A LEGACY BUILT ON LIES

Chapter three:Cleared suspicion

The lecturer walked into the hall carrying a stack of papers, and the conversations among the students gradually died down.

Aurelia sat beside her best friend, Muna, who was staring at the lecturer as though she had just seen her greatest enemy.

"Oh, no," Muna whispered.

Aurelia turned towards her. "What now?"

"Look at her face."

"What about it?"

"She looks like someone who woke up this morning and decided to destroy our future."

Aurelia pressed her lips together to suppress a laugh.

"Please behave yourself."

"I'm serious, Aurelia. Look at those papers. Those are not ordinary papers. Those are instruments of torture."

"You're being dramatic."

"That's because you're not taking this seriously enough."

Before Aurelia could reply, the lecturer placed the papers on the desk.

"Good morning, everyone."

"Good morning, ma'am," the students answered.

"I hope you all revised thoroughly. As I announced yesterday, we will be having a short test before proceeding with today's lecture."

Muna slowly turned towards Aurelia.

Aurelia gave her a sympathetic smile.

Muna mouthed, We're finished.

Aurelia almost laughed aloud.

"Please put your phones away and clear your desks. You may keep only your writing materials with you."

The lecturer began distributing the papers.

When Aurelia received hers, she scanned the questions carefully. Most were familiar, and she immediately began answering them.

Beside her, Muna stared at the first question.

Then she read it again.

And again.

Finally, she leaned slightly towards Aurelia.

Aurelia didn't look up.

"Don't even think about it," she whispered.

"I haven't said anything."

"You were about to."

Muna sighed dramatically and returned to her paper.

For the next thirty minutes, the hall remained relatively quiet, interrupted only by the scratching of pens against paper and the occasional movement of chairs.

Aurelia worked steadily, checking her answers before moving to the next question.

Muna, meanwhile, appeared to be negotiating with the examination paper.

At one point, she looked towards the ceiling as though expecting divine intervention.

Aurelia noticed but kept her eyes on her own work.

When the lecturer finally announced that time was up, Muna dropped her pen onto the desk.

"Thank goodness."

"Pens down, everyone," the lecturer instructed.

The students submitted their papers, and the tension in the hall quickly gave way to conversations.

Muna immediately grabbed Aurelia's arm.

"Come with me."

"Where?"

"Anywhere that doesn't remind me of that test."

Aurelia laughed as Muna pulled her towards the door.

---

They settled beneath a large tree near the faculty building, where several students had gathered to discuss the questions.

Muna dropped onto a bench and covered her face with both hands.

"I have been humbled."

Aurelia sat beside her.

"By a thirty-minute test?"

"Please don't remind me of its duration. I suffered for what felt like three business days."

Aurelia burst out laughing.

"You exaggerate too much."

Muna lowered her hands.

"Fine. Since you're obviously the most intelligent person in this university, tell me how you answered question four."

Aurelia explained her answer.

Muna listened carefully, her expression becoming increasingly serious.

When Aurelia finished, Muna stared at her.

"That's what I wrote."

"Really?"

"Well, almost."

"What does 'almost' mean?"

"I wrote something similar, but I wasn't sure whether I should add another point."

Aurelia thought for a moment.

"You probably should have."

Muna closed her eyes.

"Please, God, let the lecturer be generous."

Aurelia laughed again.

"At least you answered it."

"That's the spirit I'm holding on to."

They spent the next several minutes comparing their answers. Although Muna had struggled with a few questions, she had managed to complete the paper.

Eventually, she leaned back against the bench and looked at Aurelia.

"So, what are your plans for the rest of the day?"

"Nothing special. I'll go home, probably read for a while, and see what Mummy has planned."

"And your father?"

Aurelia looked at her.

"What about him?"

"Didn't he promise to make it up to you for missing your family outing?"

"He hasn't said anything yet."

Muna frowned.

"That's disappointing."

Aurelia shrugged.

"He's busy. I understand."

"Understanding doesn't mean you can't complain."

