Chapter 6

Chaise

I had just returned from a long day at work with a terrible migraine. My head felt like it was going to split in two and my shoulders were stiff from all the surgeries I carried out today. 

I tossed my jacket casually, flopping on the couch to catch my breath for a second. With my eyes shut, I stretched my hand out of habit, expecting a glass of freshly squeezed juice, like every other night. 

My lips pressed tightly when nothing came. My eyes fluttered open, darting to my empty hand. Then it drifted to my jacket still lying on the floor. 

Usually, Lily would be waiting downstairs for me to take my jacket the minute I stepped in. I always tossed it at her because I didn’t want her using it as an excuse to get close. After putting away my jacket, she would give me a glass of cold freshly squeezed juice. They always helped with my migraines and sometimes I wondered if she secretly put painkillers in them, but again, I didn’t want her to get too comfortable in a life she stole from someone else.

But tonight was different. For some reason, the house felt different. Like something was amiss. 

I stood up, irritation seeping through me. What was she up to this time? Did something take away her attention that she didn’t notice I was back. I glanced towards the stairs, contemplating going up to check for her when noises from the kitchen caught my attention. 

I sighed, running my hands through my hair. “Of course she’s in the kitchen. All she does is cook anyway.”

Did she really think making dinner would just fix everything after she hurt Rachelle that badly? To think I even had to force her to apologize. I had to take Rachelle away because she was genuinely frightened and comforted her for sometime. 

My phone rang, distracting my train of thoughts. It was Rachelle. 

A small smile tugged on my lips and I started towards the stairs. As soon as I swiped the answer button, her exhausted voice came on.

“Heyyyy, did you get home safe?” Her voice was laced with concern that made me smile.

“Yes, I got in safe. I had to go home the minute I closed from the hospital.” I told her.

“Yeah, of course you have too. I hope Lily wasn’t mad I kept you away from her all this time,” her voice dropped, laden with guilt. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to depend on you so much…”

“You don’t have to apologize for anything, Rachel. She was the one who put you in that state, remember? You didn’t even get a proper apology so why are you worrying about her?” 

I pushed open the bedroom door, only to be greeted by an odd clean scent. Everything was organised as usual but it was missing the usual soothing lavender scent that welcomed me everytime. Since Lily discovered I liked the scent, she always made sure the room smelled nice every time I walked in. 

It was rather strange that she forgot today. 

Either way, I didn’t think much of it and simply took off my shirt 

“Will you come over tonight? I think my leg is hurting again,” Rachelle said. I froze in my movements. 

“You’re feeling pain? Didn’t the doctor say you could move around comfortably?” I questioned. “And I just got in. Wouldn’t it be strange if I just left?”

“No, no, it’s fine. I understand you’re married now and need to spend more time with your family. Even though your wife did this to me out of pure jealousy, I wouldn’t want her to start doubting you so it’s fine.”

My jaw locked. I did not like the sound of that at all. 

“Rachelle…”

“I'm going to hang up now. Take care, Chaise.” The line went dead before I could say another word. A small groan rumbled in my chest. I'll just shower first then go see her. 

I took off my clothes and headed to the bathroom. On entering, I realized the jacuzzi was empty. 

“Seriously?” I gritted under my teeth. “She even forgot to prepare a hot bath for me?”

Is she trying to force me to talk to her? Because this was very cheap and desperate. Huffing, I moved into the cubicle instead and turned on the shower. The hot water soothed through my tense shoulders but it didn’t have the same effect as when I soaked in the tub. I ended up spending about five minutes before stepping out in a bathrobe. 

I was about to head to the closet when a knock came on the door. Why was she knocking this time? Was she that desperate to get a response from me? I rolled my eyes and turned towards the closet, only for the door to open. I was going to ignore it completely but then the voice of a middle-aged woman made me stop dead in my tracks. 

“Pardon my intrusion, sir. I just came to fix your jacket. You left it downstairs along with your bag. I spun sharply towards her, surprise lighting my features.

“Joan?” I blinked. “How come you are here?”

She was my former housekeeper who usually came in thrice a week before Lily took over after insisting she could manage the home and we didn’t need to pay for extra help unless necessary.

“Actually., Mr Ralph called me yesterday, asking me to resume work. I've already prepared some of your favourite dishes for dinner,” the petite dark-haired woman beamed. “I already set the table if you would.”

My mind blanked for a second, struggling to process the information she sprung on me. 

“You were the one in the kitchen?” I questioned as she headed for my closet. 

“Yes, sir.”

“Why?” I blurted. “Where is Lily? shouldn’t she be the one making dinner?” I demanded. Was this some kind of joke? She knew very well I couldn’t just eat anything someone came up with. She knew all my diet plans and allergies like the palm of her hand.

Granted, Mrs Joan has been cooking for me even before she came into the picture but that didn't give Lily and Ralph any right to just hire her back without my consent. 

“No one has seen her since morning. I think she went out,” she responded and I glanced at my watch. It was almost 8:30 pm. Where could she have possibly gone? She didn’t have any friends in the area. 

I took out my phone. I should probably call her. What married woman stays out till this time?

“Please where do I put this, sir?” She asked and I causally pointed at my desk. 

“Hang it over the chair or something,” I shrugged, dialing Lily's number. The call didn’t connect, even up to the third time. I was not enjoying this at all. 

Was she trying to get on my nerves?

“Sir, there seems to be a document on the desk for you,” Mrs Joan informed before excusing herself. A document? What document?

I moved everything work-related to my office in the hospital. If something came up, Ralph would have brought it to the office. 

Dragging my feet over to the desk, I continued trying to reach her. The file immediately caught my attention. It was the same papers Lily was trying to give me sometime ago. She was so desperate back then but I was too angry to listen to her at that moment. 

I dropped the phone, reaching for the papers. 

What is it even about?