Chapter 47
Zoe’s voice trembled with tears. “Let’s go inside. I’m a little scared p>
Frederick replied gently.
“Alright p>
The two of them turned and walked toward the apartment complex. Maeve watched as Zoe’s white dress fluttered, brushing intimately against the fabric of Frederick’s dark suit pants.
The wind picked up, and the fabrics tangled together again.
Inseparable. Deeply entwined.
Once they were out of sight, Maeve finally pulled her trembling hands away from her mouth and collapsed onto the grass, gasping for air.
Her back and the sides of her face were drenched in a cold sweat.
She tasted the metallic tang of salt on her lips. Reaching up to wipe her mouth, she realized she had been crying.
She hastily wiped her tears away. Ignoring the sharp, stinging pain radiating from her calf, she stumbled out of the bushes and fled the scene.
It was a thoroughly humiliating ordeal, but she didn’t regret it.
Frederick’s endless hot-and-cold games, combined with the Fairchild family’s sudden cruelty, had subjected her to agonizing torment.
If she wanted to survive, she absolutely had to end this marriage.
As long as she could divorce Frederick, she was willing to pay whatever price it took.
Unsurprisingly, Frederick did not return to Wisteria Cove that night.
Maeve didn’t wake Martha. She found the first-aid kit and treated her scratched leg with antiseptic herself.
The next day, Maeve attended the grand opening of Yvette’s new perfume studio.
She bought a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a cake to celebrate, which Yvette immediately placed in the most prominent spot.
Then, ignoring the rest of her guests, Yvette dragged Maeve straight to the fragrance mixing station.
Rows of essential oils lined the solid wood display cabinets.
The front counter was neatly arranged with droppers, beakers, and various scent color charts.
It was absolute paradise for anyone creating custom fragrances.
Breathing in the subtle, elegant scents lingering in the air, Maeve felt an itch in her fingers. She was eager to try.
She looked at Yvette. “Yvette, can I try making a custom blend p>
“Of course you can!” Yvette excitedly pushed a tray of materials in front of Maeve.
“You play around with this. I’m going to go mingle with the guests, and I’ll be back in a bit p>
“Okay.” Maeve pulled out a chair and sat down.
Yvette closed the door behind her, completely blocking out the noisy chatter from the main room.
Maeve started by melting the wax base with a heater, then set it aside to cool. Picking up the scent charts, she began hunting for the perfect essential oils.
She was in a much more relaxed mood today, so she wanted to create something bright and lively.
She carefully selected orange blossom and jasmine essential oils, finishing it off with ambergris for a warm base note.
By the time she finished measuring the blend, the wax had cooled down perfectly. She slowly poured the fragrance into the bottle, sprinkling dried petals over the top for a delicate touch.
As the wax set, the liquid turned a beautiful, translucent shade of pale orange.
Leaning in to take a sniff, the scent was exactly as she hi dd imagined the top notes were bright and vibrant. fading smoothly into the comforting warmth of ambergris.
It smelled like the lingering warmth of a flower garden on a late summer evening.
It was absolutely perfect.
“That smells heavenly.” Yvette pushed the door open and jogged over to Maeve’s side. Staring at the finished perfume, she let out a sound of pure awe.
She picked up the bottle, brought it to her nose, and took a deep breath. Her eyes sparkled as she looked at Maeve.
“This scent is incredibly unique! Mae, how did you make this p>
Maeve casually listed off the ingredients she used.
“Those are all such basic ingredients. How did you manage to make it smell so special?” Yvette gently pinched Maeve’s cheek.
“Are you some kind of little perfume prodigy p>
A shy, self-deprecating smile touched Maeve’s lips.
“If you like it, you can have it p>
Yvette stared at the stunning smile blooming on Maeve’s face. It was like a delicate magnolia unfurling its petals, radiating a quiet, elegant beauty.
It was a subtle charm, yet wildly captivating.
Even as a woman, Yvette felt entirely dazzled by it.
“Mae, you really should smile more,” Yvette murmured absentmindedly.
Maeve’s lips curved higher. “I will p>
Yvette hugged the perfume bottle to her chest like it was a priceless treasure.
“Thank you, Mae! This is the best opening gift I’ve received all day p>
Thump—
A sudden noise came from the doorway.
Maeve and Yvette both looked over at the same time.
Jonathan walked toward them with a warm smile, carrying two boxes of gourmet pastries.
Setting the pastries on the table, he looked at Maeve and asked, “I don’t suppose there’s a custom perfume in there for me p>