"Shattered Vows: A Tale of Toxicity"

18. James Fear

William sat behind his desk, his gaze fixed on the papers scattered before him, but his mind elsewhere, lost in the maze of his own thoughts. His fingers drummed a restless rhythm on the polished wood, a silent echo of the turmoil within him. Across the room, James, his loyal secretary, observed him with a mixture of concern and curiosity, his gaze unwavering.

Sensing James's stare, William looked up, meeting his secretary's eyes with a puzzled expression. "Is there something on your mind, James?"

James hesitated for a moment, as if debating whether to voice his thoughts. Then, with a tentative smile, he said, "Master, you asked me to look for the grave of your mother-in-law."

William's lips curled into a faint smile at the mention of his wife's late mother. "Ah, yes. So what about it?"

James cleared his throat, his eyes searching William's face for any sign of emotion. "It seems like you love your wife very much, Master. You're doing everything to get her heart you are even honouring your late mother-in-law."

A sudden burst of laughter erupted from William's lips, startling James with its intensity. It was a sound that was lacking amusement, carrying an edge of madness that sent shivers down James's spine. "Love?" William repeated, his voice tinged with irony. "Oh, James, you always were a keen observer. But you're only half right."

"I do love my wife," William admitted, with his tone firm. "But her heart? That's never been in question. The moment I laid eyes on her, I knew it was mine."

A flicker of confusion crossed James's face, quickly replaced by understanding as William continued to speak. "Let me tell you a secret" he said, his voice lowering to a conspiratorial whisper. "The truth is, my dear mother-in-law is nothing more than a pawn in my game."

James's eyes widened in realization, his mouth opening and closing soundlessly as he struggled to comprehend William's revelation.

"I am just using my late mother-in-law," William continued, his words dripping with disdain. "She is just a tool that I am using to close the gap between me and Amelia."

A cold chill settled over the room as William's words hung in the air, his laughter ringing hollow against the backdrop of James's growing unease.

"What's wrong, James?" William asked, his voice a mocking lilt. "Could it be that you're afraid?"

James's fingers trembled involuntarily, his breath coming in short, shallow gasps as he struggled to maintain his composure in the face of William's unsettling demeanor.

"I'm sorry, Master," James stammered, his voice barely above a whisper. "I... I didn't mean to..."

William's laughter cut through James's faltering words like a knife, sharp and merciless. "Oh, James," he said, his voice dripping with mock sympathy. "You used to be so confident in the past. What's wrong with you?"

James swallowed hard, his throat dry as desert sand. "I... I don't know what you are trying to say, Master," he confessed, his voice barely audible.

William's gaze softened slightly, a hint of genuine warmth flickering in his eyes. "Don't worry, James," he said, his tone surprisingly gentle. "I like you. After all, your hands are stained with blood because of me."

A shudder ran through James's body at the remainder of his own complicity in William's schemes, his guilt weighing heavy on his shoulders.

"Go," William commanded, his voice firm but not unkind. "Wash your face. We wouldn't want others to see this side of you, now would we?"

As James walked out of the room with his mind reeling with emotions, William leaned back in his chair, a self-satisfied smile playing at the corners of his lips.

                                 ~~~

As William arrived home after a long day at the office, he was greeted by the sight of his wife, Amelia, engaged in a conversation on her phone. Amelia's voice faltered as she noticed William's presence, and she quickly ended the call with a hesitant smile. Sensing something amiss, William approached her, his expression darkening with insecurities.

"Who were you talking to?" he inquired, his tone tinged with a hint of suspicion. "And why did you cut the call when you saw me?"

Amelia's eyes met his, her gaze unwavering. "It was just my best friend," she explained, her voice steady despite the tension in the air. "We were at the end of our conversation, that's all."

William's brow furrowed as he processed her response. "Is this 'best friend' of yours a male or female?" he asked, unable to conceal the flicker of jealousy that crossed his heart.

Amelia let out a soft chuckle, though there was a hint of amusement in her eyes. "Don't be jealous, Mr. Husband," she teased. "She's a female friend, not just a friend. She's like a sister to me."

Relief washed over William as he heard her words. "What did the two of you talk about?" he inquired, his curiosity piqued.

Amelia hesitated for a moment before answering, her gaze drifting to the floor. "She went looking for me at my father's place, but my stepmother didn't let her in," she revealed, a touch of sadness coloring her tone. "She was concerned about me, and she asked me to meet her tomorrow."

A surge of possessiveness washed over William as he listened to his wife's words. "Then I'll go with you," he declared, his voice firm. "I want to make sure you're safe."

Amelia's eyes widened in surprise at his offer, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Really?" she asked, her voice filled with gratitude.

William nodded, a determined glint in his eyes. "Yes, really," he affirmed. "I'll never let you go anywhere alone ."

"In that case," she said, her voice tinged with mischief, "I can tell her about our marriage, right?"

William's lips curved into a fond smile as he gazed at his wife. "Yes," he replied, his tone filled with affection. "Tell her you'll meet her tomorrow, and I'll be there by your side."

With a sense of reassurance, Amelia nodded, her heart filled with gratitude for the unwavering support of her husband.