Chapter 7
Abigail
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Maybe it was because I had just heard his reasonable explanation and trusted him, or maybe I had a feeling there would be more reasons waiting for me. Either way, for the sake of the baby, my sleep was more important than Where Conrad went. So, I turned and went straight to bed, deciding to leave the problem for tomorrow,
By the time I got up, Conrad was already getting ready to leave.
“Good morning,” Conrad stood by the mirror, adjusting his tie with practiced ease. His dark suit was crisp and perfectly tailored, the kind of sharpness that made it immediately obvious he was a man from a powerful family. “Morning,” I replied briefly, leaning against the doorframe, masking my unease with casual conversation.” Where were you last night?” I asked, my voice steady.
His hands froze for the briefest second before he recovered quickly, smoothing the tie knot. “Working,” he said simply. “In the study.”
I raised a brow, waiting for him to say more, but he didn’t. Instead, as if to steer the conversation away, he added, “You’ll get a surprise later today.” He grabbed his briefcase, flashed a small, almost disarming smile, and leaned in to kiss me on the cheek. “See you tonight.”
He left as quickly as the wind, and I couldn’t be bothered to ask. I didn’t know how I would feel when I got another lic. As the saying goes, you can’t force someone to tell the truth, but you can make it difficult for them to lie. So I decided to take action.
I made a few calls. Daniel kindly filled me in on Conrad’s whereabouts, while Marceline, Conrad’s mother and my mother–in–law, had been really concerned about Susanna and her child’s health. Ever since the news of Alexander’s plane crash, Marceline’s health had taken a hit and I’ve been helping her through it. She was doing better now and really wanted to come take care of Susanna in person.
I had just finished my conversation with Marceline when the sound of the doorbell interrupted my work. I lifted my head, thinking of who could be on my doorsteps- I did not get many visitors, and I liked it that way. As I rose, it clicked.
The new caregiver. I quickly finished up and left Conrad’s room, rushing down the stairs as the doorbell echoed throughout the quiet air of the house. When I opened the door, the new caregiver stood on the front steps, her cheerful expression betraying none of the chaos she was about to step into.
“Hello,” she said with a wide grin. “My name is Marcy. Marcy Weathers.” She glanced down at my belly. “Mrs. Remington?”
I returned her smile. “You can call me Abigail.”
I welcomed her inside, glancing at the two hefty bags she carried. Marcy brought them inside with no effort at all. “Where do I keep these?” she asked.
“Just by the door,” I replied. “For now. You’ll be taking care of my sister–in–law, Susanna. Why don’t you meet her first? After that, I’ll show you around the house.”
I didn’t think it was possible, but Marcy’s grin became even bigger. “That’s very sweet of you, Mrs. Rem mean, Abigail. I really appreciate it.”
I simply nodded, and motioned for her to follow me up the stairs. This was the least I could do for her. She was. going to work for Susanna after all. I hoped she would make it.
But my hope didn’t last. Marcy’s composure began to crack as soon as she met Susanna. My sister–in–law was
Chapter 7
reclining on a sofa, the picture of grace until Marcy and I entered the room.
“What’s this?”
She turned up her nose at us as soon as she saw us.
“Your new caregiver, just as I said,” I replied patiently. “Marcy, meet Susanna.”
“Good morning ma’am,” Marcy said. Her grin was not as big as before.
get me a cup of tea. Ginger. I want it piping hot.”
Although she was startled, Marcy nodded before turning to look at me.
“The kitchen is the first door to your left when you go down the stairs,” I said, taking a seat on one of the armchairs. “The tea jar is on the counter. Want me to come with you?”
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Shaking her head, Marcy declined, saying she could manage. I opened my tablet, pretending to read the morning news while I waited for her to come back. Marcy was nice enough, but I knew Susanna wasn’t happy to have a caregiver. Even if the girl did everything perfectly, Susanna would look for a problem until she found one.
It didn’t take long-
Marcy was struggling with every task, and Susanna’s comments were like whips, making her spin in circles. “I said hot tea, not lava!”
