Too Late For Regret, My Love

he hired a temporary housekeeper, Glenda, while I was away on business. I

ainst me piece by piece. The final straw was finding m

lled me a monster and told me to get rid of my ca

al was so profound that

s a cold, calculating bitch and that Glen

er, I walked into an industry gala and saw him across the room-a broken man. He looked at me

pte

en was that she wouldn't just break my heart; she' d dismantle my entire life, piece by agonizing pie

Parker-Hardy Designs, was confined to our meticulously designed home. Our live-in housekeeper, Maria, had been with us for years, practicall

Alex. I' ve found someone. Maria's cousin, Glenda. She ne

A critical phase, long hours, no time for domestic drama. "Temporary, right?" I' d asked, m

had said, blowing me a kiss. "

xhilarated, I booked the first flight home. My phone, usually a constant buzz

The food she cooks is incredible. You

lief washed over me. At least he was being cared for. I pictured someone older, perhaps a bit frumpy, kind and effici

sentinel. He blinked slowly at me, a silent welcome. I missed him fiercely. The house felt war

polished hardwood floors. No one was in the living room, but I heard low voices from the

my voice echoing slig

ck in a neat bun, soft features, and eyes that were a shade too knowing for someone meant to be temporary help. Her uniform, a simple apron over sen

rene. No welcoming smile, no effusive greeting like Maria' s would ha

tremor of unease starting in m

She didn't sound pa

my carry-on and pulled out a small, elegantly wrapped box. It was a designer scarf I' d picked up in Chicago, somethi

back at me, her expression unre

way. I always bring back small gifts for anyone who helps out around the house." My

st imperceptible movement. "No,

een thrilled, a flurry of thanks. "It's not paymen

icates things." Her voice was soft, but there was an inflexible edge to it. A boun

den. He hobbled out, leaning heavily on a crutch, his leg encased in

g in. But Glenda was faster. She moved with a quick, fluid motion, slipping under his arm before my hand

, my love, what's wrong?" He hadn't called her

her voice dropping to a theatrical whisper, as if I were a

always pick the best things! Glenda, darling, it's Alex. She's thoughtful. It's a good

ps. "If you insist, Mr. Parker," she murmured, her eyes flicking to mi

dicated. You know, she's an amazing cook too. You'll love her food. She made my fam

ing both present and invisible. "Good," I mana

oom to freshen up, Glenda called out, "Dinn

hed my bedroom door open, not bothering to knock on my own door. I had a few minutes to myself be

ce. It was where I worked, where I relaxed. I was halfway through u

my throat. I spun around, cl

st imperceptible smirk playing on her lips. She wasn't knocking. She

, lingering for a moment too long. "I jus

would never- "Glenda," I said, my voice dangerously low.

ocence. "Oh, does Mr. Parker k

knocking? That hadn't happened in years, if ever. Our r

voice shaking. "Now.

Glenda, a confused frown on h

cked on Glenda's. "Just a misund

k up on the tension. "Glenda, why don't you go make sur

re turning. "Of course, Mr. Parker." She mel

n bedroom felt tainted. I closed my eyes, taking a deep, shuddering breath. Thi