Guilt

POV: Audrey.

    The bright light seeping from the window nearly blinded me as my pupils struggled to adjust to it. Rubbing my hazy eyes, I sat up lazily.

    Butler Charles was standing near the curtains, hands clasped behind him like he had been waiting for me all morning.

   

   “Good morning Charles. You are reporting already?” I asked fuzzy.

    “yes ma'am. How was your night?” 

    “Very well dear.” 

    “Is Alexander home yet?” 

    “No ma'am.”

     My face fell instantly. It's been two weeks since we got married and the last time I set my eyes on him was the party night. In the midst of his sneaky charade, he got a work call and vanished since then. 

    The worst part? I couldn't even decipher if he was really tied up with work, avoiding me or if he had other women outside. 

    Talk about taking me to your galaxy but you disappeared even before the wedding could end. 

    “Ma'am, are you okay?” Charles asked, his voice low with concern.

    “Yeah sure…. I'm fine.” I said trying to suppress the tears that made my vision blurry.

    

    I really haven't adapted to staying in this house especially without a known face. Things may not have started off well with Alexander but for some strange reasons, a part of me yearns for him and I really hated myself for that. 

    “He's still choked up with work I guess.” I said dryly as I got up from the massive bed slipping into my flipflops. 

    “What would you like to have, ma'am?” 

    “Ohh… nothing for now. I'm good.” 

    “Okay ma’am. Remember Sir. Will's party is tonight.”

   Sh*t.

   

  The scenario I have been avoiding will eventually transpire tonight. Lexan and I have been on edge ever since he found out about what happened on Jimmie's wedding night. I guess the betrayal stung him so hard that he had to check out on me.

    He has been my best friend since grade school and he was like the brother I never had, to Jimmie and I so his anger was justified. Knowing his serene personality, I knew I had just this night to patch things up with him.

    “Your dresses would be here in 15 minutes ma'am. You have to try them on.” Charles pressed on.

    “It's alright Charles. Let me shower first. My bath's ready right?” 

    “Yes ma'am.” He replied. 

    “Thank you. I would be down at 10.” 

    “Sure.” He bowed slightly before leaving the room.

    Charles was the only person that helped to keep me insane despite my turmoil. At first, he seemed distant but then getting to know him, I discovered that he eluded so much warmth. 

    Slipping out from my nightwear, I crouched into the bathtub, letting my body be immersed fully in the warm water. The scented candles gave the bathroom a soothing fragrance and the lights complemented the blue bubble bath. He knew the right therapy for an anti-morning fan like me.

   I soaked in the bath for a while and stepped out. Quickly drying my body and hair, I wore the pink tank top and black shorts that I could grab when I stepped into the closet. Packing my hair into a messy bun, I strode downstairs.

    The dresses arrived soon enough and if there was another accolade I could give to Charles apart from being a really comforting person, it was the award of a fashionista. The dresses were so unique and I knew I would have trouble picking one. 

    “Sir. Alexander said you should keep them all.” 

    “What? I just need one.” 

    

   What a show off.

    “He insisted ma'am.” Charles pressured.

    “Okay then.” I shot out dryly.

    Alexander's actions lately had me on edge. He clearly was avoiding me but then he sends breakfast home every morning, makes sure I don't lack anything and even sends gifts home. At some point, It felt like I was barking up a wrong tree by suspecting of Jimmie's murder but on a second thought, it felt as if he had an ulterior motive. I mean, a married man hasn't been home in two weeks? 

    Not allowing my thoughts get the best of me, I walked to the clothes hanger and observed each one carefully for something that would fit my style. I didn't want something too flashy but these dresses screamed otherwise. I fumbled with the clothes when a particular gown caught my eye.

    It was a yellow A-line strapless wrap ruched satin dress with an open back style that swept the floor elegantly. It looked so mesmerizing that I wanted it instantly.

    “What do you think?” I beamed at butler Charles. 

    “You have an impeccable taste ma'am, I must say.” Charles complimented.

    “Gracias amigo.” I said bowing curtly as he smiled at me. 

    “What do you think of my Portuguese mmmm?” I gazed at him like a child seeking candy.

    “That's Spanish Milady.” he blurted to my disappointment.

    “You are no fun.” I squirmed to Charles' amusement.

    “I'm gonna go try this on.” I said storming off into the dressing room.

 A few minutes later,

     “The final reveal!!” I screamed at him happily.

    “You look extremely beautiful ma'am.”

    “Awwwwww……. Thank you so much Charles.” He beamed at me bowing slightly.

    “Do you need any other thing for toni……” my phone suddenly buzzed, cutting him off abruptly. It was Lexan. Finally….

    I sent you a package. Be ready by 7.

I was still glued to my phone screen when the door bell rang. Charles bolted out to get it.

    “Ma'am.” he called out after a few minutes, handing me a red box and a bouquet of wild flowers. They were my favorite.

   “He didn't have to.” I muttered under my breath, washed with guilt.

   “I'm sticking around if you need anything ma'am.” he finished before letting me drown in my thoughts.