Chapter 68 The Bitch in the Family
In the grand hall of the Whitaker family's villa, the atmosphere started to calm after Alaric received his injection. The doctor had offered some final instructions before making his exit.
"By the way, isn't Pamela usually very gentle? How did it scratch Alaric all of a sudden?" Grace asked, clearly puzzled by the unusual incident.
"Pets have their own habits. Sometimes they act out when they're upset," Arabella replied, though she, too, found the situation surprising. After all, Pamela had always been a well-behaved cat, much like its owner, Emily. It had never once lost its temper—until now.
"That's true. But Mom, remind Emily to be careful not to get scratched. Alaric's a strong man; a scratch isn't a big issue for him. But Emily's health is so delicate. She wouldn't be able to handle it," Grace expressed her concern.
"I don't advocate her keeping a pet either, but Emily doesn't have many friends. Her joy comes from playing with Pamela; I'd rather not take that away from her," Arabella said with a sigh.
Suddenly, Arabella seemed to recall something. “Where’s Emily? Laura, please call her down for dinner.”
"Yes, Mrs. Arabella Whitaker." Laura responded promptly before heading upstairs.
After a short while, Laura returned, her demeanor respectful yet concerned. “Mrs. Arabella Whitaker, Miss Emily Whitaker says she’s not feeling well and won’t be coming down for dinner.”
"What's wrong with her?" Arabella asked, visibly worried. She doted on her daughter.
“She said that Pamela attacking Cecilia has made her feel very guilty. She’s too ashamed to face Cecilia and Alaric,” Laura explained.
"Wasn't Alaric the one who got hurt?” Arabella asked, surprised.
“Alaric shielded me. Pamela was actually trying to attack me,” Cecilia clarified.
"I see. I'm sorry you had to go through that," Arabella said, her tone apologetic.
"I'm fine. This incident has upset Emily more."
"It's okay. She's just very sensitive. She'll be fine soon," Arabella assured Cecilia before turning to Laura again. “Laura, prepare a tray and take some food to Emily. Make sure she eats well.”
"Yes, ma'am." Laura replied dutifully.
Arabella then addressed everyone else. "It's getting late. Let's have lunch," she urged.
Gradually, everyone left the sofas and headed to the dining room. Cecilia followed Alaric closely, still processing the strange dynamics within the family.
As they moved, Cecilia felt a pair of eyes on her. Turning around, she caught Rebecca’s gaze—an evil smile playing on her lips as if she were watching a particularly entertaining drama.
Cecilia’s stomach tightened with unease. Rebecca’s expression hinted at something sinister. She quickly turned back and joined Alaric at the dining table for lunch. Despite the earlier incident, the meal proceeded harmoniously, with no sign of looming awkwardness.
After lunch, their concern for Emily still palpable, Arabella excused herself to check on her. She left the room, and one by one, others followed suit, retreating to their rooms for a rest.
Since Alaric had already napped in the morning, he wasn't sleepy. He invited Cecilia to take a stroll around the villa. She agreed, welcoming the distraction and the chance for some fresh air.
As they ambled across the expansive lawn, Cecilia's thoughts turned to the family's protectiveness over Emily. "What happened to Emily?" she asked.
Alaric’s expression softened slightly. "Congenital heart disease," he replied.
"Is it serious?" Cecilia inquired, her concern genuine.
"She's been in the ICU countless times since she was a child. The doctors always said she wouldn't live long, but each time she pulled through. Now, the doctors say her heart is stronger than before. If she avoids stress, she can live like a normal person. But they still don't recommend marriage or having children."
"I'm sorry to hear that." Cecilia sighed, her sympathy genuine. No wonder Arabella was so concerned about Emily.
Alaric nodded slightly, clearly not wanting to delve deeper into the topic. There was a brooding silence between them, and Cecilia noted his reluctance to discuss Emily. The earlier episode with Pamela scratching him had unsettled Alaric, and his expression had darkened noticeably. Was it possible that Alaric harbored some antipathy towards Emily? Cecilia couldn't be sure, nor did she wish to pry further into family matters that were not her concern.
They continued their leisurely walk across the expansive lawn. After a while, they both paused, halted by an unexpected sight in the distance: under a gazebo, Jasper and Rebecca were entwined in a passionate embrace, their kiss unmistakable.
Embarrassment crept up on Cecilia. She turned to leave, feeling like an unwitting intruder.
Just then, Alaric's phone rang. He diverted his attention from the scene and answered, "Cassius."
Recognizing the caller, Alaric stepped aside. Cecilia didn’t eavesdrop on their conversation but caught his final words, "Okay, I'll be there soon." He hung up and turned to her.
"I have to go out," he stated.
Cecilia wondered what business he had with Cassius!
Sensing her unsaid question, Alaric smirked, his smile carrying a wicked edge. "Don’t worry. I’m not desperate enough to cheat on the second day of our marriage. Stay home and wait for me. I’ll try to come back early."
Cecilia adopted an indifferent façade. "Go wherever you want."
As he walked away, he called back, "Stay away from Emily."
Cecilia frowned. Shouldn't it be Rebecca she ought to avoid?
Yet, Alaric was already out of earshot.
She dismissed his cryptic warning, choosing instead to return to her room. The solitude of walking alone didn't bother her; besides, she preferred not to intrude on Jasper and Rebecca's romantic interlude.
She had barely taken a few steps when she heard someone call her name.
"Cecilia." Rebecca's voice was unmistakable. Cecilia turned to see Rebecca approaching alone. Jasper was no longer in sight.
"I want to talk to you alone," Rebecca said directly.
Cecilia didn't refuse. "What's up?"
"What do you think of Emily?"
"What?" Cecilia didn't quite understand her.
Rebecca’s tone turned sharp. "If you want to have a better life in the Whitaker family, watch out for that bitch Emily."
Cecilia’s frown deepened. Alaric had given a similar warning just moments ago.
"By the way, did you see me kissing Jasper just now?" Rebecca suddenly asked bluntly.
Cecilia maintained her composure. "It's natural for a couple to kiss."
Rebecca's lips curled into a sinister smile. "What if I told you I did it to make Alaric see? Would you still think it's normal?"
Cecilia was taken aback, a wave of surprise crossing her features.
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