The Contract

Chapter 71-The Baxters'

I knocked softly before stepping inside. Veronica glanced up, her expression a mixture of surprise and amusement.

"Pearl, I thought you weren't going to show up for my wedding," she said, arching a brow.

"Well, if it makes you feel better, I was at the hospital yesterday," I replied lightly.

"Yeah, that makes me feel better," she confirmed with a smirk.

I smiled, letting my gaze travel to her dress. "You look... beautiful."

"Of course, I do. This is custom-made," she replied with a self-assured tone. Her dress bore an uncanny resemblance to mine, though I chose not to comment on it.

"I'm glad you like it. I just came to see you. I'll leave you to-"

"Pearl," she interrupted, and I paused, turning back to her.

"Thank you," she said simply.

I nodded, acknowledging her words. "But that doesn't change anything. I still hate you," she added with a smirk.

"Same," I replied with a small, knowing smile before heading out.

_________________________________________

As you've guessed, it was Sunday-the Baxters' wedding day. I wore a black silk dress for the occasion, the fabric shimmering faintly as I descended the grand staircase. We were at Hercyns Island, the perfect setting for a tropical destination wedding.

The ceremony space was breathtaking. Rows of white chairs were neatly arranged by the water's edge, blending seamlessly with the theme. Everything about it screamed elegance, a dreamy contrast to Veronica's usual over-the-top dramatics.

We'd successfully brought the destination wedding to her.

But as soon as she walked down the aisle, I left. My heart wasn't in it.

I boarded a boat back to the mainland, my thoughts elsewhere. I'd just received word that Rosa was leaving. She hadn't said a word to me this morning. Why was she leaving so suddenly?

The moment the car pulled up at the house, I spotted her by a vehicle, overseeing her belongings being loaded into the trunk.

"Rosa!" I called as I stepped out, hurrying toward her. She looked up at me, her expression softening.

"Pearl, what are you doing here? I thought you had a wedding to-"

"Are you leaving?" I cut in, my voice tense.

She hesitated for a moment before answering. "Something urgent came up, and I have to head back to Italy."

"But you didn't tell me. Were you just going to leave without saying goodbye?"

"I didn't want to disturb you, Pearl. You've been so busy with work," she explained, her tone calm and measured.

I stepped closer to her, the words spilling out before I could stop them. "I can't believe I'm saying this, but... please don't go."

She chuckled softly. "I have to. Remember, I've got a fundraiser to plan in Manchester. Preparations can't wait. Besides," she added, her voice lowering, "I'm done meddling and interfering in your marriage."

"You weren't interfering-"

"Take good care of your home, Pearl," she interrupted gently. "We'll see each other soon at the 60th anniversary event."

"Thank you," I said quietly.

She smiled, a warm and knowing look in her eyes. "No, thank you, for welcoming me into your home."

"Of course, I would. You're my mother-in-law," I replied, trying to mask the ache building in my chest.

"Be a good wife," she said with a teasing smile before stepping into the car.

I nodded, watching as the vehicle pulled away.

I never thought her leaving would hurt this much. She'd been the only real company I had in this empty house, a surprisingly delightful presence.

As the car disappeared down the driveway, I stood there, unmoving. Now what?

_______________________________________

I took a bite of my meal, the food bland and tasteless on my tongue. Sighing, I glanced up at the empty seats opposite and beside me.

Is it strange that I miss Rosa?

When she first arrived, I was annoyed by her presence. But now, I wished she'd stayed longer. She was better company than the silence. A better distraction.

She distracted me from the reality of being stuck here-alone.

I took a sip of water and pushed my chair back.

"Are you done, Pearl?" Evelyn asked as she stepped forward, eyeing the barely touched plate in front of me.

"Yeah," I said with a faint smile. "It was a good meal."

Her eyes flickered to the plate, noting the tiny portion I'd eaten, but she said nothing.

I left the dining room and headed for the stairs, my heels clicking softly against the floor. Halfway up, I paused in the hallway, my gaze caught by a picture hanging on the wall.

It was the wedding photo Rosa had insisted on putting there.

In the image, he stood tall at the altar, his hand linked with mine. My dress flowed elegantly behind me, and a practiced smile graced my lips.

I glanced down at the ring on my finger, its weight suddenly unbearable.

What have I done?