The Stand In Wife's Revenge novel Chapter 86

Chapter 86

It was almost too heavy of a silence as if the mansion were holding its breath waiting for something to happen. My mind was still racing with images of Fiona and that file and I had been tossing and turning in bed for a while as the days burden weighed heavily on me.

But despite my best efforts I was unable to block out everything. I could feel the tension in the house and the silence didnt make it any better. So I made up my mi

order to temporarily distract myself from my thoughts I needed to move do something anything.

As I walke

By da

that the hallway was dark with the gentle glow of the nightlight creating lengthy shadows on the walls. magnificent but at night it felt different. The void made everything appear bigger and farther away as

else would be awake at this hour I walked carefully so as not to wake anyone. Alexander was most likely still in his while the staff had long since left for their quarters. He had a lot on his mind right now and I didnt want to bother him.

tchen I didnt mind. I turned on the light and the only sound in the room was the gentle hum of the refrigerator. I hadnt ay because I had too much on my mind and too much going on as my rumbling stomach reminded me.

y now though. And I was by myself. Additionall the pantry and gazed at the array of ingredien ings: the olive oil I always loved some fresh b

dnt require anything elaborate. All I needed

ced it on the stove. Cast iron and heavy

gardless of how basic it was.

o take care of myself even if only slightly for the first time in days. rows on the shelves. It was so overwhelming but then I noticed a

a can of tomato paste. Easy.

d me and soothe my anxiety. I went to the cabinet took out a pan and

sautéing and searing. The type of pan that enhanced the flavor of any dish

let the pan warm up on a lo

Using the flat side of a k

peeled away with eas

Despite the

after that and as it heated I watched the liquid swirl and pool at the bottom.

of garlic as the oil warmed up. The interior was pale and fragrant and the skin

the pan. I felt instantly more awake and alert as the garlics strong scent released as it the hot oil. After that I took the tomatoes out of the refrigerator sliced them into quarters

ing to break down and soften filled the kitchen as the oil hissed. As I slowly started to form a rich the acidity I added a dash of sugar a pinch of salt and a tiny bit of black pepper.

slow-cooked sauce made with tomatoes and garlic topped with some fresh basil. If I were still hungry after e the sauce was simmering I looked back at the cabinet and took out a small sourdough loaf. I cut it thickly rlier and spread the pieces out on the counter.

k of butter in the microwave I brushed it on top of the bread. Before putting the bread in the oven to toast! wder on top and watched as the butter sizzled gently. As the room filled with the scent of butter and garlic my

wl once more.

auce gave it another stir

rthy scent that me

eep red hue intensified the basil wilted into the

the air it was cozy welcoming and exactly

ctrl

9:57 am P

Chapter 86

The bread was examined. I liked the golden brown color just the way it was. The inside is warm and soft while the outside is crispy. After taking it out and putting it on a cutting board I sliced it thickly and put the thick pieces on a plate by the stove. The sauce was finished.

I took a tiny spoon tasted it and turned off the burner. Ideal. The freshness of the basil the sharpness of the garlic and the sweetness of the tomatoes all blended together flawlessly. As I plated the dish I felt a wave of calm wash over me the warmth of the food dispelling any residual tension from earlier.

Leaning against the counter I gazed out the window with my plate in front of me. The garden outside was softly lit by the moonlight that filtered in. Despite the tranquility outside I was still burdened by everything. I heard it as I was reaching for the first piece of toast. A loud crash.

A jug of glass… The clatter of it hitting the marble worktop. Its sharp edge cut through the silence causing my heart to race. The plate shook in my hands as I froze. My ears were ringing and the sound seemed to reverberate in my head.

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