The Stand In Wife’s Revenge
Chapter 64
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Standing there observing Ava I experienced an odd mix of confusion and admiration. Before my eyes she was changing every step she took every brushstroke every bodily movement was like the reveal of a new person. Although she had always been attractive she had changed.
I found it difficult to look away from her. Her posture was tall and elegant and her once hesitant steps had transformed into confident
flowing ones. Her entire self–perception had changed. I felt as though I had met a different woman a few days prior.
Her energy and appearance both showed the change. Her natural beauty was accentuated by her bold yet delicate makeup. She had a
certain edge and allure that I hadnt anticipated because of her soft pink lips and dark eyeliner. Her face was perfectly framed by her hair which was styled in waves that fell just below her shoulders softening the previously sharp features.
She looked up from the mirror catching my eye and I appreciated her smile. A sense of self–assurance that had previously been absent was now present in her. She seemed to have stepped into a role she had been eager to play but had forgotten she would ever be able to play. It had both beauty and strength.
She took a peek. Wonderful. She was glowing in a way that I hadnt noticed in a long time. I couldnt help but feel proud of her while I watched her but I also felt something deeper something I wasnt sure I wanted to admit. I was briefly struck by how much she resembled
the woman I had seen in internet photos.
The woman who exuded assertiveness strength and grace. The woman who once inspired me. Ava had changed so that she now resembled
the person I had only seen on social media. She was strong authoritative and completely enthralling. She radiated the same strength that drew me to her in the first place. However I couldnt help but feel a knot in my chest as my mind kept returning to her.
One of the memories I had been trying to ignore for the past few days started to come back to me. Fiona. I glanced over at Ava as she rehearsed her walk in front of the full–length mirror. Her movements were effortless elegant and almost regal as if she had spent her
entire life wearing heels.
However my thoughts changed as I observed. I had been staring at Ava but now my eyes strayed to the window. Suddenly my chest became constricted. Fiona remained hospitalized. still waiting for me to come back lying in that sterile room
And here I was giving Ava and her metamorphosis my whole attention. I kept thinking: Was I acting appropriately? Was it fair to Fiona
Ava or anybody else? I recalled all of the evenings Fiona had spent with me and how she had always supported me in my hour of need.
How could I look at Ava standing there in front of me gorgeous and self–assured without feeling guilty that Fiona was still in pain? How
could I watch Ava knowing that she was still in that sterile lonely hospital room? Fiona was no longer the woman she had once been. Her health had declined in unexpected ways and she was now frail.
However despite her changes I still harbored a deep affection for her. I continued to miss her and there were times when the sadness of that loss was too much to bear. It was much more difficult for me to reconcile my feelings when I watched Ava and saw the woman she was growing into.
Then I looked back at Ava. She looked at me once more her smile a little more confident and knowing. This time though I didnt smile back. Rather I had an odd pain in my chest. Given that Fiona was waiting for me was it appropriate for me to feel so attracted to her and
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Chapter 64
watch her change?
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Was I betraying Fiona by allowing myself to become enmeshed in Avas new appearance and way of life? I was conflicted even though I
wanted to think that I could support Ava and take care of Fiona at the same time. The weight of the decision I hadnt made yet was
pressing down on my heart.
Did I really love Ava or was I just trying to fill the void left by Fionas absence? Could I really let go of Fiona or was I just deluding
myself? Ava interrupted my thoughts as she continued to walk confidently her posture impeccable her confidence increasing with each
stride. I couldnt help but feel a wave of admiration for her because she looked amazing.
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However I also noticed that my throat was getting tighter. a feeling of loss… In order to avoid drawing attention to myself I slowly
turned my back. As I stared at the floor my eyes were unable to focus and my mind was racing with contradictory feelings. I needed some
time by myself away from the circumstance.
Away from this metamorphosis that had captivated me. I needed some mental space. Breathing was necessary for me. I left the room
without a word moving stealthily down the corridor. Although I didnt care I wasnt sure if anyone had noticed. I had to go. Right now I
couldnt stay there.
I could no longer ignore the guilt that was beginning to consume me. After descending the stairs I exited through the front door feeling
the refreshing breeze as I stepped out onto the porch. Suddenly I felt the full weight of the choice I had been avoiding.
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