Chapter 2

“Do I?” I asked hoping that he could say more.

“Yes, it's my wife. But she's gone now. She left without a word, I've waited for her to return but it's been four years, she hasn't returned. I guess she's moved on…” 

I could feel the pain in him at that moment. I wanted to say something but he just cut me short. “Inform Mrs Dorathy that the event plans should begin,”

“Okay, Sir” I responded but I continued standing there as if I wanted him to say something else. I miss my husband, I thought of collapsing, so that he could hold me closely, and that I could feel the warmth of his touch.

“Hey maid, would you get out already?” He said but I was so deep in my thoughts that I couldn't hear him. He moved closer and tapped me on my shoulders.

“Get out!” He ordered. “How do you attend to your duties in this manner?” Those words were hurtful but I had to leave with tears in my eyes. If only he knew I was his woman. 

I informed Mrs Dorathy of his message and then I moved on with my duties. The turning point came one evening. Henry was hosting an event, it was one of those celebrations where the entire staff was engaged in a lot of activities. I was assigned to serve in the main hall, my presence as a maid ensured I would remain unnoticed amidst the crowd.

As the evening wore on, I caught glimpses of Henry, moving through the guests with ease. He seemed to be at ease,a lady followed him about but I guess that was his secretary, Olivia. Although he seemed to be happy, I knew him well enough to see the strain behind his smiles and the emptiness in his eyes.

As I refilled glasses and cleared plates, I overheard snippets of conversations that made me feel included, although the conversations were different from my world but there was this flow that I got caught up in. Just when I thought I had escaped that night, I heard a name that sent a chill down my spine.

"Nina Windsor," a woman said with hatred in her voice. "She left poor Henry without a word. I wonder where she is now . She must be living a disgraceful life."

My hands trembled, and I forced myself to focus. Immediately I served her table, I left to let my emotions flow. I heard footsteps behind me and Immediately composed myself. I turned to face Maria, a smile was all over her and wondered what could have prompted it.

“Did you hear?" Maria’s voice cut through my thoughts as we prepared to take some snacks to the guests in the hall.

"Hear what?" I asked, trying to sound as if I cared to listen as I arranged the trays.

Mr. Windsor is going on a date tonight," she said, her eyes widening with the excitement of a shared gossip. "With Miss Olivia Caldwell. Apparently, she's quite the new catch."

My heart tightened at her words, and I struggled to keep my expression neutral. "Olivia Caldwell?" I repeated, the name was familiar and it was already feeling like a dagger in my chest. Olivia is my husband's secretary, why is he going out with her? Of all the ladies in the city, he chose Olivia? Well, Olivia was one reason I made a decision to return. By the time I'm ready, I'll give her a taste of the drink she served me. “But why?” I managed to ask Maria

Maria nodded, her voice lowering to a conspiratorial whisper. "Yes, she's from a wealthy family. She's Beautiful, charming, intelligent and she has everything Mr Henry likes in a woman." She paused, and turned to face me . "Are you okay, Nina?"

I forced a smile, even as my heart shattered. "Of course. Why wouldn't I be?"

But the truth was, I wasn't okay. The thought of Henry with another woman, moving on from our broken past, filled me with a deep, painful jealousy. I had no right to feel this way, I reminded myself. I had left him, after all. But knowing that didn't make the pain any less.

 I forced a smile, trying to hide my pain. "That's good for him. He deserves to be happy."

But as Maria walked away, the reality of the situation sank in. Henry was moving on with someone, while I remained trapped in the past. 

That same evening, we were engaged with preparations for Henry's date. Again, I was assigned to set the dining room table. Mrs Dorathy meant to deal with me, I guess. Why was she always setting me up with my husband? Was it fate or her way of revenge on me?

My hands trembled as I arranged the table. As I did, I was reminded of the life I once led, the life that now seemed like a nightmare.

As I placed the last fork, the doorbell rang, and the butler announced Olivia's arrival. I took a deep breath, I would have to watch Henry and Olivia together, serving them as if I were nothing more than a faceless servant.

Olivia was even more stunning in person. She was tall and curvy, with golden hair and a radiant smile. She moved with the confidence of someone who had never known hardship. Henry greeted her warmly, his eyes lighting up in a way that made my heart ache.

"Olivia, it's so good to see you," he said, taking her hand and leading her to the table.

"Henry, thank you for inviting me,I wonder why you didn't postpone our date, you just finished an event and here we are" she replied, her voice smooth and cultured. “Well, this place is magnificent."

As they sat down to dine, I kept my eyes lowered, focusing on my duties. I poured the wine, served the first round, and tried to remain invisible. But each laugh, each lingering glance between them, felt like a knife to my heart.

"You have such a great taste," Olivia remarked, her eyes sparkling as she looked around the room. "Everything here is so elegant."

"Thank you," Henry replied, with a hint of pride in his voice. "It's all thanks to my late wife, Nina. She had a remarkable eye for design."

My hands trembled as I poured their drinks, the mention of my name sending a shiver down my spine. Olivia's expression softened, and I could notice a note of sympathy in her gaze.

"She must have been very special," she said gently.

"She was," Henry agreed, his voice tinged with sorrow. "I miss her every day, if not for death..."

I sneezed at once, this made me hurriedly run out. Henry now addresses me as a dead woman all because he wants to move on. I shut the door of the kitchen and bent down in tears. “I couldn't take this any longer.” I muttered to myself, then I rose up.