Chapter 40
Cordelia had a bad stomachache, so she took a day off from work. However, her time at home wasn’t restful either, as a strange herbal aroma filled the air from the kitchen the moment she woke up. Forcing herself to get out of bed, she went to the kitchen and found Marcus busy inside. The breakfast he had prepared for her was laid out on the table—burnt eggs, burnt toast, and a bowl of watery oats. It wasn’t half bad for a man who had never stepped foot in the kitchen before.
Cordelia chuckled wryly, leaning against the kitchen doorframe. “You don’t know how. Let me do it.”
Marcus turned around, startled. “You’re awake? You don’t feel well, do you? Go back to bed after breakfast. I’ll take care of this.”
“What are you up to?”
“Oh… I’m making you some soup,” Marcus said quickly. “Go rest. I’ll serve it when it’s done.”
Cordelia’s lips pursed. His actions warmed her, but her mind drifted to another thought—was he this considerate to his “first love” back then? A 16-year-old boy, in the prime of youth, must have been so passionate. Her smile faded as she thought of it, and the knot in her heart twisted tighter. Along with the pain in her lower abdomen, she felt frustrated. By coincidence, Marcus turned to glance at her just then. She glared at him and spun around to go back to her room, slamming the door behind her.
Marcus stood bewildered. Were all menstruating women this moody? She had just smiled at him, and the next second, she was glaring at him. How troublesome!
Just then, Josiah texted him, asking him to meet at Regalia for a discussion. Marcus turned off the stove and was about to inform Cordelia when there were a few knocks on the door.
It was Linda, standing outside. She had heard that Cordelia wasn’t feeling well and came to visit while she was out for sales.
“You’re… Marcus?” Linda was surprised when the door opened.
It was her first time meeting Marcus, and he wasn’t at all like what she had imagined. She had expected a man who had fought and been to jail to look somewhat thuggish or demotivated, but Marcus was tall, handsome, and had a sculpted, cold face. His deep eyes gave away nothing about what was on his mind. He exuded a strong, intimidating aura, making Linda take a few steps back.
“Mm, I am,” Marcus replied. “Linda Quimby?”
“Nice to meet you,” Linda said, chuckling.
Marcus stepped aside to let her in.
Once Linda stepped inside, she immediately noticed the strong herbal scent and frowned. “What happened? Is she very ill?” she asked, eyeing him. “Why is she taking medicine?”
“She’s been having stomachaches. I asked around for a recipe that says making soup with these ingredients will help,” Marcus explained.
“Oh.” Linda nodded thoughtfully. Her mother was a holistic doctor specializing in gynecology, so she grew up around these kinds of remedies. The scent alone made her feel something wasn’t right, and she decided to check out what was cooking in the pot later. After all, it was for consumption, and she had to be cautious about Cordelia.
“Linda, you’re here?” Cordelia came out of her room, looking apologetic. “I’m so sorry. It’s just period pain, but I’m acting like I’m really sick, and you had to come visit me…”
“This isn’t something petty for women, though,” Linda chuckled. “You don’t look too good. Does it hurt a lot?”
“Mm.” Cordelia scrunched her brows. “Can you get more painkillers from your mom? They’re really effective. I felt better right away after taking them the last time!”
“Do you still need painkillers?” Linda pointed toward the kitchen and giggled. “Your husband made you an all-healing soup. It’s way better than those painkillers!”