The house was empty, with Mr. Donnelly at work, or playing golf with his old businessmen friends, kissing their asses to invest in the company while I’m certain Ma is somewhere with their wives, showcasing her thousands of dollars bag she had bought just to impress them and hold up that rich housewife image even if it does lead to her having an argument with her husband about spending money anyhow at the end of the day but still.
Emma is at school, as she’s still in her final year in highschool while Ricky, being well, Ricky is either at a club getting wasted or somewhere at a hotel with a woman, or two. That seems to be his schedule for the day as always.
I hailed a cab, and went to the mart to shop for everything I’d need to cook as I’m not allowed to use the driver without their consent. I’m using one of James’ card to pay for it though because regardless of everything, he never cuts his money supply to me.
He leaves his card with the pin and all for me to do as I please, not that I do unless a need around the house calls for it. Like this one.
I bought everything I’d need then went home to get to work. I spent the next few hours in the kitchen, doing practically everything alone and working to the bone as always. For starter, I made smoked salmon and avocado tartare with the main course being herb-crusted rack of lamb. For desert, as I had no time to make it as well, I used what I bought at a bakery on the way-dark chocolate mousse with raspberry coulis.
I didn’t need to buy wine as there was enough at home, so I picked out a Merlot to compliment the lamb and chocolate elements of the meal and for a digestif, I left it up to them to pick what it is they want.
By the time I was done, it was nearing the time given to me by James and the others had started to return home as well. I made my way back to our room to shower and get dressed again to welcome the guests with him-I do remember him saying we need to leave a good impression so I need to be there too, right?
I wore a classic sheath dress with minimal makeup aside from the nude lipstick I put on. I went on with tear-drop earrings for a minimalistic look and left my brunette hair down in curls, after brushing through it a couple of times.
I slipped into close toe heels just in time I heard voices from downstairs, signifying the arrival of our guests. I hastily pushed to pat down the invincible crease on my dress before I made my way out, putting on a small smile.
As I descended the stairs, the scene in front of me slowly unveils, and by the time I made it to the last staircase, I was welcomed by the sight of my family members and that of the guests-an older man and a woman.
“The Karl and Rose ball is coming up, you two can go together. It’ll be a good opportunity to meet more business partners.”
“That’s a good idea. I heard the Christian Kingston will also be there. I’ll try to leave a good impression on him. If I do, I’ll soar high.”
Two people had their backs towards me, a woman I am yet to see her face and a man whose back seems oddly familiar with his arm wrapped around her slender waist, as if it’s meant to stay there.
“Oh, who is this young lady?” It was the older woman that noticed my presence first, drawing everyone’s attention to me. She the flashed me a small, warm smile. “Is she a member of the family as well?” She shifted her gaze to my in laws whom faked wide smiles like they always do with guests.
Then, the man with the familiar back turned, and behold, the sight of my beloved husband of three years, James, with his arms wrapped around a stunning woman that looks like the younger version of the older woman.
I could swear I saw something flash in his eyes, like anger when he saw me standing there beside them like a stupefied idiot. I couldn’t get the sight of his arm around this woman out of my head, they seemed too close and snuggly to be just friends, but I wanted to believe that still.
Then, as if to confirm the absurdity of my thoughts, the lady placed a hand on James’ arm, fixing her gaze on him. “Baby.” She called out softly, her voice soft like the waves. “Who is this?”
James held my gaze unwavering, then uttered the words that made my heart break into thousands of pieces without so much as any hesitation. “A maid.” He declared, plastering a smile on his face as he turned around to face the older couple. “She’s our maid.
***
Isabella Montague.
It’s not like I’m blind, well, in a way, I am.
I know I’ve been treated no less than dirt in this family, no less than a maid if I’m being honest for three years yet I still suck it up every single time because of James. It’s not I don’t feel offended, I do. I just choose to turn a blind eye to it because regardless, I have him at the end of the day. But, suddenly, I’m not so sure after all. Not after what happened.
I was too stunned to even react to what he said, and I wasn’t given any chance to recover before Ma stepped in, redirecting them all to the dining room-no doubt to ease the tense air between I and James. And so, they all left me alone with my thoughts that I’m trying to put together.
I obviously had no space to go and join them for the dinner, not that I have any interest in it so I dragged my heavy limbs and made my way back to our room, where I settled on the couch that has become my closest companion in the house.
I was too stunned to react, and I had too many thoughts in my mind to pick out one and dwell on it. So, I simply remained in my position with my knees brought to my chest, simply staring at the empty space for what felt like hours.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.