Altar 40_leaving you bereft

Willow stepped onto the terrace, catching both Charlie and Heather off guard.

 Given the situation, it was easy to guess that the two shared a past. 

 The night breeze tousled Charlie’s hair and lifted the hem of Heather’s elegant dress. The delicate silk brushed against Willow’s arm. It felt soft and smooth. After a brief silence, Heather’s voice came out strained. “I’m not feeling well. Mrs. Ziegler, could you help me inside to rest?”

 Smiling, Willow nodded. “That’s why I came. I’ve been worried about you.”

 Heather felt a warmth in her heart. She gently patted Willow’s hand. “Having you here makes me feel much better.”

 Willow gave a soft smile and supported Heather as they left.

 Behind them, Charlie watched his former lover walk away. The thought that he wouldn’t have another chance to speak with her like this pained him. Before he could stop himself, he blurted out, “I can give you everything he can.‘

 11

 The words barely left his mouth before regret set in.

 Heather halted for a brief moment, then let out a scoff. “With just words?” 

 Willow cleared her throat lightly.

 Charlie was already embarrassed by Heather’s rebuke. But with Willow listening, his face burned even hotter.

 But his feelings weren’t Heather’s concern.

 Willow led Heather into the master bedroom.

 The room was vast, furnished with white and gold–ented pieces. Sheer organza drapes added an ethereal touch. Framed portraits of Heather adored the walls. It was a clear testament to Timothy’s devotion.

 Heathery down to rest, taking Willow’s hand in hers. “I must have made a fool of myself tonight.”

 Willow understood all too well and reassured her gently, “Everyone has a past. But people and things that are behind us shouldn’t weigh on our hearts. What matters is cherishing the happiness we have now.”

 Tears welled up in Heather’s eyes. “It’s not him I care about. It’s my lost child. Mrs. Ziegler, that child was a part of me. Losing her has been my life’s greatest sorrow. If I never find her, I will never truly be at peace. Wealth and status mean nothing. My only fear is failing Timothy’s love for me.”

 Her voice trembled with emotion. Willow felt the weight of her grief and was about to ask for more details. 

 Just then, Heather’s secretary entered, carrying a small pill and a ss of water. “Mrs. Chapman, it’s time for your medication.”

 Knowing it wasn’t the time to linger, Willow excused herself.

 She quietly closed the door behind her and turned, only to find herself face–to–face with Jeffrey.

 At tonight’s banquet, all the men were in formal evening wear, but not Jeffrey. In a dark gray shirt, ck suit, and tie, he had more of a business look. His entire demeanor carried a distinct tension.

 Willow wasn’t entirely surprised to see him.

 After all, Jeffrey was Timothy’s nephew.

 The hallway was quiet, removed from the noise of the party below. The warm light cast long shadows.

 Jeffrey’s gaze locked onto Willow. His voice was slightly hoarse when he finally spoke. “Did you get back together with him? Do you have feelings for him again?”

 Willow saw no point in ying dumb. 

 Jeffrey’s feelings were too intense. She had no way to return them.

 As she leaned against the wall, her expression remained calm. 

 “Call it whatever you want. He and I have always taken what we needed from each other. He wanted a respectable wife, and I wanted the Ziegler family’s wealth. A woman like me can’t afford to live for love alone.

 “Jeffrey, I’m not who you think I am. I’m just an ordinary woman caught up in the mundane, Money is my only true love.”

 Jeffrey muttered, “Is that so?”

 After a moment, as if carefully weighing his next words, he locked eyes with Willow and said, “I can give you everything he can.”

17kNovel

Altar 40