Chapter 6

When I woke up the next morning, Caleb was nowhere to be found in the room. I assumed he must have gone to be with Maura, especially after the doctor cared for her all night. He probably couldn't wait to handle things himself.

I stood up and looked around our room, suddenly wondering if this style was something Maura liked.

Caleb's study was decorated in black, white, and gray, but the master bedroom was a soft blush pink, with lace drapes and romantic fairy lights. Even the furniture was all in soft colors, and the bedside lamp closest to me was adorned with feathers.

Once suspicion took root, countless small signs seemed to confirm it.

I didn't want to waste any more energy dwelling on it. I got up, dressed quickly, and glanced downstairs.

If he planned to keep me confined, I wouldn't be able to escape through the front door.

This was the second floor. However, I could easily climb down if I tied the sheets together. Once I scaled the fence, I'd be free. I just couldn't take any suitcases with me. I could come back for my things once I had the divorce papers ready.

Without further delay, I grabbed several sheets, tied them into knots, secured one end to the bedpost, and tossed the other out the window. I carefully gripped the makeshift rope, intending to lower myself down inch by inch.

But it wasn't like the action scenes in movies at all. My arms struggled to support my body weight. With each movement, my shoulders felt like they were about to dislocate from the pain.

Worse yet, I was halfway down when I realized there was a window directly below me that opened into the dining room.

At that moment, Caleb, Maura, and Charles were sitting there having breakfast.

The moment Caleb's eyes met mine, he immediately called out, "Dad!"

Charles quickly turned to him. "What's wrong?"

While speaking, Caleb gestured at me with his eyes, signaling for me to climb back up, not wanting to alarm the elderly man. But after holding on for so long, I no longer had strength in my arms. I crashed onto the lawn below with a loud thud.

"It's over." These were the only words I had in my head.

I didn't dare to get up, fearing that Charles would notice me.

"Winifred, what are you doing? Are you trying to give my father a heart attack?" Caleb's slightly angry voice came from above me.

I felt a bit guilty. Charles had always treated me well. I never intended to upset him. I didn't even know he would be home today.

"I just wanted to leave. I didn't think..." I struggled to get up, but my backside was sore from the fall, and my arms were too weak to push myself up. After several failed attempts, I remained on the ground.

Caleb sighed, clearly exasperated. Perhaps he could see how determined I was to leave, as he held in his anger and refrained from scolding me.

"Stop moving. You're filthy. Go upstairs and change your clothes," he scolded as he picked me up. His voice softened a little next. "You went to bed late last night. I didn't wake you because I wanted you to rest.

"Dad's feeling better. The doctor said he could stay for a couple of days. Just behave, alright? It's not like you and him are on bad terms."

I hummed, unable to refuse. When I first married Caleb, he was always cold toward me. Charles and Viola were the ones who encouraged him to make peace with me.

Charles would often buy me gifts, helping me gradually become part of the family. I had no reason to repay kindness with spite.

"I'm only playing along with you for show. I haven't given up on the idea of divorcing you," I emphasized, more to remind myself than to convince him. I couldn't allow myself to lose my resolve.

"Alright. Thank you," he replied nonchalantly, as if he hadn't really taken my words seriously.

I had some minor scrapes. Not wanting to alarm the doctor, Caleb treated them himself. He knew that I didn't like pain. After applying the medicine, he gently blew on my arm as though he were caring for someone he truly loved.

I would have been overjoyed if he had treated me this way yesterday, deluding myself into staying with him. But now, it was too late. My heart had already turned cold as stone.

"I'll find you a long-sleeved dress. Don't let Dad see the scrapes," he reminded me.

I impassively nodded. I understood clearly that his kindness was just an act to maintain the illusion of a harmonious marriage in front of Charles.

Caleb picked out a champagne-colored chiffon dress and paired it with a pearl necklace and earrings. Thinking I looked too pale, he insisted I put on some blush and lipstick.

My reflection in the mirror looked much better than yesterday. Perhaps it was because I no longer had any expectations of the man in front of me, for I no longer carried the miserable look of someone filled with resentment.

"You look beautiful," he commented from behind me, gazing into the mirror. For some reason, he leaned in, as if to kiss my cheek.

However, I stiffened and pulled away.

"Let's go downstairs. Dad's waiting," I said.

Maybe because I rejected his gesture, Caleb didn't say anything more. He walked out ahead of me, only pausing at the top of the stairs to offer his hand, expecting me to take his arm.

Downstairs, Charles and Maura were sitting on the couch, holding hands and chatting. When they saw me coming, Charles quickly asked Maura to help him stand up.

"Winifred, what happened earlier? Did you hurt yourself?"

So, he did see what happened.

Caleb had handed Charles over to Maura, but she made no effort to cover for him. Maybe she even hoped that Charles, at his age, would be upset enough by me that she could blame it all on me, making it easier for her to justify staying a widow and eventually marrying his son.

I quickly let go of Caleb's hand and walked toward Charles.

"Dad, please have a seat. I'm fine, really. I just had a dream about a fire, and it scared me. I was practicing my emergency escape plan. Hence… the embarrassing sight," I murmured.

Charles sighed and pointed at Caleb. "I told you you shouldn't come down to check on me. She wouldn't have been scared if you had been with her. As a husband, you should know how to care for your wife."

Caleb nodded and quickly came to help me sit down, following Charles' lead. "Dad, I understand. It's just that since you're back, I was worried the maids might not take care of you properly."

"I'm just returning to my own home. There's no need for so many people to be watching over me," Charles said with a smile, looking at Maura as he tightened his grip on her hand. "Besides, your stepmom's here."

Caleb's expression turned slightly awkward. He exchanged glances with Maura, both seemingly wanting to express their feelings.

Watching them act like lovesick fools annoyed me. So, I intentionally leaned forward, positioning myself between them.

"Dad is right. Maura is still young. She'll definitely take good care of Dad. Dad, your friends your age must be envious of you for marrying such a wonderful wife."

Charles burst into laughter, looking fondly at his new wife. "I'm just lucky. I must have done something good in my past life to marry Maura. It's a pity for you to marry an old man like me, though."

Maura wore a forced smile, but she didn't dare say anything that might upset Charles. Instead, she leaned against Charles lovingly.

"How could it be a pity? I don't feel that way at all," she replied.

I watched the scene unfold, enjoying the drama while also adding fuel to the fire. "That's right! Maura must like mature and charming men like you, Dad. Those around the same age just don't have the same appeal."

As I spoke, I felt Caleb's grip on my hand tightening.

"Keep it to yourself," he warned me stiffly. "Dad had someone keep your breakfast for you. It'll get cold if you don't eat soon."