“Are you out of your mind?” Catherine Callister—more commonly known as Kate—snapped, her shrill voice shattering the silence of the back garden. Her perfectly manicured fingers dug into Althea’s shoulder with enough force to make the slender woman stumble slightly. The lightweight plastic watering can Althea had been using to water the white roses fell from her hand and shattered upon hitting the sharp-edged stone tiles.

Althea didn’t flinch. She merely winced at the harsh grip, then quickly composed herself. With calm eyes, she met her mother-in-law’s gaze, her hands folded neatly in front of her. The pale blue house dress she wore fluttered gently in the spring breeze, lending her an even more delicate air—but her gaze remained steady, unshaken.

“How dare you make such a shameless request?” Kate continued, her voice seething with rage. Her eyes blazed. “You’re well aware my son is about to marry Vanessa, aren’t you? Of course you know that—and yet you still have the audacity to beg for Daven’s attention?”

Althea gave a faint smile, about to speak—but Kate cut her off sharply, clearly unwilling to hear a single word in return.

“You look like some pathetic little love-starved beggar.”

Once more, Althea offered a small, wistful smile. It was the kind of smile that whispered warmth in the middle of a storm. “I’m not asking for Daven’s love, Mrs. Callister,” she replied, her voice soft yet laced with a steely kind of courtesy. “All I asked for was time. Thirty days of his time.”

“And what do you think you can accomplish in thirty days, huh?” Kate stepped forward, the heel of her designer shoe crunching over the broken watering can with a sharp, splintering sound. “You think you can make Daven fall in love with you? That’s never going to happen. Burn that into your pathetic little mind, Althea. Daven loves Vanessa. He always has and always will. You’re nothing but an obstacle to their happiness.”

Althea exhaled slowly, bowing her head for a moment as she fought to steady the storm churning inside her. Then she looked straight into her mother-in-law’s eyes. Her gaze was still calm—but this time, it carried an unmistakable strength.

“I never wanted to get in anyone’s way,” she said quietly. “But I’m not something to be discarded either. I’ve been Daven’s wife for nearly a year, even if no one has ever acknowledged it. I just want to end this marriage... peacefully.”

Kate scoffed sharply; her face flushed with fury. “End your marriage peacefully? You really have lost your mind, Althea.”

Her words didn’t shake Althea—though her heart ached with every syllable. From the very beginning, she had never been welcomed into this home. The only person who had shown her any kindness was Eve, the warm-hearted older woman who treated her like family.

How could Althea not love her? Eve had become like a mother to her—a comforting figure who filled the void left by the one she had lost. Eve had become the grandmother she never had, the only light that gave her strength to keep enduring her cursed life inside the Callister household.

Because everyone else? They treated Althea with nothing but contempt. Mockery. Loathing. As if she were some scheming intruders who had come to ruin everything. As if she were a cunning woman with hidden intentions. But not once—not even once—had Althea ever thought to use her circumstances to her advantage.

If she could have one wish, she would choose a quiet life with her late mother over any of this. She had never wanted to live in this grand, glittering house. Not if it came at the cost of her dignity.

“You’ve already made a mess of everything, Althea. And now? Now you’re making it worse?” Kate’s voice cracked with rage. “Vanessa’s been preparing everything—her dream wedding, the family gathering, every important guest. And now, because of some ‘final request’ from a nameless, orphaned girl, it’s all been postponed!”

Althea lowered her head, biting her lower lip to keep her pain from spilling out. When she finally spoke, her voice was clear.

“Yes, I’m nothing more than a girl with nothing—no wealth, no power, no name. But I still have my dignity, Mrs. Callister. And all I want is to hold on to that.”

Althea’s words were met with a scornful scoff from Kate. The older woman looked at her daughter-in-law with disbelief, clearly unable to comprehend the way her mind worked.

“You can keep your dignity, Althea. But at the very least, you should know your place in this house.”

“I’m fully aware of that, Mrs. Callister,” Althea replied calmly.

Kate opened her mouth to retort again, but the sound of approaching footsteps interrupted her. Daven appeared from behind the glass doors of the house, his suit still perfectly in place. The weariness from a long day’s work was evident on his face.

He glanced briefly between the two women before speaking in a flat tone, “Is there a problem?”

Kate turned to him, letting out a dramatic sigh. “Of course, there’s a problem. Your precious wife is trying to sabotage your wedding with Vanessa. She made an absurd request, and you—” she pointed a manicured finger at him, “—you agreed to it? I honestly don’t understand what you were thinking, Dave!”

