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Under the radiant noon sky, Aubrey immersed herself in her work, diligently attending to her tasks. Suddenly, the mellifluous ring of the telephone resounded through the air, instantly capturing her attention. In the household, only Aubrey and her grandmother resided, making her the sole recipient of the call.
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As she hurriedly reached for the phone, Aubrey’s voice resonated with warmth and curiosity, “Hello?” Her gentle tone carrying a hint of anticipation.
“Hello, Aubrey. It’s John speaking,” a familiar voice emanated from the other end. John, Evan’s trusted chauffeur, a person known to Aubrey.
“Yes, John?” Aubrey responded, her voice brimming with intrigue.
“Aubrey, Mr. Evan accidentally left his important meeting file at home. Could you kindly deliver it to him at the office?” John requested with a sense of urgency in his voice.
Aubrey found herself hesitating, as she had never been to Evan’s workplace before. Seeking guidance, she voiced her concern to John, “But John, how can I possibly do that?”
“Aubrey, I’m outside the house, and it will take me some time to arrive. The meeting holds immense significance, and I implore you to assist Mr. Evan by delivering the file,” John pleaded, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
Uncertainty loomed within Aubrey’s heart. She contemplated the consequences of her actions; Evan’s business might suffer, John’s employment might be at stake, and the potential disapproval Evan would harbor upon witnessing her presence in his office. Despite her apprehension, Aubrey resolved to help John and deliver the file to Evan.
She adorned her most elegant attire, graced her features with a touch of makeup, and caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror, ensuring she presented herself flawlessly. She didn’t wish to bring any embarrassment upon Evan in the presence of his colleagues.
Initially contemplating public transportation, Aubrey eventually opted for a taxi, aware that time was of the essence. As the vehicle approached the grandiose building, she craned her neck to fully appreciate its magnificence. With determination, she stepped inside and made her way to the reception area, where she encountered a woman bedecked in elaborate makeup. The surroundings exuded an air of sophistication, accentuating Aubrey’s sense of inferiority.
Offering a polite greeting, Aubrey inquired, “Hello. I would like to meet Mr. Evan Cooper, please.”
The receptionist eyed Aubrey, her gaze tinged with condescension, as if looking down upon her. “Do you have an appointment?” she inquired with an air of superiority.
Aubrey hesitated for a moment before responding, “No,” her voice carrying a hint of uncertainty.
The receptionist, sporting a mocking smile, replied curtly, “I’m sorry, but you cannot meet him.”
Undeterred, Aubrey attempted to persuade her, “Please, inform Mr. Cooper that Aubrey has arrived. He will want to see me.”
With an air of finality, the receptionist retorted, “I have already informed you that you cannot meet him. I cannot allow countless individuals like you to barge into Mr. Cooper’s office.”
Desperation tinged Aubrey’s voice as she pleaded once more, “Please, this file is of utmost importance. I must deliver it to him.”
“I have already told you no. Do not force me to summon the security guards to escort you out,” the receptionist threatened, her gaze sweeping the surroundings as a display of authority.
Just as Aubrey was about to respond, a familiar voice resonated through the room, capturing their attention. The receptionist promptly straightened herself and greeted the approaching figure. Aubrey’s heart skipped a beat as she recognized the voice.
Turning her head slowly, she laid eyes upon Evan, standing before her in astonishment. His gaze, fixed upon her, held a captivating intensity. “What is happening here?” he inquired, commanding the receptionist to resume her seat.
Aubrey’s heart raced as she tried to steady herself, knowing that Evan’s presence demanded composure. The receptionist, trembling in Evan’s presence, explained the situation. Aubrey couldn’t help but notice Evan’s unwavering gaze fixed upon her.
With a firm yet gentle tone, Evan instructed the receptionist, “Remember her face. If she returns, direct her to my office.”
Acknowledging Evan’s command, the receptionist nodded in compliance. “Let’s go,” Evan beckoned Aubrey.
