From “Clingy” to Gone My Independence Was His Biggest Regret novel Chapter 37

Chapter 1

‘d been married to Theodore Rockefellow for three years.

lever thought he’d keep a mistress behind my back–turns out the entire household knew, everyone but me.

became the laughingstock of New York society.

When I finally went to confront Theodore’s mistress with a knife in hand, I never expected her to be none other than the lawful wife of Captain Thomas.

nd Theodore and Thomas? They’d been inseparable since boyhood.

immer was nearing, and I was busier than ever running the Rockefellow estate.

suddenly realized I hadn’t had a proper conversation with Theodore in over two weeks.

> I cleared half a day, set out his favorite wine and dishes, and waited.

ight fell. The food was reheated over and over, but he never came home.

couldn’t take it anymore–I sent someone to find out.

‘ord came back: he’d gone to a ball, then spent the night at the host’s mansion.

hat wasn’t him. He’d always told me beforehand when he went out.

nd never once stayed away overnight.

chill crept over me. Something had changed, and I didn’t even know when it started.

e next morning, Theodore returned–fresh–faced, carrying a box of almond pastries, my favorite.

e took my hand, apologized sweetly, coaxed me with kind words.

y anger ebbed. I set his favorite crab bisque dumplings before him, smiling.

ummer’s coming, and I’ve been so caught up running the household, I fear I’ve neglected you.”

le dink of silverware was the only reply.

ooked up–Theodore was staring at his dumpling with a vacant smile, lost in thought.

e hadn’t heard a word.

y appetite vanished. I set down my fork, called his name again and agatit until he finally blinked, stariled

What is it?” he asked vaguely

forced a smile, swallowing the tightness in my chest

Nothing at all. Enjoy your supper–I’ve matters to see to on the estate.

e only murmured in reply.

ut my heart sank.

hree years together–of course I knew. His mind was elsewhere

10:31

Chapter 1

1 felt like a bird lost in a storm wings beating without direction.

The days blurred with endless tasks.

Mrs. Cornelia, Theodore’s mother, had me arranging trips to St. Patrick’s Cathedral to light candles, refurbishing the west wing, ordering fruit trees for t country estate, and even buying more koi for the reflecting pool.

One demand after another, until I realized–this wasn’t about chores.

At first, I thought Cornelia was just punishing me. After all, three years of marriage and still no child.

he’d been relentless, urging me and Theodore to try harder, to give the Rockefellows an heir.

but lately, she wasn’t just needling me–she was keeping me busy. Distracting me.

ind Theodore? It had been ten days since I last saw him.

couldn’t ignore it anymore.

sent Grace, my maid, to find out where Theodore had been.

sat on the fainting couch, absently turning a teacup in my hands. Sunlight glittered over the garden, mocking my unease.

Grace rushed back in.

stumbled toward her, my voice uneven. “Well?”

ler eyes brimmed with pity.

arly mornings, late nights–sometimes not coming home at all.

he room spun. My chest tightened, air catching in my throat.

utside, the day was warm and bright. Inside, I went cold, numb, buzzing with dread.

Madam!” Grace caught me as I nearly collapsed.

tried to laugh, to reassure her, but tears fell faster than I could wipe them away.

should’ve known better. Love never lasts.

nd yet, when Theodore had pursued me so desperately, I’d let myself believe.

hree years–and the mask had slipped.

1st then, a letter arrived from Mrs. Diana Adams.

jana–once my dearest friend–had warned me against marrying Theodore.

fterward, we’d barely spoken.

tore open the letter.

And with each line, my heart split open

The taste of betrayal was sharp enough to cut me alive.

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