ManyWriters

In London, everyone's aware of Patrick McGrath's deep devotion to his spouse, treating her as his everything.
Behind closed doors, however, he keeps an 18-year-old around, claiming she's a mirror of his wife from years past. He maintains it's just his way of holding onto true love's essence.
He's even decreed that no one should mention anything that might distress his wife.
One day, elated about her pregnancy, she hurried to his workplace to share the news. To her shock, there was the young girl, bearing an uncanny likeness to her, perched on Patrick's lap, offering him wine directly from her mouth.
The girl turned to Patrick and inquired, "Am I merely her stand-in?"
Patrick pulled her close and responded, "You're incomparable to her."
That very day, his wife scheduled an abortion and reached out to her aunt living overseas.
"Aunt, I've reached a decision. I'm moving to New Zealand."

A Wife's Twisted Awakening

"I'll treat you to any piece you fancy at the upcoming jewelry auction next week," he declared.


Merely an hour before, I'd noticed Christy's latest Moments update: "My uncle's taking me to preview the auction next week. He's even promised to capture the winning piece for me! I adore my uncle so much." The post featured a photo of them forming a heart shape with their hands. Patrick's wedding band was glaringly obvious.


I shot him a frosty look. "Don't bother. Keep the picture for someone else."


Patrick's face tensed, his eyes dropping. As he was about to speak, his phone vibrated.


A message from Christy appeared—simply an image of a bed strewn with various intimate accessories.


He gazed at the screen, his throat bobbing involuntarily.


"Lora, a new project's come up at work. I need to travel for a few days."


With that, he hastily departed, his eyes twitching slightly.


I recalled the numerous nights he'd dashed out claiming urgent work matters, and the frequent business trips that followed.


Just then, my aunt messaged me. I opened it to read, "Lora, your uncle's submitted your immigration papers. See you next week!"


Patrick returned exactly seven days later. I expected him to head straight to the office, but surprisingly, he rushed home during the morning commute.


Over the past week, Christy had been constantly updating her social media. Her latest post showed her in a sheer white nightgown, appearing both innocent and alluring.


She captioned it, "Uncle loved my new bedroom attire and said he'd remove it himself!"


I chuckled mirthlessly and left a casual remark, "It's his preferred style."


The moment Patrick entered, he began scolding me. "Lora, I've already explained the situation! Christy's just an 18-year-old. Why do you keep targeting her?"


I stiffened briefly, quickly realizing it must be about the deleted post.


As expected, Patrick noticed my reaction and grew more agitated.


"She merely expressed gratitude for having a good boss, and you insulted her so harshly!"


"Lora, you're 30. How can you bully a young girl like this?"


I pressed my lips together, choosing not to argue, allowing Christy's lies to cloud his judgment.


In three days, I'll be gone. His opinions are no longer significant to me.


Seeing that I didn't defend myself as usual, Patrick hesitated, guilt flashing across his face as he softened his tone.


"Lora, you used to be so rational. Why have you been acting so immaturely lately? Are you feeling unwell?"


He placed the food container on the table and carefully served a bowl of hot porridge.


"This is a stomach-soothing porridge from the family home. I've asked the kitchen to prepare it daily since you've been ill. I'll bring another portion tomorrow morning."


"Whenever you're sick, I wish I could bear the pain for you," he murmured.


I frowned, keeping my mouth shut, refusing his gesture.


Patrick's patience wore thin, and he snapped, "Lora, are you done being difficult? You're not 18 anymore. Do you expect me to keep pampering you like before?"


He sighed heavily, then added, "Christy is the orphan my Grandpa Mike Barrett, an old family friend, entrusted to me before he died. Isn't it natural for me to care for her? Can't you be more understanding?"


I tilted my head, curling my lips into a cold smirk.


"An orphan you were entrusted to care for? How noble. Taking care of her... even in the bedroom."


Chapter 2