Chapter 6: What’s Wrong?

I walked past her into the hallway, holding my single bag tightly against my chest. But as I turned the corner toward the main staircase, a broad shadow blocked the light.

I froze.

Kealan was standing at the top of the stairs, his expression was blank as usual. My grip tightened around the bag in my hands.

Without saying a word, he walked right past me straight to Valentina. She pouted her lips and wrapped her arms around his neck.

“Pathetic,” I scoffed under my breath.

“Baby, you know I don’t like other people touching my things,” Valentina purred, playing up her cute act. “And now I have to stay in a room someone else has already been in.”

I just rolled my eyes.

“Then tell the servants to throw everything away including the furniture and you can pick out whatever new designs you like,” Kealan replied, his fingers lazily playing with Valentina’s hair.

Valentina turned her head toward me, a devilish smirk playing on her lips.

Honestly, I didn’t care about the room. It had been decorated like that long before I arrived, and I had never liked it anyway.

“Catherine, I hope you’re not angry that I took your room,” Valentina said, her voice dropping into a pitiful tone. “It’s just that it was picked out by me even before my accident. I know you might be used to it, and I’m really sorry.”

I could see right through her pathetic performance. “It’s just a room. There’s nothing special about it, and I forgive you.”

“Catherine, you don’t have to speak to her like—” Kealan started stepping forward.

“I’m tired,” I cut him off, letting out a fake yawn. “I didn’t sleep well last night. Can I at least go rest?”

Valentina pointed at a young servant standing nearby. “Hey you! Show her to the room I prepared.”

“But Miss—” the girl stuttered hesitantly.

“I said take her to the room!” Valentina snapped.

The servant glanced at Kealan, but seeing that he said nothing, she quickly nodded.

She led me down to the very end of the hallway. Stopping outside the door, she hesitated before turning to me. “Madam... Miss Valentina instructed us to bring you here.”

The tension in the house obviously hadn't missed the servants' ears.

She looked at me, her eyes filled with concern. “Madam, why are you letting her boss you around? You’re the Master’s wife.”

When I stayed silent, the young girl panicked. “I’m sorry, Madam! I shouldn’t have—”

“It’s fine, Naomi,” I said gently, cutting her off.

Once I was alone, I scanned my new surroundings. The room was three times smaller than my old one, containing nothing more than a single bed and a tiny wardrobe.

I wasn't here for luxury, though. I didn't mind living anywhere for the one month I had left.

Walking over to the window, I opened it and looked up at the morning sky. It was bright blue and beautiful. As the soft rays of sunlight hit my face, it felt like my problems were melting away, if only for a second.

I was still lost in the moment when my phone rang from the bed.

I walked over and stared at the caller ID Miles.

How could I possibly answer his call right now? I didn't want my brother finding out a single thing about what was happening in my life right now.

The call disconnected, and I breathed a sigh of relief. But before I could even set the phone down, it started ringing again.

If I don’t answer now, he’ll only worry more.

I cleared my throat and picked up. “Hello, Sis,” his voice chimed through the speaker.

Just hearing my brother’s voice gave me the strength to keep going.

“Hey, how are you doing?” I tried my best to sound cheerful and normal.

“What’s wrong?” he asked instantly.

I never understood how he always knew when I wasn't okay.

“I'm fine Miles really, how are you doing?” I tried to shift the focus back to him.

“I’m fine, but how are you?”

My eyes welled up with tears. He always told me he was fine even when he was going in for surgery, he had never complained to me once.

“My baby brother is really growing up,” My voice cracked, but I forced it to stay steady.

“Catherine, I’m going to keep asking until you tell me what’s wrong,” he said firmly. He paused for a second before adding, “Is it Kealan?”

“I said I’m okay, I have to go—” I said, about to hang up.

“If he dares to make you cry again, tell him your brother will come and take you away.”

I forced a soft laugh. “I’m really okay, trust me. It’s not him.”

“Just tell him if he ever makes you cry again, I’m coming to get you, and I’ll never let you go back there.”

Miles was five years younger than me, but ever since we were kids, he had always acted like the protective older brother.

“Yes boss,” I teased, and this time, we both laughed.

“I’m serious Sis.”

“Kealan isn’t like that,” I lied, not wanting to ruin the good impression Miles had held of him for years.

“Okay then. Once I finish my exams, I’m coming to see for myself.”

“Wait, you’re coming here? Why?” Panic spiked in my chest.

“You don’t want me to come?” Miles asked, his tone shifting to suspicion.

“No, no it’s not that. Of course you can come. I’ve missed you so much.”

Besides, I thought to myself, once I get out of here, I can just leave with him.

“Did you speak to Nicole?” he asked suddenly.

“Yes... but why are you bringing her up all of a sudden?” I was confused. He hadn't asked about her since she left.

“Not really important, I think it’s time for my meds, so I need to go.” He hung up before I could even process what he said.

“Why did he hang up so fast?” A small frown spread across my face. Maybe he’s just busy.

I was about to put my phone down when loud noises suddenly echoed from downstairs.

“Who is shouting like that? Should I go see?”

I took a step toward the door, then paused. “Maybe it’s none of my business. I should just stay here.”

I stared at the closed door for a second. Even if Valentina is back, I’m still his wife. I’ll just go take a quick look.

I headed out and walked down the hallway. As I reached the top of the stairs, I got a clear view of a woman standing in the living room, wearing a striking emerald green dress.