Daven didn’t answer right away. His eyes were fixed on Althea. She didn’t say a word, but he knew she wouldn’t deny it. She wasn’t like the rest of the people in this house, hiding their motives behind masks.

“She only asked for my time, Mother. Just one month,” Daven said at last. “And I agreed. I’ve already spoken to Vanessa and explained everything. She’s willing to give me that time. Our love has already stood the test of time, Mother. It’s been a year since I married this woman, and Vanessa still waited for me. She didn’t mind giving me thirty more days.”

Kate could hardly believe what she was hearing. She buried her face in her hands in sheer frustration. But there was nothing more she could do. She had no choice but to go along with whatever her son had decided.

“Just make sure this shameless woman is out of the Callister family’s life when the month is over, Daven. I don’t want my beloved daughter-in-law waiting any longer.”

“Yes,” Daven replied curtly.

Althea, who had been standing quietly between them, spoke again.

“I know exactly where I stand. And I will leave once my time is up. But for now... I just want to spend what’s left in peace. That’s all I ask.”

Kate hissed under her breath, then turned away sharply.

“I will never see you as part of this family,” she spat before disappearing down the hallway, her footsteps sharp and swift—like every word she had just hurled.

Althea let out a long breath once the woman’s figure vanished from sight. Her hands trembled slightly, but she hid them beneath the folds of her dress. Only one figure remained, still standing there, watching her with that same cold stare—like she was nothing more than a discarded object.

“I didn’t realize my wife was so stubborn,” Daven mocked. “Do you want to be my wife that badly?” He let out a scoffing chuckle, laced with disdain.

“Do you regret agreeing to my request?” Althea asked softly, her gaze gentle but clouded with pain and disappointment.

Daven held her gaze for a moment, then shook his head.

“No. But I still think it’s ridiculous.”

“That’s fine,” Althea said, forcing a smile that barely reached her eyes. “What matters is... I won’t regret it.”

For a moment, the only sound between them was the breeze. Daven turned his face away, though his eyes lingered on her cheeks, flushed under the afternoon sun—or perhaps from holding back tears she refused to shed.

Without another word, he turned and began to walk away. But just before he vanished through the doorway, his voice called out behind him.

“If you’re this insistent... does that mean you’re ready to share my bed tonight, Althea? Isn’t that what you wanted— to become my wife in every sense of the word?”

Althea blinked, stunned. She was the one who had made that request, after all—asking to truly be his wife. Which meant... he had the right to touch her. Anytime. For the next thirty days.

Her fists clenched tightly at her sides.

“Yes,” she answered, her voice firm. She couldn’t back down now, could she? Even if the thought alone made her body tremble with fear.

But Daven’s response was as cold as ever.

“Too bad... I’m not interested.”

“But you already made a promise, Daven,” Althea said, her voice steady, stripped of shame. She had nothing left to lose—especially not her pride.

Daven laughed, but there was no warmth in it.

“You’re really clinging to that, huh?” He took a step forward, eyes never leaving hers. “Tell me, Althea. Do you want to be my wife that badly?”

She took a step back, instinctively. “It’s not like that—”

“Oh? Then what is it?” he snapped. “You begged for this. You practically signed yourself up to be mine—for a month.”

His voice was low, dangerously calm. He reached out, fingers brushing her chin—not tenderly, but not cruelly either. Just enough to force her gaze upward.

“Tomorrow night,” he said, gaze locked on hers, “I’ll come home not as the man you married on paper—but as the husband you insisted, I become.”

Althea’s breath hitched. Her hands curled into fists beside her dress, but she didn’t look away.

“I hope you’re ready,” Daven added, pulling back just slightly. “Because I won’t stop to ask if you’ve changed your mind.”

It would be a lie to say Althea wasn’t hurt. It would be hypocritical to say she wasn’t sad or disappointed. But... what could she possibly do to stop any of this? Even the man she had once thought she could rely on turned out to be the very first to break her heart.

Althea wasn’t blind. She could clearly see how Daven made no effort to hide his relationship with his lover. And yet, in front of his grandmother, Daven wore the perfect mask of a loving, attentive husband.

“God,” she whispered, eyes shut tight as the night deepened around her. Tomorrow was another day she had to face. “Please, have mercy on me. Just a little kindness, Lord. Please... grant me this one thing.”

When Althea had told him what she wanted, she never imagined Daven would agree.

