Chapter 10: Uninvited Secrets
349 Words
The next morning, Rita sat in the sunlit conservatory, sipping tea and flipping through a glossy interior design magazine. A knock interrupted her peace.
Julian strolled in, unbothered by formality. “Hope I’m not intruding.”
“You always are,” she replied coolly, though her tone lacked bite.
He grinned, settling opposite her. “I have to say, you’re adapting faster than I expected. Most women drown in this world.”
“I’m not most women.”
“That,” he said, raising his glass of orange juice, “is what worries Richard.”
Rita set down her tea. “What do you really want, Julian?”
He leaned forward, the smile fading slightly. “Do you know why Richard married you?”
She stiffened.
“I mean,” he continued, “you’re smart, beautiful, but let’s be honest—this wasn’t a love match. So why did he choose you?”
“I’ve asked myself that,” she said slowly. “But maybe you should be asking him.”
Julian gave a dry laugh. “Oh, I have. But Richard’s secrets are buried deep. And when they surface, they tend to hurt people.”
Before she could reply, Richard appeared at the door.
“Julian,” he said coolly. “I thought we agreed—no surprise visits.”
Julian rose with mock obedience. “Just a friendly chat. Your wife is fascinating.”
“Out. Now.”
Julian winked at Rita and left without another word.
Richard turned to her. “Did he say anything?”
“Nothing I didn’t already know,” she said, standing. “But you should start answering your own questions before others answer them for you.”
He looked at her for a long moment—no anger, just frustration and something else… regret.
“I will,” he said. “Just not yet.”
But Rita wasn’t sure how much longer she could wait.
Because in this house, secrets didn’t stay buried.
They cracked through walls, whispered through hallways—waiting for someone to listen.
And Rita was finally listening.
- Writer
