Chapter 25

Chapter 25

The next few days were a blur of challenges and small triumphs. Cordelia woke each morning feeling slightly stronger, but the road to recovery was far from easy.

Her body felt weak and uncooperative, and at times, she was overwhelmed by the sheer effort it took to perform simple tasks.

Yet, through it all, Julian was a constant source of support and encouragement.

On the first morning after their heartfelt conversation, Cordelia attempted to stand up without assistance. She gritted her teeth, determined to prove her strength, but her muscles trembled with the effort. Before she could falter, Julian was there, his arms gentle yet firm as he helped her into a more comfortable position.

"Take it slowly, my love," he murmured, his eyes full of concern. "There is no need to rush."

Cordelia nodded, feeling a rush of gratitude. "Thank you, Julian. I just want to regain my strength."

"And you will," he assured her, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "One step at a time."

Throughout the day, Julian remained by her side, helping her with every task. He brought her meals, carefully preparing nourishing broths and light dishes to ease her back into eating.

He read to her, his voice a soothing balm that lulled her into restful naps.

And when the pain and frustration threatened to overwhelm her, he held her hand, his presence a steady anchor.

As the hours turned into days, Cordelia's strength continued to grow.

Each morning, she felt a little more vitality returning to her limbs, her mind clearer and more focused. Julian's support never wavered; he remained her constant companion, her source of strength and comfort.

One afternoon, as the sun poured through the windows, Cordelia felt a strong desire to feel its warmth directly on her skin. She turned to Julian, reading by her bedside.

"Julian," she said softly, "I think I am ready to go outside."

He looked up, his eyes brightening with hope. "Are you sure, my love? Are you ready for that?"

Cordelia nodded. "Yes. I want to sit in the garden, to feel the sun and the fresh air. I think it will do me good."

Julian smiled and stood, offering his hand to help her up. "Let us make it happen, then."

With his steadying presence beside her, Cordelia slowly made her way to the garden. Each step was deliberate, her legs still weak but gradually regaining strength. Julian's arm around her waist was a reassuring anchor, and she leaned into him, drawing from his strength.

As they stepped into the garden, the scent of blooming flowers filled Cordelia's senses. The sun was warm and inviting, casting a golden glow over everything.

Julian guided her to a cushioned bench beneath a sprawling oak tree to rest and take in the beauty around her.

Cordelia sank onto the bench with a sigh of relief, closing her eyes and tilting her face towards the sun. The warmth seeped into her skin, revitalizing her in a way she had not felt in weeks.

Julian sat beside her, his hand resting on hers. "How does it feel?"

"Wonderful," she murmured, a smile spreading across her face. "I have missed this so much."

As she sat there, soaking in the sun and the peaceful ambiance of the garden, a sudden memory flashed through her mind.

It was the night she had fallen ill, the night she had raced out into the fog, alone and upset with everyone.

She had remembered parts of it before now, but at this moment, it hit her harder than ever.

She remembered the cold, damp air clinging to her skin, the eerie silence broken only by the distant hoot of an owl.

She had felt disoriented and lost, her thoughts and emotions getting the better of her. The fog had wrapped around her like a shroud, obscuring her vision and making the world seem unreal.

Cordelia shivered involuntarily at the memory, the sense of dread and confusion flooding back. She recalled stumbling through the garden, her limbs heavy and her mind racing with fragmented thoughts. She had called out for Julian, her voice barely more than a whisper in the thick mist.

Julian noticed her shiver and squeezed her hand gently. "Cordelia, are you alright?"

She blinked, coming back to the present. "I am fine, Julian. Just … remembering that night."

Julian's expression grew serious, his eyes filled with concern. "The night you ran out of here because of my foolish words?"

She could instantly see the guilt crossing his expression

Cordelia squeezed his hand, her eyes filled with both sorrow and understanding.

"Yes, that night. But it is not just about what you said, Julian. It was everything. The pressures, the expectations, the fear of losing you. It all became too much. And, of course, Matthew …"

He was in the home, she knew it, but she had not seen him since.

Cordelia was not too sure how to feel about that upcoming, inevitable meeting.

Julian nodded, his eyes clouded with regret. "I should have been more sensitive, more aware of how you were feeling. I never wanted to hurt you.

"I know that now," Cordelia said softly. "And I know you've always had my best interests at heart. That night, I felt so lost and alone, but I also know that it was not just your words that drove me into the fog. It was my own fears and insecurities."

Julian's grip tightened on her hand, his eyes earnest. "I promise, Cordelia, I will spend every day making up for that night. You are everything to me, and I never want you to feel that way again."

Cordelia smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her that rivalled the sun's rays. "We both have things to work on, Julian. But being out here, feeling the sun and being with you … it helps. It reminds me that we have a future together, one that we can shape into something beautiful."

Cordelia leaned into Julian, her eyes closing as she savoured the moment.

