Masked In Nobility: Secrets Of Mrs. Chavez by Selina Gorges

It was a Wednesday morning at the Chambers residence.

Zachary returned last night. Thrilled, Nellie instructed the housekeepers to prepare his favorite breakfast in the morning and asked Zeke and Winona to come downstairs earlier to eat.

Nellie’s words a few days ago had made Zeke behave himself for several days. Recently, he had been coming home early to have dinner with her.

Winona had not contacted Victor often lately. Aside from attending classes, she had been home practicing her painting.

She considered next week’s apprenticeship ceremony more important than anything else.

Winona kept a secret that nobody knew. With each passing day leading up to the apprenticeship ceremony, she grew more anxious.

Recently, Winona lived in fear daily and even dreamed of her secret being exposed, leaving her troubled.

Nellie noticed it but did not think much of it, assuming the stress was taking a toll on Winona,

She did not comfort Winona, believing that pressure was what drove motivation. Winona was expected to outshine the other girls.

The others picked up the forks only when Zachary sat at the table.

Zachary noticed most of the dishes were his favorites, and when he saw Nellie looking at him expectantly, he nodded and uttered in his usual tone, “Thanks.”

Nellie felt disappointed. No matter how hard or perfect she tried, Zachary always treated her this way, indifferently. Although Nellie was not happy deep down, she still maintained a facade of grace and virtue. “Don’t mention it. As long as you and the kids enjoy the meal, that’s all that matters.”

Winona glanced at the bourbon-glazed meatballs before Zeke, then at the pistachio cake closest to her..

She lowered her eyes, thinking, ‘What a great mom. I bet she has forgotten that I’ve been allergic to pistachios since I was young. She only remembers what Dad and Zeke like to eat. How ridiculous.

Lucas walked in with an invitation card. Winona and Zeke immediately recognized it was the university’s Art Festival invitation.

Zeke asked, “Lucas, is it the university’s Art Festival invitation?”

Zeke Chambers.

Lucas to bring over the invitation. The latter understood and respectfully handed it over with both

that the Art Festival was on Friday,

University would invite the four major families to attend the Art Festival yearly. He was away on business trips and missed them in the past two years, so he was determined to

at the police station last time, Zachary did not have a chance to see Yvette again. He had countless questions

Zachary could not sleep well. The thoughts of Yvette and the people around her had

it safe. I have no

so she was excited. Turning to Winona, she said, “Winona, your

fond of Winona. “Winona, you’re still participating

smile, a hint of pride in her voice. “Yes, Dad, oil painting. Our department’s

with a hint of amusement, “Mom, Dad, you probably still don’t know. Yvie

shot Winona a reproachful look, wondering why she had not been told

fingers tightened around her fork as she hastily picked up a piece of food and popped it into her mouth, only to realize it was her least favorite-pistachio

bit relieved seeing Zachary’s calm expression. “Which

up for oil painting. There is also music,

up food, froze mid-air as he glanced at the grinning Zeke. “Really? Doesn’t the Art Festival allow one to sign up

Yvette, and quickly stopped smiling. “Yes, it’s true. If you don’t believe

signed up for

stayed silent for a long

and Winona were

crazy signing up for four events? Does she think

with Nellie. They vented their

and kept her head down as she ate. She despised Yvette and disliked the two in

University Art Festival started as

When one stepped onto the campus, huge banners were hanging on both sides of the road, with the prominent message: [Wishing the

string lights, flowers, and various small decorations, which created

The students were excited.

departments were free from classes only during the three days of the Art Festival’s opening and