Mr. Villain's Lovely Wife

Chapter 179

Chapter 179

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“Women like us… We better avoid all these talks about money and properties,” Margarette said as she started brewing what looked like dried flowers and leaves.

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The garden behind the mansion stretched wide, bordered by trimmed hedges and tall iron fencing that separated the estate from the wooded hills beyond. Stone paths cut through manicured flower beds, and a round wrought–iron table sat in the middle of the open space, partially shaded by a pergola woven with creeping vines. The early sun filtered through, casting narrow strips of light across the table.

Izzy sat down quietly, her eyes drifting toward the rose bushes nearby. A few bees hovered lazily around the petals, and the sound of the small water fountain by the corner wall trickled steadily into the background.

Then she turned her attention to Margarette who stood at the edge of the table, pouring hot water over a small ceramic strainer filled with dried herbs and flower petals. The steam rose gently as she watched the color begin to tint the water.

“It’s called Blossom Dew,” she said. “Mostly hibiscus, rose hips, and lemon balm. A touch of dried apple for sweetness. I’ve had this blend imported for years.”

Izzy nodded, her hands folded on her lap. She didn’t know why she actually agreed to accompany this woman here. She found talking about investments more interesting than flowers and stuff.

Margarette sat down across from her, gently swirling the teapot before setting it aside. “It’s light at first. Soft. A little floral. But let it sit for a minute, and the bitterness starts to come through.” She picked up the small glass teacup and offered it to Izzy. “Like life.”

Izzy took the cup and gave it a small sip. It was warm and smooth, slightly tangy.

“We work hard to grow these flowers, to keep them pretty,” Margarette continued. “Prune them, shade them from too much sun. But at the end of the day, they’re still fragile. A storm could ruin the whole thing overnight.”

Izzy didn’t answer. Her fingers tapped lightly against the side of the cup.

“That’s what being a woman is,” Margarette said, resting back in her chair. “You learn to survive storms, but you still have to look good doing it. You can be clever, even talented, but at the end of the day…” She trailed off and looked at the distant hills. “You’ll never have the same weight as the men in the room.”

Izzy kept her eyes forward. She didn’t argue. Not yet.

Margarette tilted her head. “I’m not saying it’s fair. I’m saying that’s the world. You find your strength by knowing where you can move quietly. Gracefully. Without having to shout.”

She poured herself a cup and took a sip.

“Sometimes, power doesn’t come from winning arguments,” she added. “It comes from knowing which ones not to join.” Izzy nodded slowly and set the cup down on its saucer. “And what if you don’t want to move quietly?”

Margarette looked at her but didn’t respond right away.

you’ll realize,” she said finally, “how loud the silence can get after

rested her hands on her lap. “You’re married

looked at her. “Like what?”

difference between being a woman in the world and

Chapter 179

and gave it and up the bad settled the wor

person you were before it

the path. A woman who keeps walking like she’s alone–she’ll eventually realize her budand it

slightly forward, her elbows resting on the table. “So what should the do instead sexy

want. What Yad of K do you want with Liam. Do you really need the stress of company

raised an eyebrow

yes, but stress shows. It wears down your face, your body, You can’t buy back time, lubella. Especially if you plan to become a

blinked. “So, that’s

cube and dropped it gently into her cup, “It’s a choice. Pa marriage is also a day. It’s cring for your husband’s peace of mind,

asked. “What’s his

as their equal anyway. You think you’re respected when you’re working with them. But they will never look at you the same way

the cup again, warm and

reason women who stay home look softer. More rested. It’s not just money. It’s

at the roses

you’ll see it for yourself. By

refilled her own cup, the soft clink of ceramic the only sound between them. When Izzy didn’t answer, Margarette

in Arizona….

head slightly. “What does that

them. They want you to admire them.

narrowed her eyes slightly, still holding her

and feel like they’re in control. Even Olivier–he has his flaws, but he’s still a man. Liam is no

Her fingers tightened on the cup just slightly.

a rival,” Margarette added. “They want a partner who follows their lead. That’s how it’s always been.

Wed, 26 Mar

Chapter 179

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what you said. He cared that you said it

leaned back in her chair. “You think

in front of her. “He may not say it. He may not even realize it. But in time, he will feel it Pride is something built into them. It doesn’t matter how

dumb?” Izzy immediately recalled her late mother. Her mother never played dumb around her