Chapter 3

“I deserve to be happy, but this is just too unbearable.” I muttered as I walked to the servants' quarters. I didn't care what Henry would say for leaving without his permission. “He should get lost for all I care” I said again before entering my corner at the quarters. I sat on my bed and I allowed my emotions to finally spill over. Maria walked in to see me there, with tears streaming down my face.

"Nina," she called softly. She sat beside me and wrapped her arms around my shoulders. "I knew this would happen. I'm so sorry you're going through this."

"You don't have to be sorry. I thought I could handle it," I whispered, but my voice was choked with sobs. "But seeing him with her... it's too much."

Maria drew me close, and comforted me as I cried. My secrets and the burden of my past felt heavier than ever. I knew I couldn't go on like this, I couldn't continue to be torn between love and duty, neither between my past and present. But do those decisions of mine truly matter?

Well, life happens. Henry continued to see Olivia. Each time they were together, I felt a fresh wave of jealousy and sorrow, but I kept my emotions tightly controlled.

One afternoon, as I was busy in the sitting room Henry entered and I became tense. I imagined myself confronting him for meeting up with another lady under my nose in our matrimonial home, but before I could make an attempt to greet him, he called my name.

"Nina," he said, his voice gentle. "I wanted to thank you for your hard work. My date the other day was exceptional, I can see that you have a knack for planning a date."

I looked up, meeting his eyes with a forced smile. "Thank you, sir. I'm glad you enjoyed it."

“But you left that night, I guess you were irritated by something. Are you fine now?

I nodded, without looking at his face. “Sure, I was irritated by your fluttering, I couldn't stand seeing you with another woman, so I had to leave.” I imagined myself saying.

He studied me for a moment. "You always remind me so much of her," he said softly. "Your dedication, your style and energy is just like hers."

I struggled to keep my emotions in check. "I'm honored, sir," I replied, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside.

He nodded with his eyes still lingering on me for a moment longer before he made an attempt to leave.  

“Thank you, Sir.” I said aloud.

Henry turned to face me and he nodded. "There's something about you, Nina. Something familiar. But I can't quite put my finger on it. Who are you, truly?”

Before I could respond, Olivia called from behind. "Henry, I need your attention?"

Henry turned to give me a final look before he joined Olivia. As they walked away, I felt a mixture of relief and sadness. The moment had passed, but the weight of my secret remained.

Thanks to Olivia, if she hadn't called him, maybe I would have revealed my identity. But was fate drawing us together? The Henry I know doesn't even pay attention to his staff, I doubt if he knows them by name, but why me now?

I came back for a reason, and if he gets to know me now, the entire plan would be ruined. What do I do now?

Each moment I spent watching Henry and Olivia together increased my fear. Olivia's true intentions were becoming clearer to me than I was told. Her care and affection for Henry were all for her benefits. She was after his wealth, and as his secretary and date, she was in the perfect position to manipulate him. “Oh, my Henry” I gasped.

I knew I had to act fast, but revealing my identity was not an option yet. The risk was too great, and the potential outcome could be beyond my control. I needed someone who could guide me without exposing my identity and secret. 

The life of the one I love and my kids were at stake here and I can't afford to lose either of them. As I thought of how to go about the whole thing, Charles flashed my mind. Charles is Henry's old friend and close business associate. He was a man of integrity and loyalty, someone who had always looked out for Henry's best interests.

I went to my corner, opened my laptop and sent mail to him with a false identity. His response came with a “Yes, let's meet tomorrow at my estate.” This was an opportunity I couldn't miss. I just resumed work here and taking excuses was out of it. “But what would happen to my kids when they arrived in the country? How about my man? I’ll do anything to protect them.

The next morning, I asked Mrs. Dorathy for a few days off, with the excuse of attending to a family matter. She agreed, so I packed a small bag and set off for Charles' estate, which was a few hours' journey away. The trip was filled with a mix of curiosity and fear, but each mile brought me closer to a potential friend, and also to the unveiling of my carefully guarded secret.

Upon arriving at Charles' grand estate, I was greeted by one of his maid's who showed me the way to his home office. “Charles has never changed” I whispered softly. He was seated at his desk, He looked up as I entered, with a flicker of recognition in his eyes.

"Nina?" he asked, his voice filled with surprise. “I'm glad you could make it. What brings you here?"

I took a deep breath, and took a seat beside him, "Charles, I need your help. But first, I must ask you to keep what I'm about to tell you with the strictest confidence."

He nodded, "Of course. You have my word."

"My name isn't Nina Salvatore, the one in the mail I sent," I began, my voice trembling. "My name is Nina Windsor. Henry's wife." I said as I removed my scarf and turned to face him properly.