In the passionate exchange, Charlie's demeanor shifted, her actions becoming more aggressive, driven by a primal instinct she couldn't suppress. With each touch, she sought to claim Serena, to assert her dominance over the submissive figure before her. Serena, sensing Charlie's aggression, willingly surrendered, her own actions guided by an understanding of the fragile state Charlie was in.

As Charlie's intensity grew, Serena's response was one of submission, her movements gentle and yielding. She allowed Charlie to take the lead, knowing that in this moment of vulnerability, her role was to offer comfort and solace. Despite her own desires, Serena tempered her actions, focusing instead on providing the support Charlie needed.

Lost in the heat of the moment, Serena failed to notice the subtle signs of Charlie's fever creeping in, nor did she register the onset of the Alpha's susceptibility period. Her attention was solely fixed on the connection they shared, the magnetic pull between them drawing her deeper into the embrace.

But as their kiss reached its zenith, Serena's world suddenly shifted. Without warning, she felt Charlie's weight give way, the strong figure that imprisoned her with an embrace suddenly faded away.

"Miss!"

Aunt Carol's exclamation pierced through the air, breaking the stillness that had settled over the scene. 

Serena's gaze shifted swiftly as she followed Aunt Carol's voice, her eyes falling upon Charlie's figure collapsing on the lawn like a broken flower. 

As Serena approached, she noticed an unusual scorching heat emanating from Charlie's body, a telltale sign of the fever that accompanied her susceptibility period. 

Prepared for such eventualities, the family had made arrangements well in advance. 

As Charlie was taken into the bedroom by the bodyguard. The family doctor, stationed in the living room, wasted no time in attending to Charlie's needs. With practiced efficiency, he began his examination, swiftly diagnosing her condition and prescribing the necessary medication to alleviate her symptoms.

Amidst the bustling activity, Serena felt a sense of helplessness, unsure of how to assist Charlie in her time of need. Despite her desire to lend a hand, she found herself sidelined, unable to provide the comfort and support she longed to offer.

The light in the room cast a weary shadow over Serena's shoulders, her heart heavy with concern for Charlie's well-being. She couldn't shake the feeling of inadequacy, wishing she could do more to ease Charlie's suffering.

Aunt Carol's gentle touch on Serena's shoulder brought a moment of solace, her reassuring presence offering a glimmer of hope in the midst of uncertainty.

"It's okay, Miss. This happens every year. Don't worry too much," Aunt Carol's comforting voice reached Serena's ears, offering solace.

As Aunt Carol's gentle hand landed on Serena's shoulder, a sense of reassurance enveloped her, providing a brief respite from the turmoil swirling around them.

"Miss Serena, despite you being only a few months older than our young lady, you've always shown remarkable maturity," Aunt Carol remarked, her tone filled with admiration and respect.

Pausing briefly, Aunt Carol felt compelled to share her insights, despite the boundaries of propriety.

"There's something I, as a servant, cannot tell you but still let me tell you this one thing... Our young lady is often influenced by the servants around her and may not fully comprehend her actions. Her past mistakes, including those towards you, were often influenced by the servants and her father's guidance. I hope you understand. She's sincere, but she's also quite naive..."

Aunt Carol continued... "Now that you and Miss Charlie are together, I hope you treat her well because she seems to genuinely care for you...," she said, her voice tinged with earnestness.

Serena's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she listened to Aunt Carol's words, her mind racing with conflicting emotions.

"Aunt Carol..." Serena said interrupting Aunt Carol.

"What's wrong, Miss Serena?" Aunt Carol stopped in confusion.

"I'm not together with Charlie... W-we're not a couple..." Serena looked at Aunt Carol and preached in a very low voice.

At this time, Aunt Carol was a little stunned, "What? Weren't you two just kissing...?"

The burning sensation on Serena's face even worsened when Aunt Carol talked about it just now.

She drooped her eyes and shook her head gently

"We really don't have that kind of relationship..." Serena explained.

"R-really??" Aunt Carol realized that she was thinking too much, and she apologized, "I'm the one who talked too much. I really apologize, Miss Serena." Aunt Carol politely replied.

"It's okay." Serena said calmly.

Serena thinks whoever sees what happened with her and Charlie at the lawn would assume that they are together.

The atmosphere became a little embarrassing between the two people.

Aunt Carol looked at Charlie who was lying on the bed with a fever. She couldn't help but say what she wanted to say to Serena... "But Miss Serena, I hope you can take to heart what I said just now."

"No matter what your relationship is with the young lady, I still hope you can treat her well. I have been with her for a long time, I can see that she cares about you. Isn't it often mentioned that the person whom Alpha relies on the most during the susceptibility period is actually the one who can provide her with the greatest sense of security?"

The maid standing in front of the light walked away, and the scorching light fell into Serena's eyes, causing her to blink twice unnaturally.

Aunt Carol's words cut through Serena's illusions like a blunt knife, slowly revealing the truth hidden beneath the fragile veil.

At that moment, the doctor attending to Charlie approached Aunt Carol with a medicine box, interrupting Serena's scattered thoughts.

"Aunt Carol." The Doctor said.

"I've administered the antipyretic and inhibitor injections to Miss Charlie. You can rest assured, these medications won't interact negatively. If Miss Charlie doesn't wake up by noon tomorrow, be sure to call me." He followed.

"Thank you for your assistance today." Aunt Carol nodded to the doctor, signaling for the maid to him out.

Then, she motioned for the others in the room to leave, addressing Serena...