Episode 3

The morning sun filtered through the grand windows of the Blackwood estate, casting a warm glow over the lavish surroundings. Myra Morante felt a mixture of emotions as she awoke alone, the absence of Damien on their wedding night still fresh in her mind.

Determined to make the best of her situation, Myra dressed in a simple morning gown and ventured outside to explore the estate. The gardens were beautifully manicured, their vibrant colors and sweet scents a stark contrast to the turmoil she felt inside. As she wandered, she encountered a few maids, who greeted her with polite nods.

“Good morning, madam,” one of the maids said, her voice tinged with formality. The other maids followed suit, their respectful distance clear.

“Good morning,” Myra replied, offering a small smile despite the pang of irritation she felt.

The staff’s formal attitude was a constant reminder of the emotional gap between her and Damien. The household's routines seemed to revolve around their separate lives, with Myra and Damien rarely crossing paths unless by coincidence.

Later, Myra found herself in the library, a refuge from the isolation she felt. She had just settled into a plush chair with a book when Damien entered, his briefcase in hand and a look of preoccupation on his face. He offered Myra a brief, polite nod before taking a seat at the opposite end of the room, burying himself in work.

“Morning, Myra,” he said, but his tone was more businesslike than affectionate.

“Morning,” Myra responded, her voice neutral yet courteous.

The library was a sanctuary of silence, the only sounds the occasional rustle of pages and Damien’s murmured notes.

For a moment, they sat in silence, the air thick with unspoken thoughts. Myra finally broke the silence, closing her book and looking at Damien. “Did your meeting go well?”

Damien looked up, somewhat surprised by the question. “It did. It was necessary, but I regret the timing.” Myra nodded, appreciating the honesty, though it did little to soothe the sting of his absence. “I suppose work takes priority,” she said, her tone careful.

“It’s not just work,” Damien replied, setting his briefcase aside. “I know this situation isn’t ideal for either of us. I didn’t mean to make you feel abandoned.”

Myra’s gaze softened slightly. “It’s just… something to get used to, I suppose.”

Damien offered a small, almost tentative smile. “We’ll figure it out. I’d like to make this work, even if it takes time.”

There was a brief moment where the distance between them seemed to shrink, but it was quickly followed by an awkward silence. Both seemed unsure of how to continue, so Damien returned to his work, and Myra to her book.

Determined not to let her new life consume her, Myra decided to invite her best friend Lydia over to her house. She needed a familiar face and a confidante to share her thoughts and feelings with. She ended up leaving the library and headed to her room to call her best friend.

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