Rift in the perfect picture

Even though Nicholas had kissed me so passionately last night, it was probably out of a sense of duty and responsibility to maintain harmony in the family.

Daniel was reading the newspaper in the dining room. I walked over and greeted him, “Daniel.”

He smiled kindly and asked, “Did you sleep well last night?”

Seeing me nod, he continued, “Nicholas had an urgent matter at the office and left early. He asked me to inform you.”

“Okay, Daniel.” I drank a glass of milk to replenish the energy I lost overnight. Then, I asked, “Where is Claudia?”

“Claudia also left. She said she was going to hang out with a classmate.” Daniel wasn’t very sure either.

I bade goodbye with an empty feeling inside me. As I was going to look for Frances, I stopped in front of Claudia’s door. I couldn’t take another step from the spot.

A voice inside me told me to enter. Once I did, all the truths would come to light. However, I was also afraid of what I would find. This room was like a Pandora’s box which could release countless demons the moment I opened it.

The thumping sound of my heartbeat and my heavy breathing became exceptionally clear at that moment. They were like the sound of war drums that stirred up the warriors before battle, urging me on.

Swallowing hesitantly, I raised my hand and placed it on the door handle. I was about to push on it when Frances‘ voice rang out. “Ari, what are you doing?”

I froze in place, my palms sweating profusely.

“Frances.” I turned to look at her while trying to regain my composure. “Is Claudia not here? Why did they both invite me back and then leave the house? Why did they leave me here alone?”

Despite my pounding heart, I didn’t forget to watch Frances‘ reaction. She waved her hand dismissively and said nonchalantly, “Who knows? Those two have been playful since they were kids and often disappeared together. They might have gone off to play again.”This content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

I gave her an awkward yet polite smile. “I see…”

“Oh, don’t worry about them!” Frances thrusted a bag of herbs into my hands. “Ari, don’t forget to drink the tonic. It took a lot of effort for me to get it. The doctor has exceptional medical skills.”

She lowered her voice and whispered, “The tonic will be especially effective after intercourse! If you’re afraid of being too tired afterward, you can drink it beforehand. It works just as well.”

“I understand, Frances.” I glanced around. I felt more awkward than I had been when caught trying to sneak into Claudia’s room. My face flushed with embarrassment.

+35 BONUS

Frances squeezed my hand firmly as she insisted that I take the tonic on time. She acted just like how a mother would to her child. I could feel that she genuinely cared for me. She was so kind to me, and yet I doubted her intentions.

Guilt welled up within my heart as I earnestly promised to take the tonic. After Frances left, I leaned against the wall. My legs felt weak like jelly.

I lost the courage to continue probing.

To my surprise, I saw that Nicholas hadn’t left when I walked out of the house. He was standing by the car. He seemed to be waiting for me.

I glanced at him briefly before looking away. I pretended to not see him as I got into the car with the driver.

However, the driver was too intimidated to start driving as Nicholas had not given him permission.

Nicholas opened the car door and pulled me out from the passenger seat of the car. He pushed my head down and shoved me roughly into the backseat of the car like a sack.

I reached for the car door on the other side, but I felt a dark object instead. It made a rustling sound and smelt fragrant. I turned the object around and realized that it was a bouquet of roses lying beside me.

The roses were bright red and dusted with gold glitter. There were 33 blooms in the bouquet.

Nicholas fastened his seatbelt nonchalantly and spoke while