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?”

Mr. Zeke Chambers.

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

and saw that the Art Festival was on

yearly. He was away on business trips and missed

last time, Zachary did not have a chance to see Yvette again. He had countless questions and

thoughts of Yvette and the people around her

said, “Keep it safe. I have no plans on Friday, so I’ll

she said, “Winona, your dad is coming to watch your competition. Make sure

not have feelings for Nellie, he was quite fond of Winona.

nodded with a smile, a hint of pride in her voice. “Yes,

“Mom, Dad, you probably still don’t know. Yvie is competing

reproachful look, wondering why she had

of food and popped it into her mouth, only to

bit relieved seeing Zachary’s calm expression. “Which

didn’t just sign up for oil painting. There is also

the grinning Zeke. “Really? Doesn’t

how highly Zachary valued Yvette, and quickly stopped smiling. “Yes,

head. “Yes, Dad. Yvie has signed up for four events, and

silent for a long time

and Winona were left behind,

crazy signing up for

agreed with Nellie. They vented their frustrations

not say anything and kept her head down as she ate. She despised Yvette and disliked the two in front

Art

morning, the university was already bustling with activity. When one stepped onto the campus, huge banners were hanging on both sides of

filled with balloons, string lights, flowers, and various small decorations, which created a vibrant atmosphere. Every seat even had colorful ribbons

The students were excited.

from classes only during the three days of the Art Festival’s opening and competitions. The students were