Chapter 27
Back in her car, Penelope tossed the bag of herbs onto the passenger seat. Just as she was about to head home, her phone rang.
“Penelope, do you remember what tomorrow is p>
It was Rebecca, her voice light and cheerful, as if the unpleasantness of last night had never happened.
What was tomorrow? Penelope thought for a moment, and then her expression darkened.
“It’s your third wedding anniversary with Zebulon p>
“Oh, you’re right. I completely forgot,” she replied, her lips pulling into a tight smile.
“I knew you would, so I’ve been keeping track for you p>
“Rebecca, you’re such a good friend p>
“Of course. We’re best friends, aren’t we p>
“But with everything that’s happened lately, I’m really not in the mood to celebrate p>
“If you’re not up for it, why don’t you let me plan something for you p>
Penelope’s eyes narrowed. “Oh, but that would be so much trouble p>
“For you, no trouble is too much p>
“Well… alright then p>
“Wait for my call tomorrow p>
“Okay p>
Hanging up, Penelope couldn’t contain her anger any longer. She slammed her fist against the steering wheel. Rebecca knew perfectly well that her marriage to Zebulon was a sham, yet she was pretending to help her celebrate their anniversary. She just wanted a front-row seat to her humiliation!
Rebecca! After all the years Pene
had treated her like a family, this was how
she repaid her—with mockery and deceit.
When she arrived back at the Sullivan estate, she pulled her car into the garage just as the family driver, Hogan, was pulling another car out. As she got out, she saw Mrs. Sullivan emerging from the house with a small suitcase. Hogan rushed over to take it from her and load it into the trunk.
“Are you going somewhere, Mom?” Penelope asked, walking over.
Mrs. Sullivan shot her a sideways glance. “It’s not just me. Your father and Zebulon also have plans tonight. So you’ll be home alone p>
“Are the three of you going somewhere together p>
“None of your business p>
With that, Mrs. Sullivan climbed into the car with a look of utter contempt.
As the car pulled away, Penelope’s mind raced an idea sparked, and she quickly got back into her own car and began to follow them at a discreet distance. While driving, she called Zebulon. He gave her the samme story as his mother he had plans and wouldn’t be home tonight, leaving her by herself.
Right. The whole family going on a trip and deliberately leaving her behind? Something was definitely going on.
Mrs. Sullivan’s car drove to the marina. They didn’t have to wait long before Mr. Sullivan and Zebulon arrived. But they were still waiting for someone else.
Penelope had a sinking feeling she knew who it was. And when Rebecca pulled up a few moments later, she couldn’t help but grit her teeth.
“Mom, Dad, I’m so sorry I’m late,” Rebecca said breathlessly.
“It’s rude to keep your elders waiting,” Mrs. Sullivan snapped, still clearly annoyed with her from the other night.
“I’m sorry, Mom. I was just thinking it would be hard to prepare things on the go, so made you two jars of bird’s nest soup. And Dad, I know your neck has been bothering you, so went to see a specialist know and got some medicated patches. for you. Then, right as I was leaving, I remembered Zebulon’s allergies act up in the damp sea air, so I rushed to the pharmacy to get his medication. I just lost track of time. It’s my fault for not planning better,” Rebecca explained, her face a mask of sincere apology.
Zebulon patted her arm gently. “You’ve worked so hard p>
“It’s nothing. This is what I should be doing-as a daughter-in-law, as a wife p>
Mrs. Sullivan’s expression softened considerably. “You’re so thoughtful and considerate. So much better than that Penelope p>
“Mom!” Zebulon chided.
“Every time I say her name, you jump to her defense. Who are you more loyal to, her or me p>
“What kind of question is that p>
“You can’t answer, can you p>
As Mrs. Sullivan’s anger flared up again, Rebecca quickly linked an arm through hers. “If you and Penelope ever fell into the water the same time, Zebulon should save Penelope,” she said with a playful smile. “I’ll save you p>
Her words worked like a charm. Mrs. Sullivan’s face finally relaxed into its usual
warm, affectionate expression when looking at Rebecca.