Chapter 3
“I told you, I was on a business trip. Juliette is my assistant. What’s wrong with her answering your call for me?”
Before I could say a word, a loud crash of shattering porcelain came from downstairs.
Johnson didn’t hesitate–he turned and ran down.
I followed behind him. Juliette had fallen to the floor, looking fragile. A big blister had formed on her wrist from a burn.
“I thought Adeline didn’t look well, so I wanted to bring her some tonic…”
Johnson shot me a glare, full of anger.
“These past few years, because of your condition, I’ve never dared to relax at work. One laptop for work, another to watch the security cameras at home.
“I’m losing my mind because of your illness.
“I just wanted someone to hand me a cup of coffee when I’m tired–not someone whose emotions I have to tiptoe around.
“We’re going to the hospital.”
With that, Johnson wrapped an arm around Juliette’s waist and lifted her up, walking quickly toward the door.
I looked down at the mess on the floor and called out for Betty a few times.
Chapter 3
The manor was silent. No one answered. I sighed, bent down to pick up the broken porcelain pieces, and tossed them in the trash.
Suddenly, a flash of lightning tore through the night. Thunder followed, loud and jarring. It scared me so badly I fell to the ground.
Panicked, I tried to push myself up–but my palm landed right on the shards. Blood bloomed from several cuts instantly.
Once I calmed down, I called the private doctor. By the time he finished treating my hand, the storm had died down a bit.
He packed his medical kit slowly, hesitating. “You…”
“I got rid of it.”
Funny, really. The first man to find out I was pregnant wasn’t my husband -it was the private doctor.
I stared out the window at the drizzle. For some reason, I felt a little sad.
“I’m leaving.
“Charlie said I only bring chaos to Johnson.
“He said Juliette and Johnson are meant to be.
“So what if I started a company with him and suffered with him all these years? Johnson has been miserable.
“Only with Juliette can he be himself.
“I thought it through. He’s right.
“This manor will probably have a new mistress soon.”
After the doctor left, I began packing. Halfway through, my phone rang.
Chapter 3
I answered. Johnson’s voice sounded stiff. “Tomorrow is my dad’s death anniversary.”
I said. “Okay. I’ll take a cab to the cemetery.”
His father, Albert Burgini, had always treated me kindly. I owed him this. Whether I left a day earlier or later didn’t matter.
“I’ll pick you up…”
I cut him off quickly. “No need. I know you’re busy.”
After hanging up, I stuffed the last piece of clothing into my suitcase, zipped it shut, and placed it in the corner.
