The Stand In Wife's Revenge novel Chapter 80

Chapter 80

I couldnt help but exhale as the car entered the driveway and slowed down. The day had been long with more uncertainty stress and unresolved issues than I wanted to remember. Right now all I wanted was to sleep and temporarily forget about Fiona and the unsettling feeling of familiarity that was still hovering over me like a shadow.

Alexander held the door open for me as the car door opened and he got out his eye contact with me displaying his typical warmth. Although it didnt quite reach his eyes the faint smile that was on his face said a lot. It was now late and I was still exhausted from the

day.

My body was screaming for sleep especially as the weight of the unborn child inside of me increased. I put a hand to my stomach and felt

the baby move uneasily.

Alexander asked “Are you okay?” in a gentle worried tone.

I didnt have to say anything out loud for him to know that something wasnt right with me.

As his gaze strayed to my stomach I knew he was also experiencing uneasiness. I forced myself to smile a little and lied “I’m fine. I’m simply a little worn out. I believe I should get some sleep.”

His face softened as he nodded. “Okay. Let me assist you inside.”

I wasnt going to argue. I was worn out and it was alluring to think of returning to my room and escaping the oppressive air that hovered over us. As we passed through the grand entrance I let him lead me through the front door his hand resting lightly on my back.

The hum of the outside world had subsided with the lowering sun and the mansion was now silent. It was quiet but I couldnt get rid of the same eerie feeling I had encountered earlier.

When we arrived at the stairs Alexander held onto my arm. He was tender almost as though he was worried that I might pass out from the stress of it all. Even though it wasnt necessary his concern was endearing. I was stronger than I appeared. Nevertheless I let him lead me one step at a time up the stairs.

I took a deep breath to try to calm my racing thoughts as the plush carpet felt nice underfoot. At the top of the stairs Alexander mutely remarked “I know this hasnt been easy.I appreciate you accompanying me today. I am aware that you wouldnt want to deal with it especially in light of everything.”

At my rooms threshold I paused and looked up at him. He was staring at me with a mix of appreciation and another emotion that was more elusive. I could see the toll the day had taken on him by the expression on his face.

I hadnt anticipated the tenderness with which he spoke to me though even so. I said “I am fine” even though I felt like I was lying. Indeed I was. “At this moment I wouldnt feel exhausted even if I were wearing the tallest heels.”

As 1 said it it seemed like a joke and I noticed a brief glimmer of laughter in Alexanders eyes. Even though it was only the slightest of smiles it was enough to ease some of the tension in my body.

10:36 Mon, May 11

Chapter 80

“Ava” he said shaking his head and laughing quietly “…you’re something else. Good night. Get some rest…”

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I watched him go for a moment as he turned and started down the hallway. I felt a strange sense of emptiness as he left as though something had slipped away with him. His figure was tall and commanding in the dim light. In an attempt to shake off the odd thoughts I

shook my head.

However I was not yet ready to enter my room. I had something to figure out and needed to get my thoughts straight. I was on the verge of remembering something significant and as much as I wanted to deny it I was unable to do so. I needed to discover what it was.

For a while I stood there and simply breathed in the silence of the corridor. Although the mansion was silent my mind was anything but. I pivoted gazing down the other side of the corridor. Although my room was at the far end I wasnt yet able to walk there on foot. Instead I allowed my eyes to wander to the far hallway where it seemed like there was no end to the darkness.

There was a lot of tension in the air as though the walls themselves were hiding secrets that I was only now discovering. And the closer I got to those secrets the more I felt compelled to keep going in order to discover the answers that had been eluding me. the Fiona–related responses, the solutions pertaining to my own lost memories.

I inhaled deeply and straightened up attempting to calm the shivers that were running down my back. At this moment I couldnt afford to let my feelings run amok. Not when something that had the power to alter everything was so close to me. My shoes clicked softly on the floor as I walked a few paces toward the hallway. In the silence the sound seemed louder than it should have been.

As if holding its breath the house was eerily silent. However I couldnt stop. I had to discover where I knew Fiona–I had to comprehend the connection that kept drawing me in. I was uncertain about what I would discover down this corridor. It might not be anything. It might simply be my own thoughts trying to make sense of the puzzle pieces that didnt fit.

However the longer I remained motionless the more my mind wandered. The faster and more nervously I felt my heart thumping in my chest. I paused at the hallways corner and looked around. My head was racing. How could I really face whatever it was that felt so wrong? Was this the right thing to do?

Before I could decide I heard footsteps behind me but they were not very loud. With my heart pounding a little I spun around and saw Alexander standing there with a worried yet interested look on his face.

“Ava?” He spoke softly as if he wasn’t sure if he should come closer. With a forceful swallow I suppressed the sudden panic that arose in my chest. Right now I wasnt prepared to give him an explanation.

However I also couldnt lie to him. I stutteringly said “I–I just needed some air” feeling silly as I spoke.

Although he didnt answer right away his eyes darted across mine as though he were attempting to read me. After a brief moment of staring he nodded slightly.

“Alright.” he muttered. “I’ll be right down the hall if you need anything.”

Although my heart was still pounding I nodded. With the doubt still bothering me I turned back to the hallway as he made his way back to his own room. How much longer I could act like everything was alright was a mystery to me.

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