Chapter 14
“It’s beautiful. Thank you, Grandma p>
Beatrice smiled back, but a shadow soon crossed her features. Pulling back her smile, she grasped Maeve’s hand and spoke in a hushed tone.
“Mae, darling, I know Frederick’s attentiveness toward Zoe has been hard on you. But you must know it’s not out of romantic love. He’s just trying to fulfill his duties for Felix’s sake. Zoe has it rough—she lost her husband, she’s pregnant, and she has to raise Charlie on her own. As family, we need to be the bigger people and show her some grace p>
The silver hairpin in her hand suddenly felt like it weighed a ton. The smile on Maeve’s face slowly dissolved.
Every single person in this house could see how much she was suffering.
They all knew that Frederick’s behavior was completely unfair to her.
But everyone’s solution was the same: swallow your pride, be understanding, be generous.
Because as long as she was the one taking the hits, the rest of them could live in perfect harmony.
Rather than being respected as Frederick’s wife, she was treated like a decorative vase—shoved into a corner when it was convenient for everyone else.
Her feelings, her boundaries, her pain… none of it mattered to any of them.
Maeve gripped the hairpin tightly. It took her only two seconds to bury the profound hurt in her eyes. Looking down, she replied in a perfectly even voice.
“You’re right, Grandma p>
Beatrice looked intensely relieved.
“That’s a good girl p>
“Grandma, are you two done chatting?” Frederick asked, strolling into the room with his long legs. He naturally draped a heavy arm over Maeve’s shoulder.
“It’s time for us to head home p>
Beatrice waved them off with a laugh. “Go on, get out of here. Look at you, hovering like a love-struck puppy. You can’t stand being away from her for a single minute p>
Frederick pressed a lingering kiss to the soft skin just below Maeve’s ear. He let out a low, seductive drawl.
“What do you expect? She’s my absolute favorite prize p>
Maeve shot up like a rocket.
Rising abruptly from her chair, she felt a sickening wave of revulsion wash over her. She shoved Frederick away.
“I’m leaving now, Grandma p>
She practically bolted for the door, forcing a frowning Frederick to chase after her.
“Mae p>
Maeve quickened her pace, but just as she hit the living room, Frederick’s hand clamped around her wrist like a vice.
“Mae, what is your problem now p>
The moment that word-problem-left his lips, a sharp spike of pain shot through her temples. A crushing weight slammed into her chest, making it impossible to breathe. Right now, even the sound of his voice made her want to scream.
Backing away, she shoved at his chest and ripped her arm free, her voice raising to a hysterical pitch.
“I am not the problem! It’s you! When you’re in a good mood, you come play the loving husband, and when you’re not, you toss me aside like garbage, I’d rather you just put a bullet in my head so I wouldn’t have to suffer you anymore p>
“Maeve, watch your mouth!” Frederick growled, clearly furious. How could she throw around words about dying so casually?
Maeve looked at the intense impatience on his face, realizing that defending herself only annoyed him more. She opened her mouth, but no sound came out. Hot, uncontrollable tears began pouring down her cheeks.
She didn’t even know what was wrong with her anymore.
She couldn’t regulate her own emotions. She felt like an absolute lunatic.
“Mae… Mae, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have yelled at you. Please don’t cry,” Frederick pleaded. Seeing her tears, his harsh demeanor instantly shattered. He scooped hestip into his arms, carrying her out of the house as he tenderly kissed the wetness from her eyes.
“I know I’ve been making you upset lately. I heard the jewelry boutiques just got a new shipment in. I’ll take you shopping tomorrow, okay? Or we can go to that auction this weekend. Whatever you want, it’s yours p>
Maeve gave no response. The extreme emotional whiplash had drained every ounce of strength from her body. She couldn’t even lift a finger.
Reaching the driveway, Frederick gently deposited her into the passenger seat.
It wasn’t until she was buckled in that she realized Zoe and Charlie were already sitting comfortably in the backseat.
Caught by surprise, Maeve locked eyes with Zoe in the rearview mirror. Zoe offered a sweet smile and tilted her head with an expression of pure innocence.
“Maeve, we live in the same direction, so Frederick offered to drop Charlie and me off on the way home. You don’t mind, do you p>