From “Clingy” to Gone My Independence Was His Biggest Regret novel Chapter 39

Chapter 3

I stormed out, skirts whipping as I headed straight for the gates.

The house guards didn’t dare lay hands on me; they kept stepping back, watching helplessly as I left the estate.

I dimbed into the carriage and ordered it toward the townhouse on East Street.

On the way, Theodore’s carriage passed mine–we missed each other by minutes.

When I stepped down at the townhouse, bystanders immediately understood why I’d come.

They pretended to busy themselves, but I saw the way their eyes lingered.

Grace knocked at the door.

Alilting voice rang out from inside- “So soon? Couldn’t bear to leave already?”

The door swung open.

erena froze when she saw me, her smile stiffening, her words dying in her throat.

wo seconds later, she forced a laugh.

Well now, my dear sister–in–law! Do come in.”

Ve studied one another–she was refined, poised, still striking despite her years.

racefully aged, every inch the polished lady.

stepped inside. Serena closed the door behind us, smiling like porcelain about to crack.

I’m sure this is all a misunderstanding. I wasn’t expecting company, but won’t you sit for tea?”

ler smile never faltered, but it was glued in place, brittle as glass.

I suppose Theo hasn’t explained our relationship properly. We’re practically brother and sister.

I not for him, I wouldn’t have a roof over my head.

ve told him again and again not to come so often, but you know how he is–he’s been trailing after me since we were shilena.

he caught herself, feigned a gasp, and tapped her lips with mock regret

Oh, forgive me. I shouldn’t chatter so.”

only smiled, saying nothing.

Ve stood there in the courtyard, locked in a standoff

he claimed to invite me for tea laut never moved from the doorway

smoothed my sleeve, voice slow and deliberate

I only came to ask a few questions, Mrs Thomas Then it te un toy way Tea ca wall

Ter sinile slipped, her eyes cooling

Why is the lady of Rockefellow House wandering the streets alone?

Her mask dropped entirely, and for the first time I saw the hatred in her gaze-

as if I had stolen something that belonged to her.

She pressed her lips together, refusing to speak.

But I knew.

She was desperate to be free of the Thomas name, desperate not to waste her years as a lonely widow.

the knew she had another option.

So you’ve already decided Thomas is dead, haven’t you?” I asked, my tone razor–sharp.

Verena stiffened, anger flashing, but said nothing.

And you’re willing to abandon the child you bore him? To chase after another man instead?”

fer fists clenched; fury rippled through her frame.

he hadn’t expected me to know so much.

very word I spoke tore another layer from her mask until her raw, ugly desperation lay bare.

Ha!” she spat. Her laugh was bitter, half–mad.

And who the hell are you?”

I’m just taking back what was mine all along.”

ler words cut me. A thief accused by the thief herself.

‘ain seared through my chest, tears threatening, but I swallowed them down.

hen- “Ahhh!”

erena shrieked, yanking at her own hair, slapping herself hard across the face before crumpling to the floor.

itiful. Calculated.

he door burst open.

heodore rushed in, his eyes blazing with panic–and without so much as a glance at me, he scooped Serena into his armis,

My God, Serena!” He stroked her reddened cheek with trembling fingers, all tender concern.

stood there, hollow, as the man I’d shared a bed with for three years held another woman like she was his whole world

Serena was ruthless–even willing to harm herself to play the victim

Theodore finally looked at me.

Cold. Accusing.

If you have a quarrel, take it out on me.”

Why torment Serena? She’s suffered enought Can’t you show hes the slightest kindness?