Chapter 242
Anna’s POV:
The bright spot in December was that William’s heart condition had stabilized.
Not great news by any measure–his overall prognosis remained grim–but at least it gave the family a moment to breathe.
Blake had been frantically shuttling between the office and hospital for weeks. I barely saw him anymore, which suited me fine.
My own schedule kept me flying across the country, taking on increasingly complex cases that required longer stays away from Boston.
On those rare nights when we were both home, Blake would silently slip into my bed, his cold body pressing against mine. It wasn’t for conversation or comfort, but purely to have sex with the aim of having a baby.
Our lovemaking felt like a business transaction–mechanical and joyless, with both of us just going through the motions we’d rather avoid.
Blake had taken on William’s desperate wish to see the next generation before he passed away as his own mission
I thought once his father died, he’d stop treating me this way.
Then he might finally stop touching me. After each time we had sex, I make a point of taking out a birth control pill right in front of him, then I ask Emily to arrange longer business trips for me.
Blake stands before me, fists clenched, restraining himself because he knows he can’t stop me. Those little pills are too easy to take in secret. I
‘m not oblivious to how emergency contraceptives damage my body, but I genuinely don’t care.
Even though the mere smell of the pills makes me physically gag, I swallow them down while he watches.
Blake’s eyes always speak volumes, as do mine. We often stare at each other in prolonged silence…
Surprisingly, this time he didn’t immediately leave the bed after we finished. Instead, he asked me, “What are your plans for Christmas? The house hasn’t been decorated this year. It doesn’t feel festive without any decorations.”
He looked at me intently–a rare moment of intimacy between us in recent times.
‘I’ll arrange for someone to decorate,” I replied quietly.
In previous years, Blake would take three days off during Christmas, and I’d always prepare well in advance. I’d fantasize that he might set aside even half a day to spend alone with me, but he was always too busy.
Busy with his parents, busy with his sister, busy entertaining visitors–he would always say, “Next year. I’ll make more time next Christmas.”
He’s truly something, making promises he never keeps, year after year.
He squeezed my hand briefly. “Christmas is coming. Don’t leave yet. Your work can wait until after the holidays.”
I thought for a moment, then nodded.
After all my recent efforts, plus the news coverage of Scarlett’s sentencing, the damage Blake had inflicted on me finally diminished to a manageable level. I could breathe again, at least for a while.
His intention was for me to settle down and pay more attention to our family life, but I suspected this year would be no different Il the others.
He’d barely be home, as usual. His presence in our house would remain as rare as ever.
I had Martha hang a few token ornaments and lights. W
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Chapter 242
hen Blake saw the half–hearted display, he frowned deeply, disappointment etched across his face, but and nothing. 1
hat night he disappeared into his study until dawn. Even when he finally came to bed, we remained strangers shaung à magifless
By mid–December, the mood at Wright Estate had improved. Caroline and Claire’s demeaner toward me had stabilized to something resembling batida
William’s doctors reported improvement. Blake’s face finally showed traces of a smile.
I was reviewing case notes by the bay window of my room, watching snow fall outside, when the cream envelope arrived.
Inside was Seth Price’s wedding invitation for December 22st.
I sat stunned, staring at the elegant card. Henry had mentioned Seth was doing well overseas, expanding his business along the path his father had mapped out for him.
But marriage? That was unexpected.
My phone rang. International number.
Hello, Anna. This is Seth.”
“Oh, Seth! Your call couldn’t have come at a better time. I just received your wedding invitation. Congratulations!” I forced enthusiasm, though my face remained stiff.
Silence hung between us like the heavy snow falling outside my window.
“Anna,” he finally said, voice flat. “Will you come?”
“I…” I hesitated. I had promised Blake I wouldn’t leave before Christmas. If I went, I’d barely make it back in time for Christmas Eve, when Blake needed me to visit William at the hospital.
‘You’ll come,
right?” Seth pressed. “I sent Emily an invitation too. I’ve booked flights and hotels. I didn’t want you traveling alone–it might not be safe.”
“Emily has a boyfriend now. I barely see her these days. She probably can’t come with me.”
“Bring her boyfriend too. I didn’t say you couldn’t bring guests.”
I frowned at his tone. Where was the excitement? The happiness? He sounded indifferent, resigned. Not like someone about to marry the love of his life.
“Is Blake not letting you come?” Seth’s voice sharpened. ‘I’m getting married. What’s he worried about?”
“I’m sure your father found someone exceptional for you. I just want her to treat you well.”
“Treat me well?” he scoffed. “What good is that? I could hire a caretaker to treat me well. I don’t love her, Anna. If you don’t come, I won’t go through with this. My life is worthless anyway–what difference would it make?”
‘Don’t joke like that.”
“You know I’m serious.” His voice cracked. “Life without you has been a living death. Can’t my oldest friend at least attend my wedding?”
I turned to lean against the cold windowpane, sighing deeply. I understood Seth’s predicament all too well. In families like ours, love was a luxury, not a necessity. Seth had achieved everything by playing/his role. If he broke now, he’d lose it all.
Just like me. Just like my marriage to Blake.
“Fine,” I relented. “I’ll come to your wedding.
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