A Mystery Chapter 3
Chapter 3
Moira didn’t notice Virgil’s intense gaze lingering on her as she introduced herself. “Are you Virgil Adams?” she asked, her tone polite Virgil gave a slight
a slight nod and slid into the seat ar
seat across from her.
What would you like to drink?” Moira offered, handing him the menu.
Without glancing at it. Virgil signaled the waiter and said. “An expresso” His sharp eyes returned to her, locking onto hers with a focus that made her uncomfortable.
Feeling the weight of his scrutiny, Maira straightened her posture, her body stiffening as if she were in a job interview rather than on a blind date. It was her first time in such a situation, and the awkwardness fell suffocating-
“Ms. Elliott. I believe fate has brought us here. Virgil began, his voice steady and deliberate.
Sensing her confusion. Virgil deduced she hadn’t noticed him at Sunridge the previous night. Leaning back with his usual composure, he asked “Do you have your identification documents with you?”.
Caught off guard. Moira blinked. “What?”
“Since we’re meeting
ting with marriage in mind, I see no reason to waste time,” Virgil replied matter–of–factly.
Tim sure your mother has already told you about my background. You agreed to meet me, so I assume you have no objections, I find you a suitable march. If you’re willing, I’d like to register our marriage today.
Moira froze, the words hitting her like a jolt. She had come to appease her mother, never expecting such a direct marriage proposal on their first
mecung
Seeing her hesitation, Virgil continued. “We’re both adults. After marriage, I assure you of my loyalty and will provide my salary for household
Expenses. Feel free to ask if there’s something else on your mind.”
The mention of loyalty tugged at something deep inside her. Memories of five wasted years with Austin, who had betrayed her trust, flashed through her mind. She felt exhausted by the idea of starting over with someone new.
Marriage had become more of an obligation than a romantic dream to her. Her mother’s constant pressure had dulled its significance. At this point, it hardly seemed to matter whom she married.
Austin’s parting words echoed in her head: “You’ll never find anyone better than me.”
Looking at Virgil’s composed demeanor and sharp features, she thought wryly, Well, guess what,
what. Austint I found someone more handsome!
Impulsively, she agreed. “Let me get my documents” she said, allowing Virgil to accompany her home to retrieve them.
pher
As they parked in front of the city hall, doubts began creeping into mind. Is this happening too quickly
Virgil exited the car and opened her door with a calm efficiency. “Let’s go.” he said, striding ahead with his long legs, forcing Moira to jog to keep up.
“Mr. Adams,” she called, breathless. “Can I ask you something?”
He stopped and turned, his expression calm. “Having second thoughts?”
Moira hesitated, torn between the nagging thought that rejecting him might mean losing an opportunity and the lingering disbelief over how surreal the situation felt
Gathering her thoughts, she asked cautiously, “With your looks and credentials, why haven’t you inarried before now? Is there something I should
Her mother had mentioned Virgil’s impressive resume. She vaguely recalled that he was a programmer with a five–digit monthly salary. A man like him should have had no shortage of admirers.
Virgil’s reply was blunt. “Tin not particularly interested in women”
“What?” Moura froze, her mind racing “Are you gay!
The question tumbled out before she could stop herself, and panic bubbled up in her chest. Am Lagreeing to be someone’s cover story? she
thought
Virgil raised an eyebrow, his expression calm but tinged with confusion. “Gay?”
Chapter
“You know. “Moita faltered slightly, “Are you attracted to men?
Understanding dawned on Virgil’s face, and he shook his head firmly. “No”
Helset washed over Maira like a wave, but her confusion remained. “Then what did you mean when you said you’re not interested in women?”
His neutral expression didn’t waver. “I’m too busy with work, and relationships require time and energy, neither of which I can spare. Would that bother you?”
Believed, Moira shook her head quickly. “Not at all!” she said, perhaps ton eagerly. She caught herself, but the idea of minimal interaction sounded
Virgil raised an eyebrow at her enthusiasm but said nothing more “Good. Let’s proceed,” he said, leading her into the city hall
The marriage registration process was startlingly efficient. Before Moira knew it, she held their marriage license, staring at it in disbelief.
Just
like that. Fin married, Moira thought, glancing at the man beside her
As they exited the building. Virgil handed her a sleek black card. “This holds my salary. The password is six ones. Use it as needed. I have work to attend to, so I’ll leave you here. I’ll contact you later”
Motra stood frozen, watching as he hailed a taxi and disappeared. Looking at the bank card in her hand, she felt a strange mix of disbelief and
mensent.
Holding the bank card, Moira recalled her debate with her best friend, Zea Rodriguez
The discussion was about whether the man should hand over their salary to his wife, with Moira believing that both partners should share financial responsibilities, so there was no need for the man to hand over his entire salary.
On the other hand, Zea believed a man should surrender all his earnings, adhering to the old belief that wealth makes men prone to straying
While she understood that not every man behaved this way, Zea saw requiring him to hand over his salary as a way to gauge his worthiness for a lifelong commitment.
Though the debate nearly escalated into a heated argument due to their differing beliefs, Moira still found Virgil’s gesture commendable.
Her mood lightened as she pulled out her phone to snap a picture of her marriage license, hoping to share the news with Zea
Just as Moira was about to send the picture, her phone buzzed with an incoming call. Seeing the hospital’s number flash on the screen, a sense of
foreboding washed over her as she quickly answered.
In the hospital room, the air was heavy and tense. Shards of glass and spilled water littered the floor while Jane sat motionless on the bed, her back to the door.
you discharge yourself?” Moira asked, rushing to her side. Her voice quivered with worry
“Morn, what happened? Why i
Why did you
Jane had been diagnosed with early–stage stomach cancer. The prognosis was good if treated promptly, and Moira had worked hard to secure her a spot at Eldonia’s best hospital.
After a difficult month–long wait, Jane’s surgery was finally scheduled for the upcoming weekend. Missing it would mean another long delay
Jane slowly turned, her face streaked with tears. “That actress, Kayla Mitchell…” Her voice trembled. “Is she Darlene Mitchell’s daughter?”
dden topic i Maira stiffened, her heart sinking as she knew Darlene Mitchell was a forbidden
“Answer me“” Jane’s voice grew slurp,
sharp, each word laced with anguish
in their household.
Moira hesitated but finally replied in a soft voice, “Yes”
Her mother wasn’t the only one in the dark. Moira had also only learned yesterday that Kayla was the daughter of the Mitchell family.
Jane’s voice cracked with anger. “You broke up with Austin, didn’t you? Was it his idea?”
Moira took a deep breath, her hands clenched tightly at her sides. “He cheated on me, Mom,” she said, her voice steady as she looked at how furious Jour was “I was the one who ended it ”
hoped her mother would find solaor knowing e the had taken control.
Jane’s anger surgeil.
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Chapter 3
“Austin’s dating her! So Darlene stole my husband, and now her ataughter has stolen my daughter’s boyfriend” Jane’s voice trembled with fury, raw with years of unresolved pai
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