The Wife He Wants

Chapter 2

“Bethway.” An excited Essie read.

Stelli shrugged. “I know, Essie. Seen it.”

She’d seen the name on the first gate before they drove into the Estate. And now, she saw it again; at the main gate of the large house. Until now, she had a bad feeling about the whole thing. “I could have refused.”

“No, you couldn't!” Essie snapped.

“I could have, but I wouldn't have. They're two different things, Essie.” The car door opened, and Barrister Reynolds offered a hand so she could hop down. “Thank you.”

She was warming up to him. He could see it.

“You did the right thing, Stelli.” He told her as he helped Essie out of the car. “Come on, they're waiting. We have a lot to do.”

“A lot to do—” Stelli repeated.

It was only Friday. Could she at least get some rest before doing all of these things?

For one moment, she looked around her.

An estate. A large one. With a big house in it - the biggest she would ever see.

A fleet of cars in an orderly manner, scattered around in the compound. There were sections, she could see a garden pathway, and there was a gate that led to a field.

Everything was just large.

“Stelli?” Essie called.

“Right—” Stelli ignored and walked. She caught up with the duo and a shorter journey started. It didn't take long for them to reach a door - the finest door.

So she thought.

Barrister Reynolds rang the bell.

The door opened in seconds.

A woman. An elderly woman.

Early fiftyish, Essie concluded. The elderly woman smiled at her, but Stelli wasn't buying it. Although confined in the walls of an orphanage home for a long time, she could read someone's facial expression.

And the smile on this woman's face, was fake.

“Look who we have here.” The woman did not stop smiling as she opened the door wider. “Stelli Bethway, good to have you here.”

“Thank you.”

“I'm Marvelle.” She said. Next to her was a man; a tall, dark, and handsome man. Around her age. “This is my husband, Donn.”

“It's a pleasure to meet you, Essie.”

“Thank you.” She mouthed again.

“I didn't know she was coming with someone.” Marvelle looked at Reynolds. “Who is she?”

“That was communicated, ma'am.”

“When and how?”

“On Tuesday, via email.”

“I see.” She looked at Essie and smiled.

“She's Essie. My best friend.” Stelli observed the house as she spoke. “She'd be here with me - for a very long time.” She continued to observe the living room and dining areas. “Thank you for having us, Marvelle. You should show us our rooms.”

“You can call me Aunt Marvelle, and refer to my husband as Uncle Donn. That'd be better.”

Eyebrows raised, Stelli questioned. “Why?”

“I'm your aunt. That's why.”

“I understand. But I prefer calling you by your name, Marvelle. If you don't mind.”

Marvelle smiled.

Again, the fake one Stelli recognized.

Barrister Reynolds filled her in on so much. That aside, she'd seen the folder and had seen almost everything she needed to know.

About a few people.

Marvelle, especially.

They walked into the living room when Essie asked. “Who's that?”

Everyone's attention was diverted to her. They looked up, at the upper part of the house. A lady stood there, watching.

“Oh, Regina. My daughter.”

“Oh—” Stelli said.

It was an awkward moment - a kind Stelli expected. She didn't care, all she wanted was to see her room and catch some sleep.

Barrister Reynolds could read this.

“Who'll show them to their rooms?” He asked. “It was a long ride. My client is tired.”

“Of course, come with me.”

Uncle Donn was out of sight. Regina didn't flinch. She stood there, watching. The look on her face didn't seem welcoming, and it bothered Essie who leaned. “This is going to be a nightmare.” She whispered to Stelli. “You were right about refusing to come here.”

Stelli could only nod.

She had words for her best friend, but she couldn't speak. Not only were they alone, but an unwelcoming Regina would also hear them.

Of course, she expected this to be a nightmare. Reynolds told her before now a few things she would see. What he didn't say was how soon she would see them.

Marvelle led them through a long staircase.

In a short while, they stood face to face with Regina who didn't smile.

“Regina dear, you should meet Stelli.” Aunt Marvelle pointed at Stelli. “Your cousin. Beside her is her best friend, Essie.” She explained further. “Meet my daughter, Stelli. I'm sure you two will make a great company.”

“Good to see you, Regina.”

“Me too.” Regina replied.

Essie leaned closer again, but she couldn't say anything. These people would hear her. She backed away on second thought. “It's good to see you, Regina.” Facing Regina, she faked a smile. “I'm sure we'd make great company.”

“Hmm.” Regina replied.

“Let's get you two to your rooms.” Marvelle walked again. “The maids will attend to you shortly. Feel free, this is your home.”

Safely, they were led to their rooms. Essie first, who claimed she wanted to be sure her friend was safe, before her. “Thank you, Marvelle.” She greeted her aunt who still faked a smile. “Thank you for having us.”

“Of course.” Marvelle shut the door, and a sigh of relief escaped her mouth. She hurried back down the stairs as she said something.

“How was it?” Donn showed up again.

“How was what? Something you abandoned me to handle alone? And where is Reynolds?”

“Gone.” He sat on the closest chair.

“Right.” She sat too. “I thought I'd handle one girl. But they're two, how convenient.”

Donn sighed. “I trust you, darling.”

While Marvelle pondered, Regina still stood at the upper part of the building. There was a phone in her hand, glued to her ear. “Are you listening to me?” She asked someone over the phone. “That girl is here. She came in not too long ago and is settled in the master bedroom. What right does she even have?”

The person on the other end said something and Regina sighed. “I don't have the time for this. We must act fast, and right now.”