Chapter 128 Golden rays
The mansion's large windows let in the morning sun which splattered golden light on the marble floors.
Everything glistened including the silver-framed pictures, the chandeliers and the glass tables.
Carson felt nothing even though everything appeared to be perfect. Bridget stood by the mirror across the room fiddling with a diamond earring.
Like it was admiring itself, her reflection grinned back at her. She held a perfume bottle in one hand while wearing a pale gold silk robe.
“How do I look?” she asked
“You always look good.”He remarked
She pivoted her heels making a faint clicking sound on the ground.
“Not just good. Be truthful. Am I beautiful?” she inquired.
“Yes. You look fantastic.”He said softly
She smiled happily with the response.
“I was expecting that,” she remarked.
Carson sipped his coffee while keeping his eyes averted.
“What’s going on today?” He asked
“A club brunch” she remarked. “The wedding dress fittings will come next. Maybe shopping after that.”
“Are you shopping again?” he asked.
She laughed slightly.
“You can’t count on me to wear the same shoes twice.” She said
He gave a small smile but remained silent. She approached him and put her hand on his shoulder.
“You don’t sound enthusiastic “she remarked.
“I'm exhausted.”He said
“You're always exhausted,” she said. “You should unwind more.”
He gave her a glance.
“It’s not always simple to relax.” He said
Her head was cocked.
“You overthink things,” she said. “Enjoy the good times like me.”
He smiled once more but it was not visible. “It seems effortless to you,” he remarked.
“It’s simple,” she said. “You simply must lead a beautiful life.”
“Beautiful?” he asked.
“Yes,” she smiled. “With comfort, luxury and no regrets.”
After a brief moment of staring at her Carson returned his attention to the window.
The city below glowed with life that he no longer sensed and it stretched indefinitely.
“Do you ever consider what truly brings you joy?” he asked
She picked up her purse and replied “Of course.Perhaps a brand-new car or the diamond set I saw the previous week.”
He laughed quietly but it sounded hollow.
“That makes sense,” he said.
“Won’t you join me at the brunch?” she asked.
“Do I have a choice?” he asked.
She chuckled.
“No sweetheart. You do not” she remarked.
It took them several hours to reach the club. There were chandeliers and laughter everywhere.
Over champagne glasses guests in high fashion conversed. Bridget smiled brightly and practiced as she greeted everyone.
She greeted practically every visitor with “Darling! I’m so happy you came.”
Standing next to her Carson was courteous but aloof. Whenever someone turned to face him he said “Good morning.”
Bridget whispered to him “You’re too quiet. You should talk more. People must see how charming you are.”
“I’m going to try,” he said.
Later Bridget leaned closer as they sat at their table.
“Your suit for the gala should be ready today like Mothers instructions.” she said
“All right,” he replied. “I'll pick it up later.”
“I could come. We’ll coordinate the colors of my dress.” she said
“Yes,” he said.
Her phone rang. After glancing at it she smiled and started typing.
“Who is that?” he asked
“Clara. She is assisting with the décor. We’re aiming for a timeless color scheme of gold and white.” she answered
He whispered “Gold and white. That sounds pricey.”
It made her laugh.
“Everything lovely costs a lot of money.” She claimed
Carson sat back in his chair and listened to her ramble on about photographers dresses and flowers.
She was radiant due to attention rather than love. She placed her order as soon as the waiter showed up.
“Two champagne glasses. And the pasta with truffle.The same will apply to Carson” she stated.
Carson took a nod.
“Yes,” he replied.
Her smile spread across her face.
“We think alike you see” she remarked.
“Do we?” he said quietly.
The tone escaped her notice.
“Of course we do. Because of this we make the ideal couple.” She replied
They visited a downtown boutique following brunch. Dresses in rows glistened in the gentle light.
Bridget tried one after another and assistants hurried to assist her. She stepped out in a glittering gown and asked “What do you think of this one?”
“It's stunning” he said
“Too easy,” she said. “I want people to stop breathing when they see me, the statement goes.”
He gave a small smile.
She admired herself once more as she spun around in front of the mirror. She continued trying on dresses Carson sat on the couch and observed.
She was flawless, well-groomed and icy every time she stepped out. Her hands clapped together as the final dress was selected.
The sunlight was harsh against the buildings as they stepped outside. Then Bridget put on her sunglasses.
“Ae visit the jeweler next.” she said
“Do we have to?” he inquired.
“Yes,” she firmly replied. “We must.”
While driving she hummed to herself and browsed through her phone. As he looked out the window Carson saw regular people passing by—laughing, holding hands and going about their lives.
Bridget gave him a quick look.
“You look preoccupied,” she remarked.
“Perhaps I am,” he remarked.
She gave a small smile.
“Sometimes” she said “You’re too serious. But that’s okay. I'll make sure it's enjoyable.”
Gradually he nodded.
“I have no doubt that you will,” he said.
Upon arriving at the jeweler she immediately headed for the glass cases.
“Look at this necklace” she remarked. “It's ideal for the engagement dinner”
“It’s beautiful,” he remarked.
She pointed to the attendant and said “It’s mine.”
He smiled a little more.
“Obviously,” he replied.
They came back to the mansion hours later. Warm light softly radiated from the house.
While humming a tune Bridget carried a number of shopping bags. With a slower pace Carson trailed behind her. She looked back at him
“Aren’t you coming up?” she asked
“I’ll join you later.” he said
“Be quick,” she said. “Tomorrow we're having dinner with my parents.”
With a smile she vanished up the stairs.
With polished walls and sparkling chandeliers all around
Carson stood in the silent hall.
Despite the sparkles the air felt empty. He took a seat in the same chair where he and Anabelle used to laugh.
Outside bright far away and inaccessible, the night lights glistened on the city skyline.
His fingers brushed the table’s icy glass. Silently he told himself:
“This is the golden cage. Lovely but secure.”