8.
1595 Words
NARA
Hours had passed since that horrifying experience with Jared, and he still hadn’t returned home after leaving the room. I tried to wrap my head around what had happened. One moment, he was on top of me, and the next, he vanished as though he had disappeared into thin air.
I had hurried out of the room immediately, terrified he might return and continue-perhaps even succeed this time. But now it was past ten, and there was still no sign of him.
The house felt unusually calm and quiet. That calm felt like a premonition, a warning of something terrible waiting to happen later. And honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised. Jared was unpredictable.
The meal laid out on the dining table had gone cold. I had made sure the cooks prepared everything to perfection, hoping to avoid anything that might trigger his anger. But now, it all felt pointless.
I sat alone in the living room, one part of me praying he wouldn’t come home tonight, while another part still hoped foolishly that he was safe.
“Mrs. Wilson, I think you should go to bed now,” a voice said gently, startling me out of my thoughts.
I looked up and smiled faintly at the young female staff member standing before me. She returned the smile warmly.
“I’ll wait a little longer for him,” I said.
“Mr. Wilson may not return tonight. It’s not unusual,” she replied softly. “You should probably get some rest.”
I sighed, my gaze drifting back to the untouched meal on the dining table.
What about the food?
“I’ll have it cleared and the table cleaned,” she said, as if reading my thoughts.
Cleared?
“You mean it will be stored in the refrigerator, right?” I asked.
She shook her head, her smile fading as her gaze dropped to the floor. “Mr. Wilson doesn’t like his meals reheated. It’s best to throw it away.”
What?
That was absurd.
“So food is just wasted in this house?” I murmured. “No. Don’t throw it away. Please store it in the refrigerator.”
She raised a brow uncertainly. “Are you sure, ma’am?”
I nodded. “Yes. I’ll decide what to do with it.”
After a brief pause, she nodded and turned to leave. Before she could walk too far, I called out to her.
“What’s your name?”
“Alison, ma’am,” she replied.
I watched her walk away, noting how kind and respectful she seemed-more so than most of the staff I had encountered so far. I had no doubt that gossip and rumors were already spreading throughout the house and the estate, especially after the scene Jared had caused earlier.
Eventually, I retired to bed.
This was my second night in the house, and I still hadn’t slept in my matrimonial room with my husband.
As I lay down, my phone rang, slicing through the silence. My heart skipped when I saw the caller ID.
His mother.
Why was she calling me in the middle of the night?
Bracing myself, I answered. “Good evening, Mum.”
“Good evening, my dear,” she said warmly. “I hope I’m not disturbing you.”
“Not at all,” I replied, forcing calm into my voice.
“I just wanted to speak to Jared. His phone has been unreachable.”
My thoughts raced. What should I say? That he left and hadn’t returned? Alison had said it wasn’t unusual, and I didn’t want to cause unnecessary worry.
“Nara?” her voice came again. “Are you still there?”
“Yes,” I replied quickly. “He isn’t around right now. He’s still at work.”
“At work?” she sounded surprised. “That’s odd. Could you please call him and ask him to return my call? I know he’ll answer you.”
My heart sank. How could I call him when I didn’t even have my own husband’s number?
“Yes, of course,” I lied, ending the call before she could say anything else.
I let out a long breath and placed my phone on my chest, my fingers interlaced.
Was this really going to be my life now? Living in fear of my own husband, constantly on edge, lying to cover truths I barely understood?
This was the second time I had lied to his mother about the state of our marriage.
The weight of it all pressed heavily on my chest, suffocating me. Before I realized it, tears slipped down my cheeks, one after another, in silent trails.
**************************
The next morning arrived far too quickly.
I had barely slept, my body aching and restless, my mind replaying everything I wished I could forget. I had just finished tidying the sitting room when the sound of approaching voices reached me.
Visitors.
Before I could prepare myself, the front door opened.
Jared’s mother stepped inside, elegant as always, followed closely by a young man I had never seen before. He was tall, well-dressed, and carried himself with a calm confidence that made him stand out immediately.
“Nara,” his mother said warmly, “I hope we’re not disturbing you. Goodmorning darling.”
“Not at all. You are always welcome here. Goodmorning.” I replied quickly, forcing a polite smile.
She was so nice, so respectful and caring. A complete opposite of Jared. Was he really her son? Because how could a woman like her birth such a devil?
She turned to the young man beside her. “This is Tristan. Jared’s cousin. He is Ophelia’s son. He just flew in last night. He will be spending some time in the estate before he travels back.”
“Oh,” I said, inclining my head slightly. “It’s nice to meet you Tristan.”
Tristan smiled apologetically. “It’s a pleasure to meet you too. I never knew she was this pretty aunt.”
I smiled, this time more genuinely. “Thank you.”
“I’m sorry I couldn’t make it to your wedding. Work kept me away longer than expected.” He apologised.
“It’s really not a problem,” I said, shrugging lightly. “I understand. You didn’t miss much if that brings any sort of comfort.” I chuckled lightly.
He seemed relieved by my response.
“Please, won’t you all have some snacks?” I offered. “I can have something brought out.”
“That won’t be necessary,” his mother replied. “We won’t be staying long.”
As we settled into our seats, I became acutely aware of my body. Every movement felt wrong. Sitting was uncomfortable, and I shifted slightly, hoping no one noticed. I kept my gaze low, focusing on my clasped hands.
Suddenly, his mother lifted her hand toward me.
The motion was small, but I flinched violently.
Her hand froze midair.
“My dear,” she said gently, her eyes narrowing with concern. “Your neck… it’s red.”
I swallowed hard as her fingers brushed the side of my neck. Then her gaze moved to my face, lingering on the dark circles beneath my eyes.
“You look exhausted, aren’t you sleeping? Or is Jared depriving you of your rest?” She added quietly.
I couldn’t tell whether she meant it seriously or was simply teasing.
“I didn’t sleep very well,” I murmured, avoiding her eyes. “Don’t worry mother. He isn’t doing anything wrong.”
Silence settled briefly before she spoke again. “And where is Jared by the way?”
My heart skipped.
“He… he hasn’t returned yet,” I said carefully.
Her brows knit together. “Wow. Since last night. Didn’t you call to tell him I wanted to speak with him?”
“Yes,” I lied smoothly, my hands tightening in my lap. “But his number wasn’t reachable either. The maids said it isn’t unusual for him to stay out.”
Her eyes stayed on me,sharp, assessing,but she didn’t say anything.
“Did you two have a disagreement?” she asked.
“No,” I answered immediately, a little too quickly. “None at all.”
“You know you can tell me dear. For your own benefit.” She reached out to my hands. I forced myself to stay relaxed and smiled warmly, “we are fine mum. You worry too much.”
She studied me for a moment longer.
She didn’t accuse me.
She didn’t press.
But I could tell that she noticed.
The visit didn’t last much longer. As they stood to leave, his mother paused, turning back to me.
“Oh, before I forget,” she said pleasantly, “the family will be hosting a celebration tomorrow evening. A proper gathering to mark your wedding. Most of the relatives will be in attendance.”
Tomorrow?
My stomach tightened, but I smiled anyway.
“That sounds lovely,” I said softly. “I’ll be there.”
“Good,” she replied, her tone gentle, almost too gentle. As she moved closer, she leaned in slightly and said quietly, “Marriage is difficult in the beginning. You’ll learn to endure.”
The words sank into me like cold water.
Then she straightened, smiled once more, and walked out with Tristan.
I stood there long after the door closed, my smile fading slowly.
Endure.
Was that truly all I was expected to do?
To endure Jared’s maltreatment.
How would I survive in this marriage?
- Writer
