Chapter 130 Cracks in the facade
Through the living room’s tall windows the afternoon sun reached the golden edges of the curtains.
Although everything appeared to be serene and ideal there was a heavy silence between Bridget and Carson.
She was adjusting her earrings by the mirror while he sat on the couch and gazed at the stack of bills on the glass table.
In a tight but low voice Carson questioned “You spent this much on one dress?”
“Carson, it's not just a dress.” She explained, “It is for the engagement dinner.”
He read the numbers again after lifting one of the receipts.
“Bridget, five thousand dollars. For a single evening” he stated.
“You make it seem like I'm wasting money.” she muttered
“That’s because you are,” he said.
With a sudden turn her eyes flashed.
“You’re being dramatic.” she said
“Dramatic?” he inquired. “Bridget, we've talked about this before. You said you would slow down.”
“I did slow down.” she said
He chuckled a little without a joke. He questioned “You call this slowing down?”
She folded her arms. “Carson, you don’t get it. We have expectations from others. From me”
He furrowed his brow.
“People? Who are they? The ones who are more concerned with brands than with us?” he questioned
She scowled at him.
“You’re insulting me now, aren't you?” she asked angrily
“I’m not trying to insult you.” He said
There was a brief silence in the room. There was only a loud ticking clock on the wall. Bridget became stern-faced.
“You always find something to complain about.” she muttered
His hands were clasped together as he leaned forward.
“You spend like money grows on trees, you don't listen to me and you start a fight when I try to talk.” he said
She took a step forward.
“Perhaps I would pay more attention if you didn't sound like my dad.” she said
“That’s rubbish”he remarked.
“It's the truth.” She stated
His dark eyes gazed up at her.
“The truth? If it hit you, you wouldn't know it” he remarked.
Her breath caught in her throat.
“Pardon me?” she asked.
“You heard me,” he said.
She concealed the slight trembling of her lips with anger.
“You think you're so much better than me.” she said
“I doubt it,” he remarked.
“You act like I'm shallow because I care about appearances.” she pushed
His voice rose as he stood.
“Because that's your only concern,” he remarked. “Tell me Bridget what else is important to you. Tell me something real”
She was hesitant.
“I’m worried about us,” she said.
He slowly shook his head.
“No, you are concerned with our appearance,” he remarked.
She narrowed her eyes.
“You’re cruel.” she shrieked “You used to love me for who I am”
“I thought I did,” he said softly.
Her eyes widened.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” she asked.
“It means I don’t know anymore,” he said.
She turned away quickly, blinking hard. “You’re saying you don’t love me?” she asked.
“I’m saying I don’t recognize you,” he said.
“You’re unbelievable,” she said.
“You keep saying that,” he said.
“Because it’s true,” she said.
He exhaled heavily and sat down again.
“Bridget, I’m not trying to hurt you. I just—” he began.
“Just what?” she asked sharply.
“I just wish things were different,” he said.
She walked toward the window, her arms crossed tight over her chest.
“Maybe you shouldn’t have proposed then” she said.
He looked up at her.
“Maybe I shouldn’t have,” he said quietly.
The words hung between them like a blade. Bridget turned, slowly her face pale.
“You don’t mean that,” she said.
“I do,” he said.
Before she could speak again the door opened. Victoria stepped inside, smiling brightly as if she hadn’t heard the storm brewing.
“What’s all this noise about?” she asked.
“Nothing,” Bridget said quickly.
“Just talking,” Carson said.
Victoria looked from one to the other, her eyes sharp. “Doesn’t sound like a talk” she said.
“It’s fine Victoria” Bridget said.
“It doesn’t seem fine,” Victoria said. “You two are about to be married. You shouldn’t be shouting.”
“No one’s shouting,” Bridget said.
“You were,” Carson said quietly.
Victoria frowned.
“What’s going on?” she asked.
“It’s nothing,” Bridget said again.
“It’s not nothing,” Carson said.
“Carson,” Victoria warned softly.
He looked at her. “You can’t keep pretending everything’s perfect,” he said.
Victoria forced a smile. “Sweetheart every couple argues before a wedding. It’s just stress” she said.
“This isn’t stress,” he said.
“Then what is it?” she asked. “It’s realization” he said
Victoria’s smile faltered.
“Realization?” she asked.
“Yes, the realization that maybe this marriage isn’t what it should be,” he said.
Bridget spun around.
“Stop it!” she said.
“Bridget” Victoria said firmly “Go to your room for a moment. Let me talk to him. ”.
“I’m not leaving,” Bridget said.
“Please,” Victoria said.
Bridget hesitated then stormed out slamming the door behind her. Victoria turned back to Carson.
“You’re being foolish,” she said.
“I’m being honest” he said.
“You don’t throw everything away because of a few arguments” she said.
“These aren’t a few arguments,” he said.
“Then what do you want me to say?” she asked.
“I don’t want you to say anything. I just want to stop pretending” he said.
Victoria sighed and sat down across from him. “Listen to me” she said. “Appearances matter. People are watching. You and Bridget make a powerful pair. You can’t ruin that.”
He looked at her tired and cold. “So that’s what it is? A show?” he asked.
“It’s life Carson. Everyone plays their part” she said.
“I’m done playing,” he said.
Victoria stood up, shaking her head and he looked away.
She sighed and walked toward the door. “Think about what you’re doing,” she said.
“I already have,” he said.
When she left the silence filled the room again. Carson sat back on the couch staring at the golden curtains that looked perfect but felt fake—just like everything else.
He covered his face with his hands and whispered “What have I done?”