Chapter 6 Misunderstanding

Tiffany fell for the promise of the 200 dollars in the end. It was a given since money was what she needed most right now to build the life she wanted. A life away from all this. She dashed to Mortimer’s study, timidly switching on his computer before starting work on the report her senior had emailed her. A wave of relief washed over her after she finished editing it. It felt like a rock had been lifted off her back when she clicked “Send”. Tiffany stretched her arms, about to switch off Mortimer’s desktop when a slip of her hand opened up a document on the screen. Tiffany’s sense of curiosity rose. A little peek never hurt anybody, right? Ten minutes passed before she left the room, knocking right into Monroe the butler. The old man saw how fidgety she looked and thought she was worried Mortimer might get upset at her. “Master Mortimer is a reasonable man. He won’t be angry at you just because you needed to use his computer for urgent work." Tiffany bit her lip before asking, “There are no CCTVs in the study, right?” “That’s right, madam. But there are some in the hallway right outside.” The blood in Tiffany’s veins suddenly ran cold. She couldn’t even bring herself to feel joy when her senior sent her the payment. Why did she have to use Mortimer’s desktop? God knows what he’d do to her if he realized she found out about his secret. Both frightened and tired, it did not take long for Tiffany to drift off into sleep, her day clothes still on. She was abruptly woken, however, by a series of rapid knocks on her door not long after. When she opened it, Monroe stood outside, looking pale and agitated. “Madam, what did you do that upset Master Mortimer so much? He’s incredibly angry right now.” “I… I might have… opened up a file on his desktop…” Cold sweat beaded on Tiffany’s skin as she stammered out her response. Monroe sighed. “I’ve rarely seen him this upset. I think it’s best if you explain yourself to him, madam.” Tiffany froze, her eyes slowly brimming with tears. “Monroe, please help me. Ask for his mercy, for him to not be mad, anything at all.” She couldn’t leave. Not like this. Monroe pitied her, but what else could he do? “Master Mortimer is already very cross with me, madam. I’m afraid I won’t be able to keep my job here if I help you now.” Defeated, Tiffany could only make her way to Mortimer’s study. The lone table lamp in the room cast a weak light across the man’s face. His expression was fierce, a terrible air rolling off of him. Tiffany had anticipated him to be upset, but not to this extent. “I’m so sorry.” She dipped her head down, not looking at his eyes. Bile rose in her throat as she tried to force her fear down. “I shouldn’t have used your desktop. I swear it won’t happen again.” Mortimer gazed at her icily. “Do you think you can get away with this just with a simple apology?” The low timbre of his tone felt like a lead weight on Tiffany, making her breathing erratic and anxiety creep upon her. “I really didn’t mean to. The document opened on its own, I never wanted to—” “Be quiet!” Mortimer got up and grabbed Tiffany by the wrist. “I fucking hate liars!” The violent pain in her hand made the woman flinch. “I’m not lying! I don’t want to be married to you anymore, so whatever business you have is none of mine!” Tears fell from her eyes, rolling down her cheek and dripping onto Mortimer’s hand. His grip softened just the slightest, then he let her go, though his eyes remained steely. “I don’t want to see your face until we’re divorced. Leave!” Tiffany could feel just how much he despised her, so she didn’t want to stay for long either. “I’ll say it again. I didn’t mean to look at your things. Monroe is not to blame for this, so please don’t fire him.” After that final attempt at preserving her dignity, Tiffany left the study. Monroe waited for the tides to settle before having some servants clean up after. He went to Mortimer’s side and asked, “Master, any orders on what to do with Madam Tiffany?” “Don’t let her step even an inch out of her room and keep her meals away from her!” the man ordered harshly. Monroe was distraught. “But, sir, isn’t that too cru—” “Are you questioning my judgement?” came Mortimer’s sharp response. “No, sir.” The old butler looked down at his feet. In this house, Mortimer’s commands were law. He could do nothing to stop it. The next day, Madam Kelly was discharged from the hospital after fully recovering. The first thing she did was to go to her dear son’s house. Seeing Mortimer healthy and well brought her immense joy. “I thank the heavens for finally giving you back to me. Please be careful next time. Never make me worry again.” “I promise, Mother.” A moment later, he added, “There’s something we need to settle first.” “Is this about Tiffany?” “Yes. I want to divorce her.” Mortimer didn’t waste time beating around the bush. He never did, not even in front of his own mother. Madam Kelly’s expression fell. “I wouldn’t have chosen her if I hadn’t thought her a fine woman enough to be your wife. You two are publicly recognized as husband and wife now, and what with carrying on our family business—a divorce would look bad for everyone. Did you consider that?” The woman suddenly realized she had not seen Tiffany since arriving there. “Speaking of Tiffany, where is she? You didn’t kick her out, did you?” “Of course not. She’s still here. I’ll have someone bring her.” Mortimer nodded at Monroe who then went to the guestrooms. However, Madam Kelly stood up instantly, saying, “No need. I want to see her myself!”