“I am well,” I respond with an innocent grin, gesturing for him to take his seat and let me solitude.
I notice his scepticism, although I remain indifferent and concentrate on my dish instead.
Aldo and Nina eventually acknowledge my presence, and Aldo extends his hand to kiss mine. I recoil from his contact, and he regards me with a perplexed expression.
“Are you alright, dear?” he enquires, tilting his head to the side in polite interest.
“It is merely the pain,” I remarked, absently toying with my meal. “Today was more severe.”
“This once more?” he exhales with disdain, his cutlery clattering on his plate. “Goddess Laura, you frequently express dissatisfaction. How often must we reiterate that it is merely a mental construct? Take some aspirin and cease your incessant complaints; it is becoming irksome.”
His response does not astonish me. He has never possessed a caring disposition and considers soothing others to be a futile endeavour. I rotate my fork in my hands and feign a grin at him, concealing the sorrow in my heart that seems to intensify with each passing moment.
“Indeed,” I murmur, persisting in my consumption of the meal.
A palpable stillness envelops the room as we attempt to dine. I concentrate on the vegetables on my plate and compel myself to eat, aware that I must now be concerned about the life developing within me.
“What did the physician convey?”Nina smirks, breaking the stillness. “Have you had any success with conceiving a child?”She enquires, tipping her head innocently to the side.
I firmly grasp the fork and count to 10 to regain composure.
“Based on your expression, I shall interpret that as a negative response,” she chuckles. “Astonishing revelation.”
I clench my tongue and gaze at my plate. I had to restrain myself from lunging across the table and inflicting a knife wound to her neck.
Delicately placing my fork down, I stand and grin. “I believe I shall retire for the night. Goodnight.”
Aldo moans, “Laura, refrain from this action.” “Refrain from exhibiting excessive emotional behaviour.”
“I am not,” I reply, maintaining my smile. “I am merely fatigued. Goodnight.”
I should have expressed my aversion to your presence, yet I remain silent. I did not require him to express his fury. There will be plenty opportunity for it subsequently.
I excuse myself and go to my bedroom, fury coalescing in the pit of my stomach as I gaze at our bed. No evidence of his treachery remained; the linens were replaced and infused with lavender fragrances that once provided me tranquilly during slumber. We enjoyed several private moments on that bed, experiencing many wonderful mornings and evenings together.
He had obliterated those memories, tainting them all with Nina. What I observed was only a foundation of shattered commitments.
I enter the closet, rummaging through my garments until I locate the goods I first brought here, and place them into a little bag. I would not take any items that Aldo had ever bestowed to me upon my departure.
A knock at the door nearly causes my heart to race, prompting me to hastily conceal the bag in the closet before rushing to answer it. Marlon stands in the corridor, grinning bashfully at me.
What is it?I enquire, concealed behind the door. “You have apprehended me in the act of transformation.”
He experiences a small flush and pivots to confront the hallway.
“I apologize,” he murmurs. I only arrived to enquire about your well-being, Luna. “You appeared preoccupied during dinner,” he shrugs, gazing at his feet. “Is all well?”
I desire to vocalise the truth, yet I suppress it with a strained grin and a shake of my head.
“I assure you, I am well,” I exhale. “My head aches from the persistent pain I have been experiencing.”
He pivots, anxiety evident in his gaze. “Have you administered your aspirin today?”He enquires. “It will alleviate the discomfort.”
A portion of me clung to the expectation that he would reveal the truth of the anguish, although, predictably, he does not. Thus, I only smile and nod.
“Indeed, I have. Now, if you will excuse me, I wish to prepare for bed,” I said with a grin, gesturing to dismiss him.
He regards me with suspicion but refrains from further inquiry and departs. I shut the door and am on the verge of tears, disheartened that even my closest companion was never truly a friend. He was a deceiver like the others.
I lack the luxury of lamentation, I remind myself. Proceed, Rick. We have tasks to accomplish.
I conceal my possessions in the guest room before returning to the bedroom to get the fertility test. Avoiding contact with the bed, I take a seat in a chair and scrutinise the counterfeit paperwork, reviewing my strategy.
