suddenly shattered by an unexpected envelope t

kins explained that Mr. Cecil wished for me to attend, emphasizing that it was a significant event for his current business ventures. His 'wish' was a command, reminding me once again that even my public appearances were strictly f

blend into the background and become as inconspicuous as he clearly desired. The chauffeur drove me to the Van Der Bilts' s

with the force of contrast against the silence of my days. My hea

conversed with influential figures. My gaze landed on him, and for a fleeting moment, I dared to hope for a flicker of recognition or a simple ack

tantaneous, public, a

le remaining acutely aware of his calculated distance. A pleasant, elderly

finally meet you. I confess, we rarely

asure, Mrs. Albright. My husband has many engagements.

breath to hitch. He paused his conversation, his jaw tightening almost imperceptibly, and th

acknowledging me in front of society. A sharp pain lanced through my chest, hotter than any

statement to anyone observing. I spotted him again later by the bar, speaking animated

y, my voice barely carryi

annoyance? Warning? Before his gaze flickered over my shoulder, and he took a sip of hi

ble. My voice had been too quiet, or maybe he had simply chosen not to hear it. I fe

sure everyone understood my place: an inconvenient, unacknowledged burden. The ballro

to g

nd judging glances, until the cool night air embraced me. The mansion's sprawling gardens beckoned with their labyrinth of hedges,

eks still burning with shame. The weight of Arthur's rejection, so stark and public, pres

ted, grown colder, heavier. Arthur. Though he hadn't called my name, his presence was undeniable. I clutched my hand

warmth, sliced through the silen

possessive statement treating me like an object. Pain shot through my chest, sharp and unrelenting. There

ient wife and was now issuing his dictate. I rose, legs unsteady, and walked back to

curt command had drained me. I lay awake, staring at the ceiling, when a faint click

nk. His sharp eyes were clouded, his usual composure dissolved into a staggering gait. H

ear tightened in my stomach, for this was a violation of his rules. He stumble

the woman he truly wanted. His lips, tasting of whiskey and desperation, found mine, and I froze. I wanted to resi

in, and I couldn't refuse him, not truly, not

the morning air, and my body ached from what had been my first time. Th

o the crimson stain on the white sheet. A flicker of disgust crossed his face-raw and unhidden. It hit like

as not regret, not remorse, but revulsion. The forced intimacy, born of drunken delusion, had becom