Page 14 of Taming a Ruthless Heart

My arms begin to tremble from the effort of holding her,

so I let her slide along my right hip and leg until her small feet hit the marble floor.I hold her hand tightly when Henry gestures for us to follow him up the grand staircase that curves upward from the foyer, the dark wood banister gleaming in the light.As we ascend, the sound of each step I take bounces off the walls, adding to the sense of distance between Dave and me.

“Mrs.Lenko, this way,” Henry says politely at the top of the stairs, leading us down a long hallway lined with paintings and ornate sconces.The soft blue carpet beneath my feet is plush and silencing, but no amount of luxury can ease the tension in my chest.

I peer out the large windows that line the hallway, catching a glimpse of the vast backyard.Beyond the sloping green lawns and rows of Adirondack chairs, the harbor glistens in the distance, boats bobbing gently in the water.It’s peaceful, serene even.

“What’s this harbor called?”

“Wychmere, ma’am.”

We reach two adjoining rooms at the end of the hall, and Henry opens the door to one.“This will be your room,” he says with a bow.“Rose’s is next door.”

“Thank you.”I squeeze Rose’s hand as we walk inside.

“Lunch will be served in the informal dining room whenever you’re ready, Mrs.Lenko.Please don’t hesitate to call if you need anything.”Henry’s formality is unsettling, a reminder that I’m a guest here, not part of Dave’s world.

I nod, watching him leave and noticing a large duffle bag on the floor by the foot of the bed.Before we left Boston, Moira stuffed it with designer clothes and shoes for summer, as well as high-end toiletries that she said Dave had bought for me.I’m sure he had his assistant go to the store in his place but I didn’t have the heart to correct the sweet woman.

I plop down onto the bed, watching as Rose skips through the connecting doorway to her room.Then, I take in my new room.It’s decorated in a pale shade of blue, soft and inviting, with a large bed draped in blue and white linens that looks like it belongs in a luxury hotel.French doors lead to a private balcony overlooking the harbor, with sunlight streaming in through the glass and casting a golden glow on the pastel walls and furniture.It’s beautiful.Everything is designed for comfort, yet the sense of unfamiliarity prickles at the edges of my awareness.The room is too large, too empty, too lonely.The weight of our situation constricts my chest once more.I’m here, in Dave’s house, but I still don’t feel safe.

“Mama!Come check this out!”Rose calls from the next room, her excitement echoing through the walls.

I follow her voice, stepping into the adjoining space.Rose’s room is just as beautiful—decorated in pale pinks and whites, with a bed covered in soft blankets and pillows.She’s already bouncing on the mattress as her giggles fill the air.

For her, this is another adventure, a new place to explore.

But for me, it’s a reminder of the invisible cage I’m still trapped in.

I lean against one of the four bedposts and watch Rose as she introduces me to each of her new dolls.Dave’s assistant probably bought those as well.

When my stomach rumbles, I stretch out my hand and call her, “Come, sweetheart.Mama is hungry.Aren’t you?”

“Starving!”She laces her fingers through mine and we head downstairs.

The informal dining room is a bright sanctuary with floor-to-ceiling windows, providing a panoramic view of the backyard and the harbor beyond.The blue and white stained glass in the upper window panes adds a touch of color to the space, while the soft light bathes the room in warmth.The view should calm me, but the weight of my thoughts presses too heavily to let me enjoy it.The table is set for two, and the scent of freshly prepared food fills the air.

“Where’s Mr.Dave?”Rose asks me as I settle her into a chair, her legs swinging beneath the table.

As I sit down, a cute brunette, who looks not a day older than twenty, comes in through a swinging door that must connect to the kitchen.She carries a tray with two steaming bowls.

I glance at her as she smiles politely and sets one bowl of soup in front of Rose.I ask, “Is Dave joining us for lunch?”

“Mr.Boyle is eating in his study,” she says, her tone respectful but detached.

Of course he is.He’s avoiding me.The realization twists in the pit of my stomach, making the food in front of me seem unappetizing.I force myself to take a few bites, but my mind is elsewhere.Dave’s absence only deepens the knot of guilt twisting inside me.

How long can I keep this charade up?

More importantly, will I ever be able to cross the chasm I’ve created between us?

After lunch, Moira’s daughter, Nadya, and her son, Pete, join Rose and me outside.

“So glad to finally meet you,” I shake the young woman’s hand and gesture for her to take the Adirondack to my right.“Thanks for taking care of Rose.”

Nadya accepts my offer and nods toward the kids, who are laughing as they run around the backyard.“My absolute pleasure.She’s delightful.”She holds my stare.Her blue eyes remind me of cloudless skies.“Sorry I didn’t go outside when you arrived.I figured you and Rose needed time to catch up.”

“Thank you.That was very sweet.”I smile.“Then again, youareyour mother’s daughter.”

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