That was why she couldn't afford to waste this—perhaps her only—chance.

A child.

Althea wanted a child. A companion in the years to come. Someone she could love without conditions. Someone who would call her “Mama”—even if that was the only warm word she would ever hear in her life.

And she knew... this might be her one and only opportunity.

She had no one left in the world. She wouldn’t ask for anything from Daven. In fact, she had already planned to disappear—to live quietly somewhere far away with her child. Somewhere Daven would never come. Because by then, he would surely be busy living his perfect life with the woman he truly loved.

That was her wish. No matter how many people might call it foolish or insane, she still hoped. She hoped, with all her heart, that God would be kind. That her wish would be granted.

That was why, that morning, Althea stood in front of the tall mirror in her private room. Her small fingers adjusted the soft fringe of her newly trimmed bangs. A little hesitant, but she smiled at her own reflection. Her face had been gently made up—not overly glamorous, but just enough to highlight a beauty she rarely revealed.

Today, she wanted to look beautiful.

Althea wore a simple nude-colored dress that delicately embraced her graceful figure. She smiled softly as her hand brushed the fabric. This morning, she planned to make Daven a special breakfast.

“I’m ready,” she whispered to herself. “If only Daven would hug me in the kitchen—” Ugh!

A flush of warmth rushed to her cheeks. A flurry of romantic novels she had once read flashed through her mind—vivid with their dreamy tales of husband and wife, wrapped in affection, making love in every corner of the house, passion igniting wherever they touched.

“How naive can you be, Althea?” she scoffed at herself. “Daven would never do such a thing.”

But… wasn’t hope often found nestled above the impossible? Sadly, that fragile hope shattered the moment the doorbell rang downstairs—followed by the unmistakable sound of heels and a sharp, mocking laugh.

“Who could that be?” Althea slowly descended the stairs. The subtle smile she had practiced in front of the mirror began to fade, replaced by a calm yet guarded expression.

In the living room, a woman sat with absolute ease. She wore a striking maroon jumpsuit and gleaming high heels.

Vanessa Blake.

Arrogant. Beautiful. And fully aware of the power of her presence. Her face was exactly as it appeared on television screens and countless advertisements. In truth, Althea had to admit—Vanessa looked like a goddess who descended to Earth.

Unfortunately... her smile and manners were said otherwise. Especially when directed at Althea.

“Oh?” Vanessa turned, her gaze sweeping over Althea from head to toe. Her smirk tilted upward with disdain. “So, you do know how to dress up, after all.”

Althea remained poised. “Is there something I can help you with, Miss Vanessa?”

“Oh, straight to the point, are we?” Vanessa rose to her feet, lightly patting the designer bag on her lap. “Aren’t you going to offer me anything? A drink, maybe?” She swept her long hair over one shoulder with practiced ease. “I’d think you’d have the decency to know your place. In this house, you’re the one most suited to serving guests. Your face certainly fits the part, Althea.”

Althea chose to smile.

“I’m not here for small talk,” Vanessa sneered. “I just dropped by. I wanted to see for myself what my fiancé is doing with a woman who doesn’t know her place. I thought you were bluffing when you asked Daven for time, but now I see—you’ve really lost your mind.”

“I’m still capable of thinking rationally, Miss Vanessa.”

Vanessa let out a delighted, mocking laugh. “Rational? Dressed like this? Hoping to seduce Daven?” She stepped forward, eyes blazing. “You’re nothing but a cheap woman!”

Before Vanessa could grab at her dress, Althea moved first. Her hand shot out, clutching Vanessa’s wrist in a firm grip—just enough to make her stop.

“I don’t care if you think I’m cheap, Miss Vanessa. But as of now, I am still Daven Callister’s wife.”

Her gaze didn’t waver. Neither did her grip.

“Watch your boundaries, you bitch!” Vanessa snarled. But then she laughed—quietly at first, the sound sharp and brittle like shattered glass. “Oh, sweetheart… that title—‘Daven Callister’s wife’—only exists on paper. Everyone knows that.”

“And everyone also knows your wedding hasn’t happened yet,” Althea replied softly but clearly. “So until that day comes, I am still his wife. And I will carry out that role properly, Miss Vanessa.”

Vanessa narrowed her eyes. “You really think you can touch him? That you can make him sleep with you? You are truly pathetic.”

“I’m not expecting anything,” Althea said, lifting her chin ever so slightly. “You don’t have to feel threatened by all this, do you? After all, hasn’t it already been decided who the real winner is?” She released her grip and stepped back. She didn’t want to touch the woman Daven loved any longer than necessary.

