She Became The Perfect Wife So She Could Disappear Forever Chapter 03

She Became The Perfect Wife So She Could Disappear Forever Chapter 03

Maeve was arriving tomorrow at three in the afternoon.

I arranged everything myself. Meticulous. Thoughtful. Beyond reproach.

“Callie.”

When Dominic pushed the door open, I was busy organizing the few pieces of clothing I still wore regularly.

“Yes?” I didn’t turn around.

“What exactly are you trying to do?” He stepped up behind me. “For the last three months, you’ve been acting like a robot. No fighting, no crying, no laughing. Not even a hint of warmth when you look at me.”

I zipped up a storage bag and turned to face him.

“I’m doing exactly what you’ve always wanted me to do,” I said. “Dominic, what more do you want from me?”

He stared into my eyes, as if searching for a hint of a facade, a shred of resentment, a shadow of the woman I used to be.

But he found nothing.

“Maeve arrives tomorrow. You…”

“I know,” I cut him off, “I’ve already cleared out the master bedroom. I’m moving to the attic tonight.”

“I checked with her assistant about her preferences. The linens have been swapped for silk, and the vanity has been rearranged to match her routine.”

Dominic’s breath hitched visibly. “You’re moving to the attic?”

“What else?” I let out a soft laugh. “Should I have Ms. Hayes stay in the attic instead? Would you be okay with that?”

His expression darkened. “Callie, watch your tone.”

“Then how should I speak?” I picked up my bundled clothes and started walking past him. “Is there anything else you need, Mr. Vance?”

He grabbed my wrist suddenly.

“Do you have to be like this?” His eyes were rimmed with red. “Do you have to torture me this way?”

“I know I was wrong. About Maeve. About Justin. I was wrong about everything. But can’t you give me a chance? Let’s start over, just like it used to be…”

“Like it used to be?” I gently pried his hand off my wrist.

“Dominic, it’s too late,” I said. “You’ve already taught me how to behave. And I’ve learned my lesson well, haven’t I?”

As I reached the door with my things, I heard him ask, “Do you really hate me that much?”

“No, I don’t hate you,” I replied, “Hating someone is exhausting. I just don’t care anymore.”

The attic was exactly as I remembered it.

Three months ago, I had broken down in this room, screaming for mercy. Now, I simply hung my clothes one by one, smoothed out the sheets, and opened the small skylight.

As the moonlight filtered in, I found it surprisingly peaceful.

Maeve arrived sooner than expected. Dominic stood behind her, his gaze anchored to my face.

“Callie,” Maeve said, her smile perfectly poised. “It’s been a long time.”

I nodded. “Your room is ready. If you need anything, just let the butler know.”

Maeve clearly hadn’t expected this reaction. “I thought you’d be upset to see me.”

“Why would I be?” I stepped aside to let them through. “You’re the most important person to Dominic. Naturally, that makes you the most important person in this house as well.”

I said it so calmly. But Dominic’s face went pale in an instant.

At dinner, the atmosphere was so suffocating that even Justin noticed.

“Maeve, you have to try this. I had the cook prepare it specifically for you,” he said, eagerly serving her.

“Thanks, Justin.” Maeve smiled, though her eyes flicked toward me. “Callie, aren’t you eating?”

“I’m not hungry,” I said, “Enjoy your meal.”

As I stood to leave, Dominic stopped me. “Sit down and eat.”

“I’m really not hungry.”

“I said, sit down.” His voice dropped to a cold, commanding register.

I sat back down, picked up my fork, and slowly ate my salad.

The meal was entirely tasteless.

After dinner, Maeve took Justin to the piano room, saying she was going to give him some guidance on his playing.

Dominic cornered me at the kitchen entrance. “How long are you going to keep this up?”

“Keep what up?” I looked up at him.

“This… hollow shell of a person you’re pretending to be,” he said, his voice strained through gritted teeth. “Callie, yell at me if you want. Hit me if you want. Just don’t treat me like this.”

“I thought you’d be happy,” I said. “After all, I’m the perfect Mrs. Vance you trained me to be.”

His eyes reddened, and he slammed his fist against the wall. “Fine… perfect. Since you love playing the devoted wife and mother so much, I’ll let you play it to your heart’s content.”

That night, he didn’t go to the master bedroom. He slept in the study.