Chapter 79

Chapter 79

It’ll be soon?

I felt like a squirrel darting through a pumpkin patch, eager to cling onto a pumpkin and dig deeper into the mysteries it held. Yet, I hesitated, fearing it might be impolite to probe further. It was best to quit while I was ahead.

Every song at the concert tonight was a gem from my personal playlist. I was left wanting. more even after the final note had been sung. As the artist exited the stage, a surreal feeling washed over me, like waking from an intense dream.

Sitting there, lost in thought, I noticed the crowd slowly making their exits, leaving behind a void that seemed to engulf me.

Throughout this, my phone; which I had been clutching all evening, remained silent. No message or call from Bryant. Mark, respecting my need for space, didn’t rush me. He waited patiently until I snapped back to reality, and we joined the flow of people heading

out.

Despite the security’s efforts to maintain order the crowd was restless. Caught off guard by a sudden shove from behind, I stumbled into Mark.

He quickly steadied me, asking, “You alright?”

“Yeah, just lost my balance when someone pushed me,” I mumbled, slightly embarrassed,

Mark let go and didn’t press further. Thankfully the rest of our walk was uneventful.

Our cars were parked in opposite directions, so we parted ways at the entrance.

“Jane,” Mark called out suddenly, “are you entering the collaborative design competition?”

I was surprised he brought it up. “It’s not really up to me. It depends on if I’m selected.”

He smiled softly, “Well, I hope to see you compete.”

“Thanks, Mark. Take care.”

The rain had stopped, leaving behind a refreshing scent in the air, tempting me to take a leisurely walk home despite the chill..

As I approached my car, Kevin appeared.

“Mrs. Ferguson, Mr. Ferguson has been waiting for you.”

I was puzzled. Hadn’t he stood me up?

“Why is he waiting now? He was the one who invited me to the concert, and it’s over. Tell him he can leave,” I said, irritation creeping into my voice as I headed to my car, adding, “And tell him to stay away from Riverview Estate.”

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“Mrs. Ferguson…” Kevin hesitated, clearly aware of Bryant’s recent actions. “Maybe you should talk to Mr. Ferguson yourself.”

I paused, realizing it wasn’t right to let Kevin take the heat for Bryant’s deeds.

Reluctantly, I turned toward the parked black Bentley, Kevin playing his part well by saying, “Mr. Ferguson hasn’t slept in two days. He dozed off only after arriving here.”

“Was I keeping him awake?” My tone was half-mocking. The audacity of him to play the victim after his infidelity.

Kevin coughed awkwardly, “Mr. Ferguson wanted to sort things out as soon as possible to come and see you.”

“Did Margaret die?”

“No, no….

“So, what urgent matter kept him busy for two days and nights? Was it an affair?”

Kevin fell silent, eventually admitting, “You already know…”

Approaching the Bentley, Kevin opened the door for me. Inside, Bryant looked worn out, his hair a mess, and even in sleep, his expression was troubled, hinting at unrest.

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