Chapter 20 288 Vouchers 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 . 0.0 % 03:51 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 " . 49.2 % 03:51 288 Vouchers Chapter 20 288 Vouchers 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 . 96.3 %