Chapter 10 A Gift And A Curse

• I spent the rest of the weekend at my grandad's house, a welcome respite from the drama and my turmoil of my feelings for Roselyn. But, come Monday, I found myself back at Mr. Hunt's. I hoped our paths would cross, and I could speak to her, even though I had no idea what I would say. My emotions were a tangled mess, and I needed some resolution. I also had to make sure our secret was sealed. However, it seemed that this week Roselyn was actively avoiding me. I searched for her in all our usual haunts, but to no avail. My frustration grew with each passing day, and I began to wonder if I would ever get the chance to address the situation. Mr. Hunt told me she had been very busy helping a close friend with her upcoming wedding, but I didn't buy it. Not entirely.
• As the days turned into a week, my frustration mounted. My feelings for Roselyn were a confusing stream of affection, anger, and uncertainty. I needed to see her, to talk this through, even if it meant facing my fears and taking a leap of faith. Fortunately, Mr. Hunt's birthday came, and I finally got the chance to meet her again.
• The polished marble floor of the mansion felt cold beneath my feet as I approached the grand entrance. Mr. Hunt’s birthday. A simple, "old friend's daughter" was all I was to the guests, but he'd insisted on my presence. I was just making my way to the dining room when I saw a tall, blonde woman standing by the ornate double doors. I knew I had seen her before, and I almost flinched as I finally recognized her: It was Samantha. Mr. Hunt's ex-wife. Her sculpted features were as sharp as the diamonds glittering on her fingers, and her gaze was now fixed in mine.