Wendy let out a quiet sigh. She had just spoken on Guinevere’s behalf in front of Mr. and Mrs. Cohen, so she decided not to press the matter further.
“You can go in and have a quick look,” she said, her tone measured. “Then get some rest. You’re staying with Weston tonight…”
She trailed off, casting Guinevere a meaningful glance.
Guinevere understood the implication at once and said nothing in return. With a subtle nod, she walked toward the children’s room.
From a distance, she stared at Zachary lying quietly in the crib. The faint red mark on his neck—left by her own hand—was still visible.
Her expression shifted.
The boy’s presence used to bring her joy. But now, whenever she thought about what had happened a year ago, a dark seed of resentment stirred inside her. Still, she had to hide it. No one could ever know.
Her hand came to rest lightly on the rail of the cradle. Slowly, her fingers curled into a tight fist, her nails biting into the flesh of her palm. A jolt of pain snapped her thoughts back to reality.
The nanny, standing nearby, had been silently observing her every move. The moment she sensed the shift in Guinevere’s expression, she stepped forward cautiously, her nerves on edge.
But Guinevere quickly withdrew her hand and turned to the nanny with a gentle smile. Her transformation was eerie—composed, warm, almost serene.
“He’s sleeping so soundly,” she said softly. “I shouldn’t disturb him any longer.”
Without another word, she turned and walked out.
Wendy stood by the door, watching her leave. She didn’t speak, but her gaze lingered long after Guinevere disappeared from sight.
The nanny approached Wendy and whispered, “Zack is asleep, Madam. We should get some rest too.”
Wendy nodded and returned to her bedroom.
Chris had already washed up and was lying on the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling, lost in thought. Wendy glanced at him without a word and headed to the bathroom.
Even now, Wendy retained her beauty, but time had left subtle traces on her face—fine lines and shadows that told of quiet battles and sleepless nights. She looked at herself in the mirror, her eyes narrowing with sudden sharpness.
A flicker of something fierce flashed across her face before she slowly calmed herself and returned to the bedroom.
Chris turned to look at her. His eyes were troubled. Once, he had been the perfect man—elegant, admired, with a wife and family others envied.
How had everything unraveled so completely?
All it took was a single misstep—a fleeting lapse in judgment—and everything he had was slipping away.
If Wendy ever found out…
He glanced at the woman beside him. Her youthful radiance had dulled with time, but she still carried herself with quiet dignity. He couldn’t help but wonder: What was I thinking back then? How did I make such a terrible mistake?
Overcome with a vague, restless guilt, he reached out and pulled her into his arms.
“It’s been a long time since we’ve—” he began, his voice husky.
Before he could finish, Wendy opened her eyes and stared at him with a chilling coldness.
“What are you trying to do?”
Her words cut through the silence like a blade.
Chris froze. Her eyes held a silent disdain that made his heart tremble. She had never looked at him like this before—as if he were tainted.
He suddenly felt certain—Wendy knew. Or at the very least, she suspected something.
But then, just as quickly, her expression softened.
“Did I scare you?” she asked quietly. “I’m just… tired. I’m still shaken by what happened with Gwen earlier.”
Chris exhaled in relief and pulled her closer. “Don’t worry. I’m here. Everything’s going to be fine.”
Wendy nestled into his chest, saying nothing. Her silence was calm, but her eyes, hidden from his view, darkened with each passing second.
Meanwhile, in Weston’s bedroom, Guinevere stepped inside and halted abruptly.
Weston was lying on the sofa.
She stared at him in disbelief and quickly walked over. “Weston, what’s the meaning of this?”
He didn’t respond. With his arms folded behind his head, he didn’t even glance her way.
“Get some rest,” he said flatly. “It’s been a long day.”
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