Chapter 232 Are You Not Allergic?
Deirdre smelled a faint sweet osmanthus fragrance from Ophelia. Although it wasnât strong, it didnât escape Deirdreâs nose.
It was because she clearly recalled that Ophelia would cover her nose and cough each time they passed by the sweet osmanthus tree at the entrance to the slum. Ophelia was allergic to the sweet osmanthus, so much so that she would feel itchy and cough non-stop with just the smell of it.
âWhat is it?â When Maeve became aware of Deirdreâs stiff reaction, she caressed Deirdreâs face as she asked, âWhy did you suddenly get into a daze?â
âNothingâ¦â Deirdre forced a smile. She lowered her head and said, âItâs just that I smell the fragrance on you. It smells very good. What kind of perfume is it?â
âOh.â Maeve was relieved and smiled. âI donât wear any perfume. I think itâs probably the fragrance in the hotel. After staying there for a day, my clothes are stained.â
âIs it sweet osmanthus?â
âYes.â Maeve nodded. âI think itâs this smell.â
Deirdre suddenly pressed her fingertips into her palm.
Meanwhile, Brendan also noticed her change and frowned âWhatâs the matter?â
ââ¦â Deirdreâs mind went blank. When she raised her head again, her eyes were empty âMom, arenât you allergic to sweet osmanthus? How could you stay in a room for a day filled with the smell of sweet osmanthus?â
Her questioning shocked Maeve, who turned to Brendan.
Brendanâs heart skipped a beat. He definitely didnât know that Ophelia was allergic to sweet osmanthus because he wasnât Deirdre himself. But he managed to calm himself quickly and asked, âAre you allergic to the fragrance of sweet osmanthus or to its pollen?â
Deirdre was startled.
Brendan took this opportunity and added, âI think you are allergic to its pollen, right?â
âYes.â Ophelia followed along. âIâm indeed uncomfortable with sweet osmanthus fragrance, but Iâm not allergic to it. Iâm just allergic to its pollen.â
âReally.â Deirdre was in a daze for a moment, thinking that now it made sense.
Ophelia only sneezed and coughed when there were sweet osmanthus trees around.
âOh, I see.â Deirdre smiled again. âI thought you had cured your allergy.â
âHow can it be so fast?â Maeve heaved a sigh of relief. At the same time, she held Deirdreâs hands tightly. âWhy are your hands so cold? You donât have to come out welcoming me while wearing so little.
Letâs get into the house quickly so that you wonât catch a cold.â
The three entered the mansion. Brendan had already arranged for a table of dishes. Deirdre, who had never been talkative, actually was smiling at the dinner table and chatting with Maeve.
Brendan was captivated by Deirdreâs voice, which was already pleasant, her coiled hair, and her gentle.
smile. He suddenly said, âAunt, you should stay in Neve for another week.â
Brendan originally planned to have Maeve stay only for two days. After all, the earlier she left, the lower the chances for the matter to be exposed, and Deirdre would be able to let go of her guard.
However, when Brendan saw the smile on Deirdreâs face that he hadnât seen for a long time, for some reason, he suddenly wanted to watch it for a few more days.
Deirdre knew that Maeve would stay for only two days. When she heard Brendan, her lips trembled, and she turned toward Brendanâs direction. âIs it okay?â
âFor sure, it is okay.â Brendan took a napkin to wipe the corner of his mouth elegantly. âItâs not easy for the two of you to meet each other. I also hope that you two can spend a longer time together. As long as it doesnât affect your motherâs recovery, I have no problem.â