Chapter 1
The distant murmur of the domestic staff made me wonder if I had been naise, sitting alone on the balcony of the grand estate that belonged to my husband. It was my birthday, another one spent in solitude, waiting for him. It had always been like this–waiting for his attention, waiting for him to share a meal with me
“Mrs. Winfrey,” Naomi’s voice interrupted my thoughts, drawing me back to the present,
“Yes. Naomi?” I turned, raising an eyebrow at her interruption.
“Um…” she hesitated, fidgeting with the hem of her apron, uncharacteristically unsure of herself. “Well_”
“Naomi, you’re
ΤΟ ΠΕΥΤΙ this hesitant. What is it
Naomi was the most outspoken of all the staff and the one closest to me. Her hesitation only made me more curious.
“Well Mrs. Winfrey,” she began, avoiding my gaze, “do you really think waiting for Mr. Winfrey is necessary! You always wait for him on days like
this, and he ne-
“He will come.” I cut her off, turning my eyes away from her. I suspected that she’s delivering the same unusual gossip as the others kept muttering nonstop Naomi, you know better than to bring the staff’s gossip to me.”
“It’s past dinner time, and the house feels like we’re mourning The others are worned,” she said,
her t
tone dry but her concern evident.
I sighed, finally meeting her gaze. Naomi, in her early thirties, was someone 1 sometimes envied. She was married to one of the kindest men 1 knew. They both worked for us, and yet they were content, happy even.
“Have the chefs dispose off the dishes,” I instructed, my voice firm. “But leave the ones I made for Quinn. Birthdays are better celebrated at night.”
She gave me a look, one that silently reminded me of the truth I had been denying for so long–that Quinn didn’t care for me the way a husband should. That my birthday was nothing special, not even the least to him.
I am alone in this, alone to wander off in my solitude.
“My husband doesn’t love me.” I knew it. Everyone knew it.
“Mr. Chuner is here. He’s the reason for the murmur, Naomi explained steer the conversation away from the sensitive topic and alvo trying to evidently tell me my speculations about her conveying the gossip of the others to me were false
“Fleur“” Lasked, lifùng my head. “Alone?”
“Yes” she confirmed before turning to leave. “He’s alone.”
I sighed deeply, rising from my cluir to go mert Quinn’s personal assistant. Fleur worked closely with my husband, so his presence here had to be related to Quinn.
As I walked down the hallway towards the living room, I noticed that Naomi had already dismissed the other staff. I opened the door to find Fleur standing there, building a basket of Bowens against huis x
“Mrs Abastana” he greeted, bowing slightly. A smile tugged at my lips when I saw the flowers
“Happy birthday”
asked, unable to contain my excitement as Lioved closer to accept the basket. Flowers were my teci fove, womething only Natiniknes And now my hear swelled at die fact that my husband knows as well.
his contumonvident. “Mr. Windory dodirt send ine here)
muttered the sulle faltering as I accept the gi
ali you well,” he explained, his sanite broadening–
eli, Bară… Dinglilul” I forced out with a smile that didn’t reach my eyes, glaming at the wall clock. It was past ten.
to mask my curiosity “Tavrict seen him yes.”
“He’ll be running late. Mis Ahaitaita
11:47 AM &
Chapter 1
I frowned. Fleur had always called me by my first name, but today it felt particularly grating.
“I advise you not to wait for him,” he added, bowing again before heading towards the door.
“Wait,” I called out. “Why d
don’t you stay for dinner?”
That wasn’t what I wanted to say. I wanted to ask him why I shouldn’t wait for Quinn, where my husband was, and what was going on
“Thank you, Mrs. Anastasia, bur
“Mrs. Winfrey,” I corrected, a bit of irritation seeping into my voice. “Isn’t it logical to address me by my husband’s last name? We are married, legally
He smiled, bowing once more. “Very well then. Goodnight, Ma’am”
He left, closing the door behind him. I stood there, feeling the weight of the silence around me.
“You lashing out at him wasn’t necessary.” Naomi said from behind me, making me jump. that Mr. Winfrey’s company acknowledged your birthday means he cares.”
fum. She
reached out to me but quickly pulled back. “The fact
“I never said he didn’t care. Naomi. Just don’t say anything more tonight.”
“Sure, Ma’am,” she replied quietly. “But the food it’s getting cold.”
“I know, Naomi. Leave it. He’ll be here soon.”
“It’s almost midnight, Mrs. Winfrey,”
she said, he
her worry palpable. “You haven’t eaten anything, and…”
“I will when he returns. I promise,” I said, sitting at the table, staring at the untouched dishes. My birthday cake sat there, the candles unlit, the night slipping away. “Go to bed, and say hello to Caleb for me. I’m sorry for keeping you so late
“You’re not dismissing me, are you?” she asked, stubborn as always. “You aren’t going to seat there and wait for Mr. Winfrey alone, right?”
-1 am. Please, don’t argue with me tonight. I’m too tired.” I forced the words out, already so broken to say more. If Naomi will leave me alone, then maybe I can brood on what exactly my offences are.
“That’s because you haven’t eaten anything,” she added, making me sigh in
in frustration.
“Just go. Please,” I pleaded, resting my head against the back of the chair and closing my eyes. “Goodnight”
“Alright,” she relented. “I’ll be upstairs if you need me.”
The silence that followed Naomi’s departure was almost suffocating. My mind drifted back to the day I married Quinn, believing it was my luppiest day ever. But reality had been harsh. The luxury he provided was undeniable, but it came at the cost of my happiness
I would have been content if our marriage was an arranged one. Quinn had come to me with love, one I believed he had for me. But I love him, and no matter how hard I try to be happy, I always end up suckling at the lack of attention I get.
