The Stand In Wife's Revenge novel Chapter 79

The Stand In Wife’s Revenge

Chapter 79

It seemed like an endless drive back to the mansion. My thoughts were anything but calm despite the cars constant hum being almost calming. I couldnt stop seeing pictures of Fiona’s lifeless icy body.

I couldnt get rid of the nagging sense of familiarity. Somewhere somehow I had seen her before but where? The question kept coming back to me like a never–ending tornado preventing me from sleeping.

My thoughts kept returning to her no matter how hard I tried to concentrate on anything else. I had to keep it in mind. I needed to understand why everything felt so strange and where I knew her from. However it grew more elusive the harder I tried to remember it like a dream that vanished the moment I made an effort to understand it. I could sense Alexanders silence next to me.

I could tell that something was bothering him too even though he hadnt spoken much since we left the hospital. Although he appeared to be distracted by the drive his eyes were focused on the road. A silent strain pervaded the atmosphere an unsaid burden that neither of us

confronted.

His grip on the steering wheel was firm and his jaw was taut as though he was clinging to something he didnt want to let go of. Not that I could blame him. I could see it in his face that he was carrying a lot of baggage. The constant way he looked at me and the faint concern in his eyes when he assumed I wasnt watching. I couldnt stop my thoughts from returning to Fiona even though I didnt want to

make things worse.

I felt as though I was falling apart as though there was a piece of myself that I should have remembered but couldnt quite. His hand touched mine just as I was about to succumb to the debilitating thoughts. Even though it was a small gesture I was startled. As my heart. skipped a beat I reflexively jerked my hand back removing it from his contact.

I wasnt expecting him to get in touch especially since I was so preoccupied with myself. The movement caught his attention instantly and his brows furrowed in alarm. He looked at me and spoke in a quiet but determined tone.

“Ava whats going on?” he said in a soft voice. What are you thinking about?”

I stared at him for a moment not knowing how to react. I didnt want to worry him further because my head was in disarray. But at that time I couldnt lie to him. I hurriedly said Im fine but my forced smile felt forced as if I were holding up a slowly crumbling mask.

“Fionas situation just makes me feel bad. I understand your current situation and I wish things were different.“Yes I was lying. In contrast to what he believed I didnt feel sorry for Fiona.

However I found it difficult to tell him the truth. Fionas presence in my life felt like a missing piece that I couldnt find and I couldnt explain the whirling confusion that ran through me. I decided to concentrate on the one thing that felt secure because I was at a loss for words: his wife.

More than anything Alexanders faint smile seemed to be an attempt to reassure me. He spoke softly his voice warm but with a hint of doubt “Everything is going to be fine. Ava you dont need to be worried about me.”

Despite the fact that the words did not provide the solace I required I nodded. In all honesty I was concerned about both him and myself.

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10:36 Mon, May 11

Chapter 79

Regarding Flone and about what I was gradually discovering within myself.

As the vehicle continued down the winding road the houses and trees that passed by blended into a single long hazy strip of color and the silence between us grew longer. I watched the world fly by outside the window but my mind was still focused on Fiona the hospital and the uneasy sensation that I knew her in some way that I couldnt quite put my finger on.

I had to piece everything together and remember. How could I discover the answer to a question that I couldnt even ask in its entirety

though?

1 said abruptly my voice piercing the quiet “You know I dont think I can let this go. What is it about Fiona that seems so familiar to me

needs to be determined?”

Though he didnt answer immediately I could see Alexanders hold on the steering wheel tighten. His jaw tightened once more and he appeared to be deep in thought for a brief moment.

Then he looked at me his eyes flitting with something I couldnt quite identify–a mixture of caution and worry. His voice was low and measured as he said “I dont think thats a good idea.I know you want to understand Ava but some things are better kept under wraps. Avoid getting too caught up in this for your own sake. Its not worthwhile.”

The knot in my stomach tightened as I turned to face him. His remarks hurt more than I anticipated. Although I didnt want to come across as being disregarded I could tell that he was genuinely concerned. He didnt want me involved in something that would only cause

me harm.

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