6

The Ashcroft estate stretched across 150 acres of pristine land. The 25,000-square-foot mansion stood at the center, its architecture framed by marble columns, sweeping terraces, and a grand circular driveway that wound around a towering fountain. Manicured hedges and rose bushes were separated by stone-paved paths that led to the garden. There was also a tennis court, a large pool, and a glass-enclosed conservatory. Whoever designed the place was detail-oriented, making sure nothing was out of place.

On the farthest edge of the estate, hidden behind old oak trees stood a cabin. It was made of dark cedar and stone, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a sleek, minimalist design. Inside, Thalia lay on the bed, unable to move. She felt as if the rug had been pulled right from under her. How could her life change so drastically in only a few days?

My sweet Lia.

She hadn't been able to get those three words out of her head. If that woman was Gideon's sweet Lia, then what was she? They'd been married for nineteen years. When had he gotten tired and started cheating on her? How many years had he gone home and lied to her face? But most importantly, why hadn't she seen it? Was it that easy to lie to her or was Gideon good at it? What part of her marriage had been real?

Thalia felt angry at her husband's betrayal but also sad about her situation. How could she be sick at that moment? If she had more time she would craft a detailed plan to get back at him. She'd make him lose everything before sending him back to the streets where he came from. And she would enjoy destroying him. But with the little time she had, what could she do?

Soon enough she'd be bedridden, unable to even eat on her own. The doctor had mentioned something about her illness progressing fast. She knew without a doubt that her cheating husband wouldn't care about her. He'd probably plot to take away all the wealth and live happily with that bitch. After everything she'd done for him, that was how he treated her? Why didn't he file for divorce?

The thought of his infidelity made her bitter. Especially since they'd talked about it before getting married. He had agreed to leave her if he stopped loving her. Why humiliate her that way? And referring to her with the same name he used for his mistress? How sick was he?

Don't let him get away with it.

Destroy him.

Bury him.

Let's see if that bitch will still want him when he's broke and homeless.

But what about Cameron and Celia?

They were his children too. Anything she did would affect them. Already, Cameron's relationship with Gideon was strained. Was she angry enough to destroy it completely? Yes. If she wasn't sick, she wouldn't have cared about that bastard. But what would happen to Cameron and Celia after she died? They would only be left with their father. Was alienating them the right thing to do? One parent, no matter how bad they were, was better than none. Right?

She spent the whole night and the next day weighing her options. It was only in the evening when someone knocked on the door that Thalia finally got out of bed. She opened it to find Edward there. He'd been the butler at the estate for as long as she could remember.

"Miss, are you okay? You don't look so well"

"I'm fine" she replied even though she was sure she looked like a mess. Her tears had finally stopped sometime in the morning so Thalia was sure her eyes were puffy. But Edward didn't pry. Instead, he changed the subject.

"I saw your car come in yesterday and I wanted to ask if you needed something. How long will you be staying? I brought some supplies" he said holding up two bags filled with groceries. She moved aside to let him pass. He went to the kitchen and started unpacking them. "If you're not in the mood to cook I can send you readymade meals every day"

Thalia thought back to the medicine she'd bought to improve her appetite.

Promise to love me even if I get fat and I'll stop dieting.

Had they laughed at that behind her back? Suddenly, it felt as if she didn't know Gideon. Who was he really?

"Ed, what do you think about Gideon?" She asked taking the chair opposite the counter.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean as a person and a husband. If I were to die today, what do you think he'll do?"

Edward stopped, looking up from the half-empty bag "That's a... rather morbid question, Miss Thalia."

"Humor me," she said offering him a half smile.

He stared at her for a few seconds, his gaze measuring and then said, "If you were to die today, I imagine your husband would do what he always does."

"And what's that?"

"Whatever's convenient for him"

That was new. She never thought Gideon was ambitious or self-serving. He always made it a point to pay her back the money she lent him. Now that she thought about it, he'd always drawn a line between them. As if he didn't want to owe her anything. If their situations were reversed, would she have insisted on paying him back? Treating him like a creditor instead of a partner? What else had she missed?

"You’ve never liked him, have you?"

Edward hesitated, his tone neutral. "It’s not my place to like or dislike him. All I do is observe. And I’ve observed that Mister Gideon is an ambitious man. I would not expect grief to slow him down."

"Do you think he loves me?"

The older man's gaze softened a little "I think he loves what you provide. The life, the connections, the appearance of stability." He paused. "But you, Miss? I don’t believe he has ever understood your worth."

Of course, he didn't. If he did, he wouldn't have cheated. She wondered how many people felt the way Edward did. How many saw through Gideon and for how long? Why hadn't they brought it up?

"Do you think I'm an idiot?"

"Now why would I think that way? I watched you grow up. I know more than anyone how brilliant you are. Your father and grandfather would be so proud of your achievements, Miss Thalia." There was a beat of silence before he added, "I'm going to overstep my boundaries and ask what happened. Did Mister Gideon do something?"

"No. It's nothing like that"

Edward nodded "I want you to know that if you ever need anything, I'm always ready to help. You'll be surprised by how easy it is to get rid of a body"

Thalia's mouth dropped open. Edward, the sweet, quiet man, had not just implied he could get rid of a dead body. She silently watched as he put the rest of the groceries away but at the back of her mind, she thought about his suggestion. About what would happen if Gideon Thane suddenly disappeared from the face of the planet. On his way out, she told him to keep her presence there a secret.

The next day, she called the house and told them she was fine. Edward's words had opened her eyes. Thalia thought that if she was going to die, she would at least make her last days count.

On the weekend, she went back home and acted as if nothing had happened. She wore matching T-shirts with Celia for Cameron's game and gave Tanner the one she'd bought for Gideon. When he asked her about it, she brushed him off.

"I thought you would be busy so I didn't get you one. But you can pass by the store and buy it for yourself if you want" he looked taken aback by her words but he didn't say anything. Instead, he smiled and kissed her cheek. She smiled back. All the while planning his destruction.

Because no one messed with Thalia Ashcroft and got away with it.

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