Chapter 338 I'd Rather Not Be Your Wife
"I cannot be there tonight, Victoria has a fever," Alexander explained with patience, his gaze resting on the woman beneath him.Victoria hadn't anticipated his reference to her ailment, yet she found herself compelled to remain silent, listening attentively."Is that so?" The voice on the other end of the line responded, "Take good care of Victoria. I'll manage on my own. Will you visit me tomorrow, Alexander? I'm frightened.""I will come tomorrow," Alexander assured her gently, touched by the plea in her voice."Very well, goodnight then," Isabella's voice echoed once more."Goodnight," Alexander responded, ending the call before drawing Victoria into his arms. "Her mental state is rather fragile.""Why wait until tomorrow?" Victoria probed."You could attend to her needs now," Alexander suggested, a hint of resignation in his voice.A look of comprehension crossed Alexander's face, his brows knitting together. "Tonight, I am committed to staying by my wife's side.""If that's the case, I'd rather not bear the title of your wife," she retorted softly.Alexander's gaze lingered on her averted eyes, a wave of frustration washing over him as he withdrew his hand and shifted to lie beside her.For a moment, the room was engulfed in silence. Then, wordlessly, he rose and retreated to the bathroom.Victoria lay still, her ears tuned to the silence. His hesitation puzzled her. His farewell to Isabella, while she lay beside him, had stung.She couldn't believe he was oblivious. How would he feel if she bid another man goodnight in his arms?Suddenly, it dawned on her that he didn't love her. His feelings, she realized, would likely be of humiliation, not heartbreak.The faint sound of running water from the bathroom filled her ears. A headache began to throb at her temples, forcing her to shut her eyes and surrender to sleep.When the water ceased, Alexander emerged to find her asleep, her demeanor unusually placid.He slid into bed quietly, lying still for a moment before extinguishing the light. Unable to resist, he rolled over to hold her.Her body was hot to the touch, prompting him to switch on the bedside lamp. He turned her over, his hand brushing her neck as he murmured, "Victoria, your fever has returned.""Please, just leave me alone," she rasped, her body aflame.A pang of concern gripped Alexander, compelling him to lean in closer, his gaze intense. He suspected she might be crying, so he cradled her face in his hands.Tears were indeed silently streaming down her face.
"Why are you crying?" he asked, confusion lacing his voice, yet demanding an answer."My head hurts," she managed to articulate.Alexander's throat constricted as he attempted to wipe her tears, but she stubbornly lowered her head.Finally, he pulled her into his embrace, sighing, "You cry far too easily.""Alexander, could you please leave?" she pleaded softly, her voice strained.She feared she might cling to him, sobbing uncontrollably in his arms like a fool."Leave from where?" Alexander queried, his voice taut."Go to Isabella. She's the only woman you've ever spoken of marrying.""Victoria, consider your words carefully before you speak.""Go to her, take care of her. I don't need you," she summoned the courage to say, meeting his gaze with tear-filled eyes, her voice hoarse but resolute.Alexander was growing irritated. Unable to restrain himself, he demanded, "I'll ask you one last time, are you certain you want me to go to her?""Yes, I'm certain.""Do you understand that a man can make love to a woman even if he doesn't love her?" Alexander posed another question.Victoria stared at him, a sudden realization dawning on her."Are you still certain you want me to leave?" "Yes, I'm sure," she replied, though her voice lacked the conviction it held earlier.Without another word, Alexander released her and vacated the bed.
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