Chapter 234: Determined To Protect Everything
The roar of the private jet’s engines faded as the sleek aircraft touched down on the tarmac, a stark contrast to the turbulent storm raging within Ophelia. She disembarked, her movements stiff and mechanical, her face a mask of icy composure. The humiliation of the evening, the shock of Maeve’s revelation, the gnawing uncertainty of the future – it all weighed heavily upon her, a suffocating blanket of dread.
She arrived home to find Edward, as usual, ensconced in his study, a glass of brandy in hand, a smug expression on his face. He looked up as she entered, his eyes widening slightly at her exhausted appearance.
"Well, well," he drawled, his voice laced with amusement. "The prodigal wife arrives, back so soon? I thought you were going to be basking in the glow of your... honor."
Ophelia’s eyes narrowed, her carefully constructed facade crumbling. She had no patience for his taunts, no tolerance for his condescending remarks. She snapped, her voice sharp and venomous, "Shut up, Edward. Enough!"
Edward’s eyebrows shot up, his smug expression replaced by a look of stunned surprise. He had never seen Ophelia so angry, so openly hostile to him.
Ophelia ignored his reaction, her movements deliberate as she walked over to the liquor cabinet. She poured herself a generous glass of brandy, the amber liquid a welcome distraction from the turmoil within her. She took a long, deep drink, the burn of the alcohol a momentary balm to her wounded pride and stressed mind.
She sank into a nearby armchair, her gaze fixed on the flickering flames in the fireplace. Edward, his unease growing, watched her in silence.
"What happened, Ophelia?" he asked finally, his voice laced with a hint of concern. "You seem... upset."
Ophelia scoffed, a short, bitter sound. "Upset? How perceptive." she scoffed, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "That is a bit of an understatement for how I feel."