Chapter 7
“Honey, what’s wrong?”
Eddy had questions, but he’d always done whatever Blanche asked without hesitation. He turned the car around without another word.
“I left something in the Panamera,” Blanche replied, masking the chill in her eyes.
“Alright.” Eddy agreed with a gentle smile.
He’d stood by, unmoved, as his mistress had been dismissed; now he looked at Blanche with nothing but affection. He played his part so well that not a single crack showed.
To Blanche, Eddy felt more and more like a stranger.
They arrived at the garage in no time.
“Honey, I’ll go get it for you.” Eddy opened the car door for her.
“It’s a dark gray hairclip,” Blanche instructed quietly.
After Eddy stepped out, Blanche glanced at Healy, who had cried himself to sleep beside her, then slipped out of the car.
She walked to the foyer by the back garden, her figure hidden behind heavy drapes.
Inside the living room, Jeannette stood behind Loraine, massaging her shoulders. The two of them looked as close as mother and daughter.
Images flashed through Blanche’s mind.
She remembered Loraine tending to her own ailing mother day and night, never once leaving her side. At her mother’s deathbed, Loraine had promised to shield her from all of life’s storms.
Loraine had always protected her. She couldn’t believe Loraine would ever betray her–there had to be more to the story.
Blanche’s face went pale as she gripped the curtain tightly.
Jeannette’s hands stilled for a moment; she’d spotted Blanche and offered a sycophantic smile. “Madam, I’ll always do as you say. I’ll give Eddy as many children as you want.”
“Our family would never treat you unfairly.”
“Blanche is so pitiful. She tried everything to have another baby–medicine, acupuncture, injections, you name it. Her health only got worse. Maybe you could talk to her?”
“Having children is her duty, now that she’s married into our family,” Loraine said, frowning at Jeannette’s sudden mention of Blanche. “If she could have more, I wouldn’t have to go through all this trouble.”
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Chapter 7
“Just leave her alone.”
Memories of those painful years–doctor’s appointments, endless treatments–rose up in Blanche, and tears slipped down her cheeks before she could stop them.
She’d always looked up to Loraine as a mother. She’d never imagined Loraine could betray her like this.
If her own mother could see Loraine’s true colors from above, how could she rest in peace?
Suddenly, Loraine glanced toward the foyer. For a split second, she thought she saw a flash of sorrow in someone’s eyes. But there was nothing there, just the curtain swaying gently.
Loraine brushed Jeannette’s hands away. “Let me make one thing clear: the title of Mrs. Simmons belongs to Blanche. No matter how many children you give Eddy, that will never change.”
Jeannette lowered her gaze obediently. “Yes, ma’am.”
Seeing her so docile, Loraine continued, “I’ll overlook your slip–up in front of Healy. But starting tomorrow, you’ll move to the guest house. Unless absolutely necessary, you’re not to step out.”
“Madam, what about the arrangements for adopting a child from the orphanage?”
“We’ll talk about that after Blanche calms down.”
Blanche made her way back to the parking garage, barely able to breathe for the pain in her chest. If she stayed a moment longer, she was afraid she might burst in and demand answers from Loraine–why had she done this to her?
ge, Eddy was waiting by the car, her dark gray hairclip in hand.
ere’d you go?”
nach was feeling off. I went to the restroom.” Blanche stared at the concern etched on face.
No wonder you look so pale. Let’s get you home and let you rest.” Eddy helped her into the car.
Sitting in the backseat, Blanche was overtaken by a sudden thought–was he forced into this?
Eddy had always been dutiful and respectful toward his mother. Had Loraine pressured him into betraying her?
A truly devoted husband would’ve been as unmoved as a monk before a temptress. Instead, Eddy had knelt at Jeannette’s altar–a five–year sacrament of sweat and lies.
Tears streamed down Blanche’s face. Not wanting Eddy to see her break down, she reached for the tissue pack in the seat pocket. A bunch of other things tumbled out with it.
One item, in particular, hit Blanche like a punch to the gut.
For a moment, her blood ran cold and her mind went blank.
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Chapter 7
A small hand darted into her vision–Healy had woken up without her noticing. He grabbed a red lace thong and held it up, puzzled. “Dad, what’s this?”
Blanche turned to Eddy as well. “Eddy, why is there women’s underwear in your car?”
“Uh-”
Healy didn’t know what a thong was, but he recognized underwear. He tossed it at Eddy, wrinkling his nose. “Dad, I think this belongs to Miss Jean.”
“Why would Jeannette’s underwear be in your car?” Blanche demanded coldly. “What have you two been doing behind my back?”
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