Chapter 18
In a mansion located on the outskirts of Bradfort City, the black velvet curtains were drawn wide, allowing the moonlight to spill through the French windows. From the windows, the cityscape below could be seen in all its glittering opulence—an ever-bustling metropolis that seemed so far removed from the calm of this mansion. Elsie adored this place. Ever since Sean had brought her here once, she had insisted on meeting him here each time.
Sean, having just gotten up from Elsie’s side, casually threw on a bathrobe before sitting at the edge of the bed. Soon, the room was thick with cigarette smoke. The cool moonlight bathed his indifferent face, and the only sound in the room was the occasional puff of the cigarette. Elsie, still half-awake, coughed from the smoke. She rolled over and nestled back into his arms, her gaze fixed on the man sitting before her.
“Something on your mind, Sean?” she asked, her voice soft but direct. Since they’d arrived, Sean had barely spoken to her except for the brief moments they were in bed together. His cold demeanor had made it clear that something was troubling him.
Sean looked at her, his face unreadable, his eyes filled with tension. He seemed lost in thought, and for a moment, Elsie could almost see the distant memory of another pair of eyes staring back at him through her own.
He took another long drag from his cigarette, his gaze distant as he exhaled the smoke. When he finally spoke, his voice was low and edged with coldness. “Don’t go looking for trouble with Myra in the future.”
Elsie froze, her mind racing to process his words. She blinked in disbelief, unsure if she had heard him correctly. But when she saw the coldness in his expression, a flash of jealousy sparked in her eyes. Her voice wavered, tinged with hurt, “Sean… you’ve misunderstood me. Yes, I was angry that Myra took all the credit for the Sunny Bay Project. I couldn’t help but confront her. You know I’m involved in the project too. But who would’ve thought Myra would act this way? I—”
Before she could continue, Sean interrupted her, his frown deepening. “You’re involved in the project? Have you contributed to the planning or the design draft?”
The impatience in his tone only made Elsie more flustered. Her eyes welled up as she rushed over to him, her arms wrapping around his waist. “I didn’t have much time to focus on the project because I’ve been with you. But it’s all for you! Even if I didn’t help with the design, I’ve kept up with the progress…” Her voice quivered as tears began to well up, the vulnerability clear in her eyes.
Sean’s gaze softened for a moment, but his expression remained stern. He pulled her arms off of him, stepping back. “In the future, don’t come looking for me anymore. Since you like this place so much, I’ll give it to you.”
With that, he walked away without a second glance, leaving Elsie standing there, stunned and heartbroken.
Meanwhile, Myra was in a deep sleep. Throughout the night, her dreams were a blur, but one memory stood out clearly—her mother. It had been so long since her mother had visited her dreams. In the dream, her mother was there, a kind smile on her face as she gently caressed Myra’s head.
“Myra, I want you to be happy.”
Tears welled in Myra’s eyes as she whispered, “Mom, can you come back? I miss you.”
Her mother’s smile softened, and she responded with a warmth that filled the room. “You silly girl! You’re all grown up now. There will be a man to take care of you on my behalf. You just have to live a happy life.”
A happiness Myra had long since lost.
The words hit her like a wave, and she thought about how, after marrying Sean, she had believed he was the man who would bring her happiness. But instead, she had only sunk deeper into a two-year nightmare.
As Myra tried to speak to her mother again, the dream began to fade, and a bright, white light surrounded her. She fought to stay in the dream, to remain close to the comforting presence of her mother. But the dream slowly slipped away, and Myra woke up, disoriented.
She could hear voices—low and hushed—as well as the soft sound of footsteps around her. She wanted to stay in the dream, reluctant to leave the comfort of her mother’s presence. But then, an overwhelming wave of heat washed over her, and she moaned softly, her body burning with fever.
Suddenly, the warmth around her shifted, and a cool, comforting presence enveloped her. She felt herself being gently lifted and cradled, the rhythmic motion of someone patting her back easing her discomfort. The touch was tender, calming, and Myra instinctively leaned into it, as if the comforting embrace could soothe away all the pain and confusion.
She couldn’t understand who it was, but in that moment, she didn’t care. She simply wanted to hold onto the warmth and comfort that seemed to surround her like a protective shield.