Chapter 27 - The Care-Bear Method

In her opulently furnished bedroom, Lydia walked back and forth, her silk robe billowing behind her with every exasperated stride. The walls were covered with long shadows created by the flickering candles, reflecting the turmoil inside of her. For weeks now, a gnawing dissatisfaction had been growing in her heart, and she was unable to shake it. Their marriage had devolved into a war zone of harsh words and icy silences because every talk they had with Damien appeared to turn into an altercation. She came to a stop in front of the mirror and fixed her gaze on her image. The woman who turned to face her was radiantly lovely. However, she could see the creases and fatigue on her face behind the surface. How had things ended up here? Once unable to keep their hands off one another, how had their distance grown? She missed the times when his stare could make her heart race and when his touch would send chills down her spine. All she could feel now was a biting, chilly emptiness. She w