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. This just arrived

The latter understood and respectfully

Art Festival was on Friday, only two

yearly. He was away on

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

not sleep well. The thoughts of Yvette and the people around her had become a knot in his

it safe. I have no

to Winona, she said,

feelings for Nellie, he was quite fond of Winona. “Winona, you’re still participating in painting

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

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

wondering why

picked up a piece of food and popped it

chuckled and felt a bit relieved seeing Zachary’s calm expression. “Which event

Winona, Yvie didn’t just sign up for oil painting.

glanced at the grinning Zeke.

Yvette, and quickly stopped smiling.

signed up for four events, and the list

for a long time before leaving

were left behind, exchanging

gone crazy signing up for four

vented their frustrations about

down as she ate. She despised Yvette and disliked the two in front of her just as much. One was her mother, while the other was her

Argrol University Art Festival

banners were hanging on both sides of the road, with

early, filled with balloons, string lights, flowers, and various small decorations, which created a

The students were excited.

aside from winter and summer breaks, all departments were free from classes only during the three days of the Art Festival’s opening and competitions. The students were allowed to enjoy the event