Love in Darkness

Chapter 17: Misunderstandings

Magnus goes home early for the first time. Upon entering the mansion, an aromatic scent had greeted him. He goes to the kitchen to see Selena cooking. She is wearing a plain white apron and is holding a ladle. She then shifts into cutting ingredients while checking the pot on the stove. Magnus stands a few minutes by the door to watch his wife cook and he smiles. He loves watching moments like this. But she is unaware that his grandmother is behind him.

"Magnus, darling, you went home early. That's a first.". Magnus is panicking inside as he looks again at Selena and she is looking at them. Selena looks to the chopped ingredients to avoid his gaze. Magnus then leaves the door and proceeds to the stairs. His grandmother follows him and teases him, "Were you looking at her, grandson?". He stops and looks at her, "No, Nana. I checked the kitchen because I smelled something nice.". His grandmother seems to not believe him but responds, "Hmmm... Okay. Be ready for dinner.".

Magnus continues his way upstairs and into the bedroom. He lays on the bed and recalls how nervous he was that he was caught watching his wife. Then he gets up as he realizes something, "We have not spoken since the day she met Alvira.". He sighs. "It must have been a shock to her. We are married and I have a girlfriend. I should have told her.". Magnus lays again, puts his arm into his forehead, and closes his eyes.

On the other hand, while Selena is cooking, she cannot stop thinking about the fact that Magnus has been watching her. It has been days since the lunch with his girlfriend and they did not exchange conversation like they used to, even small talks. Selena mutters to herself, "Well, I do not even want to engage in a conversation with him. I would not what to say.". She sighs and continues cooking.

At the table, the three of them are just silently eating. Miss Luna finishes her dinner with a glass of red wine. "As always, Selena, darling, your dishes are delicious.". Selena smiles, "Thank you, Nana. But it is not as good as yours.". Miss Luna smiles widely, "Oh, I am flattered.". She then turns to her grandson, "How about you, Magnus? What do you think?".

Magnus takes the last bite. "It is delectable.". He looks at Selena and smiles but she just gazes at him with a half smile and then pays attention to Miss Luna. The dinner went quick and everyone in the mansion is in their bed already except for Magnus and Selena.

After changing into pajamas, Selena goes to her favorite spot in the garden - the gazebo. She is starting to make the swing chair sway and feel the cool breeze in the garden. Meanwhile, Magnus cannot seem to fall asleep, gets up, and decides to go to the garden for fresh air. As he arrives in the garden, he stops as soon as he saw swinging in the gazebo. Magnus decides not to proceed and let her see him. He is about to go back inside the mansion when he hears Selena starts humming.

Magnus cannot help but chooses to stay and listen to Selena. Her humming is gentle and soft but it has sadness in it. Magnus observes Selena's expression while humming. She wears a stern face and her eyes are full of longing. Upon seeing that, Magnus decides to go inside the mansion and let her be alone.

Selena's mind is full of thoughts that she does not know how to express and free herself from the weight. While swinging, she starts to hum a melody. At the same time, her mind goes back to recalling her life in the village. She remembers the times when her family is happy and had nothing to worry about. She recollects her childhood when her parents cherish her so much that they would do anything to make her happy. Selena is still humming, and she feels that the weight she has been carrying is slowly showing. Her mind then recalls the days she is with Eon. She could see herself happy with him in her mind. Selena remembers how gentle and caring Eon was. She remembers the days they would read under the big oak tree. She also recalls the day they sleep together and went to the fall. Selena recalls the kiss that she and Eon shared.