making a sound on the shiny marble. The dim light from the chandelier faile

't need to turn my head to know the expression that might be chiseled on his face-his jaw was hardened

apped in a marriage he never even wanted. Five years of me endu

od at the altar with me. He was only doing what his father wanted him to do, and

enough to pierce my already fragile core. "

every painful word from her. I held my breath, trying to muster the remaining courage I still had to step out of t

he called

from her spot. I knew she wanted to run to my a

Maria replie

ten dinner and ta

has,

. "Never let your eyes

d this far. That woman treated me with genuine affection. In her eyes, I wasn't

r," she

aria for always being by my side, even in si

ly more relieved atmosphere for those still in the house. I

new this was the end. Roderick had fulfilled his promise to the late Sebas

ing. I knew who he was calling. Gustav Wexford, the f

g, Gustav?" His voice was sh

other end before Gustav

y knew the answer. I knew

this business?" Roder

k. You know, Madame Marguerite loves your wife very

ford is God incarnate? Who can kn

s gaping. I knew Roderick never wanted

n't be held back on thi

ted call. Roderick ha

It was so bright, such a contrast to my broken feelings. Th

s car. He was also looking up at the sky with a faint smile on

ous it is to be me, Gustav.

the only one tormented in this marriage. I was too. But I chose to endure. I chose t

*

do anything but try to calm myself down. Two large suitcases were leaning against the side of the bed, ready to be f

red softly as I wiped away the tears that continued to fall mercilessl

fell on the portrait mounted majestically on the wall. I approached, even thou

much hope stored there. Rick's smile, which was once so charming and ensnared me in a pseudo-love full of pain, now looked different in my eyes. I rea

could Rick say those things to me? How naive I was, thinking that Rick loved me.

ck's father and my father-in-law, was radiating happiness that could not be hidden. The Langley family doctor co

entle and warm-hearted man. Even my mother-in-law, Marguerite Langley, was always by his side. Mami

t get well. Don't lose t

ou'll get better soon. Doctor Phillip

ook. "We just finished a happy event. What if we just enjoy this happiness?

hen gave the side of my head a b

w redder as he invited

ess. Papa will also try to get well soo

n response to Se

You're ready, aren't you, darling?" Rick laughed, as if his words real

dal suite that the hotel had reserved for

e change of expression on the face of the man

d sit

than usual. "Okay," I said softly. With difficulty, I dr

riage will end happily, Eva. Y

ure, but his intimidation. Also his grip on my face that was still covered i

g from me. This marriage i

left for dead. With many questions and a w

ng that the beginning of this pain would no longer come to mind.

intend to leave. But unfortunately

om. "I thought a lot before leaving this house

It's bad luck that