Chapter 6
Abigail
+20 BONUS
A surge of doubt and fear almost made me falut. What if the person in this painting was Susanna? We do look quite alike, but I’m sure the person in the painting is me. Is identical to the poster from my first role, the one my mother keeps, and I see it every time 1 go home. But if ‘s my painting, why would it be given to Susanna? Susanna’s tears fell in perfect little drops, and her voler trembled with just enough emotion to be convincing
“Every year, Alexander would do something special for my birthday,” she sniffled, clutching the bouquet like a lifeline. “Thank you, Conrad. I never thought… I never thought anyone could make me feel like that again. This makes me feel like he’s still with me.”
My husband placed the roses into Susarma’s hands with a smile so warm, It burned. “Happy birthday, Susanna. I hope this reminds you of Alexander–of how much you’re loved.”
She burst into delicate sobs, burying her face into the roses as if overcome with emotion. It was a picture–perfect moment, the grieving widow comforted by her devoted brother–in–law.
I stood frozen, my hands clenched so tightly my nails dug into my palms. I knew Susanna couldn’t stay away from men, but Conrad had never responded to her advances before. But, what if things aren’t the way they seem between them in private?
Unable to stop myself, I spoke. “It’s good that Conrad is so thoughtful,” I said, my tone biting but deceptively calm. “A caregiver will be here soon, Susanna, to help with everything you need. You’ll have all the attention and care you need. That way, you won’t feel any rush to find a new husband.”
Her grateful expression didn’t change, as her head snapped up but those wide, tear–filled eyes narrowed ever so slightly. “That’s very considerate, Abigail,” she said, her voice smooth as velvet.
Conrad stepped closer to me, his expression tight with frustration. “Abigail,” he said, low. His tone was warning me, as if I had committed an offence but I didn’t care.
Still, I wasn’t about to stick around and play the villain in Susanna’s drama. I turned on my heel and walked out, letting the heavy silence trail behind me.
Conrad caught up to me in the hallway, his hand lightly gripping my arm to stop me. “Abigail, wait.” I stopped but didn’t turn to face him. My chest felt tight. “Come on now, look at me.”
I turned to face him, forcing my expression into something neutral. “What?”
“You can’t keep letting this get to you,” he said, his tone the same reasoning one he used when I was being ” difficult.”
I stared at him, incredulous. “So my feelings don’t matter?
“You know that’s not true,” he said quickly. “Look, Alexander had asked me to commission a painting for Susanna’s birthday, but I’ve been so busy lately, I completely forgot. Then yesterday, when my secretary reminded me that Susanna’s birthday was coming up, I didn’t have enough time to get her what we’d planned.” Conrad sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “Really, Abigail, that’s all there is to it.”
I stared at him. I didn’t want to ask him if he gave the gift he originally got me to Susanna. I was as excited when i found that painting as I am disappointed now. I was tired of fighting, tired of being the one to carry the weight of our marriage. So, I swallowed my frustration, forcing a smile that didn’t reach my eyes. “Fine,” I said.
He relaxed, clearly taking my response as genuine. “I know this isn’t easy,” he said, brushing a strand of hair from my face. “But thank you for understanding.”
11/2
+28 BONUS
Chamet 6
I said nothing, letting him believe I was pacified.
Later that evening, I wandered through the house, inspecting each of the retaining bedrooms. I told myself I was simply trying to find the right one–the one that would be mine.” Courad had already begun moving his things to a bedroom at the far right of the house, but it was too small for two. As I moved from one room to the next, my annoyance only grew.
I ended up moving into the bedroom Susanna had abandoned for me. The entire space was filled with the scent of Susanna’s perfume, and it had a strong spicy scent to it that made me feel nauseous,
I sighed, rubbing my temple as I opened the door, hoping to get the smell out so I could sleep. I turned, heading to the bathroom to run myself a hot bath that would hopefully relax me, but then I caught sight of Conrad at the far end of the corridor.
He was entering the master bedroom.
