Chapter 28
Not long after, the doorknob turned.
Arthur walked in, his brow slightly furrowed and his tone flat. "If you had something to discuss, you could have just texted me."
He didn't even look at her, his gaze fixed on the lamp on the nightstand, as if even glancing at her would be excessive.
When Caroline didn't respond, Arthur turned to leave. "If there's nothing, I'll go back downstairs."
Caroline's heart sank like a stone in an icy pond. She took a deep breath, swallowing the bitterness in her throat. "Grandpa is still awake."
Arthur stopped in his tracks.
"And we have guests in the house," Caroline said softly, each word distinct. "What do you think Grandpa will think if he sees you sleeping in the study next to the guest room instead of the master bedroom?"
She stepped in front of him, daring to look directly into his eyes for the first time. "Or would you prefer everyone to know we've reached the point of sleeping in separate rooms?"
Arthur considered for a moment. "It's fine. I can explain to him."
A self-mocking smile tugged at Caroline's lips. "It's a sensitive time right now. Grandfather is particularly concerned about our relationship. I'm only asking you to stay to avoid his lecture tomorrow morning. You don't want that either, do you?"
Looking at his tense jawline, she added, "After all, Mr. Windsor, what you need most right now is to maintain the illusion of 'family harmony,' isn't that right?"
Arthur raised an eyebrow slightly. It was the first time he'd heard Caroline address him so formally as Mr. Windsor. Perhaps it was because she was now an employee of the Windsor Group.
He didn't dwell on the matter of titles. He knew Caroline was right—his grandfather's health was poor, and he valued family reputation above all.
If he learned about their marital discord, there was no telling how upset he might become. Moreover, with Heidi downstairs, any gossip would only turn the Windsor family into a laughingstock.
"I'll sleep on the couch tonight," Arthur said, then loosened his collar as he walked toward the bathroom.
Caroline watched his retreating back and suddenly felt utterly drained. Water sounds came from the bathroom, but to Caroline, they seemed distant and muffled, as if filtered through thick glass.
How long had it been since they'd been alone in a room together? She couldn't remember anymore.
Some time later, the bathroom door opened. Arthur emerged wearing a bathrobe, water still dripping from his hair. He didn't look at Caroline on the bed, but walked straight to the couch and picked up his laptop.
"Are you going to work here?" Caroline couldn't help asking.
Without looking up, Arthur replied, "I have some urgent documents to finish for the company."
"The bed is large," Caroline said softly. "You could actually..."
Somehow, against her better judgment, Caroline still wanted to salvage something between them.
Perhaps this relationship just needed a little more effort from her. She was already trying—trying to become more like Heidi. Surely Arthur must see that, she thought.
"That won't be necessary. It's late—you should get some sleep," he interrupted, his tone politely distant. "The couch is fine for me."
Caroline closed her mouth and said nothing more. He still didn't see her efforts. Or perhaps, in Arthur's eyes, no one could compare to Heidi.
She turned away, her back to him, wrapping herself in the blankets.
The night deepened, the villa so quiet their breathing was audible.
The next morning, Caroline slowly opened her eyes. As consciousness returned, she instinctively looked beside her. As expected, the space was empty.
Her heart felt like something had stung it lightly—not painful, but numbing. She sat up, her gaze falling on the couch where there was a noticeable depression.
So he really had stayed there all night.
Caroline sighed silently. After washing up, she changed into a simple, elegant dress before heading downstairs.
At this hour, the villa was usually quiet, with servants preparing breakfast in the kitchen without much commotion.
However, as soon as she reached the stairs' landing, the sound of laughter from below clearly reached her ears.
There was Arthur's deep voice responding, Heidi's sweet laughter, and Tiffany's gentle tone, all intertwined like a harmonious melody—one that excluded only her.
Caroline's steps faltered, her fingertips curling slightly. She took a deep breath, pushing down that inexplicable bitterness, and continued downstairs.
At the kitchen entrance, the scene matched her expectations perfectly.
Arthur, dressed in casual home clothes, stood by the counter, listening to whatever Heidi was saying, a faint smile playing at his lips. Heidi wore a light-colored apron, an egg beater in hand, standing sideways to him, smiling so brightly her eyes crinkled. Sunlight fell on her, casting a soft glow around her.
Tiffany sat at the nearby dining table, watching the two of them with affectionate eyes, occasionally adding a comment. The atmosphere was painfully warm and inviting.
The three of them together created a scene so cozy it resembled a carefully composed family portrait, while she felt like an accidental intruder—a superfluous background figure who'd wandered into the frame.
"You're up," Arthur was the first to notice her presence. He turned his head, giving a slight nod as his only greeting.
"Yes," she responded quietly.
"Heidi's personal art exhibition starts today. The venue is far from here, so we need to leave early," Arthur's gaze rested briefly on her face before shifting away, his tone businesslike. "Have a quick breakfast and go wake the children."
With that, he turned back, naturally taking the egg beater from Heidi's hand. "Let me do this—you might get splatter on yourself."
Heidi's cheeks flushed slightly as she released her grip. "Thank you, Arthur."
Tiffany smiled and chimed in, "Arthur is always so thoughtful. Heidi, dear, you just focus on preparing for your exhibition today."
Heidi lowered her head with a shy smile, though her sidelong glance flickered almost imperceptibly toward Caroline.
Caroline stood frozen, her hands and feet growing cold.
Arthur's words had created an invisible barrier, completely separating her from them. An indescribable feeling of humiliation and hurt welled up inside her, and Caroline's nails nearly dug into her palms.
Just then, Heidi seemed to finally notice her discomfort. She turned, her face showing perfectly calibrated apology and enthusiasm as she approached Caroline.
"Caroline," her voice was gentle. "This exhibition wouldn't have happened without Arthur's help, so I specifically invited him and the children to come see it."
She paused, her gaze settling on Caroline's face with a hint of uncertainty. "Are you free today? If you are, please join us. I'd love to hear your thoughts on my work."