Departure with a Belly (Alaric and Victoria) novel Chapter 534

I May Not Exist in This World Anymore 

Now that the path was cut off, Bane couldn’t find any hope, and that was how things turned out like this. 

It was true that Bane was at fault. 

In fact, Bane’s actions were extremely wrong. However, he had been nice to Ethan, so Ethan only wanted to help him change. Ethan wouldn’t join forces with the outsiders to attack him. 

Alaric felt Ethan’s distant attitude, so he didn’t say another word after retracting his hand. 

Victoria also sensed the change in atmosphere between the two, and she felt a little awkward. 

However, Ethan didn’t let the silence reign for long. After about ten seconds, he took the initiative to ask, “Miss Selwyn, are you here to see Mr. Morison?” 

Victoria nodded. 

“Yes, I am.” 

An exasperated look appeared in Ethan’s eyes. 

“If you’re here to ask about his condition, I may be able to tell you a thing or two, Miss Selwyn. However, I’m afraid you won’t be able to see him.” 

It was the same answer she received before coming here–Bane didn’t want to see her. 

Victoria had already expected this outcome, but she still felt a little disappointed after coming here in person only to be rejected again. 

When Ethan saw the look of disappointment on her pale face, his heart ached a little for her. 

“Miss Selwyn… Why don’t you wait here for a bit? I’ll go in and ask.” 

“Can you do that?” 

“Yes, I can try convincing him again. Please sit in the next room for now, Miss Selwyn. 

I’ll come over right after I’ve asked him.” 

Ethan went in, and the leader from earlier came out. He led the two to the tea room at the side, where some snacks and tea were soon served. 

Victoria had just eaten before coming over. She already had a small appetite, to begin with, and she was also quite full at that moment. As such, she couldn’t stomach more food. 

Still, to be polite, she took a cup of tea and tried taking a sip. 

However, before the cup could touch her lips, Alaric grabbed her hand. 

Victoria was stunned as she looked toward him. 

She saw Alaric staring at the cup in her hand, his thin lips tightly pursed. In an instant, Victoria knew what he meant. 

Because of the past events, he wouldn’t allow her to drink anything served in this place. 

09:39 Tue, 18 Jul 

However, Victoria raised her head and coincidentally met the leader’s gaze. 

When their gazes met, the atmosphere was a little awkward. 

Sometime later, the leader asked, “Are the refreshments not to your taste, Miss Selwyn?” 

“I-” 

“She has stomach problems, so she has to take her meals at regular times and in controlled portions. Alas, she can’t even drink tea for now.” 

Before Victoria could say anything, Alaric spoke up and explained in her stead. 

He had already put it like that, and Victoria understood his worries. If they switched places, she might be equally sensitive as well. Even though it might hurt some people, they had to be careful. 

Victoria put down the cup and smiled faintly at the leader. 

“Sorry.” 

The leader scratched his head, falling silent. 

He had heard about Bane’s deeds. Even though the food was completely safe, it was only normal for Victoria and Alaric to be wary of everything in Bane’s house. 

Once bitten, twice shy, and much less could be said about a serious incident of that scale. 

Even though he felt mad about the injustice, it wasn’t his responsibility to mind these things. He just had to do his job. 

Victoria felt extremely awkward when the leader noticed her suspecting the food they offered. Alaric, however, was nonchalant about it. He looked completely at ease as if nothing happened. 

Victoria waited for a long while before Ethan finally showed up. 

When Victoria saw Ethan, she stood up on her own accord. “Mr. Hudson.” 

Ethan could naturally sense her earnest trust, so he treated Victoria nicely. His voice was gentle as well. 

“Miss Selwyn.” 

“How did it go?” 

Faced with Victoria’s gaze, Ethan felt a little sad when he thought about the result. However, he couldn’t change the outcome even if he dragged it out, so he could only shake his head as Victoria looked at him sullenly. He didn’t say a word. 

His behavior was as clear as day, and Victoria didn’t have to ask him to figure out the answer. 

Victoria pursed her lips. 

When Ethan saw her like that, he let out a sigh. 

Miss Selwyn, Mr. Morison probably hasn’t thought things through yet, so he doesn’t want to see you at the moment. Maybe next time… I believe that Mr. Morison will eventually think things. through someday.” 

“I—” 

Just then, Alaric, who was sitting quietly in his seat, suddenly stood up. He walked up to Victoria 

his hands on her shoulders. 

and 

put 

“Since he hasn’t thought things through for now, let’s go back.” 

After getting her shoulders grabbed, Victoria could only swallow the words she was about to say as she nodded. 

Ethan looked at the hands holding Victoria’s shoulders, then couldn’t help but sigh in his heart as he angled his body to let them leave. 

“Let’s go. We’ll have another chance in the future.” 

“Wait.” 

Victoria had only walked a few steps when she suddenly remembered something. She halted Alaric, then turned around and walked back to Ethan. 

“Mr. Hudson.” 

“Yes, Miss Selwyn?” 

Ethan thought that she hadn’t given up, but unexpectedly, she just stared at him and said, “Thank you.” 

Her words caught Ethan off guard. He thought she was thanking him for persuading Bane on her behalf, but surprisingly, Victoria continued, “Back when we were overseas, without your help, I may not exist in this world anymore.” 

Even though a few days had already passed since then, at the mention of the incident, Ethan still felt worried and scared for Victoria’s sake. 

If he hadn’t thought of the children in time and reminded Victoria about it, she… 

Victoria might have gotten into danger, and Bane might regret everything. By then, he would have carried out a series of irreversible actions. Every time Ethan thought about that, he felt his head 

hurt. 

“Miss Selwyn, you don’t have to thank me so much. I helped you for Mr. Morison’s sake, so I’m grateful enough that you aren’t blaming me for anything.” 

Victoria shook her head. 

“How can I blame you?” 

In Victoria’s eyes, if it weren’t for Ethan’s words, she wouldn’t have reignited her will to live, and she wouldn’t have met her two adorable children again. 

If she had forgotten everything and died in ignorance, she would regret it deeply if she passed on 

As such, Victoria was endlessly grateful to Ethan. 

However, she could see that Ethan was refusing to admit that he was helping her. He probably didn’t want her to feel too indebted. 

Victoria decided to drop the topic as she said, “Anyway, if you ever need my help in the future, jus come to me. If it’s something I can do, I promise I won’t say no.” 

Even though she wasn’t sure if her promise was worth anything, she wanted to repay the kindness he had shown her. 

Ethan looked at her for a long while, then finally nodded. 

“Okay.”