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?”

respectfully. “Yes, Mr. Zeke Chambers. This just arrived from Argrol

the invitation. The latter understood and respectfully handed it over

opened it and saw that the Art Festival was on Friday, only

would invite the four major families to attend the Art Festival yearly. He was away on business trips and missed them in the

chance to see Yvette again. He had countless questions and was determined to

period, Zachary could not sleep well. The thoughts of Yvette and the people around her had become a knot in

“Keep it safe. I have

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

Nellie, he was quite fond

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

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

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

seeing Zachary’s calm expression. “Which event

didn’t just sign up

as he glanced at the grinning Zeke. “Really? Doesn’t the

how highly Zachary valued Yvette, and quickly stopped

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

for a long time before

Winona were left behind, exchanging

up for four events? Does she think she’s so

They vented their

as she ate. She despised Yvette and disliked

Argrol University Art Festival started as

When one stepped onto the campus, huge banners were hanging on both sides of the

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

The students were excited.

during the three days of