Perfect Storm: A Murder Mystery

Chapter 16. Is There Life After Marriage?

Ann rested in the garden. Encircled by vibrant rose bushes, an exquisite gazebo provided solace from the sweltering afternoon heat. Nestled upon plush floor pillows, she savored her mint-lemon tea while engrossed in a romance novel. Her cheeks flushed as she encountered explicit love scenes, prompting her to close her eyes and envision herself as the protagonist. Naturally, her lover in these fantasies was Theo. The memory of glistening water droplets on his bare skin and the warmth that melted her heart remained vivid in her mind. Ann's lips moistened as her breath quickened, experiencing a level of arousal she had never felt before – a mixture of fear and exhilaration.

"Oh, darling," Marie's voice jolted Ann's eyes open. She hastily sat up, assuring herself that she hadn't been caught engaging in anything inappropriate – only indulging in impure thoughts.

"Yes?" Ann responded, her voice betraying her inner turmoil.

However, Marie seemed oblivious to Ann's state. She appeared preoccupied, her countenance clouded with gloom.

"What happened?" Ann inquired, motioning for Marie to take a seat.

Marie settled down, clutching a pillow tightly as if it were a comforting plush toy. "Elajio... We had such a terrible fight just now."

Ann knitted her brow. Apart from a brief mention at the dress store, Marie had never complained about her husband before. Perhaps now she was finally ready to open up and share what had transpired. "Mar, you're my best friend. You can tell me anything. Whatever it is, I'll be there to support you."

Marie looked up, her eyes glistening with a glossy sheen. "Will you? I'm not so sure... After everything I've done –"

"You haven't done anything wrong." Ann dismissed Marie's self-doubt with a wave of her hand. She gestured towards Peggy, who stood by the back door of the house. Peggy nodded in understanding, aware that it was customary to offer guests a drink. Ann had no doubt that Peggy would provide great support after the school opening, even in Ann's absence. However, time was limited, and preparations needed to be completed. Ann needed Marie to gather herself together.

Marie let out a heavy sigh. "I don't know if I can do it. If I can run the school."

"We dreamed about it, remember?" Ann reminded her, resisting the urge to shake Marie's shoulders to snap her out of this despondent state. Instead, she kept her hands folded in her lap.

"But it was foolish. He will never approve of it, so..." Marie's voice trailed off.

"Don't you dare think about giving up! If Elajio opposes this idea... well, then I'll have a talk with him."

"He would just dismiss us as foolish and insist that our place is in the kitchen and nursery," Marie trembled, unable to hold back her tears any longer. "And I... I can't make him understand!"

Ann moved closer, patting Marie's back and offering comfort as she waited for her friend's emotions to calm. Peggy tiptoed into the gazebo, carrying a tray in her hands. She placed the tea on the coffee table, and Ann silently mouthed a thank you. Peggy nodded and quietly retreated, leaving the two friends to their conversation.

"Hush, honey. Everything will be alright. You and Elajio love each other so deeply."

"Love can be complicated," Marie muttered, wiping her puffy eyes. "It often fades once the honeymoon phase is over. Ann, please forget everything I said about rushing into marriage with John."

"I actually broke up with him."

Marie blinked, momentarily forgetting her own troubles. "You did what?!"