CWMBR 30

Chapter 30

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The house she lived in remained the same.

The house in the residential neighborhood of Glynford was a small three-story house with fond memories of her parents. The first floor had a parlor, kitchen, and dining room; the second floor had her parents' bedroom and Bridget's room; and the third floor was a large utility room and attic that she used as needed, but since her parents' death, Ronan had taken over her parents' bedroom and Bridget had used the third floor. 

Ronan's hours were irregular and he suggested that Bridget switch rooms, saying she wouldn’t be disturbed there. Bridget, who was still grieving at the time, agreed to move up to the third floor. However, she didn't abandon the room on the second floor.

It'd been a few months at most, so it should be just as it was when she left, she thought as she entered the mansion.

"Welcome back."

"It's been a long time, Mrs. Otterz."

Greeting her was Jane Otterz, the housekeeper who had been with her parents since they were alive. The elderly woman was not usually one to show her emotions, but for some reason, she was unable to hide her joy today. As Bridget puzzled over this unusual reaction, she heard a voice from the side.

"Oh, my, Miss Bridget."

Someone was sitting on the sofa in the parlor that led to the doorway. She was sitting with her jaw set in a bored expression, flipping through a script, but when she saw Bridget, her eyes widened and she feigned recognition.

Bridget paused in the doorway and stared at her for a moment. Wavy dark blond hair, green eyes. She hadn't changed much from the last time she'd seen her, months ago, when she'd insisted she could never be barefaced and always wore heavy makeup everywhere.

Donna Green.

"I heard from the president that you're back, welcome home."

Donna greeted Bridget as if they'd just met yesterday, and tilted her head at Bridget's lack of response. Her wide eyes blinked and her lips curled up into a cute little smile. The innocent look on the gorgeous woman's face had worked well in many situations. If it weren't for Bridget seeing that look now, anyone would have been mesmerized by her performance.

Instead of returning Donna's greeting, Bridget turned her head to look at Jane, who had opened the door for her. Jane seemed to notice Bridget's question and explained with a somewhat awkward expression.

"Mr. Ronan had given her the second floor room."

Her parents' bedroom was occupied by Ronan, so presumably the room Jane was referring to was the one Bridget had once occupied. Pausing, Bridget calmly asked.

"What do you mean, 'gave away' the room?"

"Oh, come on, why do you ask? I'm famous, and I'm too scared to live alone, so I asked him to let me have a room here and the street is well-policed, and the mansion isn't a bad place to live."

Donna jumped to her feet and approached, smiling broadly, but Bridget didn't look back at her, instead she asked Jane.

"Are you saying she is paying rent?"

The question made Jane turn her gaze and look at Donna. Coughing, she replied in a cautious tone.

"I don't believe so."

Bridget pursed her lips at Jane's answer. Donna, who had been listening to their conversation, interjected with a shrug. 

"Rent, that's a dreary thing to say. Don't you know, young lady, that the theater depends on my physical condition, and you're supposed to take care of those things for me. Have you become too ignorant of the ways of the world’s affairs since you've been holed up in a hollow somewhere?"

Donna, chin held high, crossed her arms.

"It's not like you don't have a room, and what's the harm in me using one here? It's good for you, too, because you don't have to pay my rent elsewhere.”

As far as Bridget knew, much of Donna's food, clothing, and shelter were largely taken care of by the theater...... By Ronan, to be exact.

Ronan said it was only natural that Donna should be catered to, since she was the star of the show and the only guaranteed box office check that kept the theater running. Donna used it to her advantage, and she got the most expensive house on the street without paying a dime in rent. Naturally, she was paid a hefty salary on top of the perks she received.

Donna's extravagant tastes and vanity would not disappear in a few months. Considering that the house was not a very expensive and nice mansion in Donna's eyes................

Bridget thought that once she returned to the Grand Theater, she would have to look over the records of its operations. After all, there was no reason to keep Donna in this mansion unless she was trying to save money.

"How long has she been here?"

"She............... came in shortly after the lady left."

"Lady Bridget. Are you ignoring me?"

Donna was naturally unable to tolerate being ignored, and when she wasn't responded to, she grew even more impatient and demanded attention. Thinking her temper hadn't changed, Bridget turned her way.

"Donna."

Bridget feigned recognition, and Donna's annoyance faded. She smiled arrogantly and opened her mouth to speak, but Bridget was quicker.

"I'll deduct the cost of room and board from your paycheck."

"What?"

Donna's eyes widened and she wiped the smile off her face.

"What do you mean, room and board?"

"I'm not asking you to move out right away. You have a week to find a room."

Her heart was pounding like crazy, but thankfully her voice came out calm. Bridget scoffed inwardly. It occurred to her that it was all thanks to Ain that she had woken up and become so callous. If her heart that she had tried to protect until the end had not been shattered because of him, she would have returned and continued her foolish life under the watchful eyes of Ronan and Donna.

"Excuse me!"

Bridget said to Jane, ignoring Donna, who was raising her voice in disbelief.

"What about the third floor?"

"I've got it organized."

Bridget nodded and headed for the stairs. Donna, who watched her go without a care, spoke up in a shrill voice.

"Miss, who do you think you're taking it out on now that you've been kicked out after less than a year of marriage, and aren't you ashamed of yourself?"

Bridget, who had just placed her foot on the first step, skidded to a halt at the words. She gripped the wooden banister tightly, took a deep breath, and looked back at Donna with an impassive expression.

"Donna, when this matter is finalized, I'm going to file a claim against you for damages."

"..................what?"

Donna didn't seem to comprehend what she was hearing at once. She blinked her long eyelashes rapidly, then burst out laughing in disbelief.

"What are you talking about? Damages?"

Donna swept her bangs to the side roughly and spoke in an angry voice.

“I was the one who suffered the damage! How much money did I earn for that old theater? With the money I earned so far, what damage did you suffer, young lady? Huh?”

Bridget turned away again, silent. Donna's eyes widened at her obvious intent to ignore.

"Miss!"

"Miss Donna, calm down!"

"Answer me, Miss Bridget!"

Bridget desperately hoped her somewhat impatient pacing didn't look like she was running away.

Jane was right, the third floor was in good order. It felt a bit more sparse than when she'd left, but she didn't think she'd have much trouble using it right away.

Placing her suitcase on a nearby table, Bridget let out a long sigh.

She wasn't sure what she could charge Donna with, really. Bridget wasn't much of a lawyer, and her earlier statement had been spoken in anger: Donna had helped break up her marriage. But she wasn't sure if she could actually sue Donna Greene and get anything. Donna had a lot of powerful people in Glynford behind her, including Ain, who liked her...................

Ain was a cold-hearted man, even to his first love, but he listened to her anyway.

If Donna ran to him and begged him with tears in her eyes, he would confront Bridget to protect her.

First love.

Bridget thought the word was ridiculous.

Bridget flopped down on the bed. The air was familiar, but stale, and her breath tightened. Only then was she fully aware that she was back in Glynford.

It was not a pleasant feeling.

***

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