Chapter 12
Althea left the room quietly, leaving behind a heavy silence that unsettled the three women. They were caught off guard by her calm departure, which marked a rare moment of selfishness after all the times they had belittled her. Meanwhile, Kate sank onto the sofa, frustrated and irritated by Althea’s boldness, especially after her sentimental plea to Daven to postpone the divorce. Kate, Kalina, and Felicia shared their annoyance, expressing a strong desire to see Althea out of Daven’s life so he could move on with Vanessa, whom they believed truly loved him.
Determined to assert control, Kate called Vanessa, reminding her of her upcoming role as Daven’s fiancée and arranging for Vanessa to visit him that afternoon under the pretext of picking something up. The conversation was light and warm, but Kate’s satisfaction was clear as she imagined the humiliation Althea would face if she unexpectedly appeared at Daven’s office. To them, Althea was an unwelcome presence, a reminder that Daven’s heart belonged solely to Vanessa.
In contrast, Althea found solace in the quiet kitchen, preparing a special lunch for Daven with a sense of gentle happiness. She cherished the small moment of being able to care for her husband, even if it was the first and last time. As she packed the lunchbox, she hoped her gesture would be appreciated and that her visit wouldn’t disrupt his work. Choosing to drive herself, Althea seized a rare moment of peace before setting out, away from the watchful eyes of Kate and her daughters.
Chapter 12
Althea left the room calmly, without rushing, leaving behind a heavy silence that settled over the three women. They sat frozen, caught off guard by her departure. Let them simmer in their irritation—it didn’t concern her anymore. After all the times they had belittled her, made her feel insignificant, perhaps this was the one moment she could afford to be selfish.
Not long after Althea’s exit, Kate sank onto the living room sofa, her face tight with frustration. The sting of Althea’s words lingered, refusing to fade. Since that absurd request for Daven to postpone the divorce—a plea so sentimental it almost seemed laughable—Althea had grown noticeably bolder, more daring. It grated on Kate’s nerves relentlessly.
“She’s getting more and more brazen every single day!” Kate snapped, her voice sharp with annoyance.
Kalina, cheeks flushed with embarrassment, added quietly, “She meant to insult us, Mom. It was deliberate p>
Felicia’s bitterness spilled out next. “I just want her out of the picture already. I’ve been counting down the days until Daven marries Vanessa. They genuinely love each other. How much longer does he have to sacrifice himself for that miserable excuse of a marriage p>
Kate nodded grimly. “You’re right, Felicia. I’m tired of this too. Why is Daven still humoring her ridiculous demands p>
Determined, Kate grabbed her phone and began scrolling through her contacts until she found the name she was looking for: Vanessa Blake. A satisfied smile spread across her face as she hit the call button. She knew exactly how to remind Althea of her place. In this house—and especially in Daven’s life—Althea was nothing more than a charity case, someone who didn’t belong.
“Sweetheart, we need to talk,” Kate said as soon as Vanessa picked up.
“What’s up, Auntie Kate?” Vanessa’s voice was warm, tinged with curiosity.
Kate chuckled softly. “How much longer are you going to call me that? In less than a month, you’ll officially be my daughter-in-law p>
Vanessa laughed on the other end, a light, happy sound. “Alright, Mom. So, what’s going on? Do you need something p>
“Nothing urgent,” Kate replied smoothly. “But… will you be seeing Daven this afternoon p>
“No, my schedule’s packed today,” Vanessa explained. “Women in Year magazine invited me for a guest appearance, and there are still a few things to finalize. Isn’t Daven busy with work anyway p>
Kate kept her smile steady, unshaken. “No matter how busy he is, he’d never turn you away p>
Vanessa giggled. “You’re right, Mom. Should I go see him p>
“Yes, please stop by during lunch. Tell him I need him to pick something up for me at Jacob Diamond. He’ll understand, sweetheart p>
“Alright,” Vanessa agreed immediately, pleased by the opportunity. Seeing Daven often gave her more chances to be near the man she loved.
Their conversation drifted effortlessly from one pleasant topic to another, while Kate’s face radiated satisfaction. The sparkle in her eyes didn’t go unnoticed—Felicia and Kalina exchanged secretive giggles, already imagining the scene when that lowly woman, Althea Grayson, unexpectedly showed up at Daven’s office.
It would be humiliating for Althea—a stark reminder of her place. After all, Daven Callister’s heart belonged only to his fiancée: Vanessa Blake.
Meanwhile, in the quiet kitchen, Althea stirred a pot of chicken broth slowly, her eyes shining with a soft, quiet happiness. She was eager to finish preparing the special lunch for Daven. Each small wish she held close was slowly falling into place.
She never could have imagined a moment like this—having the chance to make lunch for her husband.
Her left hand hovered over the pot, then she glanced toward the window where the morning sunlight poured gently through the sheer curtains. She exhaled softly.
“Even if this is the first and last time,” she whispered to herself, “I’m grateful you didn’t turn me away, Daven.” A tender smile curved her lips. “I hope that after I’m gone, you’ll remember to take better care of yourself p>
The lunchbox was packed with care, ready for Daven. Althea hoped he would enjoy the meal and that her visit wouldn’t interfere with his work.
She had decided to drive herself today, not wanting to inconvenience anyone in the house. Kate and her daughters were nowhere to be seen in the living room, giving Althea a moment of quiet before she set out.
The chapter closes on a poignant note, capturing the quiet resilience and tender hope that Althea holds onto despite the coldness and hostility surrounding her. Her calm departure and the careful preparation of lunch for Daven reveal a woman who, though hurt and marginalized, still cherishes the small moments of connection and kindness. The contrast between Althea’s gentle strength and the scheming bitterness of Kate and her daughters underscores the emotional complexity of the relationships at play, highlighting themes of love, sacrifice, and the longing for acceptance.
In this delicate balance of tension and tenderness, Althea’s whispered gratitude and soft smile speak volumes about her inner world—one filled with a quiet dignity and an enduring hope for Daven’s well-being. The chapter leaves readers with a sense of bittersweet anticipation, inviting them to witness the unfolding of these intertwined lives where love and pain coexist, and where even the smallest acts of care carry profound meaning.
The next chapter promises to delve deeper into the simmering tensions that have been quietly building beneath the surface. As Althea prepares to confront her past and present in a way she never has before, the subtle yet sharp conflicts between her and the other women are bound to intensify. Kate’s calculated move to involve Vanessa hints at an impending collision that could shake the fragile balance of their intertwined lives. Emotions will run high, and loyalties may be tested as each woman navigates the complicated web of love, resentment, and ambition.
Meanwhile, Althea’s quiet determination and the tender hope she carries for Daven’s future add a poignant layer to the unfolding drama. Her gesture of preparing lunch is more than just a simple act—it’s a silent plea for recognition and perhaps a final attempt to reclaim a place in Daven’s life. Readers can expect moments charged with vulnerability and unspoken truths, where every glance and word holds weight. The next chapter will explore how these delicate threads unravel, revealing the true strength and fragility of the characters involved.
Lucia Morh
Lucia Morh is a passionate storyteller who brings emotions to life through her words. When she’s not writing, she finds peace nurturing her garden.