Chapter 2

I didn't object either.

Having someone else to help out at home was pretty nice.

But every time I saw Cecelia watching Zander so closely, it made me uncomfortable.

But I never expected Cecelia would ask to learn medicine.

That night at dinner, Cecelia put down her fork and suddenly dropped to her knees. "Zander, you saved my life, and I have no way to repay you.

"I want to learn medicine from you, so I can save lives too—and maybe one day, repay your kindness."

Zander froze for a moment, caught off guard.

I froze too, completely stunned.

After we'd been married for three months, I'd asked Zander the same thing.

Back then, I thought that if I could help Zander, we could work side by side, truly as partners.

But Zander didn't even pause before turning me down. "Medicine is tough. You'd have to memorize endless formulas, learn to recognize herbs, and deal with patients all day.

"That's not for you. Just stay home and take care of Mom, okay? Don't worry about any of that."

His voice was gentle, but there was no room for argument.

But now, when Cecelia asked, Zander only hesitated for a second before nodding. "It's rare to see someone so dedicated. Starting tomorrow, you can come to Elixor Pharmacy with me."

It felt like a needle pricked my heart, but I kept quiet.

Carlie shot me a glance and let out a sigh.

From the next day on, Cecelia started going with Zander to Elixor Pharmacy.

She was sharp and picked things up fast, and Zander would often praise her, "Cecelia has real talent. She understands everything right away."

Whenever Zander said that, Cecelia would blush and look down. "It's only because you're such a good teacher."

As for me, I was still stuck at home every day, washing clothes, cooking meals, and taking care of Carlie.

But that sting in my heart just kept digging deeper.

Two weeks after Cecelia started learning medicine, I started feeling unwell.

For several days, I felt dizzy, weak, and had no appetite.

Carlie touched my forehead. "You feel a bit hot. Have Zander check on you."

I hesitated.

Ever since Cecelia began going to Elixor Pharmacy, Zander was spending less and less time at home, and we barely spoke anymore.

Sometimes I'd try to chat with him about everyday stuff, but he'd always seem absent-minded, going on about "Cecelia memorized all twelve meridian pathways today" or "Cecelia nailed her first remedy—so steady."

But I felt so miserable that I had no choice but to head over to Elixor Pharmacy.

Inside, Zander was teaching Cecelia how to identify herbs.

They were standing so close together, Zander holding out the herbs while Cecelia listened carefully, nodding every so often.

The sunlight poured in through the window, making the scene almost too bright to look at.

Standing in the doorway, I suddenly felt like an outsider.

"Zander," I said in a gentle voice.

Zander turned around, his brows furrowing when he saw me. "Is everything okay at home? Why are you here?"

"I'm not feeling well. Could you check on me?" I asked.

Zander walked over and touched my forehead. "Yeah, you feel a little hot."

He paused for a moment, then suddenly waved Cecelia over. "Cecelia, come here."

Cecelia shuffled over, looking nervous. "Zander, I... I don't think I'm ready..."

"It's just a regular cold. This is a good chance for you to practice," Zander said gently. "Try checking her pulse and coming up with a remedy. I'll look it over."

I took a step back. "Zander, maybe you should handle it yourself."

Zander's expression darkened. "Are you doubting Cecelia's abilities, or are you saying I'm not a good teacher?"

"No, I..." I started, but he cut me off, his tone firm but not harsh. "Just sit down." I had no choice but to obey.

Cecelia placed her fingers on my wrist. Her touch was icy, and her fingertips trembled slightly.

After a moment, she prescribed a remedy and handed it to Zander.

Zander looked it over and nodded. "Not bad. Just follow this prescription."

Cecelia prepared the medicine herself.

I watched Cecelia's slender figure moving around the herbal station, my emotions all over the place.

Zander had never prepared medicine for me. He always said that was work for the apprentice.

The medicine was so bitter I had to choke it down, but I finished it anyway.

Not long after I got home, I started vomiting and had diarrhea, so drained I almost passed out.

Carlie panicked and immediately sent the maid to get Zander.

Zander rushed back, and when he saw me, his expression fell. "How did this happen?"

Cecelia followed behind him, sniffling. "It's my fault. I must've messed up the remedy."

Zander looked over the leftover medicine, frowning. "The prescription seems fine. Maybe Eleanor's body just reacts differently."

I wanted to say something, but I couldn't even find the strength to speak.

Carlie was frantic. "What do you mean, her body just reacts differently? Eleanor got like this right after taking the medicine. It's definitely the medicine. Zander, you need to help Eleanor right now."

It was only after Carlie pushed him that Zander grudgingly checked my pulse.

Once he changed up the remedy, my symptoms eased up.