Just then, footsteps crunching on the gravel path reached their ears. They turned to see Matthew approaching, his expression marked by relief and hesitation.

"Cordelia," Matthew called, his voice slightly trembling. "I am so glad to see you up and about."

Cordelia's heart skipped a beat.

The moment she dreaded had arrived much sooner than she was ready for.

He was here and clearly wanted her attention now.

Julian's arm around her waist tightened, offering silent support. Cordelia took a deep breath and turned to face Matthew.

"Matthew," she said, her voice steady but with an underlying tension. "It is good to see you."

Matthew stopped a few steps away, scanning her face, searching for any signs of anger or resentment.

"I was so worried about you, Cordelia. I wanted to come sooner but did not know if you would want to see me."

Cordelia felt a swirl of emotions. Anger, sadness, confusion. But she knew this confrontation was inevitable. She took another deep breath, drawing strength from Julian's reassuring presence beside her.

"Matthew," she began, choosing her words carefully, "it was a difficult time for all of us. But you are here now, and that is what matters."

Matthew nodded, looking relieved but still apprehensive. "I am glad you think so. Cordelia, I ... could we have a moment alone? There are things I need to say, things I need to apologize for."

Cordelia glanced at Julian, who met her gaze with a supportive nod. He squeezed her hand one last time before standing up.

"I shall be right over there," he said softly, gesturing towards a nearby patch of flowers. "Take your time."

As Julian walked away, Cordelia turned back to Matthew, her heart pounding. She gestured for him to sit beside her on the bench, bracing herself for whatever was to come.

Matthew took a seat, his hands fidgeting in his lap. He looked at Cordelia, his eyes filled with remorse.

"Cordelia, I ... I need to apologize. For everything."

"Everything?" she asked cautiously, not entirely sure where this conversation was going.

"Well, first for falling in love with you. It was not my place to do so, as you are a married woman."

Cordelia's breath caught in her throat at Matthew's words. She had known about his feelings and had seen the way he looked at her but hearing him confess it so plainly was another matter entirely.

"Matthew," she began, her voice gentle but firm, "I cannot fault you for your feelings. Emotions are not something we can always control. But you must understand, my heart belongs to Julian."

Matthew nodded, his expression one of deep sorrow. "I know that, Cordelia. I have always known. But my feelings clouded my judgement. I should have kept my distance and respected the boundaries of your marriage. Instead, I acted selfishly, and for that, I am truly sorry."

Cordelia watched Matthew, seeing the depth of his regret. She appreciated his honesty, but the pain and confusion of the past still lingered.

"Thank you, Matthew," she said softly. "It means a lot to hear you say that. It was a difficult time for all of us, and I understand how emotions can sometimes lead us astray."

Matthew took a deep breath, his hands still restless. "There is more, Cordelia. I also need to apologize for assuming you might want to leave with me that night. I thought I was helping, but in reality, I was only thinking of myself and my feelings."

Cordelia felt fleeting anger but also a profound sense of relief. This was a moment of closure she hadn't realized she needed. "Matthew, that night was one of the hardest of my life. I felt so lost, and your suggestion only added to my confusion. But I know you meant well, even if it was misguided."

Matthew nodded, his eyes downcast. "I did. I thought I was rescuing you, but I see now that I was only trying to fulfill my own desires. I am truly sorry for putting you in that position."

Cordelia reached out and placed a hand on Matthew's arm, a gesture of forgiveness and understanding. "We all make mistakes, Matthew. What matters is that we learn from them and try to do better. I forgive you, and I hope you can find a way to forgive yourself."

Matthew looked up, his eyes glistening with gratitude. "Thank you, Cordelia. Your forgiveness means more to me than you know."

They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of the past lifting slightly. Cordelia felt a sense of closure, a new beginning on the horizon.

Just then, Julian returned, his presence bringing comfort and stability. He looked between Cordelia and Matthew, sensing the resolution that had been reached.

"Is everything alright?" he asked gently.

Cordelia smiled up at him, her heart full. "Yes, Julian. Everything is alright."

Matthew stood, his expression more at ease. "I should go. Thank you for giving me this chance, Cordelia."

As Matthew walked away, Cordelia leaned into Julian, feeling a deep peace. "Thank you for being here with me," she whispered.

Julian kissed her forehead, his love evident in his eyes. "Always, my love. We are stronger together, and nothing can change that."

Cordelia smiled, her heart swelling with gratitude and love. She leaned in and kissed Julian on the cheek, feeling the warmth of his skin under her lips. "You truly are my rock, Julian."

Julian's eyes sparkled with affection. "And you are my heart, Cordelia. Together, we can face anything."

For the first time in a very long time, she really started to believe that. Julian was already proving to her that he was a changed man, and she now could not wait to see what life had in store for them. She was thrilled and excited about everything.