Chapter 321

It was as if everything had never occurred. They hadn't divorced or torn each other apart. It seemed as though they were back to a time when everything was simple, and they treated each other with respect. September brought sweltering heat to South Haven. Shelmaine despised the summertime and would often retreat to the terrace, sinking into a deck chair while lost in her thoughts. While Shelmaine and Samuel appeared to be a normal married couple, they rarely engaged in conversation. She had become withdrawn and spoke very little. Whenever this happened, Samuel would deliberately annoy her, hoping to provoke some kind of response from her. He didn't care if it was just humming or making any kind of sound, he just wanted her to speak. But it was all in vain. Shelmaine was like a mute, who only spoke when necessary and could easily go an entire day without saying a single word. She wouldn't talk to Kingston until he came over to examine her health. Samuel stood off to the side, watch