She stood there, gently cradling her small baby bump, a smile gracing her lips.
Only Edith knew that Salome’s smiles were never as sweet as they looked,
Ever since Salome got pregnant, her sense of importance had grown tenfold. She never left the house without two bodyguards trailing behind, making sure everyone noticed her presence.
Now, she gestured for her guards to drop off the wedding gift in the reception hall, then turned to Edith with a beaming, saccharine smile.
Edith, of course, understood the game. You don’t slap someone who’s smiling at
you.
She forced a polite grin. “You really shouldn’t be on your feet so much with such a delicate pregnancy.”
If anything were to happen to Salome while she was at the Sumners‘, Heather would turn the whole house upside down.
This woman was trouble–wherever she went, disaster was sure to follow.
Salome narrowed her eyes, looking Edith up and down. Though she was smiling, her gaze was sharp with malice.
“I’m only here because I’m happy for you. It’s impressive, really–getting over your husband’s death so quickly and rushing into another marriage. Quite the accomplishment!”
Her words dripped with sarcasm, the meaning clear ás day.
Edith let out a cool laugh. The so–called agony of widowhood–how could she mourn a husband who was still very much alive? Beckett was alive and well; why should she feel any grief?
Not that she planned to announce the truth to the world.
If Beckett could stoop so low, she might as well use this excuse to finally walk away from him. Besides, sometimes a secret’s power is far greater when it’s left unspoken.
If Salome wanted to mock her, Edith was happy to play along. She gave a little shrug. “What can I do? He’s gone–I have to live my own life.”
Salome glanced around, checking that guests were busy at their tables. She leaned
In close, lowering her voice. Just make sure you really are living your own life. Stop hanging around Bennett!”
Jayne, who had been mingling with guests nearby, saw Salome sidle up to Edith and felt a jolt of unease. She shot a pointed look in their direction.
Edith caught Jayne’s eye and subtly waved her off, signaling she was fine, though she was honestly baffled by Salome’s antics.
“What are you talking about? I’ve moved back with my family, I’m about to remarry–why would you think I’m still chasing after him?”
Salome let out a sharp, bitter laugh; the fake smile vanished from her face. When it came to this subject, she could barely conceal her fury and disgust.
“If you’re not after him, why does he call your name at night? Why else would he go out drinking every evening? It must be your fault–you put some kind of spell on him, you homewrecker!”
Salome glared at Edith as if she could tear her apart with her bare hands.
“You think you can get away with this just because you’re pretty? Don’t push your luck. I swear, I’ll have someone ruin that pretty face if you don’t back off.”
Edith looked into Salome’s venomous eyes and knew she meant every word. A chill crept down her spine, icy and relentless.
She steadied herself, her voice flat. “I haven’t seduced your husband. If you have proof, then show it.”
Of course, Salome had no proof.
She could feel her husband slipping away from her, becoming someone she no longer recognized. Every night he went out to drink, and when he stumbled home, drunk, he would call out Edith’s name. Salome was almost out of her mind with jealousy and rage.
She was so desperate for someone to blame, she’d convinced herself Edith was the culprit.
Unable to provide any evidence, Salome’s bravado abruptly crumbled. Her tone turned pleading as she looked at Edith with desperate eyes. “You’re getting married soon, aren’t you? I heard the Sumners are just using you for money, to solve your father’s case. I know life hasn’t been easy for you. We women should look out for each other, shouldn’t we? I’ve managed to save up some money over the years—I’ll give it all to you if you promise to leave Bennett alone.”
15:10
As she spoke, Salome grabbed Edith’s hand in a tight, desperate grip, refusing to let go
