Two weeks and no one caught sight of Asher in the house. The entire mansion became unusually dull and quiet, safe for the presence of Rooney who brought colour to the house by being himself. Rebecca went everywhere, hoping to occasionally bump into him on one of the occasions but to no avail.

As the time progressed, it became clear that there was trouble in paradise. Emma hid herself inside, refusing to socialize and avoiding the questions being thrown her way.

It felt disappointing to be in the dark on your supposed husband's whereabouts, so she settled for the barest human interaction possible. Rebecca strode into the hinder parts of...