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

Christy held onto him tightly, refusing to release her grip.


Patrick, experiencing an unusual wave of irritation, lashed out at her.


"Christy, why can't you be more cooperative and sensible?"


Christy's face clouded over, and she abruptly pushed his hand away.


"Cooperative? You once said an eighteen-year-old should behave their age. A bit of stubbornness is charming!"


Patrick immediately felt remorse for his outburst. He had always been attracted to Christy's daring nature. She had been placed in his care by an old acquaintance, and he had looked after her since then.


However, Lora's image suddenly materialized in his thoughts. She, too, had been headstrong at times, but never to this extent. Lora offered him sincere affection and emotional substance. In that instant, he grasped how much she truly cared for him.


Patrick departed without another utterance, compelled by the need to return home and reconcile. He had neglected Lora and vowed to dedicate more time to her henceforth.


Chapter 6