Aurelia smiled.

"I already complained."

"And?"

"He promised to make it up to me."

Muna immediately sat upright.

"Then make sure he does. You deserve that shopping trip."

Aurelia laughed.

"You're more interested in my shopping trip than I am."

"Of course. A good friend must be involved in every important decision."

"Especially when money is involved?"

"Exactly."

Aurelia shook her head affectionately.

"You're impossible, Muna."

"And you love me."

"Unfortunately."

Their laughter carried across the courtyard.

For the rest of the afternoon, they attended their lectures, discussed their assignments, and complained about the amount of work their lecturers seemed determined to give them.

By the time classes ended, the earlier test had become another university story for Muna to dramatise.

As they walked towards the school gates, Muna suddenly stopped.

"Aurelia!"

Aurelia turned.

"What?"

"You haven't forgotten that we have a group assignment, have you?"

Aurelia stared at her.

"Muna, we discussed it yesterday."

"I know. I'm reminding you."

"Why?"

"Because you have the memory of an elephant, and I have the memory of a goldfish. Together, we make a balanced team."

Aurelia burst out laughing.

"Just send me the details."

"I will."

They hugged briefly before going their separate ways.

Aurelia entered the waiting car, greeted the driver, and settled into her seat.

As the vehicle pulled away from the university, she looked out of the window, thinking about her family and the evening ahead.

She hoped her father would be home early.

She missed him, even if she would never admit just how disappointed she had been the previous night.

---

By the time Aurelia arrived at the Ravenscroft mansion, the late afternoon sunlight had begun to fade.

She entered through the main doors and found her mother in the sitting room, looking through some documents.

"Mummy!"

Eleanor looked up.

"You're home, sweetheart."

Aurelia dropped her bag onto the sofa and went over to hug her.

"How was your day?" Eleanor asked.

"Good. We had a test."

Eleanor's eyebrows rose.

"A test? You didn't mention that this morning."

"It was a surprise test."

"How did it go?"

Aurelia smiled.

"I think I did well."

"That's my girl."

Eleanor kissed her forehead.

Aurelia sat beside her mother and began recounting the day's events, including Muna's dramatic reaction to the test.

Eleanor laughed at the story, grateful for the ordinary conversation.

For a little while, she allowed herself to forget the questions she had been carrying since the previous night.

But as evening approached, her attention repeatedly drifted towards the entrance.

She was waiting for Alexander.

She wanted to hear his explanation, to understand why he had returned home so late and why he had seemed so frightened.

Most of all, she wanted to know whether she could still trust him.

At approximately seven thirty, the sound of a car pulling into the driveway reached them.

Aurelia immediately looked towards the entrance.

"Daddy's home!"

She jumped up from the sofa and hurried towards the front door.

Eleanor remained seated for a moment before following her.

Alexander entered the mansion, loosening his tie as he stepped inside.

His face brightened when he saw his daughter.

"There she is."

Aurelia walked straight into his arms.

"Daddy!"

He embraced her, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.

"How was your day, princess?"

"Good."

"Did you go to your lectures?"

"No, Daddy. I decided to become a professional sleeper."

Alexander laughed.

"That sounds like an interesting career."

"The pay is terrible, though."

He laughed again, and Aurelia grinned.

For a moment, the mansion felt as warm and familiar as it always had.

Then Aurelia folded her arms and gave him a pointed look.

Alexander raised an eyebrow.

"What is that expression for?"

"You know exactly why."

He pretended to consider the matter.

"Have I done something wrong?"

"Daddy!"

He chuckled and held up his hands in surrender.

"All right, all right. I know."

Aurelia waited.

Alexander looked at her more seriously.

"I'm sorry about last night, sweetheart. I know I promised we would go shopping and have dinner together, and I didn't keep that promise."

"You said you'd be back soon."

"I know."

"And I waited."

The words were simple, but the disappointment in her voice made his smile fade.

Alexander gently touched her cheek.

