Chapter 13
It seemed that Franklin, despite his marital status, felt as single as Lawson. Lawson awkwardly cleared his throa ome on, you know Elizabeth well. In Yaville, can you find a woman with a better temperament than her? You’re lucky.”
The word ‘lucky‘ was a rare compliment coming from him, sounding strange and insincere in his mouth.
Exhaustion crept into Franklin’s voice as he replied, “I can’t bear this luck any longer.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” asked Lawson.
In the lively small hall, amid the shadows, Franklin turned his face with a serious look. His words were direct and sharp. “Your sister is seeking a divorce.”
Lawson nearly choked on his drink, the alcohol burning his throat as he fumbled to clean the spill on his pants. “Divorce?!” he blurted out, too loud. His shout drew curious glances from the surrounding guests.
“A bit louder next time,” Franklin said with a hint of sarcasm.
Lawson lowered his voice to a hushed whisper, leaning in, “Did I hear ‘divorce‘? Is
you or her who wants out?”
“She proposed it,” said Franklin.
“What’s gotten into her to want to split up?” Lawson cursed.
Franklin remained composed at Lawson’s reaction. “Is it that shocking? Didn’t she mention it at the Talors‘ place?”
Lawson almost spat out his second sip of wine. He retorted, “Who told you she’s with the Taylors? I haven’t seen her around.”
Franklin was taken aback. Then he asked, “She’s not there?”
“No,” replied Lawson.
Yaville wasn’t vast. If Elizabeth wasn’t at the Taylor residence, her options were limited.
Franklin was at a loss, unable to figure out where she could have gone.
“Could Ms. Taylor be staying at Haven Garden?” Jerry said.
That place sounded unfamiliar to Franklin.
Franklin gazed out the window into the night, struggling to recall the place. Picking up his confusion, Jerry chimed in, “Haven Garden on Haven Street is the property you gave Ms. Taylor before you two got married.”
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Blindfold Of Love
Franklin’s memory had always been spotty.
“Let’s go to Haven Garden, Franklin said.
Haven Street was a tranquil lane, stretching out of sight.
Late at night, with dim streetlights and a desolate starry sky, Elizabeth walked alone on the sidewalk. The late fall air was crisp, the ht wind biting. She was dressed in an old, unbranded sweater, looking frail and desolate from afar. Trailing behind her was a small mutt that appeared like a stray, wagging its tail pleadingly to beg for food. With a reluctant sigh, she offered the dog a sausage from her own meal.
She spoke to herself, or perhaps to the dog. “Eat up. Who knows about the next meat
Droping its fluffy head, the pup pecked at the sausage in Elizabeth’s hand, clearly enjoying the treat. With a sigh, she squatted down halfway, murmuring. “Poor thing
Shadows danced under the trees, casting two distinct figures.
Before long, a man’s shadow joined them.
His shadow fell over Elizabeth, unnoticed as she gently rubbed the stray’s head. “That’s delicious, right? It’s quite pricey.”
As soon as she finished speaking, the pup spat out the half–eaten sausage from its mouth, a chewed, unappetizing mess on the ground. Elizabeth blinked in surprise and said with a hint of irritation in her tone. “You ungrateful mutt, such good sausage, I can hardly afford it myself”
Feeling really annoyed, Elizabeth clenched her teeth and tapped the pup’s head. “Look at you, all self–important. Seriously, the more I stare, the more you remind me of Franklin.
Upon hearing his name, Franklin looked a bit displeased. Holding back his frustration, he managed to call out with a hint of softness, “Elizabeth.” The voice was tender, almost lost in the wind.
Elizabeth, thinking she’d imagined it, looked around in surprise before whispering to the dog. “Did you just talk?”
Franklin’s face turned stern, his tone sharp and cold. “Elizabeth, are you serious?”
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Blindfold Of Love
