Page 22 of Tangled Trust

A lone tear rolls down my cheek as I think of the friends and family I’ve left behind. My whole world is in England. Apart from Carter and Jagger, I know the greengrocer and the staff who work for the family. Yes, I’m out of Sebastian’s claws and beyond his sadistic reach, but at what cost?

Don’t dwell on the negative, Ella. It’s a slippery slope.

Instead of feeling sorry for myself, I choose to close my eyes and drift off into blissful sleep.

Seb’s hand is around my throat. He’s squeezing so tightly that I struggle to breathe. I scream, but there’s no sound. I see nothing but the pale blue eyes of a madman. ‘No’, I want to yell out, but I can’t. I watch as I float above my body. Is it over? Am I dead? Am I…

The tune chiming from the alarm clock on the nightstand beside me drags me slowly from my nightmare. I sit bolt-upright and look around frantically. I’m wet with perspiration. It’s morning. Thank God.

* * *

"Good morning, Ella. I’m glad I ran into you," Carter says when he sees me downstairs in the kitchen.

"Good morning."

"I have to go out of town for two days. Amanda will fetch Jagger from the house tomorrow afternoon at around 5 p.m. Would you have him ready, please?"

"Yes, of course."

"Great. Thanks. I’m sorry to rush off, but my jet leaves in two hours. You’re welcome to call me if Jagger needs anything."

"I’m sure we’ll be fine. Thank you. Have a good trip."

"I’ll see you in two days. Ah, there he is. Good morning, big boy," Carter says, picking up Jagger as he stumbles into the kitchen, still half asleep.

"Hi, Daddy. Where are you going?" he asks and looks at the bag in Carter’s hand.

"Daddy has to go to Dallas for a quick visit. I’ll be back soon. Mommy is fetching you later. I love you."

"I love you, Daddy. Hello, Ella. I’m hungry."

"Well, I guess he’s over it," Carter grins as Jagger jumps onto the chair at the nook.

"How about some eggs and bacon?" I suggest to the little boy who is rubbing his dog behind its ear.

"Can I have Cheerios?"

Sugar is king, I think to myself as Chef winks at me and prepares bacon and eggs for the little man.

* * *

It’s close to 5 p.m. I’m wondering what kind of woman Amanda is. I can’t imagine how anyone would willingly give up a husband like Carter. Clearly, the woman has issues. I guess I’m about to find out.

* * *

It is just after 5 p.m. when I check my watch. I’m in the driveway of the stunning home I used to share with Carter and my son. I wonder what’s beyond the door. What’s this Au Pair, Ella, like?

I imagine she’s a pale English sort, dressed in tweed, sporting a thick accent. I suppose I can make an effort to be pleasant to her, as long as she’s taking good care of Jagger. Still, my ex should have consulted me before hiring a stranger to watch over our son.

I don’t bother knocking on the door I used to enter through and leave from for so many years, so I simply enter my former home. Carter hasn’t made any changes to the place. Why would he? It’s perfect just as it is.

The home has a familiar smell. It triggers my memory. Every room holds an emotional attachment for me. Carter and I painstakingly chose each piece of artwork together. We bid on rare pieces and decided where to place them. The modern architecture reflects his and my tastes perfectly. Oh, what a fool I’ve made of myself.

I blame you, Mother. Perhaps if you did your job properly, I wouldn’t be such a disaster.

I know Carter isn’t here. He called me yesterday to tell me he had to go out of town. I’m looking forward to having my son for the week. I miss his happy little face. He makes me feel better about who I am. I hope he doesn’t whine about leaving the dog behind. Another decision I wasn’t privy to.

"Jagger! Where are you, darling?" I call once I’m well inside the house.

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