Chapter 33: All Misfortune Has Passed
As Aldrich heard that Maggie had spent a relatively cheerful morning, his nervousness eased. He breathed a sigh of relief, and the weight on his shoulders instantly lifted.
His thoughts returned to his former partner, Grace. She was a mature and independent she-wolf, never requiring his constant attention to meet her emotional needs. In contrast, dealing with the fragile human girl Maggie had initially left him feeling unsettled. However, over time, Aldrich found he couldn’t ignore his growing concern for Maggie. He discovered that when he was with her, he felt something entirely different from what he had with Grace.
Last night, his yearning for Maggie had overwhelmed him to the point where he couldn’t resist the urge to enter her room while she slept. Standing in the darkness, his gaze fixated on her peaceful face, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of vulnerability and protectiveness. Soft moonlight bathed the room, casting a gentle glow over Maggie’s slumbering form.
Aldrich restrained his inner desires. He yearned to be closer to Maggie, to touch her, to understand the depths of her heart, and to provide her with the security she deserved.
However, every time he got close, memories of his former partner, Grace, leaving would resurface in his mind. Aldrich’s face displayed a conflicted expression as he contemplated these newfound feelings. He knew his relationship with Maggie was unlike anything he’d ever experienced. She was a fragile human, in stark contrast to the strong and resilient wolves he was accustomed to. But it was her vulnerability that drew him in and captured his heart in a way he couldn’t fully comprehend.
Aldrich fell into deep thought, his gaze shifting to a photograph on the table. It captured a moment from his past, a snapshot of him and Grace, their eyes filled with the love that had once burned between them. This photograph, juxtaposed with the one of Maggie peacefully sleeping in her room, stirred conflicting emotions within him.
As he struggled to balance the weight of his responsibilities as an Alpha with the desires tugging at his heartstrings, his inner conflict intensified. Would he allow himself to embrace this new connection with Maggie, risking his heart once again?
In the office, silence prevailed, and the only sound lingering in the air was Aldrich’s steady heartbeat. In that moment, he silently made a vow to himself.
Inside the mansion, the butler, Thomas, handed Maggie a custom-made phone that had arrived urgently. “Hello, dear Miss, the safety alert has been lifted, and you can use this phone for social activities without worries. The potential threat from the wild wolves has also been resolved. If you have any plans to go out, please let me know. I’d be more than happy to assist you.”
These two messages brought a bright smile to Maggie’s face. She couldn’t wait to dial Alisa’s number.
The call was quickly connected, and Alisa’s voice brimmed with excitement. “Thank goodness, Maggie, you finally called!”
Maggie explained the reason for her lack of communication over the past few days, citing her discussions with Aldrich about the need for rest.
Alisa laughed, “I understand. Mr. Barrett is a trustworthy person. His assistant informed me of your situation, and I feel relieved knowing you’re safe at Barrett Manor.”
When Aldrich joined the conversation, Maggie eagerly shared her decision. “Alisa, guess what? I’ve made up my mind. I’m going to stay at Aldrich’s Barrett Manor during my pregnancy. He’s been incredibly kind to me and has even helped me pay off my debts.”
On the other end of the phone, Alisa’s voice was filled with excitement. “Maggie, this is great news! I’m so happy for you. Guess what? I’ve got some exciting news too-I got a promotion!”
Maggie genuinely shared in her friend’s joy. “Alisa, congratulations! That’s fantastic! It seems our luck is finally turning around. These past few days have been fulfilling for me. I’ve been resting well, and my appetite is back. In fact, I’ve been itching to take a walk and visit the lovely old lady, Mrs. Jenkins, at the flower shop. I need to let her know I won’t be working there anymore.”
After hanging up the phone, Maggie was filled with anticipation. She expressed her desire for a break to the butler, Thomas, who warmly assured her that everything would be arranged and personally escorted her to the front door.
As the gates of Barrett Manor swung open, Maggie laid eyes on the bustling city in the distance. Crowded streets buzzed with lively people, cars whizzed by, and vibrant markets emitted enticing aromas, welcoming her. The journey to the charming corner flower shop was a delightful blend of visual and auditory sensations.
Stepping into the familiar store, Maggie was enveloped in the fresh scent of flowers, which filled her senses with a nostalgic yet revitalizing feeling. Mrs. Jenkins, a gentle-smiling old lady, opened her arms to greet her. The wrinkles on her face revealed a lifetime devoted to nurturing the beauty of nature.
“Maggie, dear, seeing you warms my heart,” Mrs. Jenkins affectionately exclaimed. “What brought you here today?”
Maggie smiled in return, her voice filled with gratitude. “Mrs. Jenkins, the days working with you at the flower shop have meant a lot to me. I’ve come to let you know that the heavy financial burden I’ve been carrying has been lifted.”
“Well, that’s wonderful news, Maggie. I’m truly happy for you,” Mrs. Jenkins replied with a smile. “Now you can rest easy. Your child is about to be born, and it’s not the time for you to toil.”
Mrs. Jenkins’s care deeply moved Maggie. “Yes, I plan to stop working at the flower shop until the baby is born. But before that, I really want to come and visit you in person to express my heartfelt gratitude and blessings.”
As Mrs. Jenkins warmly embraced Maggie, her eyes shimmered with understanding. “My dear child, I’m so glad to see you’re getting such good care. I have no doubt that your child’s father will provide the best for both of you. You deserve all the happiness in the world.”
“Thank you for your blessings,” Maggie happily caressed her belly and mischievously added, “Guess what? It’s not just one precious baby; it’s two!”
As the conversation continued, Mrs. Jenkins couldn’t contain her excitement. “Twins? Oh, dear! What a surprise! You must take good care of yourself and rest well. I’ll give you a bouquet of flowers as a blessing.”
As Maggie accepted the vibrant bouquet, her heart brimmed with gratitude, and the colors of the bouquet reflected her inner joy. She sincerely thanked Mrs. Jenkins and cherished the relationship they had built.
As Maggie bid farewell to the flower shop, the images of those rare and exotic flowers danced before her eyes. Their vibrant colors and unique shapes left a deep imprint in her memory. The spark of inspiration ignited in her heart, and a bold idea occupied her thoughts. But would Aldrich be open to it? Uncertainty swept over her, both exciting and daunting.
She bit her lip, considering whether to share her newfound discovery with him. Heavy thoughts pressed on her chest, urging her to take a brave step of faith. It was a risk, but one she couldn’t ignore. As time passed, her excitement grew day by day, and she made up her mind.
Tonight, she was going to talk to Aldrich. Before that, she tightly guarded her secret, savoring the tingling anticipation coursing through her veins.