Chapter 91
Sullivan pinched her chin gently. He harbored no romantic feelings for Cressida. Whether they met or not was inconsequential to him. He had only mended her leg out of a bygone loyalty, planning to hand her off to Paxton and then wash his hands clean of the whole affair. Then, they would be done.
But he had no desire to explain this to his Mrs. Lowry
Married for three years, how could he not know Megan’s mind?
She didn’t care about him anymore. Not one bit!
Otherwise, why would she go to such lengths to avoid him, even dodging a simple movie night? Megan loathed him so much now that she couldn’t stand to watch a film with him.
Π
All her former affection for him had gone completely!
Feeling sour, Sullivan became particularly picky upon returning home. Usually, he was quite forgiving with the housekeeper. But during dinner, he complained that the food wasn’t to his taste.
The staff was visibly shaken but didn’t dare make a peep.
Megan knew his ire was directed at her. Not wanting the staff to suffer on her account, she spoke softly to Sullivan, “If you don’t fancy any of these, let me whip up a couple of your favorite dishes in the kitchen.”
Sullivan didn’t respond. He leaned back in his chair, lit a cigarette he’d pulled from his pocket, and after a long moment, he said, “Fine.”
Megan went upstairs to change before heading to the kitchen to cook.
The housekeeper felt terrible. She assisted Megan, apologizing profusely, “I’m so sorry, ma’am. I’ll try harder to ensure things are perfect next time, so you won’t be put in a difficult position by Mr. Lowry!”
Megan, under the harsh white light, looked tender.
“It’s no big deal. Sullivan is a tough critic; it’s not my first rodeo with him, and it’s certainly not your fault.” she said softly.
The housekeeper, still upset, added, “But you’re the lady of the house, you shouldn’t have to do this sort of menial work.”
Megan smiled nonchalantly, “It’s just work. I’d be doing it here or anywhere else. It’s all for a living; there’s no should or shouldn’t.”
The housekeeper finally felt a bit more at ease.
They chatted, not noticing Sullivan, who had been standing at the kitchen door all along
He overheard Megan’s words about work, about not really thinking of this place as home, about treating the role of Mrs. Lowry as a job, just like she had said to Bennett that night without sentiment, purely transactional
Megan prepared two of Sullivan’s favorite dishes.
Sullivan barely touched the food, and he didn’t say much. Clearly displeased, he finished quickly and retreated to his study to work.
Megan didn’t bother guessing his mood. She bathed as usual, sat at her vanity, and applied her night cream.
That’s when Sullivan walked in. He moved behind her, and she heard his footsteps, meeting his gaze in the mirror.
She thought Sullivan, miffed as usual, would take out his frustration in bed. But to her surprise, after watching her for a few seconds, he walked into the walk–in closet
The master of the house had a temper, the door slammed with a thunderous bang.
Megan recalled Lucia’s words and found herself agreeing. Sullivan must be going through an early midlife crisis!
That night, he didn’t touch her. But he still held her close in his sleep, claiming her body. His hand lingered for a long while.
In the dead of the night, Megan was sound asleep.
But suddenly, Sullivan’s eyes snapped open. Bathed in moonlight, he studied Megan’s tranquil sleeping face. It was infuriatingly peaceful, but it imitated him so much.
After a while, he got out of bed and headed to the bathroom.
Kicking open the trash can, he fished put a stiff piece of paper a movie ticket.
The five o’clock showing of “My Past Love 4
Sullivan eyed it for a long time, scoffing softly to himself. Megan really thought he
was a In
fool!
