ManyWriters

I had just entered the house, clutching the pregnancy report I'd spent five years working towards, when I caught sight of my husband guiding his young female assistant into the nursery.
Holly Winter wrung her hands, bowed her head, and began to weep, intentionally showing the red marks on her neck.
"Alex, I have nowhere to go. Please allow Mr. Thornton to take me in," she begged.
Darrell Thornton grasped her hand, his voice sharp and defensive as he addressed me.
"She's the promising student you supported. She's freshly graduated and can't afford rent. You're a mature woman—don't make a big deal out of helping a young girl."
He gave me a cold look.
"Moreover, you're unable to bear children. We have plenty of spare rooms. What's the harm in letting her stay temporarily?"
I watched silently as he transformed the nursery we had prepared into her bedroom.
With a deep sigh, I made a phone call.
"Mom, is it too late for me to accept your previous conditions and return home?"

Nursery Becomes Mistress's Bedroom

"I'm grateful you're open-minded enough to allow Holly to stay with us. She'll move out once she's officially part of the company, I assure you."


It became clear that this entire situation revolved around Holly.


With a grin, Darrell retrieved a small case from his pocket and revealed its contents: a dazzling five-carat diamond ring.


He reached for my hand, eager to slip the ring onto my finger right away.


This was his typical approach to smoothing things over after our arguments.


Darrell hesitated, his face showing bewilderment.


He often remarked that I appeared more pallid on days I took my medication, but today felt unusual.


"... Such an exquisite ring, and I haven't even applied makeup or changed my outfit. It wouldn't be fitting to wear it now."


He seemed oblivious to the awkwardness of my fabrication—or perhaps he chose not to scrutinize it.


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