her to leave so he could address the phone issue. Elizabeth gratefully exited.
Aldrich turned to face Maggie, meeting her increasingly icy gaze. “Was it your order? Do you want to isolate me from the outside world and cut off all contact with everyone?”
“No, Maggie, everything was done for your safety. Please believe that my intentions toward you are good.” As Aldrich sat down next to Maggie, her sharp gaze wounded him.
Maggie took a step back, increasing the distance between them, intensifying Aldrich’s discomfort.
She bit her lip, gripping her phone tightly, and demanded firmly, “Aldrich, I’m truly disappointed in you. I feel like I’m imprisoned here, with no respect at all! Arrange for someone to take me home, now.”