FreeNovel
Chapter 0131
Abby
I’m seated on a lounge chair in the back lawn, soaking in the sun and the chirping of birds as a
soothing backdrop. The air smells of freshly cut grass, and I’m surrounded by the vibrant colors of the
garden—reds, yellows, and blues.. It’s peaceful, almost idyllic, but my mind is elsewhere.
I keep thinking about Karl’s words yesterday, how he never made an official announcement about my
fidelity. All morning, I’ve been getting strange looks from members of the staff—aside from Elsie, who
has never been anything but pleasant.
Part of me wants to announce it myself to set the record straight, but something tells me that most of
the staff who are unabashedly loyal to Karl wouldn’t believe me. And besides, he should do it himself.
He should be the one who admits to his shortcomings, not me.
Suddenly, my phone rings, breaking me out of my reverie. I glance down and let out a soft sigh. Ethan’s
name is flashing on the screen.
“Hey Ethan, what’s up?” I answer, my voice casual, but inside I’m wondering if something went wrong
after all. Perhaps the restaurant went up in flames, or that food critic came back for another bad
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtexperience, or the place got robbed. Maybe all three.
“Abby, sorry to bother you on your time off. Quick question—how would you like us to handle the
supplier transition for next week? The new seafood vendor is offering different terms.”
I open my mouth to dive into a detailed explanation, logistics dancing at the forefront of my mind, when
I remember Karl’s words about taking time off. A moment of conflict grips me, but I decide to heed his
advice.
“Um, go ahead and negotiate the best terms possible but keep it in line with our usual arrangements.
And if you could, save any future questions for when I’m back. I’m supposed to be taking a break.”
“Ah, right. I apologize for interrupting your vacation. Where’d you wind up going anyway, if you don’t
mind me asking?”
“I’m… visiting family,” I lie smoothly, guilt settling somewhere in my stomach. I can’t tell Ethan—or
anyone, for that matter—that I’m visiting my old home with my ex-husband.
Just then, the phone rustles, and a new voice bursts through. “Abby! It’s Chloe. Are you with Karl?”
My cheeks flush involuntarily at her abrupt, and astute, question. “Chloe, what—”
“Cut the cr ap. You and Karl taking time off simultaneously? Very suspicious, Abby.”
I let out a nervous laugh. “It’s just a coincidence, Chloe.”
“Yeah, right,” she snorts. “Listen, Karl’s been gaining bro wnie points lately in my book and yours, but
don’t be s tupid. No h ooking up. Got it?”
“Chloe, I assure you, I’m not with Karl.”
“Mm-hmm, whatever you say. Just be careful.”
I sigh as I hang up the phone, Chloe’s words ringing all too clearly in my head. She’s right; it would be
st upid. Really, really st upid. Which is why it hasn’t even crossed my mind.
Okay, maybe it has crossed my mind. But that was just last night, after dinner and too much wine. I
only thought about what it would be like to invite Karl back to my bed, to reignite our old passions, for
the briefest of moments. I won’t act on those fantasies. I can’t.
Before I can dwell on it further, I notice Gerald standing in the doorway that leads to the back lawn.
He’s holding a tray with a glass of iced tea. His face is impassive as he walks over.
“Miss Abby, your iced tea,” he says, but his voice is laced with a tone that I can’t quite place. It’s terse,
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmalmost cold. The butler never was the warmest with me, but this is different.
“Thank you so much, Gerald,” I respond kindly, taking the glass from him.
“As long as it keeps the mind clear,” he says. “One wouldn’t want to make foolish choices, correct?”
I pause for a moment, confused. “Sorry?”
Gerald also pauses, but it’s almost for dramatic effect more than anything else. “Well,” he says, “it’s
important to keep one’s priorities straight; especially with matters of fidelity,” he adds, his gaze steady,
unyielding.
My heart drops a notch. Gerald has been with the family for years, but never has he been this forward,
this judgmental. Not to me, at least. My mouth opens to question him, but he turns sharply and walks
back into the house before I get the chance.
As I sit there, the iced tea untouched beside me, I realize that Karl’s failure to set the record straight
really did make an impact on the way that these people see me; especially Gerald, who has been by
Karl’s side for years.
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