Chapter 10: The Return Visit
549 Words
The next morning, Lydia Harper took her time getting ready.
She chose a soft pink lace dress, paired with matching heels and a delicate clutch. Long earrings swayed as she moved, and a simple ruby necklace rested elegantly against her collarbone. Her hair was pinned up neatly, and her makeup was understated yet flawless—classic, refined, effortlessly stunning.
Downstairs, the driver greeted her with a polite nod. “Good morning, Madam. Alexander asked me to bring you.”
“Thank you,” Lydia said, stepping into the sleek black stretch Lincoln waiting outside. The interior was pure luxury, every detail polished to perfection. She leaned back in the seat, letting the quiet hum of the engine soothe her nerves. Money might not buy happiness, she thought, but it certainly changed the way the world treated her.
At her parents’ house, Lydia’s father, Samuel Harper, and her stepmother, Clara Winslow, waited by the front steps. They exchanged polite smiles, but their eyes were full of expectation.
“Dad. Mom,” Lydia, stepping out gracefully.
Clara’s attention barely touched her. “Where’s Alexander?” she asked, scanning the car instinctively.
Samuel frowned. “He didn’t come with you?”
Lydia forced a small smile. “He had work. He couldn’t make it.”
Her father’s shoulders tensed. “No matter how busy he is, he should have come.”
“Let’s just go inside,” Lydia said gently, guiding them through the front door.
Inside, they settled at the dining table. Clara leaned forward, her tone instructive. “Now that you’re married, you need to learn how to keep a man. Be gentle. Say kind things. Men respond to that.”
She paused, her gaze flicking toward Lydia. “And look at today… he didn’t even show up. Honestly, this marriage won’t last.”
Lydia stiffened, her fingers tightening on her lap, but before she could respond, a familiar, commanding voice interrupted.
“Sorry I’m late.”
All eyes turned toward the doorway. Alexander Blackwood stood there, impeccable in a tailored suit. His calm presence filled the room effortlessly, commanding attention without a word.
Lydia froze. He came.
Clara’s face lit up instantly. “Alexander! You must be exhausted. Come sit!” She hovered over him, all smiles, eager to impress.
Samuel and Lydia exchanged quiet, restrained glances. Neither spoke much. The tension in the room was palpable.
Clara, unfazed, continued, “By the way, Nora called last night. She asked about you. I told her you were married… and she cried.”
Lydia’s chest tightened. Alexander’s expression darkened ever so slightly.
“When did she call?” he asked, voice low.
“Last night,” Clara replied. “She hung up right after.”
A flicker of concern crossed Alexander’s eyes. “I’m flying to the U.S. next week. Give me her address. I’ll visit her myself.”
Clara’s smile widened, pleased. “Of course.”
After the meal, Lydia left with him. The ride was quiet. Alexander’s expression had returned to its usual cool reserve, as though nothing had happened. Lydia stared out the window, forcing a bitter smile.
The moment he heard about her… I disappeared, she thought. How long could this marriage last? She didn’t know. One thing was certain: it wasn’t going to be easy.
- Writer