As they walked together, Aubrey and Evan traversed the corridors until they reached Evan’s office. Aubrey found herself captivated by the opulence that enveloped her senses. The vast room boasted a magnificent window, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.
Seated behind his desk, Evan gestured for Aubrey to take a seat. “Why did you come here?” he inquired, his eyes fixed upon her.
Aubrey tenderly handed him the file, her task now complete. Believing her presence was no longer required, she began to rise from her chair, prepared to take her leave.
However, Evan’s words halted her movements. “Did I tell you to leave? This is my office. People come and go according to my wishes,” he stated, placing his elbows on the table and supporting his chin with his hands.
Reclaiming her seat, Aubrey lowered her head. This was the first time they found themselves alone together, and a mix of emotions overwhelmed her. Evan’s next words pierced through the silence, igniting a spark within her.
“Why didn’t you inform the receptionist that you are my wife?” Evan’s question hung in the air, catching Aubrey off guard. For the first time, he acknowledged their marital bond. Aubrey took a deep breath, her voice quivering with restrained emotion.
“Wife. In these three years, it is the first time my husband has called me his wife. How can I proclaim to the world that you are my husband when you haven’t recognized me as your wife?” Tears welled up in Aubrey’s eyes as she met Evan’s gaze, searching for a glimpse of understanding.
A somber sigh escaped Evan’s lips as he responded, “This marriage was not entered into with joy. I explicitly told you on our wedding day not to expect anything from me. This marriage is merely a contract, but I have always respected our union, even if I haven’t fulfilled the role of a husband.”
Though his admission implied a less-than-ideal husband, Aubrey acknowledged that Evan had never belittled her or their marriage. As their conversation continued, a knock on the door interrupted their exchange, and Evan’s secretary entered, reminding him of an impending meeting. With a nod, Evan rose from his chair.
“Did Grandma know you were outside?” Evan inquired, his concern evident. Aubrey shook her head, indicating that she had not informed her grandmother.
“I will ask John to escort you home,” Evan decided.
“I will manage on my own,” Aubrey protested, averting her gaze.
“If Grandma discovers that you were out unaccompanied, you know the consequences better than anyone else,” Evan insisted, his voice firm.
“I don’t need your concern. I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself,” Aubrey declared resolutely.
“Aubrey, as I told you before, you will go with John. I do not appreciate people defying my decisions,” Evan asserted before leaving the office, addressing her by her name for the first time. Aubrey was left with a maelstrom of emotions, questioning whether he had forgotten her name entirely.
Exiting the office, Aubrey stepped into the elevator, accompanied by a woman exuding elegance and sophistication. Observing her own reflection alongside the woman’s, Aubrey couldn’t help but compare their appearances. The woman’s exquisite attire and fragrance seemed to accentuate the class difference between Evan and herself. Aubrey’s murmured words revealed her inner turmoil, questioning whether Evan would ever accept her as his wife amidst the presence of more alluring women.
John escorted Aubrey back home, and as she entered the house, she was met with her grandmother’s reproachful gaze. Mrs. Jane, Aubrey’s grandmother, expressed her frustrations, emphasizing the need for Aubrey to inform someone before leaving.
Aubrey’s voice trembled as she attempted to explain, but Mrs. Jane abruptly interrupted, delivering a stinging slap across Aubrey’s cheek. Tears streamed down Aubrey’s face as she held her throbbing cheek, feeling the sting of her grandmother’s harsh words.
However, Aubrey’s grandmother, who went by the name Grandma, intervened, silencing Mrs. Jane’s tirade. “Aubrey, go to your room and freshen up,” Grandma instructed, her voice calm yet authoritative.
Seeking solace in her room, Aubrey collapsed against the door, her tears flowing freely. She realized that her grandmother’s concern was not for her well-being but rather the fear that she might reveal her marital status to others. Aubrey’s lack of family and friends, coupled with the restrictive nature of her confinement, reinforced her mother’s determination to secure a marriage for her.
In this emotional moment, Aubrey felt the weight of her solitary existence, yearning for a connection beyond the confines of the Cooper household.
