Chapter 17

The sleek black car deposited Ashleigh at the imposing wrought iron gates of Adrian's estate. Her heart hammered a nervous tattoo against her ribs. Spending the weekend at her husband's mansion, a man who seemed to control her every move – it was enough to make anyone uneasy.

As the car pulled away, she took a deep breath, the crisp evening air filling her lungs. She looked at the doorway to see Tara standing with a Stoic expression. Unlike the other day, she dressed up in a flowery gown, her hair falling past her shoulders and framing her heart-shaped face. Although she looked like a typical sweetheart, her demeanour was cold.

"Mrs. Ashleigh," she greeted with a curt nod.

"Why are you here? It's clear you don't want to be here"

"Mr. Cagliari has asked that I ensure you arrive", she said in a clipped tone, turning to enter the house. Ashleigh followed behind with embarrassment etched on her face.

Tara led her to the kitchen where the meal prepared was set on the table. Today the h