If it weren’t for the sheer strength of her resolve, Althea might have been in tears already just from facing Vanessa this morning.

Vanessa rubbed the wrist Althea had held. That damn woman! How dare she? She would not let this slide. Althea would pay for it—every bit.

“You know, Althea, I’ve always wondered…” Vanessa said slowly, her words slicing like daggers, “why Daven ever agreed to marry you. You’re nobody. No prestigious background, no powerful connections, not even a name worth mentioning.”

If those words had come from Kate Callister, her mother-in-law, Althea might’ve been able to accept them. But coming from Vanessa—an outsider who, unfortunately, was valued like family within the Callister circle—they stung worse than ever. She could say anything to Althea, and no one would ever stop her.

Althea said nothing, standing there with forced calm. She knew Vanessa was fishing—looking for any crack in her armor to strike. And God, how hard she had to fight not to let the tears fall.

“I used to think Daven married you out of pity. But now, I think… maybe he’s finally realized just how greedy you really are. You act quiet, pretend to be all innocent—but behind that fake purity, you’re sly, aren’t you?”

"That’s enough, Miss Vanessa," Althea said quietly. "If you came here just to insult me, I won’t entertain it. I have no intention of humiliating anyone."

"Humiliate?" Vanessa scoffed with a mocking laugh. "Sweetheart, you’ve already humiliated yourself just by dressing like that. What were you thinking? Would that Daven see you and suddenly fall in love? That he’d leave me for you?"

"I never expected that," Althea replied calmly, her voice steady. "I’m simply fulfilling my role, because that’s the only thing I can do right now."

"Fulfilling your role?" Vanessa sneered. "You sound like a grieving widow. It’s tragic, really. But even more pitiful since your husband is very much alive… and in love with someone else."

Althea bit her lower lip slowly. She lowered her head, inhaling deeply. She would not cry. Not in front of Vanessa. But before she could say a word, footsteps echoed from the upper floor.

Daven.

He had just emerged from his room, wearing a gray shirt and tailored pants. His appearance was relaxed, but the sharpness in his eyes immediately caught the scene unfolding at the bottom of the stairs—Vanessa standing far too close to Althea, whose face looked pale as if she was holding something back.

Before he could speak, another voice cut through the tension.

"What’s going on here? Why all the noise so early in the morning?"

Kate Callister’s sharp tone filled the room as she descended the stairs, flanked by her two daughters—Karina and Felicia—both of whom looked at Althea with the same disdain etched on their mother’s face.

Vanessa wasted no time stepping into her self-appointed role. "Aunt Kate… I just came to express my concern. Look at her—Althea dressed like this just to get Daven’s attention. I’m worried… she may be forgetting her place."

"Oh, for heaven’s sake," Kate eyed Althea from head to toe. "What are you thinking, wearing something like that, Althea? Where’s your sense of decency?"

"I haven’t done anything inappropriate by wearing this. I’m used to dressing like this at home," Althea responded softly, still trying to remain polite.

Karina let out a mocking giggle.

"Goodness, you’ve only lived in this house for a year and already you’re acting like you own the place?"

And it wasn’t just Siena. Felicia chimed in as well.

"This woman is getting bolder by the day!" she snapped, shoving Althea’s shoulder hard enough to make her stumble, nearly falling. "Wake up, Althea! You don’t belong here! You’re completely out of line!"

"Enough!"

Daven’s voice rang out, sharp and commanding, making everyone turn toward him.

"Daven, you’re not planning to defend her, are you?" Karina asked, shocked.

He sighed, clearly exhausted. "I’m not defending anyone. I just want this morning to go on without any of your theatrics. I already have enough on my plate with work."

Vanessa pouted, lips forming a sulky curve. "I’ll take that as a defense for her, darling."

Daven exhaled softly. "That could never happen."

He stepped closer to Vanessa, gently brushing her flowing hair back with his hand, completely ignoring the sadness clouding Althea’s gaze just a few feet away.

Did Daven care?

Not at all.

"I’m asking all of you to end this argument. I need peace and quiet." Daven’s tone was flat, devoid of emotion, but firm enough to silence everyone in the room.

Kate scoffed in irritation. "Oh, for heaven’s sake, fine. I’ll have breakfast elsewhere."

She turned on her heel and walked away without waiting for a response, followed closely by Karina and Felicia—both still shooting scornful looks at Althea as they passed. Vanessa remained where she was, glaring at Althea with thinly veiled rage before finally storming off, her footsteps brisk with irritation.

