Chapter 5

A fire crackled in the hearth, its warmth doing little to chase away the chill that had settled over the room.

Victoria swirled the red wine in her glass, bringing it to her lips for the occasional sip, her gaze distant and unfocused.

Out in the hallway, Haley stealthily dialed Yasmine. "Yasmine, you need to come see Mrs. Langford. It's barely dawn and she's already drinking."

Two glasses in, the wine was cold on Victoria's tongue, but her heart felt even colder.

She had just gotten off the phone with the bridal shop.

The plan was simple: on their anniversary, the dress would be delivered in the morning. That evening, she'd wear it to the studio, where she and McNeil would have their portrait taken—a keepsake for another year together.

But then, a minor hitch: McNeil had bailed last minute, and she'd somehow forgotten all about the dress herself.

And now-

"Mrs. Langford, we've already delivered the gown. You didn't receive it?"

Victoria frowned. She certainly hadn't.

"Where exactly did you send it?"

Midhill Manor, Winding Peak

toppled, and a splash of crimson spread

a vivid stain-like the wound

Peak Lane.

McNeil's secret love nest.

had no idea. But she'd always followed the advice of the old folks: "Before marriage,

her and their child

had shrugged it off: "A man straying now and

Mrs. Langford, and nobody could

But now-

mother's keepsake to his sweetheart, turned her daughter against her, and now even the wedding dress for

she couldn't just turn a blind

bottles at Victoria's feet. The glass had rolled away, and

but not entirely lost- mostly sober,

caught the sharp scent

been the picture of domestic grace- reserved, distant from the world, content to be Mrs. Langford. Then, out of nowhere, she'd hired a female

had never seen her as the trophy wife the tabloids

like this-lost and hollow-eyed-she'd nearly taken her

Langford—" Yasmine called

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255