Chapter 229: Anonymous Invitation.
Theodore Mansion.
Critic Arley, Critic-Ishire.
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Lydia sat on the edge of the bed, the soft glow of a single candle casting flickering shadows on the walls. She was engrossed in a thick economy book, its dense text a temporary distraction from her longing for Theodore. He had left suddenly from his office and when she went to check on him, Tom told her he left for work.
The evening had stretched into night, and though she knew he had important matters to attend to, she couldn’t help but wish for his presence. The warmth of his arms, the comfort of his embrace—these thoughts filled her mind as she turned each page, her eyes scanning the words but not truly absorbing them and the conversation they had last night still haunted her.
The candlelight danced across her face, highlighting the subtle lines of worry and the faint trace of hope that lingered in her eyes. She glanced at the clock, noting the late hour. The bed felt vast and empty without him, and she pulled the covers closer, a poor substitute for his warmth. Eventually, her eyelids grew heavy, and despite her best efforts to stay awake, sleep claimed her. The book slipped from her hands, landing softly on the bed beside her.
*
Dusk, Bedroom Chambers.
*
Morning light filtered through the curtains, gently rousing Lydia from her slumber. She blinked awake, the unfamiliar emptiness beside her a stark reminder of Theodore’s absence. A wave of loneliness washed over her, and she lay still for a moment, feeling the weight of the solitude. She sighed, a soft, resigned sound, and pushed herself up from the bed. Why did he not come back home?
A knock resounded on the door and Lydia knew it was time to start the day, she decided today would be the day she takes the monthly bathing routine, because she didn’t think it was right to miss it completely.