Not 20

Chapter 20 

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She could hear Darlene crying in the background. 

Darlene had always been prone to allergies. 

One wrong touch and her skin would flare up–red, itchy welts she couldn’t stop scratching. 

And with her delicate skin, once those welts broke, they’d bleed, get infected, and sometimes lead to a fever. 

Claudine had spent countless nights fanning them and trying to ease the itch. 

She hadn’t given birth to Darlene, but she knew exactly how hard raising a child could be. 

The servant thought for a moment and answered, “She’s been out with Mr. Barrette the last few days. We don’t know what she ate or touched. 

“Mrs. Barrette, could you come back? She wants no one but you when she’s sick. We’ve tried everything, but she won’t stop crying. 

“We still can’t reach Mr. Barrette, and she’s wearing herself out.” 

From the background noise, Claudine guessed the other servants were trying to keep Darlene from scratching. 

Claudine checked the thermometer and saw that she had a fever. 

Hearing Darlene wail broke her heart. After five years of caring for her, Claudine couldn’t just leave her to suffer. 

And with the divorce still in limbo, she was expected to look after Darlene. 

“Run Darla a bath with the medicated soak. I’m on my way.” 

Claudine hung up, took fever meds, and headed out to Belmont Estates. 

It was already 11 p.m. when she arrived. 

As soon as she stepped inside, she heard Darlene crying upstairs. 

Her voice was hoarse from hours of sobbing, complaining that it hurt and itched all over. 

Claudine went straight to the room. A few servants were there, trying to coax Darlene into taking medicine. 

“I’ve got it,” Claudine said, taking the medicine from one of them. 

“Hey, Darla. Let’s take the medicine, okay? Then I’ll put on the cream to help with the itching,” 

Darlene stopped crying at her voice. She rubbed her eyes, trying to see clearly. 

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Chapter 20 

And when she did, her lips pursed and her face crumpled. 

“You’re so late! I feel awful…” she sobbed. 

She reached out for a hug. 

Claudine knew it was her way of asking for comfort. 

She stepped forward and gently pulled Darlene into her arms. 

“There, there, don’t cry. Let’s take the medicine first, then I’ll do the cream, okay?” Claudine whispered. 

She clung to Claudine, burying her face in Claudine’s neck and sniffing. She loved that familiar scent. 

“Okay, but you have to sleep with me tonight. Promise?” 

It had been a while since they’d shared a bed. Lately, Darlene had been sleeping alone, and she didn’t like it. 

Her muffled little voice made Claudine’s heart melt. 

“Alright,” Claudine said softly. “I’ll stay with you. But first, medicine.” 

The servant quickly handed it over. 

Claudine took it and asked him to bring Darlene’s favorite snacks to help with the bitter aftertaste. 

Darlene finally took her medicine and drifted off in Claudine’s arms. 

The servant let out a quiet sigh of relief. 

“It’s always you, Mrs. Barrette. You’re the only one who can settle her when she’s sick. 

“Kids always cling to the one who’s been there the most.” 

Claudine didn’t answer. 

She carefully carried Darlene to the bed, trying not to wake her. 

A five–year–old wasn’t exactly light, and with her fever still lingering, Claudine’s arms felt weak. 

Just as she started to shift, Darlene stirred, reaching out in a panic. 

Claudine caught her hands and pulled her close again. 

Feeling the embrace, Darlene relaxed, wrapping her arms around Claudine’s neck and falling back asleep. 

Claudine looked down at her face, her heart softening. 

There had been so many nights like this, just the two of them. 

When Darlene was younger, they were inseparable. 

Her first word had even been “Mama“. 

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Chapter 20 

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That moment had moved Claudine in a way she’d never felt before. From then on, she quietly promised herself she’d raise Darlene as her own. 

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