Once the four of them disappeared from the living room, silence fell.

Daven rubbed his face slowly, looking completely exhausted. "Whatever is going on between you all, don’t make it my problem this morning."

Althea, who had been standing calmly despite the turmoil tearing through her heart, finally found the courage to look up at her husband. Her voice was soft, but steady.

"Then, please allow me to prepare your breakfast. It’ll only take five minutes. You haven’t eaten yet, have you?"

Daven didn’t respond immediately. He stared at her for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then he gave a brief nod. "Fine. Just don’t waste my time."

Althea gave a slight nod and quietly turned toward the kitchen. Five minutes later, she returned carrying a tray with neatly arranged toast, a sunny-side-up egg, and a steaming cup of coffee—even the napkin had been folded to perfection.

Daven was already seated at the dining table, scrolling through documents on his tablet.

"Here," Althea said, setting the tray down in front of him. "I know it’s simple, but... I hope it helps you start your day right."

Daven glanced at the food for a second, then began to eat without saying much.

Althea pulled out a chair and sat across from him, folding her hands on her lap. Her lips parted, hesitant at first, but then she spoke up again.

"You haven’t forgotten your promise, have you?" she asked gently. "I just wanted to remind you."

Daven set down his fork and knife, meeting her gaze with a neutral expression. "No."

Althea gave a small nod. "Then I’ll do my part as your wife—as I should. I’ll prepare your breakfast, make sure you don’t forget any important documents for work," she said with a faint smile, "and everything else a married couple might normally do."

Daven sighed and briefly massaged his temples. "I don’t want any unnecessary drama. You know the limits, Althea. Don’t make me regret agreeing to this."

"I won’t make you regret it," Althea replied, steadying herself. Her brown eyes locked onto his without hesitation. "Just one thing this morning... I only want to ask for one thing."

Daven returned her gaze, disinterested. "What is it?"

"Could you give me... a morning kiss?"

"Are you ... lost your mind?"

Althea understood perfectly why her best friend reacted that way, her face frozen in disbelief. She had told Lydia everything—though without shedding a single tear, Lydia knew just how deep the pain and disappointment ran. Not all pain needed tears to be felt.

Sometimes, the wound cut so deeply that even tears no longer had the strength to fall.

"You can say whatever you want," Althea replied with a faint smile. "But I think this is the only chance life has given me."

"You have me, Althea. You’re not alone in this world," Lydia snapped, frustrated. "I’ve told you so many times, the Callister family is no place for someone like you. You’re too kind… too gentle to be forced to survive among them."

Althea stared at her now-lukewarm cup of tea. Her hands still wrapped around it, as if whatever warmth remained could calm the storm inside her chest.

"I know," she whispered, barely audible. "If I could turn back time, I would never have wanted to be part of their family."

A bitter smile curved her lips, one meant only for herself—for the life that felt like an endless tidal wave crashing repeatedly.

Lydia let out a long sigh, leaning closer toward Althea, who sat slumped in defeat. "Why are you choosing to wait a whole month? In the end, Daven’s still going to divorce you, isn’t he?"

Althea nodded slowly. "Like I said before… who knows? Maybe sometime within that month, Daven might spend the night with me."

She gave a pained smile, her head bowing lower. "My life is pathetic, isn’t it?"

Silence stretched between them.

"But who knows," Althea said softly. "Maybe God will take pity on me. Maybe I’ll get pregnant."

"Aren’t you afraid?" Lydia asked cautiously. "What if Daven finds out someday?"

"Why should I be afraid? It’s just a night like the ones he spends with other women, isn’t it? I can give him plenty of reasons. I won’t ask anything from him. There won’t be a Callister name tied to me—or my child—ever again."

Lydia exhaled heavily. The despair Althea carried wasn’t baseless. If this was what Althea wanted, then there was nothing Lydia could do but stand by her. "And you’re really sure you want to sell the house?"

"Yes," Althea answered without hesitation.

Lydia looked at her, a mix of admiration and sorrow in her eyes. "But that house—it was your mother’s. You two made so many memories there."

Althea paused for a moment, then offered a faint, wistful smile. "I don’t want to leave any trace of myself in this city, Lydia. I’ve made up my mind. I’m truly leaving."

