Betrayal Behind Closed Doors

Chapter 8 Danger Lurked Everywhere

I had just started to speak when Cathy emerged from the kitchen, holding a baby bottle. "Mr. and Mrs. Davis, lunch is ready!"

I swallowed my words.

I couldn't act rashly without knowing Aidan's stance.

The earlier scene was already doubtful. Cathy had leaned against him intimately, and Aidan hadn't moved away.

Besides, Alex was still very young. To him, the one who fed him was his "mother". I wasn't in a position to take over his care just yet. If Cathy could harm me, an innocent child was an even easier target for her.

I reached out to Cathy. "Give me the bottle. I'll feed Alex."

But Alex bounced excitedly in Cathy's arms, not even glancing at me, his eyes fixed on his "mama".

I stubbornly reached for Alex, but he swatted my hand away, still calling for "Mama" and reaching for Cathy.

Aidan handed Alex to Cathy. Then, he wrapped an arm around me and said softly, "Come on, let's have lunch! You need to eat to keep your strength up. Food will help you recover faster than medicine!"

His words startled me. It seemed Aidan didn't know the secret of the medicine. Otherwise, he wouldn't have said that. He genuinely wanted me to eat more and rely less on medicine.

However, his words also reminded me to maintain the appearance of fatigue. After all, I wasn't supposed to be this energetic after taking the medicine.

Reluctantly, I let go, watching Alex with a sense of determination. He was still my child, and once I got Cathy out of the house, he would be mine again.

With Aidan's care, I ate quite a bit, which made him smile continuously while staring at me.

"What are you smiling about?"

"Just happy to see you with an appetite," Aidan said, gently patting my hand.

"You're feeding me like a goose. I think I ate too much," I said, leaning back weakly in my chair.

This weakness wasn't entirely an act.

The prolonged medication and constant sleep had drained me completely. I understood what it meant to be frail and exhausted. Whenever I stood, my heart raced, but I had no strength at all.

Even though I hadn't taken the medicine for three doses and felt mentally clearer, I was still weak and short of breath.

"Feeling tired?" Aidan asked, concerned.

I nodded, feigning exhaustion while leaning against the table. "I'm sleepy."

Aidan stood up, lifting me into his arms. "I'll take you back to bed."

I clung to his neck, feeling a pang of sorrow. I couldn't remember the last time he held me like this. Overcome with emotion, I blurted out, "Honey, when will I get better? I feel weaker every day. I've taken so much medicine. Shouldn't it be helping by now?"

"Don't worry, you're improving. Look, you managed to come downstairs," he said, looking at me with a meaningful expression.

His words made me uneasy. Was he implying I shouldn't be able to come downstairs?

Suspicion crept back into my mind, and I remained silent, leaning against him.

As we left the dining room, I caught a glimpse of Cathy feeding Alex, casting a quick glance at Aidan as he carried me.

He took me up to the second floor and gently laid me on the bed. Then, I pretended to fall asleep quickly.

Aidan pulled the blanket over me but didn't leave. Instead, he stood by the bed, staring at me. Although my eyes were closed, I could feel his gaze.

This prolonged stare sent chills down my spine. It didn't feel affectionate at all.

After about 10 seconds, he called my name softly, "Nina."

I didn't move or respond, feigning deep sleep.

The next moment, I felt him lean in close, his warm breath on my face. However, I stayed perfectly still, not daring to move.

My instincts screamed that this action wasn't innocent.

The brief moment felt like an eternity, shattering any remaining illusions I had about Aidan.

I heard Cathy's voice whisper, "Is she asleep?"

The breath on my face receded. I heard their footsteps retreating and an order that left me feeling utterly betrayed. "Keep an eye on her. She's been acting strange these past few days!"

I couldn't hear what else they said. It felt like I had fallen into a bottomless, icy pit. Despite the blanket, I couldn't stop shivering.