My Bratty Wife

The silence in the room was deafening, broken only by the footsteps in the hallway. Suzy sat by the window, her gaze fixed on the courtyard below, her heart heavy with worry. Two days had passed since Ryan had left, and she hadn’t heard a single word from him. No message, no letter, nothing, not even a whispered word from a passing servant.

A wave of anxiety washed over her, leaving her breathless. "He should be here by now," she whispered to herself, her voice trembling. "Two days is too long."

The silence became agonizing. Every creak of the floorboards, every rustle of leaves in the garden, sent a jolt of fear through her. Was something wrong? Was he injured? Was he in danger? The possibilities, each more terrifying than the last, swirled in her mind, threatening to consume her.

The door creaked open, and Doris entered the room, carrying a tray laden with a steaming pot of tea and delicate china cups. "Milady," she announced, her voice soft and soothing as she began pouring the tea into the cup. "your tea."

Suzy startled, her hand flying to her chest. "Doris! You startled me. How did you come in without me noticing?"

Doris smiled gently, "I came in a moment ago, Milady. You seemed so engrossed in watching the courtyard, you didn’t hear me."

Suzy accepted the cup of tea, her fingers trembling slightly as she brought it to her lips. "Thank you, Doris. I... I needed this." The warm tea soothed her throat, a small comfort in the midst of her growing unease.

"Of course, Milady," Doris replied, her eyes filled with concern.

Suzy sighed, her gaze returning to the window. "I’m worried about Ryan. He’s been gone for two days, and I haven’t heard a word from him. I’m starting to feel... lost."

Doris placed a comforting hand on Suzy’s shoulder. "I’m sure his Grace is on his way as we speak, Milady. Perhaps something unexpected has delayed his journey."

Suzy managed a weak smile. "You said the same thing yesterday, Doris. And he’s still not here."