Chapter 51 #51
Chapter 51
~Shailyn~
I blinked rapidly, trying to focus on Hannah's worried face hovering above me.
"What happened, Shay?" she asked again, her hands still gripping my shoulders. "You just completely zoned out. Are you okay?”
"I'm fine," I managed, though my heart was still pounding. "I just... I got a little dizzy for a second."
"Dizzy?" Hannah's eyes narrowed. "Shay, you looked like you were having some kind of episode. Your eyes went blank and you just froze."
"It's nothing," I insisted, gently pulling away from her grip. "Probably just low blood sugar or something you know."
Hannah didn't look convinced, but she didn't push. "Do you want to sit down? Get some water?"
"No, I think I should probably head home," I said, already moving back through the willow branches. "I'm suddenly really tired."
"Shay, wait…"
"Thank you for today, Hannah," I interrupted, forcing a smile. "I had fun. Really. But I need to go."
"Let me at least drive you back," Hannah offered, following me out of the clearing.
"No, I drove myself. I'll be fine."
"Shay.."
"Hannah, please," I said, my voice firmer now. "I just need some space to think. Okay?"
She stopped walking. "Okay. But call me if you need anything. Promise?"
"Promise," I said, though I wasn't sure I meant it.
The drive back to the manor was a blur. All I could see was Cynthia's face, that twisted expression burned into my mind. What had happened? Why couldn't I remember the rest?
By the time I pulled into the driveway, my hands were shaking on the steering wheel.
I walked into the manor, hoping to slip upstairs unnoticed, but Dante was in the foyer.
"Hey, baby," he said, looking up from his phone with a smile. "How was shopping?"
"Good," I said automatically. "Fine."
His smile faltered slightly. "You okay? You look pale."
"Just tired," I said, moving toward the stairs. "I think I'm going to lie down for a bit."
"Want me to come with you?" he asked, already starting to follow.
"No, I'm fine. Really. I just need to rest."
He caught my hand gently. "Shay, what's wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong," I said, pulling my hand back. "I'm just tired, Dante. That's all."
Something flickered in his expression, concern mixed with something else I couldn't identify. "Okay. I'll check on you in a bit."
I nodded and hurried upstairs, desperate for the privacy of our room.
Once inside, I collapsed onto the bed, staring at the ceiling. Cynthia's face kept replaying in my mind. That expression. That shock I'd felt.
What had she done?
I must have dozed off eventually, because the next thing I knew, it was evening. The room was dim, and I could hear voices drifting up from downstairs.
I got up, splashing water on my face before heading down. Maybe some dinner would help clear my head.
As I descended the stairs, I heard Tyler's voice from the dining room.
"...partnership with Patterson's company..."
I paused, not wanting to interrupt.
"I still have reservations," Dwayne's voice responded. "Something about him doesn't sit right."
"Your instincts have always been good," Tyler said. "But the numbers look solid. I need to see the man himself.”
"Numbers can be manipulated," Dwayne countered.
I continued down the stairs, entering the dining room. Everyone was already seated, Tyler at the head, Dante and Dwayne on opposite sides, and an empty chair beside Dante.
"Shailyn," Tyler greeted warmly. "Come, sit. How are you feeling?"
"Fine, thank you," I said, settling into my seat.
Dante immediately reached for my hand under the table. "You sure you're okay?"
"I'm fine," I said, though I pulled my hand away to reach for my water glass.
Cynthia swept into the room a moment later, impeccably dressed as always.
"Sorry I'm late," she said breezily. "I lost track of time."
She took her seat beside Tyler, and I found myself studying her face. That same face I'd seen in my vision. But now it was serene, elegant, composed.
Had I imagined it? Had my mind made up something that never happened?
Dinner progressed with the usual polite conversation. Tyler discussed business. Dwayne and Dante at loggerheads again. But nothing too serious.
And through it all, I couldn't stop stealing glances at Cynthia.
"Shailyn?" Tyler's voice pulled me back. "I asked how the baby is fairing."
"Oh, sorry," I said quickly. "I'm good. Just a little tired lately."
"Oh don't be too dramatic. It's normal," Cynthia said, her voice sharp.
I was about to respond when Dante responded for me.
“I'd appreciate it if you don't make comments about my wife and baby, mother.”
Cynthia was about to speak when Tyler gave her a look.
After dinner, I excused myself again, claiming exhaustion. Dante offered to come up with me, but I insisted I was fine.
Back in our room, I found myself pacing. That vision. Cynthia's face. The fear.
It meant something. I knew it meant something.
I was about to get ready for bed when I heard it, voices in the hallway. Low, urgent voices trying to be quiet.
I moved to the door, pressing my ear against it.
"...I miss you baby..." Cynthia's voice echoed. What? Which baby?
I couldn't figure out who she was talking to. But it's probably on call since I couldn't hear. The person must have said something because she responded.
"Patient?" The first voice again, sharp now. "I've been patient. When is this going to happen?"
My breath caught. That phrase. "I can't wait to see you, I love you. I want you to hold me.”
It was exactly the emotions Monica had expressed that night. The same urgency.
"You promise?" Cynthia asked, her voice softening.
A pause. Then a soft laugh. "No. Never."
"Bye my king.”
Footsteps moved away, quick and light.
I stood there, frozen, my heart pounding.
I waited, hearing the second set of footsteps fade in the opposite direction, before carefully walking towards the side she was.
The hallway was empty.
I remembered the sharp memory I got earlier today. Is my mind playing tricks on me?
And I knew whose voice I'd just heard in the hallway. It was no doubt my mother in law, Cynthia.
But who was she talking to secretly? And on the phone.