“This tea is as cold as well water. You call this ‘hot tea“?”
“The seeds in this dragon fruit look awful. Scoop out the seeds, then bring it back to me.”
A few times, I told Susanna not to be too hard on Marcy, and she’d just hold her belly and say, “But she’s paid to take care of me. If she can’t do it, it just means she’s not good enough. I’m being strict for the sake of the baby’s health. Unless you have other ideas?”
Marcy became more and more silent, her smile faded. Finally, after Susanna threw a vase at her and made her pay for it, she cracked. She came running to me. Marcy looked at me, her face pale. “I… I’ve worked with many families before,” she said, her voice trembling, “but never someone like her. Mr. Remington said I’d be caring for a kind, sensitive woman. This…” She gestured helplessly at the mess.
I tried my best to calm Marcy down. It was only her first day here, but Susanna had already broken her. Susanna used to be obsessed with maintaining a perfect image, but now she had completely dropped the act. In this house, the only one who probably still believed Susanna was perfect, and helpless was Conrad.
By the time Conrad returned that evening, I was sitting in my new room, trying to read a book. The day had felt longer than usual, with Susanna finding new ways to frustrate Marcy. I had seen the caregiver crying earlier this evening. I knew that soon, she would soon make up an excuse to leave.
Conrad smiled as he walked up behind me, wrapping his arms around me, then covering my eyes with his hands.
Conrad walked in with a smile, carrying a small velvet box.
“Ready to see it?”
A beautifully crafted velvet box appeared in front of me.
“For you,” he said. His eyes eagerly urged me to open it.
I opened it, revealing a dazzling set of jewelry–a necklace, earrings, and bracelet, all intricately designed and sparkling under the light. My breath caught despite myself.
“Conrad…” I breathed, genuinely surprised.
Chapter 7
+25 BONUS
This is a piece by a designer I’ve always loved, but I’ve never mentioned it to anyone because the collection is no expensive, and the custom order process is a hassle.
He leaned down, brushing a kiss against my temple. “Thank you for everything you’ve been doing lately,” he murmured. “I know these past few weeks haven’t been easy, and I wanted to show my appreciation. I had these made for you a while back, but it felt like the right moment to give them now.”
I looked up at him, my fingers lightly tracing the necklace was beautiful, thoughtful. My heart softened.
“I also wanted to apologize,” he added, his voice quieter now. “I wasn’t working last night.”
I raised an eyebrow, though I said nothing, waiting for him to continue.
“I went to see Susanna,” he admitted, running a hand through his hair. “The doctor mentioned she’s showing signs of depression. He said he was concerned she might… arm herself.”
His words were carefully chosen, and I felt a pang of guill despite my lingering doubts. It was the kind of explanation that would make anyone feel guilty for doubting him.
“I was just really worried, but I didn’t want to wake you up and make you worry too.” He said simply. “Forgive me, I won’t lie to you anymore, not even with good intentions,” he added as he took my hand.
I nodded slowly, “I understand,” I said softly.
Even though I still had questions for him, he didn’t give me a chance to speak–he grabbed my neck and kissed me, stealing my breath. When I finally pulled away, I found he’d already put a necklace on me and was gently stroking my earlobe, trying to put earrings on me.
I looked into his eyes, seeing my reflection in them, and quietly asked, “Do you love me?”
Conrad answered without hesitation, “Of course, always.”
Maybe I was overthinking it, how could Conrad not love me I’ve let Susanna make me insecure, and that’s just not right.
I stroked his cheek and told him, “Actually, I have a surprise for you too.”
He tilted his head, curious.
“I hired someone much more experienced to take care of Susanna,” I explained, keeping my tone light but firm.” She’ll have round–the–clock care now, just as you wanted.
Conrad’s expression was unreadable, but he nodded after a moment. “That’s… good,” he said slowly.
“Yes,” I replied, meeting his gaze steadily. “It is.”