"You're right. I should have handled things differently. Something urgent came up, and I thought I would be able to return quickly. I was wrong."

Aurelia studied him.

"Is everything okay?"

"Yes, princess. Everything is fine."

He paused before adding, "And I'm going to make it up to you. We can go shopping this weekend, and I'll take you wherever you want for dinner."

Aurelia's eyes brightened.

"Anywhere?"

"Anywhere."

"You're paying for everything?"

"Of course."

She smiled triumphantly.

"Then I forgive you."

Alexander laughed and pulled her into another hug.

"Thank you, sweetheart."

Aurelia stepped back.

"Don't disappoint me again."

"I'll do my best."

She kissed his cheek and returned to the sitting room, already thinking about the places she wanted to visit.

Alexander watched her leave before turning towards Eleanor.

His wife's expression was difficult to read.

"Welcome home," she said quietly.

"Thank you."

Their eyes met.

For a moment, neither spoke.

Then Eleanor stepped closer.

"We need to talk."

Alexander's shoulders stiffened almost imperceptibly.

"About what?"

"Last night."

He looked towards the staircase, where Aurelia had disappeared.

"Can we talk upstairs?"

Eleanor nodded.

Alexander followed her to their bedroom.

---

Once the bedroom door closed, Eleanor turned to face him.

"Where were you last night?"

Alexander removed his watch and placed it on the dresser.

"I told you something urgent came up."

"That isn't an answer."

He sighed.

"Eleanor, I had a difficult night. I wasn't trying to worry you."

"You came home looking as though you had seen a ghost. Your clothes were dishevelled, and you barely spoke to me before going to bed."

Alexander rubbed the back of his neck.

"I know."

"And this morning, you left without even saying goodbye."

"I had an early meeting."

Eleanor studied him.

"Is that all?"

He looked at her for a long moment.

Then, instead of answering, he began unbuttoning his shirt.

Eleanor frowned.

"What are you doing?"

"Showing you why I was late."

He removed his shirt carefully, revealing a white dressing wrapped around his upper side, just beneath his ribs.

Eleanor's eyes widened.

"Alexander!"

She hurried towards him.

"What happened to you?"

"It's nothing serious."

"Nothing serious?" She stared at the dressing. "You're injured!"

"It's a wound, Eleanor. I'll survive."

"Don't joke about this."

"I'm not joking."

Eleanor reached towards the dressing, but Alexander gently caught her wrist.

"Be careful."

Her expression changed.

"Does it hurt?"

"A little."

"A little?" she repeated incredulously. "How long have you been injured?"

"Since last night."

"And you didn't think to tell me?"

"I didn't want you to worry."

Eleanor pulled her hand free, clearly displeased.

"Well, you've achieved the opposite."

Alexander gave her a tired look.

"I know. I'm sorry."

She turned towards the bathroom.

"Sit down."

"Where are you going?"

"To get the first-aid kit."

"Eleanor, you don't need to do that. I've already had it looked at."

She stopped in the doorway.

"By whom?"

"A doctor."

"When?"

"Last night."

"Then why are you still wearing the same dressing?"

"Because it needs to stay covered."

Eleanor stared at him, unconvinced.

"Alexander, sit down."

He opened his mouth to argue.

She raised a hand.

"Don't."

For several seconds, they stared at each other.

Finally, Alexander sighed and sat on the edge of the bed.

"You're not going to let this go, are you?"

"No."

"You're very stubborn."

"And you're very irritating."

Despite himself, Alexander smiled faintly.

Eleanor returned with the first-aid kit and placed it beside him.

"Let me see."

"It's fine."

"Alexander."

He sighed again.

"All right."

She carefully loosened the dressing enough to examine the wound. Her expression tightened when she saw that it needed cleaning and a fresh covering.

"Who treated this?"

"A doctor, as I told you."

"Then I hope you paid him enough to teach him how to dress a wound properly."

Alexander chuckled softly.

"You're impossible."

"And you're a terrible patient."

Eleanor cleaned the area gently and replaced the dressing, taking care not to press too hard.

