CHAPTER 34: CHAPTER 34: DID YOUR PERIOD COME THIS MONTH?

The next day.

Victoria Monroe awoke with a dizzy headache, just as Rhys Hawthorne had predicted; she seemed to have caught a cold.

Even after washing up, she was still groggy. As she went downstairs, Mrs. Xu served breakfast and was startled to see her pale complexion.

"Madam, what did you do last night? Why is your face so pale?"

Victoria instinctively wanted to ask her to fetch some cold medicine, but the words changed as they left her mouth: "It’s nothing, just didn’t sleep well."

Her fingers pressed tightly against her lower abdomen as she drank the millet porridge Mrs. Xu brought her, with a self-mocking smile.

Victoria felt she was the most heartless, hypocritical mother in the world.

She had longed for this child for three whole years, yet because of his father’s actions, she made a cruel decision.

Now, she was pretending to protect the child under the guise of motherhood.

Ha, she truly disgusted herself.

Since she had already taken on the role of a malicious villain, she ought to follow it through to the end.

Mrs. Xu observed her, "Madam, did you catch a cold? You don’t look well, let me get you some cold medicine."

She instinctively replied, "No need, I’m fine."

Victoria drank her porridge with her head lowered, tears uncontrollably falling into the bowl.

She detested her own conflicted self.

Unable to be the saintly mother, yet unable to be ruthless, stuck in a struggle of the worst kind.

Mrs. Xu remained silent, only watching Victoria’s gently trembling shoulders.

She thought Victoria was upset about Rachel Hayes, and sighed softly.

"Madam, just think of men as dogs; toss them a bone and they run. Don’t ruin your health over such a man."

Victoria responded with a low voice, carrying a hint of a sob.

"Thank you for worrying, Mrs. Xu, I’m fine, I’m just tired. I’ll go upstairs and rest later. The EM dress I ordered half a year ago should arrive soon, please help me sign for it."

"Okay."

Victoria clutched her lower abdomen and went upstairs, Mrs. Xu felt something was amiss, and instinctively asked, "Madam, did your period arrive this month?"

Victoria’s heart skipped a beat, she did not turn back, making her voice sound flat: "You know my body well enough, when has it ever been on time?"

Mrs. Xu thought this was true; for years she had been trying for a child, her cycles irregular due to medication.

The couple wanted a child desperately, if she were pregnant, it would solve all problems, leaving no room for the mistress outside.

Victoria went upstairs and wiped tears from the corner of her eyes.

Although Mrs. Xu seemed very caring, Victoria wasn’t sure if she was one of Julian Fordham’s people.

If Julian knew she was pregnant, he would find any means to confine her at home, leading to even less freedom.

It’s possible Julian might keep Rachel Hayes out there, hiding her away, making her and the child the secret mistress and illegitimate child over time.

The future is unpredictable.

This child cannot stay, and Julian doesn’t need to know.

By afternoon, Victoria still hadn’t received the dress.

Calling the person in charge, she was told the dress had already been sent to Mrs. Fordham.

Mrs. Fordham.

Victoria felt as though someone had slapped her hard across the face. She didn’t know where things had gone wrong, but she knew Julian’s unexplained announcement had triggered a chain reaction.

Now everyone believed Rachel Hayes was his long-hidden wife, and even the couture dress had been sent to her.

While she, the legal wife, appeared like a clown.

Upon hearing that Carter York would attend a highly prestigious charity gala tonight, Victoria planned to personally appeal.

She wasn’t determined to get the dress, but Rachel Hayes’s presence was indeed a needle stabbing her heart.

Not fatal, yet agonizingly painful.

High-end studio.

The brand director was extremely deferential, "Mr. Hawthorne, this way please, the outfit is ready."

As he walked through the corridor, he happened to hear the mention of "Mrs. Fordham," his pace momentarily pausing.

*

Victoria was a bit puzzled when she was contacted by the EM brand director, someone chased after by stars in the industry.

Back in her heyday, she’d dealt with him a few times, but her aura had long faded.

Levon took the initiative, pledging to take responsibility for the mistake by giving her a free makeover.

Victoria knew well that if Julian Fordham’s team hadn’t instructed it, how could the dress have gone to Rachel Hayes?

Whether Julian knew about it no longer mattered; it was a done deal.

At this critical juncture, Rachel Hayes wouldn’t pass up the golden opportunity for exposure, and they would face off at the gala.

This was her battlefield, there was no reason to reject Levon’s goodwill.

Upon arriving at the studio, after some pleasantries, Victoria saw Levon open the display case, revealing the dress, and she was still somewhat surprised.

"Your sincerity is too much." Victoria raised an eyebrow, "Makes me feel as if I haven’t exited the scene."

Levon chuckled lightly, "You’re the youngest Three Gold Best Actress in history, you deserve the best. Victoria, you know I’ve always been your fan."

A half-blood speaking fluent Chinese, with arms open wide, confident and with real flair: "I’m more eager than anyone to see you shine brightly once more."

Victoria stared at the dress that sparkled like stars.

The days in the spotlight, it’s been a long while.

Half a year ago, the dress she had custom-made was intended for an anniversary celebration with Julian, but there was a mishap with the designer, delaying it a few days.

It turned out fate had already decided she and Julian were destined to miss each other.

Victoria entered the dressing room specially prepared for her by Levon.

The stylist, makeup artist, assistant, and others hurriedly followed behind Victoria carrying dresses, jewelry, shoes, and accessories.

In the adjacent dressing room, Rachel Hayes was fuming, "Do you know who I am? I am Mrs. Fordham! I demand Annie to do my makeup."

"Sorry Miss Hayes, Annie is attending to a more distinguished guest."

"A more distinguished person?"

Rachel Hayes stormed out, catching a distant glimpse of a silhouette, though unable to see who it was, that person had already entered a room, followed by many others.

She pondered who this person could be, able to surpass her "Mrs. Fordham" identity.

This high-end studio, loved by celebrities, also serves the elite wives in the circles.

In the city’s center, there are plenty of people with power and influence.

Considering she was merely leveraging Julian Fordham’s status, she couldn’t cause too much trouble, or else she would ultimately find herself embarrassed.

She swore secretly that once she secured the position of Mrs. Fordham, those workers would have to follow her and cater to her every whim.

Tonight, she must take the spotlight.

With the identity of Mrs. Fordham, she would become the most dazzling focal point.

Eyeing the dress nearby, her lips curled into an ambitious smile.

Victoria Monroe, today it’s just your dress, soon your man will also be mine.

Victoria was in the midst of a hectic rush to get her makeup and hair done. Sans medication, she felt listless.

Once she was ready, she hadn’t even had a chance to admire herself when the staff drew back the curtains.

Victoria’s gaze instantly landed on Rhys Hawthorne sitting on the sofa, his dark eyes fixed on her shocked face.

Today, he was clad in a tailcoat suit, the fine suit fabric accentuating his perfect physique.

The silver tie with dark-patterned shimmer matched the color of Victoria’s dress.

He stepped forward slowly towards the stunned woman, like a royal noble walking out of an ancient castle, elegant and dignified.

Rhys halted before Victoria, gentlemanly and poised, "My Best Actress, welcome back to glory."