With my fingers twitching the hem of my dress, I gazed at the clock once more. Unease swirled in my stomach. Reginald was where? Today was Rosalind's birthday, and he had yet to show up. What could be more significant than the birthday of his own daughter?
The home was filled with enthusiastic shrieks and laughter. Children with tremendous energy rushed through the garden. Inside, parents gathered in small groups, some engrossed in animated conversation, others engrossed in tender embraces. Wolves were loyal to their lovers at all times. My chest began to ache dullly. Between Reginald and me, it had never been that way.
"Eloise, are you okay?"
I was startled out of my reverie by Beatrice's voice. I made an effort to grin. I was only concerned about Reginald. By now, he ought to be here.
She looked at me comfortingly. "His birthday would not be missed by Rosalind..
I nearly let out a sour chuckle. If only it were the case.
Rosalind rushed over to me, her face beaming with anticipation, before I could say anything more. "Mom! Where is Dad?
My smile wavered, but it came back immediately. "He's on his way, my love. My dear, happy birthday. I gave her a cheek kiss in the hopes that she wouldn't pick up on my hesitancy.
She smiled and hurried away, but the moment was cut short when I heard a voice that was all too familiar.
She is a lovely girl. I feel sorry for her mother, who is a shame.
I turned to look directly into Margaret's intense eyes. The woman in question was Reginald's mother. The woman who had always treated me with disdain. The woman who had opposed my position in this family from the start.
"Margaret." I didn't give her the satisfaction of a spectacle, so I spoke in a measured tone. Around us, conversations slowed down. Nobody stepped in. Nobody ever did.
She laughed. "Don't bother with the small talk. Without my granddaughter, I wouldn't be here.
Beatrice came over with a tray of beverages. "Is Aunt Margaret interested in having one? They taste great.
As Margaret took a glass, her face relaxed a little, but she soon looked back at me. "What happened to Reginald?"
"I... I'm not sure. He claimed to be en route.
Her breath came out sharply. "Hmph. He's most likely with someone better. I have always been curious about what he saw in you. Could it be that you are a mixed breed, incapable of shifting at all? He could never be truly satisfied by you.
There was silence in the room. My neck began to heat up, burning with anger and embarrassment.
Margaret abruptly turned away, leaving without another word.
"Eloise, I really apologise." Beatrice spoke in a gentle, empathetic tone.
I took a deep breath. "I just need a little time."
With stiff shoulders and hazy vision, I left. I clutched the washbasin in the bathroom and gazed at my reflection. Red-rimmed eyes. Lips that tremble. A pitiful scene.
Then I heard voices coming from the hallway.
"Did you witness Margaret tearing her to pieces?"
I let out a low chuckle. It's difficult not to. Is Reginald concerned at all? Women are waiting for him. The poor thing doesn't know.
My breath caught. My fingers gripped the counter more tightly.
No. That isn't possible.
However, the assurance in their words...
I took out my phone and dialled Reginald with trembling hands. He didn't answer the phone until it rang twice.
"Where are you?"
There was a background clatter. Busy. I'm running late. Ensure Rosalind enjoys herself.
I paused. "We must speak. It's crucial.
There was a moment of silence. Then came the faint but distinct voice of a woman.
My heart raced. “Who’s with you, Reginald?”
He let out a sigh. "Eloise—"
A laugh caught him off guard. The laughter came from a woman. chilly. I'm amused.
"You're not really sure, are you?"
My stomach knotted up. That voice seemed familiar to me.
Vivienne.
The phone shuddered in my hands.
"Even a basic party is too much for you to handle without disturbing him?" Vivienne's tone was full of derision. "Perhaps you ought to concentrate on Rosalind. Right now, we're a little busy.
A sudden, piercing gasp filled the room. A moan. The type is intended to be heard.
Vivienne laughed. You ought to listen to him, Eloise. Has he ever been so content with you?
Click.
Quiet.
With a hollow thud, my phone fell from my fingers and onto the floor. The room whirled around me. I breathed in rough, quick gasps.
When I went outside, I hardly noticed. My clothing was soaked by the steady rain that had replaced the drizzle, but the chill did nothing to ease the ache that was burning in my chest.
From the balcony came a voice. "Eloise! Come on in!
Beatrice. observing. Her eyes were filled with worry. Others stood behind her, their faces displaying a mixture of judgement and sympathy.
I looked away. I was unable to remain here. No more.
By the time I arrived at the house, I was soaking wet. The walls were oppressive. My once-warm bedroom suddenly seemed alienated. A framed picture on the bedside caught my attention. At one point, Reginald and I felt hopeful and complete.
I traced the borders with my fingers as I took it up. Then it fell out of my hand and shattered on the ground.
Tears clouded my vision. How did this happen? Was I blind? Maybe I just didn't want to see what was always there.
Enough.
I reached for my phone and used a trembling palm to wipe my face. Before dialling, my fingertips lingered over the screen.
Beatrice responded right away. "Eloise? You're where? Speak with me.
"How is Rosalind doing?" My voice broke.
"She's all right, but—"
"I need a lawyer."
A pause. "A lawyer?"
I balled my hands into fists. "I'd like a divorce."
My words came out of my mouth like a last, devastating strike. The anguish was still there, searing and unrelenting, even though the weight had dropped.
It was done.
