Malachi kissed me, “Sleep on it and tell me how you feel in the morning.”
That night I didn't sleep a wink. I packed my luggage and I kept seeing the face of Faye.
Morning came sooner than expected and after a quick shower I dragged my suitcases outside.
It was finally happening. I was leaving.
But of course, I wasn’t going to leave in peace.
A slow clap echoed through the courtyard, followed by a familiar, mocking voice.
“Well, well, well,” Casey drawled, leaning against the pillar with a smirk. “Have you finally come to your senses?”
I sighed, Casey was Malachi’s mistress and Marc’s favorite.
I ignored her and kept walking, but she stepped into my path, tilting her head in amusement.
“Eight years, Rhea,” she continued, crossing her arms. “Eight years of playing house, of waiting for a man who never wanted you. And now, after all that time, you’re finally leaving.” She chuckled. “Took you long enough to realize that Malachi and Marc will never love you. You’ve been nothing but a worthless concubine.”
I met her gaze, my expression unreadable. “Enjoy it, then,” I said simply. “Do whatever you want. None of this concerns me anymore.”
Her smirk widened. “Oh, I will. Don’t worry,” she whispered. “Soon, I’ll move in and take your place.”
Before I could respond, the front doors swung open.
Malachi stepped out, followed closely by Marc.
And in an instant, Casey’s entire demeanor changed.
She gasped dramatically and dropped to her knees, clutching the hem of my dress as if her life depended on it.
“Rhea, please!” she sobbed, her voice thick with desperation. “Please don’t go! Marc needs you! You’ve been taking care of him all these years—how could you just leave him like this?”
I stared down at her blankly.
“Marc loves you, he really does,” she continued, her voice cracking. “He’s just a child! Please, don’t leave him. I’m so sorry for everything, just please, Rhea—”
Malachi let out a harsh sigh, his patience clearly worn thin.
“Enough of this nonsense,” he snapped. “Stop creating a scene and go back inside.” His eyes were cold, as they always were. “I’ll get you another cat if you want. Stop making Casey stress herself.”
I clenched my fists, but before I could say anything, Marc ran toward Casey, throwing his arms around her.