1 The Guest

Mariele had never liked the smoke from cigars and thought of throwing away the box of rolled tobaccos when her husband went to work. It was an intention that was always thwarted by the fear of Searlus anger.

"My friend is coming to Colmar tonight. Can you help me set up his room?"

Not only once did Searlus bring his friends to stay the night. She didn't like foreigners at all. She prefers to be alone at home, because only then can she have freedom.

"I understand."

Searlus wants to ask the reason for the facial expression that seems heavy. That intention failed after he saw the time and demanded that he immediately go to work.

He extinguished the cigarette flame, then got up from his chair. "I'm going to work now."

Seeing his movement made Mariele get up too. She didn't forget the briefcase that was on the corner table. He's bag wasn't heavy this time, meaning that he'd be home sooner than usual.

Mariele escorted her husband to the front door. She remained there until Searlus who was driving a black Volkswagen Beetle disappeared.

A smile of true happiness spread across her small face. "I'm free now."

That claustrophobic feeling wasn't because she didn't like Searlus. She's just pretty tired of the lies that were in their marriage. All this time, she had forced herself to keep smiling in front of Searlus. With him going to Alsace, she could rest from all those lies for a while.

Their marriage has lasted for two years. It was a marriage based on the gratitude of Mariele's parents. It doesn't make any sense to make your own child a sacrificial goat.

It cannot be denied that since marrying Searlus, her life has become better. Her parents' purpose was indeed to give their child to rich royal blood so that Mariele's future was bright.

Searlus in people's eyes is a good figure. Mariele's parents were among those who received the man's helping hand. Seeing that the master is not married is an opportunity to offer a mate. No one expected that Searlus agreed.

Apart from having an educated demeanor, Searlus is a handsome and wealthy man in Colmar. The business he is involved in is a wine plantation which is processed into jam, liquor, and much more.

Despite all these advantages, Mariele knew that Searlus married her only for reasons of status. There's no love. She also has no feelings for him. They are like a bond that must be maintained, but do not belong to each other.

Mariele never thought of loving her husband one day. Searlus was too perfect and seemed unreal. He is stiff and cold for a Mariele who likes men who are cheerful and warm. There's no way she likes Searlus.

"Madam Mari!" A maid came with hasty steps.

"What's that?"

"There guest waiting outside."

No guest other than Searlus's friend would come. However, isn't time too soon? The guest should have come at night like what Searlus had told her.

"Change the sheets in the upstairs room and make some cinnamon tea too."

"Okay, Madam."

Mariele rushed down the stairs. Seeing the reflection in the mirror made her take a step back, so she could tidy up hers appearance. In front of Searlus's family or friends she couldn't appear bad to maintain hers husband's reputation.

Mariele opened the door and found someone's back. He was a man wearing a waistcoat and white long-sleeved shirt.

"Welcome," said Mariele in a polite tone.

The man turned around, looking confused. He stepped back to make sure he didn't get lost. After confirming his memory, he stepped forward and was still amazed by the woman's figure that opened the door for him.

"Isn't this the residence of Searlus Beausoleil?"

"That's right. I am his wife, Mariele Beausoleil. Could you first introduce yourself?"

"Oh, yes, yes... sorry. I'm Curtis Jourdain."

He was still looking at her in astonishment.

"Is Searlus married?"

Mariele really wasn't interested in this awkwardness, let alone talking about unimportant things. Her business is only to welcome her husband's guests, not to chat.

"Come in, Mr. Jourdain."

They entered the living room area and sat there. Not long after that a maid served cinnamon tea, some pastries, then gradually left. The silence returned to the presence.

"Please drink the tea." Mariele reached for her drinking cup, sipped the tea in two gulps.

Curtis was still looking at the woman who had just finished her drink. This was noticed by Mariele. She made an unfriendly look for someone as impolite as Curtis.

"Oh, sorry."

Curtis who knew that his treatment was not polite immediately drank his tea before putting it back on the table.

"So, you are my husband's friend who will stay this night?"

"No, Mrs. Beausoleil. I'm supposed to be staying here quite a while because of my work at Colmar. I wanted to rent a place, but Searlus... I mean, Mr. Beausoleil allowed me to be here for a while."

Curtis seemed to carefully read the expression of his friend's wife, then continued to say, "Of course, if you please."

Searlus is too kind to many people. Mariele was no longer surprised. But, staying long enough at their place means that her freedom is threatened. She won't be able to spend time peacefully like her used to.

Curtis who saw that unhappy expression immediately got up and touched his luggage. "I-I'll go if you don't like it. Don't worry, because I'm not going to tell Mr. Beausoleil about this. Let's just say that I would be more comfortable staying in a hotel."

"W-wait a second!"

The atmosphere suddenly became silent as a shrill scream escaped Mariele's mouth. Never did she scream except when hers heart was full of freedom. Now, in the presence of her husband's friend whom she was supposed to respect, her impoliteness seemed to have no walls.

Mariele cleared her throat before saying, "I'll show you a room that can be occupied while you stay here."

Curtis nodded his head, then followed where he was taken. It wasn't just once that he had come to this spacious Searlus residence. It had been too long. Many changes occur, including the news of Searlus's wedding that he doesn't know about.