Chapter 3

For the first time, I defied Elliot.

"Talk about it some other day? About what? About how close Rowan and Margot have grown as mother and son, or how deeply the two of you love each other?

"And when exactly are we gonna talk? When Rowan grows up, marries, and has children of his own? Or when your picture-perfect family of four is six feet under?"

"Celeste!" Elliot growled. The veins in his neck bulged out, but he restrained himself for Margot and her unborn baby's sake.

"I told you I'd set everything right, and I'll keep my word! Why do you have to make such a scene?

"Rowan's just a kid, and Maggie's pregnant! You coming at her like this is beyond disappointing!"

The door slammed shut and isolated the two worlds. Inside was a happy family of three, while I stood outside, alone and frozen in shock.

I had no idea how I made it back to my 200-square-foot maid's quarters that were cold and empty. I sat through the night, and the man who'd promised he'd be right back never returned.

When dawn broke, I took out a pair of scissors and expressionlessly tore the stuffed toy on my nightstand into pieces. Then, I resolutely threw it into the trash.

Just then, came a knock at the door. It was Lilo Fleur, one of the maids, who impatiently snapped, "It's late! Get up and make breakfast for Mr. and Mrs. Sheppard!

"Mrs. Sheppard is pregnant now, and Mr. Sheppard said we're celebrating for three days. Don't think you can slack off like before.

"And don't act high and mighty just because Mrs. Sheppard is kind enough not to punish you. You're just a maid like the rest of us."

I hadn't slept all night, and my mind was buzzing. Still, I fought it back and walked out with a nod.

My foot caught on a storage box I didn't notice was at my feet, and a picture frame clattered to the floor. When I picked up and saw the picture attached, I was briefly stunned.

It was from Rowan's baby shower where I'd held him in my embrace, while Elliot's arms wrapped around us both.

Back then, Elliot was tall and good-looking, while I was radiant and glowing. Anyone would have called us a perfect, happy family.

Now, I glanced in the mirror and saw a thin, sallow reflection. Turning back, I slammed the picture frame back down, unable to bear another glance.

After stumbling my way to the garden to pick some rosemary, I heard Elliot's voice.

"I've finally uncovered the truth about that year, Maggie. Professor Fairgrave was innocent, and once he's released, our family can truly reunite.

"Don't worry about Celeste. After the anniversary, I'll find an excuse to send her abroad, so she'll never see me or Rowan again. Then, it'll just be us as a loving couple, and no one would be around to come between us."

Feeling my limbs go cold, I chuckled softly as tears streamed down my cheeks. It felt as if all my questions had been answered, and this was what I'd waited three years for.

It was time to end this now.

…

Under the pretense of housekeeping, I entered Elliot's study to gather the property deeds and jewelry I'd brought with me.

I came from a family in the north, where the lands stretched over green grasslands. Dad had passed early, and Mom's poor health after giving birth to me kept her from traveling far. For fear that I might suffer in the Sheppard family, she'd given me countless properties to back me up.

I used to laugh at her exaggerated concern, but those properties ended up funding much of Elliot's financial setbacks. Even the venue he planned to host his grand dinner party in a few days belonged to me.

Now, I would take all of them back. After being away for so long, I could barely remember the green sweep of meadows or how brightly I once shone.

Elliot and I never registered our marriage or held a wedding. Now that I was leaving, there wasn't even a need for a public announcement to mark my departure.

Still, I wondered how Elliot would react when the developers showed up to reclaim those lands in a few days.

When night fell, I left the Sheppard residence forever with nothing but a small suitcase.

Meanwhile, Elliot stood outside my room with my favorite supper, knocking on a door that would never open again.