Chapter 26. This Much

DYLAN

The room was vacated at around 11:15 in the evening. A little late, I know. The Ridleys had gone to bed at 10 pm, saying they had to be up early the next day for work. Because no one would be left to look after the guests, I needed to stay, and I did.

I was yawning in the last row of seats, and, being tired from the previous day, I leaned back, resting my head on the pillows. I couldn’t sleep until everyone had gone home, and I had extended my thanks.

It was embarrassing, really; some of them even asked who I was. Some didn’t have to and only assumed I was one of the house staff. For the latter, I didn’t bother to explain myself anymore. One day, they would know it anyway… and to keep saying ‘I’m Ashlene’s husband’ over and over again would be taxing. Let alone embarrassing.

“Thank you for coming, ma’am and sir,” I said to the last guest and finally, the events' hall was as empty as an old bird’s nest. It was too quiet, too, that you could hear a p