Chapter 75

The living room was draped in muted hues creating a somber setting for the condolence visit. Framed photographs of Genevieve’s late child, Maya, adorned the mantle. The scent of lilies permeated the air, mingling with the faint aroma of freshly brewed tea which was being served to the people that came to condole with the governor at his time of loss.

Three women huddled near the bay window, their voices hushed but filled with an undercurrent of judgment and hate, tinged with jealousy.

Margaret, a woman of sturdy build with a penchant for knowing everyone's business, leaned in closer to her companions. Her eyes glimmered with a mixture of sympathy and a certain eagerness as she began, “I can’t believe poor Genevieve lost Maya. It’s just heartbreaking. But can you imagine, almost forty and this happens? It’s almost like the universe is punishing her.”

Beatrice nodded, the second in the group. Her face which was mostly always pinched in disapproval nodded to concur with what the first