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

"Patrick, quit bothering the people in my life. I'll have no choice but to contact law enforcement if this continues!"


I slammed the phone down, fuming and struggling to catch my breath.


He'd been unfaithful with a teenager, and now he had the audacity to seek reconciliation. How had I missed Patrick's brazen nature before?


The moment I ended the call, the phone began ringing once more.


My employer gave me a sympathetic look.


"Lora, I overheard your conversation. Although you call me Aunt Lester, and I want to help, this line needs to remain open for crucial calls. You understand, right?"


I certainly did. Aunt Lester was a prominent executive who received numerous important business calls daily, and Patrick's persistent harassment could interfere with her company's operations.


I promptly called Patrick back on my cell phone, and he ceased bothering me, seemingly content.


Chapter 11