Chapter 65

I followed Ethel through the winding corridors of the grand estate, my mind racing with curiosity. What could Ethel Lane want to discuss with me in private? We have nothing to do with each other.

As we walked, the sounds of the ball grew fainter, replaced by the soft rustling of Ethel's gown and the creaking of the old wooden floorboards. We eventually arrived at a small, secluded garden, surrounded by tall hedges and filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers at the edge of the Troy mansion.

Ethel stopped beneath a willow tree, its branches swaying gently in the breeze. She turned to me, her expression neutral.

"Iris, I wanted to speak with you about my husband, Archie. I am sure you are very familiar with him," Ethel began, her voice gentle but firm. "I know he still has feelings for you, and I understand why. You were his first love, after all."

Feelings? What feelings? He must be very stupid and those feelings can rot with him for all I care.

"But I must ask you, Iris, to sta