Although she remained upset with him, her hands were tender, and her eyes repeatedly returned to his face to check whether he was in pain.

"Tell me if it hurts."

"I will."

"Don't pretend to be strong just because I'm here."

"I'm not pretending."

She gave him a look.

He fell silent.

When she finished, she disposed of the used materials and packed the first-aid kit away.

"There," she said. "That should be better."

Alexander glanced down at the fresh dressing.

"Thank you."

Eleanor sat beside him.

For a moment, she simply looked at him.

Then she asked quietly, "What really happened last night?"

Alexander's expression grew serious.

He lowered his gaze before meeting hers again.

"There was an incident. Things became complicated, and I got hurt. I needed to deal with it before coming home."

"What kind of incident?"

He hesitated.

"Something connected to work."

Eleanor searched his face.

"Your legal work?"

"Yes."

"Was anyone else hurt?"

Alexander looked away.

"Not that I know of."

It was not quite an answer.

Eleanor noticed that.

But she also noticed the exhaustion beneath his eyes, the tension in his shoulders, and the way he seemed to be holding himself carefully to avoid aggravating his injury.

She remembered how frightened she had felt when he returned the previous night.

Now, seeing him sitting beside her with a freshly dressed wound, she found herself wondering whether she had misunderstood what she had seen.

Perhaps the blood on his clothes really had come from his injury.

Perhaps there was an explanation for everything.

Perhaps she had allowed her imagination to turn an unfortunate incident into something far worse.

Alexander reached for her hand.

"Eleanor, I know I've been distracted lately. I know I've made you worry, and I'm sorry."

She looked down at their joined hands.

"I don't like it when you shut me out."

"I know."

"We're married, Alexander. Whatever happens, you should be able to talk to me."

He nodded slowly.

"You're right."

She studied him one last time.

"Promise me you won't hide something important from me."

Alexander's fingers tightened around hers.

For a brief moment, something unreadable passed across his face.

Then he leaned forward and kissed her forehead.

"I promise."

Eleanor closed her eyes.

She wanted to believe him.

After all, this was the man she had loved for years. The man who had stood beside her through difficult times, who had celebrated their daughter's every achievement, and who had built a life with her.

Surely, she could trust him.

Surely, the man sitting before her was still the husband she knew.

She leaned against his shoulder, careful of his injury.

"Next time something happens, call me."

"I will."

"And don't leave without saying goodbye."

A faint smile touched his lips.

"I won't."

She looked up at him.

"You're buying Aurelia whatever she wants this weekend, aren't you?"

Alexander laughed.

"Apparently, I have made an expensive promise."

"You certainly have."

For the first time that evening, Eleanor laughed with him.

The conversation gradually shifted to ordinary things—the household, Aurelia's university life, and their plans for the weekend.

Little by little, the tension between them eased.

When Alexander admitted that the wound was beginning to ache, Eleanor went to the bathroom and returned with a pain reliever and a glass of water.

"Here."

He looked at the tablets.

"I don't need those."

"Take them."

"Eleanor—"

"Alexander, I have spent enough time worrying about you today. Please don't make this more difficult than it needs to be."

He regarded her for a moment before accepting the medicine.

"Happy?"

"Very."

He took the pain reliever with the water, then set the glass aside.

Eleanor helped him settle comfortably against the pillows, making sure he did not put pressure on the injured area.

"Try to sleep," she told him.

"What about you?"

"I'll be there in a minute."

Alexander nodded.

Within minutes, the exhaustion of the previous night began to catch up with him.

Eleanor changed into her nightclothes, switched off the bedside lamp, and settled beside her husband.

He reached for her hand beneath the covers.

She held it.

Neither spoke again.

Eventually, the room grew quiet as they drifted into sleep, the questions of the previous night temporarily forgotten.

Eleanor no longer felt the same urgency to confront him.

The wound had given her an explanation she could understand, and his apology had reminded her of the man she loved.

For now, her suspicions seemed to have disappeared.