Page 64 of The Devil's Torment

Alexander has called Imogen every single day, several times per day, and whenever I’m in her company, her phone doesn’t stop pinging with messages from him, too. I know they’re from him because she gets all giggly and sometimes blushes. Whenever that happens, jealousy steals a small part of my soul. I want that, but I guess that’s the difference between a man who’s madly in love with his wife and one who likes fucking her just fine, but she isn’t on his mind enough for him to take time out of his day to get in touch.

The reality of my situation leaves a bitter taste in my mouth that I can’t say I care for. I’ve always been fiercely independent, reliant on myself to make me happy, but lately the pendulum of happiness seems to sway one way or the other depending on Nicholas’s behavior toward me.

At least my business is now up and running, and once I deliver the initial draft plans to Anthony and his wife and they’re approved, I’ll get my first stage payment. Nicholas’s absence this week has allowed me to make great strides, and I should be able to send Anthony something in a few days. I’m nervous but excited at the same time. This is what I trained for, what I yearned for, and I’m proud of myself for doing it. Business start-ups aren’t easy, but I’m determined to make a success of mine.

I’m not hungry, but I make my way to the dining room anyway, the smell of coffee a scent I can rarely ignore. Imogen’s tucking into a huge pile of bacon and eggs, but the second she sees me, her fork clatters to her plate and she jumps up, enveloping me in a bear hug.

“Happy Birthday, Vicky.”

“Thanks.” I force a smile. It’s not Imogen’s fault I’m married to a jerk who can’t even be bothered to send me a happy birthday text, let alone a card. And don’t tell me he isn’t aware it’s my birthday. Nothing gets past the De Vils.

“Here, I got you something.”

“Oh, you didn’t have to.” My smile this time is genuine. She hands me an expertly wrapped box topped off with a red and white polka dot bow. Inside is a beautiful pair of ornate, gold drop earrings and a matching necklace. “Imogen, they’re lovely. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” She retakes her seat and shovels another forkful of scrambled eggs into her mouth. “What are your plans for today?”

I shrug. “Working, I guess, and I’ll probably go to see my parents.” Since they haven’t bothered to stop by to see me, message me, or call since I returned from my honeymoon. I’m starting to think that not only did my marriage to Nicholas save Dad’s business, but it got rid of me, too. I can picture them dusting off their hands and going, “Phew. One less problem.”

“Work doesn’t sound like the kind of thing you should be doing on your birthday.”

“It’s fine.” It isn’t fine, but whatever. “I’m meeting up with Briony and Eloise tomorrow. I can celebrate then.”

I won’t lie and say I’m not feeling salty, because I am. We’ve always made time for each other’s birthdays, but this year, everyone seems to want to avoid mine. “Have you heard from Alexander this morning?”

Imogen nods. “We spoke for an hour on the phone.”

Another snap of jealousy sears my insides. “Oh.”

“Nicholas still not called you?”

“Nope.” I pop the ‘p’ and grab the coffee pot before pouring myself a large mug.

“I’m sorry.” She tilts her head to one side while I flop into the nearest chair, shaking my head as one of the staff members who work this floor approaches me to take my breakfast order. I wave them away. They do a one-eighty, leaving me and Imogen alone.

“Don’t be. I know where I stand with Nicholas.”

That’s a big fat lie, but I’ve a fervent need to save face in front of Imogen, especially as she’s well aware of how much he means to me. She spotted the signs of my attraction long before Beth passed away, but luckily for me, she was the only one who did. I’d hate to think Beth knew how much I obsessed over her fiancé.

The funny thing is I know Nicholas didn’t love Beth any more than he loves me, but I never knew how she felt about him. I was always too scared to ask her in case she saw right through me to my raw, bleeding heart. She never volunteered her feelings, either. Having said that, not once did she complain about marrying Nicholas, and if I think back, she often looked content.

Apart from that last night. The night she died. Even though Nicholas is determined to track down those responsible, I don’t think we’ll ever know why she left the club and climbed into a cab despite armored vehicles with close personal protection being at her fingertips. I guess it’s a bit like the mysterious key Nicholas told me about. Some puzzles aren’t meant to be solved. It doesn’t make them any easier to live with, though.

After breakfast, Imogen heads off to a doctor’s appointment, leaving me alone with only my thoughts for company. Still not hungry, I down the dregs of my coffee and go get my shoes on. I may as well visit my parents early, then I can dive into my work without interruptions.

I’m halfway down the stairs when Mum calls. Oh, good. Perhaps they’re coming here instead. I mean, it is my birthday. I shouldn’t be the one driving over to see them.

“Hi, Mum. I was just about to leave the house to come and see you.”

“Happy birthday, darling.”

“Thanks. I should be there in about thirty minutes.”

“Ah, that’s why I’m calling. Your father has been invited to one of those golf days, and I’ve decided to go along, too. Marjorie and Solange are going to be there, and I haven’t seen them in ages. Besides, you don’t want to hang around with your parents on your birthday. I’m sure you’d much rather be with your husband.”

She gives this tinkly laugh that makes me want to scoop out my eardrums with my fingernails. Anyone would think she hadn’t lost a daughter a mere two months ago. I know life goes on, but it’s as though hers didn’t stop for a second, which, considering Beth was her clear favorite, strikes me as odd. Then again, my mother has always been a little on the strange side. I often wonder if she was dropped on her head as a baby.

“How is married life treating you?”

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