Chapter 3
I let out a sigh of relief, holding the agreement in my hand as I prepared to head to the base to find Richard. Suddenly, I remembered that our marriage certificate was still at our house, so I turned back to grab it.
As soon as I entered the courtyard, I overheard the women gossiping in the yard.
“Did you hear? After graduating from college, that Carter woman broke up with Tom the Scholar and Commander Harrison rushed to pick her up.”
“I think they were a perfect match–one a battalion commander, the other a college graduate. They grew up together, like childhood sweethearts.“}
“Who would have thought Commander Harrison would marry a woman who had been mistreated? I feel sorry for him.”}
As they saw me, they fell silent, casting disdainful glances in my direction.}]
This time, I didn’t lower my head. Instead, I lifted my chin and walked with confidence.
When my hand reached for the door handle, I heard a familiar voice from inside.}
“Maggie, don’t be upset. That kind of man isn’t worth your attention.“}
“As long as you come back, I’ll make arrangements for you. Don’t worry, no one will say anything. It’ll be just like before.” Richard’s voice trembled slightly, filled with compassion.
“Rick, there’s no way it’s going to be the same.” Margaret’s voice was soft, almost pleading. “You’re married now and even though I’ve broken up with Tom, everyone in the village knows I was with him. They’ll all gossip…“}
Before she could finish, Richard rushed forward to comfort her. “No, I won’t let anyone talk about you, I promise.”}
Hearing those words made my heart ache.
When I was under attack from gossip, Richard always told me to stay at home and wait for time to heal the wounds, that eventually, it would all be forgotten.
Then when it came to Margaret, he didn’t hold back. He didn’t want her to endure even the slightest bit of discomfort.
So this is what love and indifference look like…
Yet, everything I’ve endured is a consequence of his actions.}}
I steeled myself against the ache in my heart as I prepared to push the door open, only to be surprised when it swung open from the inside.
Upon seeing me, Richard’s relaxed demeanor shifted to one of concern.
His voice took on a slightly panicked tone. “Eve, what are you doing here at the old house?”
“Don’t misunderstand,” he replied. “Maggie graduated from college and I’ve brought her back to stay here temporarily. You’ve met her before, right?”
Met her? That was an understatement!
When Thomas came to break off our engagement, Margaret stood by with a look of smug satisfaction.
I nodded, keeping my expression neutral as I intended to go inside and gather my things, but before I could,
Margaret took hold of my arm. “Evelyn, how’s your job at the textile factory going? You have no idea how stressed I’ve been trying to find work since graduation.“}
“Luckily, Rick said he’d take care of it for me.”}
I glanced down at Margaret’s delicate, youthful hands. They contrasted sharply with my own worn and calloused ones.
It reminded me of the time after our wedding when my mother asked Richard to help me find a job.
He agreed in front of her, but later, he privately expressed his reluctance, saying that if he showed favoritism, it would go against his oath as a soldier.}
That’s why, all these years, I’d only been able to find temporary work at the textile factory.
Setting aside my feelings of frustration, I forced a smile and said, “That sounds good! If you need anything, just talk to Rick. He’ll go all out to help you.“!
With that, I headed into the old bedroom to look for our marriage certificate.
As I turned around, I noticed Richard quickly following me. The moment he saw what I was holding, his expression changed.] “Eve, what do you need the marriage certificate for?”
I replied, trying to sound casual, “Oh, it’s nothing. The hospital just needs it to process my maternity paperwork.”
He visibly relaxed at my answer, but before he could say anything, Margaret’s surprised voice cut through the air.
