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?”

Chambers. This

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

opened it and saw that the Art Festival was

the Art Festival yearly. He was away on business trips and missed them in the past two years, so he

unpleasant parting at the police station last time, Zachary did not have a chance to see Yvette again. He

well. The thoughts of Yvette and the people around her had become a

said, “Keep it safe. I have

Zachary was going to support Winona, so she was excited. Turning to Winona, she said, “Winona, your dad is coming to watch your

not have feelings for Nellie, he was quite fond

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

in with a hint of amusement, “Mom, Dad, you

reproachful look, wondering

of food and popped it into her mouth, only to realize it

felt a bit relieved seeing Zachary’s calm

up

at the grinning Zeke.

himself, knowing how highly Zachary valued Yvette, and quickly stopped smiling. “Yes, it’s true.

up for four events, and

silent for a long time before

Zeke, and Winona were

gone crazy signing up for

with Nellie. They vented

disliked the two in front of her just as much. One was her

Argrol University Art Festival started as

were hanging on both

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

The students were excited.

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