ARIA:
I stirred awake hours later, feeling more energized than I ever was. This nap after sex did a great deal of good to my body because why did I feel so right? Why did everything suddenly make sense? Why did everything feel clearer?

I wasn't surprised not to find Lyall by my side. Of course, I'd felt him join me in the settee, lifting me and placing me right beside him but I'd been too sleepy to even regard the movement.
Sliding daintily out of the chair, I planted my feet on the floor, yawned and stretched before slipping my foot into my slipper. And just when I turned, I found Sheila seated on his swivel chair and I felt my heart jump out of my throat.
She must have seen the shock because she chuckled and lifted her head to look at me, a smile that didn't reach her eyes, gracing her lips.
"Fancy seeing you here, asleep in my husband's office. You look like you belong here. I am impressed at how easily you do it." She pushed to her feet and walked towards me. "Tell me your secret. How are you able to make that man fall at your feet?"
"I don't know what you're talking about," I replied, not even wanting to be in the same room as her. Our last encounter didn't end well and I honestly didn't want to see where this was going. "If you don't mind, I'd like to take my leave."
"I don't think that's possible, owing to the fact that the door is locked and I have the keys," She flashed the bunch in my face, causing it to clink before she went back to her seat. "Honey, I really need you to tell me how you do this. Tell me. How does Lyall get so obsessed over you? He's always been a hard nut to crack, even with the love he has for me and it's been five years now. But for you, it's been barely two months and you have your fingers wrapped around him. So how do you do it? Share this secret with your fellow woman. I am genuinely concerned. Or is there something you're not telling me?"

"Something like what?" I asked, acting oblivious. I had no idea what she was asking of me and wasn't even ready to entertain her questions.
"Are you pregnant?"
"What do you think?" I asked, cocking my head to the side. "I'm sure you can tell with your super hearing if there's a child in my belly."
"You bitch!" She snapped, advancing towards me and when she saw I didn't back away from her, she stopped and lowered her hand.

"You don't look happy," I smiled. "You should be happy. If I am pregnant, then it means I'll be leaving soon so you get to have him all to yourself once again and stop feeling insecure. But I am not pregnant and I have no idea when I'll be so I guess we'll be seeing each other a little longer."
By the moon goddess, I hated this woman with all I had in me. Whatever loathing she had for me, I had it a hundredfold. If I could have my way, I would have snapped her neck a long time ago but I stopped myself from having those thoughts.
"Can you unlock the door, please? I am sure you want me out of here so you can feel a sense of ownership once again."
She flung the key my way, catching me by surprise. I was quick enough to catch it before it crashed into my face. Ignoring her glare, I unlocked the door and pulled the door open, only to find Mason and Serene standing together, holding hands.
My eyes lowered to their hands but they both pulled away immediately and I pretended not to have seen it before smiling at Serene who I liked so much.
"Fancy seeing you here, Aria," Serene smiled. It was so genuine and I immediately felt my insides warm up. She was someone I could feel comfortable with.
Then her smile fell when she looked over my head, towards Sheila. I turned to see the woman was equally glaring back at her.
Mason cleared his throat and brought everyone to his attention. "Uhm, what are you doing here, Aria? And where is Lyall? He's not in here, is he?"
"No, he isn't. He left about an hour ago."
He raised his brows at me. "So why are you all alone with Sheila? Finally deciding to be at peace with each other?"
"Never," Sheila replied before I could say anything, walking towards us and pushing me out of the way. Had Serene not gotten a hold of me, I would have crashed into the furniture beside me and broken a few things. She walked away.
"I'm sorry about her behaviour," Serene took my hand in hers. "I know she has every right to be jealous that you are her husband's concubine but trust me, don't feel bad for her. I know you're wondering why we seem to hate each other but it's a long story. Don't think too much about it."
Mason threw his arms around Serene and I raised my brows, wondering if this was just Mason being Mason or if there was something else I didn't know about. I'd see them both holding hands but I clamped my mouth shut and desisted from saying anything.
"I won't."
"Well, I think you're good for my brother," Mason shrugged. "Not only are you beautiful, you know how to bring him to his knees. I would need you to frustrate him on my behalf."
It sounded really funny and playful. But I didn't laugh. Serene slapped his chest and turned to me. "Don't mind Mason. He can be so annoying. I wonder how Lyall even survives with him around."
"Well, I'll take my leave now." I smiled at Serene. "I'll see you all at dinner?"
"Make sure you come with all your sass tonight!" Mason called after me. “After dinner, we're all going to be playing an unavoidable game. Sheila is going to corn for you as Serene is no longer a worthy opponent.”
Whatever the game was, I hoped they didn't include me in it.
Walking down the hall, I ignored the audible whispers from the maids, not even ready to listen to whatever they had to say before I pushed the door to my room open and found Daneesha dutifully arranging a few clothes into the closet.
"You should be resting, Daneesha," I walked over to her once I slipped my shoes off. Loving the feel of the plush rug against my feet. "You've spent the whole day working. C'mon, let me help you."
When she poked her head out of the closet, she wasn't smiling. It felt off but I just guessed she was in a bad mood.
"Where have you been? I didn't see you for most part of today." She asked in a cold voice.
At first, I wanted to ask her why she was speaking to me in that manner. But I refrained from doing so. "I spent the whole day with Lyall. He didn't let me leave his sight." I laughed. "I woke up to Sheila in the office and I was shocked. God, she's so insufferable."
"She's Lyall's wife and you're sleeping with him, remember? She has every right to react the way she wants."
I looked at her again. There was something off about the way she was talking and it bothered me. "Is something wrong, Daneesha?"
"No, why?" She asked, still not even looking at me.
"Did I do something wrong? Why are you sounding this cold to me?"
She sighed. "I'm sorry, Aria. I'm just really tired and annoyed. I had a terrible day today and I can't leave these clothes here."
"You should go to sleep. I'll take care of it or you can do it tomorrow. I'll also tell Lyall to cut down the work you do to just being my personal maid. How does that sound to you?"
"Perfect." She sighed and pulled me into a hug. "I can't thank you enough, Aria. You're so kind to me. I'm going to bed. Goodnight."
Something felt wrong.