Even Tina couldn't quite articulate the fleeting panic that, in that moment, became tangible.

She felt like a caged eagle, majestic and beautiful, with a free and unyielding spirit and a clear mind, seeing through the life she had no choice in.

She had convinced herself to spend a lifetime tied by convenience to a man devoid of love, indifferent to whomever he might emotionally cherish or physically be with. That was why she laid out those clear-cut terms at their first meeting.

She wasn't looking for love in this marriage but to safeguard the Watson family's interests and her dignity.

But if she fell in love with her husband, her desires would change inevitably.

She could tolerate a husband who shared her bed but not her heart, where there was no affection, only mutual benefits, but not one who couldn't reciprocate her feelings. She could no longer calmly accept the idea of Phillip having affairs.

In truth, she harbored an extreme purity of spirit and body, wishing he would remain faithful. If other women appeared in his life, she'd lose her mind, becoming a hysterical, jealous wife.

She didn't want to be like that, too ugly and sad.

remained silent, standing quietly before Phillip,

the bone, though the cashmere scarf around her neck was soft and warm. Yet, she knew the comfort

envisioned the sad trajectory

upon their first meeting,

you're okay with it," she

night, she acted normal but never spoke another word to

morning when Phillip was leaving for the office, the housekeeper mentioned Tina hadn't yet woken

the housekeeper not to disturb her sleep. She usually woke up

wondered if he should have checked on

side trip to grab Tina's favorite cake. He noticed she was down, even though

him that Tina

was filled with clothes she'd bought over the past months, not a piece missing. She arrived with just one suitcase and left just as lightly packed. From that day, Phillip lost contact with her. Her phone was off, and messages sunk like stones in

still active, showing her in Tanzania,

clumsily following their mothers to drink by the river

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255