urage to clear. I'd insisted on leaving after them, careful not to draw suspici

me, a feeling I hadn't known since the day I discove

he beanie and sunglasses, checking the mirr

said he's been trying to reach y

realizing I'd forgotten

d given me just before I alighted from his car. A recorder. My pulse quickened. I hid it in my jewelry b

disconnecting. Anna said you weren't home. Does my t

re to pick up a delivery for her. The network was bad. Somethin

der how long I'll have to put up with thi

id you say

is evening. Share a menu for approval. Look nice. And make

have an intimate

Plan accordingly and share the goddam

before he hung up fir

sent him a message fro

alad – A

atoes and S

ken

onnay

ake and Cre

*****

ris. Hair swept into a bun, golden curls framing my face, diamonds

ton," I hailed my attractiv

aming. Matthew had already te

ce. Arthur and Leona also had their fair share. But my husband got something else: a sudden, full-mouth

u drunk?" Matthew muttered

to see my husband," I whi

ept Patrick, the Patriarch whose kindness died with him a few months after our first meeting. But now, I'd learned to

were discussing with Matthew about their plans to throw a private party in Paris. They were spoi

do something with yourself rather than sit idly in pretty dresses

nt, Madam. Though I took lessons on being an

ed loudly.

let your wife speak to me

thew said flatly, turning to me. "Are

tongue, but I swallowed them, shoving

es, Mada

, she gagged and let out

Arthur muttered as

mother's side, support

set." She responded whilst walk

Ma. But we're all eating the same

e first aid box for Madam and g

t enough pecans to trigger her allergies. She had to also pa

ed around my wrist. He pulled me into the study and sh

ou talk bac

ng. I never meant to sound disrespectful." My voice sounded slow and seductive as I reached for his hand. "It's

w tightened. his breath

oom, smile, and keep your mouth shut. No more snide comments. If you do..." his hand f

ened his jacket, and walked out. What's the worst that he cou

just like that, the mask of th

est rising and falling as though I had just esc

m notifi

n posted by his Alfred. Comments were flooding in, dripping with p

new followers. What an interesting life; polis

ntly until some

You M

e he

os M

n? Something nameless but magnetic pulled at me as I remembe

is voice reverberated in my ears caus

Still, I tapped on his profile, only to be met with the lo

pectacle, lights, and pageantry. Carlos wa

ress, and stood. Time to return to the dining table. To my picture-perfe

table, my pulse wasn't bea

ting for C

veng