Chapter 8

8

Dusk hung over Bloomcrest while the winds rolled over calmly. In her Villa, Claire worked tirelessly in the kitchen. She was preparing food for Hunter. There was a cheerful smile on her face as though she was very happy in her marriage.

Thea was helping in the kitchen. She took the dishes to the dining table as they were filled with a new dish by Claire. As she returned after her fourth round, she nervously pinched her fingers and spoke in a hushed tone.

“Madam, I don’t think Mr. MacIntyre will return home today. S-so I’m afraid all this food you’re making is going to go wasted.”

“I left a message to Hunter in the evening to come home soon for dinner. He might have seen it and will be here anytime now.” Claire said confidently.

Beside her Thea made a pitiful face as she thought, ‘You’re dreaming with open eyes, madam. Your husband is gone. He’s not yours any more. Why can’t you see it?’

“Can you pass me the ketchup please?” Claire asked.

Thea remained quiet and helped the lady of the house with the food. They took it to the dining table. Claire requested Thea to sit with her until Hunter arrived. Not that Thea lived elsewhere and she had to depart earlier.

She has been with the MacIntyres since Hunter’s birth. The old lady had no children or relatives. Hence, she was permanently hired by the MacIntyres long ago. She was provided shelter and monthly remuneration for the services she rendered.

She was humble and happened to play the role of a mother in Hunter’s life more than his biological mother. Hence, when he returned from overseas he requested to take Thea with her in his villa. She had her own little cabinet in the backyard facing the lake while the villa was located on the cliff of a mountain, with exotic views of deep valleys and mountains.

Not to mention that this Villa was Hunter’s dream house which he planned with Zara when they were dating. But then, months before he was to propose to her for marriage, she left him.

And then Hunter married Claire and brought her into the house he made with love for himself and the love of his life Zara.

Thea noticed the frown forming on her madam’s face. After all, it was going to be three hours in ten minutes since they’re waiting. Except that there was no sign of Hunter’s return.

‘I knew he wouldn’t come. Hunter will never leave Zara alone for one second now he’s found her back in his life. I wish Claire could see it and take the hint. Her marriage is in smithereens.’ Thea mused watching Claire gaze at the clock impatiently.

“Madam, why don’t we get started with our dinner? I… I think sir is busy with work.” Thea spoke in order to avert Claire’s attention from waiting for her husband.

Deep down she knew he had to be with Zara. But to lessen her sadness and distract her mind, Thea mentioned work.

“I’m fine, Thea. I will wait for Hunter. Why don’t you go ahead and get started first? You have to take your medicine too.”

Although her heart went out for Claire, Thea knew it would be a waste of time trying to explain anything to her anything. She filled a plate of food for herself from what Claire made for her husband.

“I hope you don’t mind, Mrs. MacIntyre! I’ve been drooling on the smell of the food in the kitchen.”

“Please, take as much as you want.” Claire delightfully gestured to the table laden with dishes of a variety of food.

‘At least someone is eating my food.’ Claire sighed after Thea took her leave.

The entire night she waited for Hunter. In between, she made sure to leave messages to Hunter.

What Claire realized was that he was looking at all her messages. But silently. There was no response from him as though it was useless and unimportant.

Soon the sun smiled upon the horizon whereas on the dining table, Claire bit back tears of grief.

He didn’t come home for dinner.

Rubbing a hand on her wet cheeks, Claire left the food on the table and came back to her home. She threw herself on the bed as her bones were awfully screaming in pain from sitting at the table all night, in wait for her cruel husband.

Claire stared at the ceiling as various thoughts whirled in her mind.

‘What am I doing? Hunter is a heartless man. He never showed me any spousal care for two years. Why am I wasting my efforts and time on him like this?’ She wondered with blurry eyes as tears oozed uncontrollably.

‘He said that I am not important. I was hardly thought about in these two years of marriage. He openly claimed that I will never have any better place in his life. Then what am I working for?’ She opened her mouth and allowed her sobs to echo in the quiet room as sunray snuck inside the room, radiating it.

Except that there was nothing that could radiate her dark life.

Claire reached out for her phone beside her. She checked Hunter’s chat. He was online. The blue ticks beside her messages made something in her chest toss and twist.

It was self-respect that she was murdering every moment for her husband.

Claire sucked in a shivery breath as she left a new message to him: Where are you now?

Much to her dismay and rising sorrow, he read her message within a second.

But still… No reply.

She typed again: I made all your favorite dishes. I thought we’ll eat together.

Seen again.

Claire typed next: You think it’s funny? Or that it would break me?

Hunter’s behaviour clawed through her heart. Suddenly her eyes smoldered as she grit her teeth angrily.

‘Hunter MacIntyre, you think not returning home will make me leave you? It only makes my determination of steel.’

Claire left a final message with a stubborn sneer before she closed her eyes to get some sleep: The menu for today’s lunch is a surprise. See you then. Love you, Honey.

Tbc…

Do you think he’ll come???

How many of you think Claire will win this war? Should she hope for a future with Hunter?