Chapters (27)
Neena placed her hands in her lap and sat rigidly in the chair, as though she was trying to hold herself together.
‘I’m sorry to tell you that you’re not the first mistress,’ Amber lied. ‘And after all the pain and torment she went through, I can’t let it happen to another woman who has had the great misfortune of falling in love with my husband.’
‘He… he told me you were separated.’
‘He lied to you, sweetheart. I’m sorry.’
‘Please,’ she raised her hand. ‘Please stop apologising. You have no need to. It’s me who should be—’
‘I blame my husband for straying, not you. He’s rich, and attractive, and has a charm that is so endearing until…’ She looked down so the crocodile tears would swell in her eyes. ‘Until one sees beneath, and learns of who he really is.’
Amber looked up again just as the strategic tear fell, and held back a smile as Neena began to form real tears.
‘What did he do to the first mistress?’
‘You don’t want to know.’
‘Yes, I do.’
Amber paused for dramatic effect. She could almost feel the nervous energy radiating from the woman.
‘Do you have children?’
Neena’s face drained of life.
‘A son,’ she replied croakily. It was like fear had her by the neck.
‘You and your son need to get out of town.’
‘What will he do?’
She’s so young, Amber thought. So gullible.
‘If you leave him and stay here in the village, he will make you pay for it. If you love your son, you’ll leave.’
A tear ran down Neena’s cheek. She wiped it away with a quivering hand and looked briefly about the room.
‘I’ve been such a fool, haven’t I?’ she whispered. ‘I truly believed he was…’
‘We all did, Neena. But I’m so glad that I’m finally able to give one of you the chance to get out before you’re in too deep.’
‘Thank you for telling me.’
‘I just wish I could do the same, for my daughter and me, but I’m not strong enough. Please do for your child what I can’t do for mine.’
Neena nodded and stared into her eyes for a while. With a sad smile and a deep breath, she stood. She didn’t look as strong and sculptured as she had when she walked in. There was a visible weakness to her frame.
Neena rested a hand on Amber’s shoulder and headed for the door. Amber watched until she was out of sight and smiled as she wiped away the tear.
One down, one to go.
FOUR
