Chapter 6: Out of the House

For half a month, Marcus never set foot in my part of the house again.

And I, from crying until dawn at first, gradually grew numb…

The ache dulled until all that was left was emptiness, like a house with the windows boarded up. I barely noticed the days drifting by—each morning bled into the next.

Finally, after who knows how many days, I realized I was no longer upset at the thought of Marcus.

At night, I could close my eyes and sleep, and in the morning, I could eat as usual.

My friend and housekeeper, Lily, could barely contain her joy.

She was a no-nonsense woman from Alabama who brewed the strongest coffee in the county. She’d say, “Honey, you can’t fix a broken heart, but you can sure distract it with a good walk and a fresh cup of joe.” Only she knew I had lost my appetite for many days.

Now, seeing me finally recover, she plucked up the courage to ask:

“The weather is so nice today, Natalie, would you like to go for a walk?”

Looking at her bright eyes, I hesitated, but couldn’t bear to refuse her.

I caught a glimpse of blue sky out the kitchen window, the sunlight slanting through the maple leaves. It seemed harmless enough to go out—just for a little while.

But as soon as I stepped out, I regretted it—

In the winding hallway, Aubrey was standing shoulder to shoulder with Marcus.

She pointed around with disdain:

“What is all this?”

“Who plants peonies at home? So tacky. When I move in, I want everything changed to lilies of the valley.”

“And this swing—how can it be placed here? It ruins the whole atmosphere.”

She pointed at the swing—my mother’s favorite spot—and wrinkled her nose.

“Oh, and those goldfish in the pond—too gaudy, they all have to go—”

Just then, she caught sight of me.

“Hey, that Carter… Carter what?”

She nudged Marcus and asked.

“Natalie Carter.”

“Oh right, Natalie Carter. I was just looking for you. Hey, you—get over here.”

I didn’t move.

Aubrey clicked her tongue impatiently.

“Stupid dummy told me, he kicked you out and you wouldn’t leave, insisting on staying as house manager.”

“If you want to be house manager, at least listen to me, the future lady of the house, right?”

The arrogance in her voice grated, each word landing like a slap. My hands curled at my sides.