Broken Strings

iii.

"Dad," I picked up the phone.

"Adeline, how are you?" His cheery voice rang through.

"I'm good, dad. How are you?"

"Good, good. I was thinking, why don't you come over today and keep me company? The weather is awfully nice today."

I looked out the window. It was sunny out—blue skies and not a cloud in sight. "Sure, when should I come?"

"How about at two? We can have some tea and biscuits."

"Sounds good, I'll be there." I replied. After saying our goodbyes, I hung up.

At around 1:30, I called Richard over to pick me up. Nathan and I lived in a penthouse condominium overlooking the Chicago River, but Phillip lived out of the city. He bought a large property just north of Chicago, right on the edge of Lake Michigan. He claims that a man like him no longer needs the hustle and bustle of a noisy city. Instead, the tranquil suburbs is what he prefers. The massive mansion has a sprawling backyard where he loves to garden. Phillip Walker appears to be the absolute opposite of Nathan and Rhys. Contrary to their domineering personas, he looks more like a kind old professor than a ruthless businessman. I don't know if I truly believe his appearance, but he's been nothing but kind to me, so I try my best to respond back in kindness as well.

By two, I arrive at the estate. The maid opens the door for me and welcomes me in.

"Mr. Walker is in the backyard." She guides me outside.

"Dad," I smile as he stands up, giving me a warm hug.

"Adeline! You're more beautiful every time I see you," He gestures for me to sit down.

We're out on the patio, where he has a table set up with a few chairs. There's a full set of tea ware set out already, with a platter full of scones, small cakes, and finger sandwiches. This isn't the first time Phillip's invited me over for tea, and it's well known that he enjoys a good traditional British afternoon tea. It's odd that an American would have such a deep appreciation for a British practice. Rumor has it, Nathan's mom was a British noblewoman. I don't know if it's true, but that would certainly explain Phillip's love for tea.

"How are things with Nathaniel?" Phillip asks. "He treats you well?"

"Of course," I nod. "Things are going well."

Even though both of us know the truth, we still have to maintain the image. Phillip is friendly, and a great father-in-law. I'm appreciative of that much. But it doesn't erase the fact that he instigated this marriage, and he's the reason why I'm stuck in this arrangement. Though it's no use being resentful; I'm not the kind of person to initiate unnecessary conflict either.

"And your father?"

"Good, as well. Thanks to you," I fake a smile, keeping the bitterness in my heart.

If it wasn't for dad's failing business and Phillip's offer, I wouldn't be here now. I tell myself that it's all in the past, what's important is to make the best of the current situation. I have to stay positive, to look at the glass half full, because that's the only way to keep myself sane.

"Don't mention it, Adeline. It's all in the past, and you're family now. You know I look at you as if you're my own daughter." Phillip pours me a cup of tea.

I know that much is true. Phillip has been extraordinarily caring to me from day one, even before I'd stepped into the Walker family. He treats me differently from Eliza even, though I can't tell why.

I take a sip of the tea, and it tastes fruity. I take the opportunity to change the topic, acting pleasantly surprised, "What is this? It's wonderful."

"It is, isn't it?" Phillip looks pleased with himself. "An old friend of mine brought it back from Paris for me. If you like it, I can gift you a can."

"Please, I'd really appreciate that." I lie. "Is it Laudrée?" I name the only French brand I can think of. I'm no tea connoisseur, and I most definitely can't tell the difference between good or bad tea. But it makes for good conversation, and I'd do anything to stop talking about Nathan and my dad.

"No, it's Mariage Frères." He laughs. "Too bad we can't get it here. If you like it, you should get Nathaniel to bring you to Paris next time. You guys never did have a honeymoon."

I take a gulp of the tea. Going to Paris was once a dream of mine, along with a long list of other places. I've always loved traveling, though growing up I didn't have the chance to go to many places.

"You know, that reminds me. Nathaniel did once tell me he wanted to take you to Europe. He said you love traveling, if I remember correctly?" Phillip continues, pouring me some more tea in my now emptied cup.

I don't hide my surprise, "He did?"

I've never told Nathan this—I don't tell him much about myself. Outside of the public eye, we cease to feign interest for one another and so it seems pointless talking about our likes and dislikes. I'm attuned to him, but that's only out of familiarity and habit. My attentiveness is due to conditioning, more than anything else, because I try to avoid his anger as much as I can. But Nathan's never paid any attention to me, at least that's what I thought.

Phillip nods, "I know my son seems like a Neanderthal, but he's more observant than you give him credit for."

His words seem to be hinting at something, as if Nathan actually cares for me.

I smile awkwardly, and then change the topic. We talk for another hour, this time leaving the topic of Nathan behind for good. By four, I stand up and Phillip walks me out to the door.

"Adeline, Nathaniel...he's had a difficult childhood. It's my fault, but there's only so much a father can do. He needs you more than you know." He says right before I step into Richard's waiting car.

On the way home, these words echo through my head. I don't know what to make of them, because it certainly doesn't seem that way. Nathan needs a trophy wife to keep up his image, but that woman can be anyone. I'm nothing but a placeholder, filling a replaceable position that anyone can take over.

I tell Richard to turn the radio volume up and force the thoughts to go away, closing my eyes in exhaustion.