***

The sky was already dark when Daven Callister unlocked the door, the familiar click echoing through the silence of the grand house—quiet, yet resounding. His black shoes clicked against the marble floor of the foyer, and the dark grey suit he wore looked slightly rumpled. A faint trace of an elegant woman’s perfume lingered on his collar—a remnant of the secret dinner he had just shared with Vanessa.

He sighed, loosening his tie with a lazy tug before stepping further inside. The lights in the main room were still on, casting a warm glow that stood in stark contrast to the cold air outside.

“Welcome home, Daven.”

His steps halted.

Althea stood at the entrance to the dining room, dressed in a simple beige house dress. Her hair was pinned up neatly, with a few soft strands framing her face. She smiled—wide and sincere—her warm brown eyes looking at her husband as if nothing was wrong.

For a moment, Daven just looked back at her. Normally, he would have ignored that greeting. But tonight, he couldn’t brush Althea off so easily.

“I made dinner,” she said. “I heard the weather’s been chilly today, so I thought you’d like some beef soup and warm bread.”

Her words made Daven glance at the dining table. Dinner was set with care: a bowl of steaming soup, homemade bread, and a small plate of salad arranged delicately. A single lit candle stood at the center, casting a soft glow and shadows on the wall.

Daven exhaled quietly. “I already ate.”

Althea nodded. “That’s okay. But it’d be a shame to let it go cold and to waste. You could try a little.”

Her tone was light, not insistent. But for some reason, Daven pulled out a chair and sat down without complaint. Maybe it was fatigue. Maybe it was the hopeful look in Althea’s eyes. Or maybe it was because of the promise he’d made—to treat Althea as his real wife, just for a month.

And dinner with his wife counted, didn’t it?

Althea took the seat across from him, her hands busy pouring water into a glass. “Go ahead,” she said gently. She didn’t touch her own food, just watched him with a calm gaze.

“How was your day?” she asked softly. “Did the morning meeting go well?”

Daven picked up the spoon, slowly tasted the soup, and swallowed without replying.

Althea offered a faint smile. She understood. Daven wasn’t the kind of man who opened up easily, especially not to someone he considered a wife only because of circumstance.

“I heard about the Korean textile merger that’s planning to expand into Mighatan. Aren’t they considered a competitor to Callister Enterprise?”

Daven’s head lifted slightly.

“Not a direct competitor,” he muttered. “But they do have ties to the raw material markets we’ve been targeting.”

Althea nodded thoughtfully. “I thought you’d approach it with an alliance strategy, not competition.”

Daven paused mid-bite. There was a moment of silence before he set the spoon down slowly.

“You understand quite a bit.”

“Some news portals have been covering it. I’ve just been following along a little.”

Daven raised an eyebrow slightly. He didn’t say anything, but for the first time in a long while, he looked at Althea—not with disdain or irritation, but with a flicker of interest.

Althea smiled, not out of pride, but because she knew she’d finally gotten his attention.

“I want to understand some of the things that make up your world. At the very least… if I’m going to leave one day, I want to go knowing who you really are.”

The word “leave” hung in the air like a heavy night fog.

Daven said nothing. Instead, he picked up his spoon again and finished the soup in his bowl.

A long silence settled between them—comforting in a way neither of them could quite define. Until finally, Daven spoke—his tone as flat as usual, though this time, not as cold.

“In two days, there’s a dinner at the Mighatan Embassy. The Japanese Ambassador will be attending.”

Althea turned to him slowly. “Sounds like an important meeting.”

“The Japanese Ambassador has taken a particular interest in Callister Enterprise. He extended a personal invitation.”

“That’s wonderful, isn’t it?” Althea’s voice carried a hint of enthusiasm.

“They invited me... with a partner.”

She was still smiling. “You can do that, Daven.”

“My wife.”

Althea went quiet.

“I’ve been asked to attend with my wife, Althea.”

Those words rendered her speechless. A sharp, unexplainable ache bloomed in her chest. It had already seemed certain that Daven would go with Vanessa. And why was he telling her this?

Just to remind her of her place? Even without being told, Althea was painfully aware of who she was in this house.

“Get ready to attend the event, Althea.”

Daven rose from his seat, resting a hand on the table before walking toward the stairs. But just before he disappeared from sight, he spoke again—without turning back:

“The soup was good.”

She hadn’t processed what he’d said yet. Not fully. But...

“Am I dreaming?” Althea muttered, pressing her hands to her cheeks, suddenly warm. “Daven... complimented my cooking?”

Oh, but that wasn’t the most shocking part. “And he asked me to go with him? As his wife?”