Chapter 13: Killing with Words
Linda smiled and said, "Laura, you're here! How was the traffic?"
Laura, dressed in white, had her hair cascading over her shoulders, looking gentle and well-mannered. "Hello, we didn't hit any traffic. Matthew is an excellent driver. I barely felt the journey."
Richard said, "Now that you're here, why not go wash up? The dinner is ready."
He was so gentle to Laura, nothing like the coldness he showed towards Mary. Even the maid was smiling on her face, "Ms. Griffin, the chef prepared many of your favorite dishes since he knew you were coming today."
The previous tense atmosphere suddenly lightened with Laura's arrival.
Mary was aside, stunned by the scene. The Montagu family didn't like her. They all liked Laura.
Mary suddenly realized why Matthew agreed to take her here. He was indirectly telling her that the Montagu family didn't like her or welcome her! What a torture! What was so ridiculous was that Mary had dressed up elaborately, hoping the Montagu family would accept and like her. Mary clenched her hands, her nails digging into her palms. The sharp pain reminded her to stay rational.
Matthew's dark gaze fell on Mary, with a trace of irritation passing through his heart. Yet he said, "You should go wash up and get ready for dinner, too."
Mary felt like she could barely eat. She tried to say something,"I..."
"Are you Mary?"At that moment, Laura suddenly turned to Mary and walked towards her with a smile. "I've heard about you and always wanted to thank you properly. I want to thank you for taking care of Matthew for a year."
She seemed genuinely grateful to Mary with her clear and sincere eyes.
In that instant, Mary felt utterly ashamed. It was as if she was the other woman in this relationship, refusing to back off.
"You are more than welcome."She said in a dry voice.
They entered the bathroom and washed their hands by the sink. Mary's gaze dropped, and she suddenly noticed Laura's leg under her dress. Her pupils contracted sharply! Laura had a prosthetic leg!
Laura seemed to notice her gaze and smiled slightly. "Did I scare you? I lost my leg two years ago, saving Matthew. Luckily, with two years of exercise and adaptation, I can walk freely now."
Mary quickly looked away, "Sorry, I didn't mean to."
Laura dried her hands and looked at her, "I know, I've gotten used to those looks over the past two years. But when are you going to divorce Matthew? I'm grateful for you taking care of him this past year, but Matthew and I have always been in love. Can you give him back to me?"
Mary couldn't say a word with her breath caught. So, was this what Matthew meant by taking responsibility for Laura? Laura and Matthew were once in love. Then what about Mary and Matthew? What did the year they have been together count for? Compared to Laura's lost leg, they seemed insignificant. Otherwise, how could Matthew give up so easily?
Mary closed her eyes, "I'll think about it."
Laura smiled, "Then please hurry. I don't want Matthew to be blamedas someone ungrateful."
Laura left the bathroom first. Mary stood there, somewhat dazed. Matthew was taken in by her when he was amnesiac and mute and had been taken care of for so long, but he wanted a divorce the second he recoveredhis memory. Wasn't that ungrateful too?
