Concealed Burdens

Three weeks had elapsed since Amelia last laid eyes on Gabriel. Striving to divert her thoughts away from him, the void left by his absence grew more profound with each passing day. Initially, resentment for his public affront lingered, yet as time marched on, yearning began to eclipse her anger. The embrace she missed, his warmth, and the tenderness she craved became increasingly pronounced.

However, it appeared that Gabriel's attentions were ensnared by more pressing matters than offering an apology. His conspicuous absence was attributed to the demands of work, leaving Amelia secluded within the mansion, ensconced in solitude and melancholy. A sensation of estrangement took root, compounded by her perception of how the family regarded her. It was as though they lay in wait, anticipating her every misstep to pounce upon her.

Endeavoring to shroud her melancholy behind a veneer of smiles, the effort grew progressively strenuous. The matrimonial haven Amelia had anticipated had eroded