Chapter 10
Over the next few days, I showered Rosemary with attention – shopping sprees, spa days, fancy dinners, the works. I pretended not to notice if she embarrassed herself; in fact, I always defended her.
After almost two weeks of showering Rosemary with attention, I finally saw my plan taking
root.
That evening, I overheard Rosemary talking to Julian. Her voice was a mix of sweet persuasion and underlying authority.
“Son,” she said, her tone softening, “I don’t think Emily is as bad as you made her out to be.”
“And about Jessica…” she continued, a hint of dismissal in her voice. “Perhaps it’s best we… focus on the future. We should figure out a way to bring Ethan to live in the city. He
deserves a good life too, don’t you think?”
“Emily… she’s truly devoted to you. Darling, I’m a woman, I know how we operate. Once Ethan’s here, just apologize, lay on the charm a little, and she’ll soften up. Think about it: she’s carrying your child. A divorce wouldn’t just be messy, it would stain her reputation
forever.”
Julian was silent for a moment before finally saying, “Alright, I’ll figure something out.”
The irony is, I understand women too. Jessica’s no pushover. She weathered years of
hardship back in their hometown. She’s a survivor, and she won’t go down without a fight.
A couple of days later, I overheard Rosemary on the phone, a nervous tremor in her voice.
“Jessica, please,” she pleaded, “stop calling and texting so much. What if Emily finds out and suspects something?”
“When I return is not up for discussion,” Jessica’s voice was a low growl.
“Why are you making this so difficult?” Rosemary’s voice wavered. “Emily is far more understanding… she wouldn’t cause a scene.”
11:24
Too Late to Say Sorry
Thapo 10
“I have to go.” Rosemary said abruptly, hanging up with a shaky hand. “Spa appointment.”
“Mary, who were you talking to? You look upset,” I asked, approaching her.
Rosemary quickly hid her phone. “Just a telemarketer. Nothing important.”
At a friend’s luxurious spa, we were treated like VIPS, surrounded by exquisite fruit platters and decadent pastries – the ultimate indulgence. I captured a selfie with Rosemary and a photo of our afternoon tea spread, uploading them to my social media immediately.
I nudged Rosemary playfully, my arm linked with hers. “Mary, you should post something
too!”
Rosemary’s smile faltered. “Oh, I don’t think so… I… I’m not very good with these things.”
Sensing her hesitation, I gently took her phone. “It’s easy, I’ll help you.” Before she could fully object, I typed and posted: “Afternoon tea with Emily.”
Jessica wouldn’t miss that post for the world. Rosemary, blissfully immersed in the spa
treatments, had already forgotten about it. But then her phone buzzed. It was Julian.
I snatched it up before she could react. “Mom, why would you post that now?” Julian’s
frantic voice filled the air. “I haven’t even spoken to Jessica yet!”
“Honey!” I interrupted, my voice dripping with sugary sweetness.
A stunned silence followed. “Em… Emily? Is that you?”
“Mom’s having a facial,” I purred. “Did you need something?”
Julian stammered, flustered. “Nó, nothing. Just… be sure to get home safe.”
He needn’t have worried. I’d be home early, refreshed and ready for the show.
The fireworks were about to ignite.
11:24
