Chapter 30 What He Wants Me to Want
Chapter 30 What He Wants Me to Want
Ivy
Watching. Always watching, never blinking. That camera saw everything.
How long had it been there? What did he see? This room felt safe before. Now nothing feels hidden. He is in every corner, even here... in my room.
The gala was coming soon, exactly as he’d promised. It wasn't a celebration... more like an act he expected me to perform. Everyone out there would see ‘Zara,’ Alistair’s calm, flawless partner. Yet beneath that name, I remained Ivy, trembling under silence.
A little while after that, they arrived to get me. A woman showed up, lips painted sharp pink, grinning like it meant something. Introducing herself as Celeste, she claimed the role of stylist. Though my space overflowed with garments already, she still hauled in extras anyway.
“Good morning Mrs. Hale” Celeste chirped her voice too loud for the quiet house. “How are we feeling today, excited for the gala?”
A nod was all I could give. “I suppose so,” I managed.
She clapped her hands. “Fantastic. Time to make you shine. Mr. Hale likes things a certain way, though your comfort matters just as much,” she said while yanking gowns from the rails. Red first, then blue, then green, each catching the glow like liquid metal.
“All of this feels overwhelming,” I remarked, staring at the shimmering fabric studded with countless little pearls hanging still in front of me.
Celeste laughed a light tinkling sound. “Oh but Mrs. Hale you are Mrs. Hale! You must command attention. This isn’t just about looking good Mrs. Hale” she whispered suddenly leaning in close. “It’s about projecting power.”
Her eyes watched me carefully. “Tell me what kind of power do you want to project tonight? The demure wife? The dazzling socialite? Or perhaps something more… formidable?”
That old camera sat in the window frame... and my mind kept returning to it. Then his eyes. Alistair's came into view, sharp like he saw too much. "I want to feel strong," I said, words low yet steady. “Not small.”
Celeste’s smile got bigger. “Ah an interesting choice! Mr. Hale will be pleased. He admires strength in a woman. But tell me does he still advise on all your wardrobe choices? He usually has such strong opinions.”
My expression stayed neutral. “True, he’s offered plenty before,” I replied. That part was honest
“And your husband you know Mr. Hale his health has been a topic of recent discussion among the families” Celeste continued as she held up a deep emerald green gown. It was simple in its cut but the color was like a jewel. It looked like it could be strong. “Is he feeling quite well? He seems to have a lot on his plate.”
The green dress landed in my hands. Not light like the rest... this one had weight, as if built to last through storms. "He’s doing fine," I said short and quick. The truth? I couldn’t tell his state now. He seemed strong enough to watch me all the time.
Celeste watched me hold the green dress. “That one is stunning. A bold choice. Not what Mr. Hale usually picks for you but I can see why it speaks to you.” She smiled. “Power you said. This dress definitely has power.”
She moved around me pinning and tucking. “And Lucian such a charming man. So devoted to his family. Does he approve of the preparations? He seems to care deeply for your comfort Mrs. Hale.”
A knot formed low in my gut. Lucian. I remembered his touch, his soft words... and then Alistair’s stillness across the room. "Lucian is… kind," I said, staring past her shoulder. “He’s busy with his own things I think.”
Celeste stayed quiet, only a soft hum breaking the silence. Her actions seemed careful, deliberate. Each comment she made... felt like a trap waiting for me to slip up.
After what felt like forever, Celeste finally stepped back. She was done.
Then came Mr. Thorne, the one who sold jewels for a living. Aged, yes... yet his gaze held warmth that still caught every flicker of light and movement. He had a velvet tray with more sparkle than I had ever seen. Rings, necklaces, earrings.
“Mrs. Hale it is a pleasure” he said bowing slightly. “Mr. Hale has selected a few pieces for your consideration. He said you have an eye for timeless beauty.”
He held up a necklace made of diamonds. They glittered fiercely. “These are quite the statement. Perfect for the event. Mr. Hale values elegance above all else.”
“They’re lovely,” I remarked, though a chill ran through me as I stared. There were shiny things everywhere. Always on display, always loud. So bright it hurt to watch.
“Indeed they are. But tell me Mrs. Hale... how is Mr. Hale’s disposition these days? Is he as sharp as ever with his discerning taste? I’ve heard he’s been a little… under the weather.” Mr. Thorne’s voice was soft almost caring.
“He is as he always is” I replied. Another lie or maybe just not the whole truth. How would I know? All I ever got was what he let show.
Mr. Thorne picked up a small box. “And Lucian such a fine young man. Does he ever speak of his mother still? A truly remarkable woman she was. Very particular about her jewelry choices too.” He almost seemed to sigh.
A small beat skipped inside my chest. The woman who raised Lucian... she stayed mostly out of view in my mind. “We haven’t spent much time on that subject,” I told him, words coming slow.
Mr. Thorne nodded slowly. “A pity. She was a woman of great presence. Anyway Mr. Hale wanted you to have this.” He opened the small box and a tiny silver pendant sat inside. It was shaped like a small, intricate key. It didn’t sparkle like the others. It looked old. Worn. “It was one of Lucian’s mother’s favourites. She wore it often. Mr. Hale thought you would appreciate its unique charm. A secret key to something special perhaps.”
Not waiting for a reply, he lifted my hand slow. His fingers guided mine around the pendant before letting go. It was so tiny, nothing like those heavy ornate pieces seen elsewhere. Alistair handing me a keepsake from Lucian’s mother... what game did that play? Could it be about fastening me tighter into their world, slotting me where she once stood? The gesture sat wrong. Like yet another thread tugged by hidden hands. Every move tied back to him.
“It’s beautiful” I said the words barely coming out.
“He thought you would think so” Mr. Thorne said with another small smile. “He always knows what you want even before you do Mrs. Hale.”
The tiny key sat there, resting on my palm. Maybe he understood me. Then again, maybe he knew what he wanted me to want.
After that moment, inside the quiet room, I faced the long mirror wearing the green dress. The stage waits tomorrow evening. Alistair will sit among the crowd. All eyes will land where I stand. Strength isn’t optional here. It must happen. That is how it has to be.