Page 16 of Deliria

A wave of confidence flushes through me as I bite my lip, steadying my nerves and quickly throw on something appropriate. I don’t have time to do my makeup. I don’t have time to do my hair beyond flattening it.

And as I exit the room, Alex is there, waiting to guide me through this house to where the rest of his family is no doubt waiting.

The conservatory isawash with sunlight, the air fragrant with the scent of blooming flowers to the point that itoverpowers everything. Irene likes to have this part of the house looking like something out of a design magazine. There’s enough foliage here to deck out a wedding.

Vincent is seated at the head of the table, his laptop open in front of him. He looks up as I enter, a smile playing on his lips. “You look better today, Scarlett. The colour has returned to your cheeks.”

It sounds like a taunt.

Like he knows something I don’t, but I’m not stupid enough to rise to the bait.

So I smile back, meek and obedient, just as expected, before taking my designated seat.

There’s a spread of fruit, yoghurts, and pastries all piled up decadently like we’re expecting to feed an entire city, but the thought of food turns my stomach.

Alex sits across from me. He reaches over, grabs some toast and starts digging in before clicking his fingers for one of the wait-staff.

“Coffee.” He says, like they don’t know. He holds his mug out, not actually looking at them and then jerks his head for them to step back.

I know I’m not allowed caffeine, that apparently it reacts with my meds, so instead I reach across and grab the water jug.

“Scarlett.” Irene chastises quickly, before ordering a girl to take over. “You shouldn’t be lifting things in your condition.”

It’s hard not to roll my eyes. It’s hard not to laugh. They want to act like they care, like I’m some precious, broken little thing, but I can see it on all their faces that they don’t actually give a fuck.

I just wish I understood why Alex brought me here.

Why couldn’t we have stayed in the penthouse? We were happy there. We were good.

What the hell happened for us to end up here?

An image flashes in my head. Of the bar, of the early days, when we weren’t even technically dating. He was there, languishing over the polished marble, making me laugh with his jokes while my heart thumped in my chest that it was real, he was real.

And he was interested in me of all people.

Where did we go wrong? When did all that fun and humour become this?

My eyes meet my husband’s and behind the concern, I can see a hard, cold fury. Is he pissed that I’ve ‘done something wrong’ again? My shoulders slump as I dig my nails into my palms, and I mumble my apologies, hoping that if I’m contrite enough in this moment, then that will be it.

That there won’t be greater repercussions.

“What do you have planned for today?” Alex asks almost nonchalantly, but doesn’t quite hit the mark.

I can’t tell him the truth. I can’t trust him.

“I want to go for a walk.” I say somewhat reluctantly. I don’t want Vincent to hear, I don’t want him to know because what if he follows me? What if he doesthatagain? “Down to the beach. Then I want to try and draw.”

His smile fades slightly, his gaze sharpening. “I see. Don’t you think the beach is a little far?”

I shrug, reaching for my drink as I avoid his gaze. “Perhaps.” I reply before taking a sip, buying myself a moment to think, “But I need to do something to get my strength up. Besides, you said fresh air would do me good, and I can’t spend my days wallowing in my sickness and languishing in this house like Lady Muck.”

A sharp intake of breath from Irene reminds me once again how uncouth I am. How my manners are not nearly good enough for her standards or her precious son.

“I meant no offense.” I say quickly and though she smiles back, I know there’s no forgiveness there.

“A walkwilldo her good.” Vincent says loudly. “Maybe it’ll help her appetite too. The girl is wasting away. She needs fattening up.”

His words make me feel like I’m some sort of farm animal, some pig needing to be primed and prepped, and taken to market.

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