Broken Vows and Buried Twins novel Chapter 197

In the kitchen, Lena kept busy, quietly sighing over the state of things.

She had no idea that a permanent departure was quietly unfolding just a few rooms away.

...

Hester took her time savoring the meal.

It wasn't until a little after eleven o'clock that she finally set her fork down.

"Lena, could you clear the table? I'm feeling a bit sleepy, so I'm going upstairs."

"Absolutely, ma'am. You go get some rest. Since it's just the two of us today, I'll start on lunch whenever you wake up."

"Mm." Hester stood up, hesitated for a second, and then added, "Actually, I suddenly have a huge craving for sea bass. There's a great fresh seafood market on the west side of town. Lena, have the driver take you, and pick out two really fresh ones yourself."

Lena nodded enthusiastically. "The fish over there is fantastic. I'll head out right after I clean up."

"Thank you."

"It's no trouble at all. It's wonderful that you have your appetite back."

Hester looked at the housekeeper, a deep warmth settling in her chest.

In this entire massive house, Lena was the only person who genuinely cared for her.

In the end, the husband she shared a bed with couldn't even compare to her housekeeper.

Hester mocked herself internally and headed upstairs.

...

Once inside the master bedroom, Hester went straight into the walk-in closet.

She opened a lower cabinet and pulled out her 24-inch suitcase.

Unzipping it, she efficiently packed all the clothes she had originally brought over from her old apartment.

It wasn't much; the suitcase still had plenty of empty space.

She wheeled it out of the closet, then grabbed her ID, essential documents, and the pregnancy guide from her nightstand, sliding them all into her handbag.

Sitting on the edge of the sofa, she unlocked her phone.

Just then, a sleek black Porsche Cayenne pulled up to the main gate.

The passenger window slid down to reveal a woman in oversized sunglasses. "Hester, get in!"

Hester held back a wince.

Chiara was laying it on a bit thick.

She threw a quick glance at the guard.

He clearly didn't suspect a thing, even rushing over to help load the suitcase into the trunk.

Hester thanked him, opened the passenger door, and slid into the leather seat.

The door shut, and the tinted window rolled back up.

The security guard stepped back and bowed respectfully.

The Porsche smoothly turned around and accelerated down the road, leaving the estate behind.