The Perfect Wife on Display

Lucian’s POV The drive to the orphanage annoyed me more than it should have. Lilith had not replied to my message, and I disliked repeating myself.  She was usually quick to answer, not because she was obedient by nature, but because she had learned discipline.  I reminded myself that softness made her slow sometimes, and softness was why I kept her.  A woman like her was necessary. Quiet enough not to cause problems, gentle enough to handle the social tasks I had no patience for, presentable enough to stand beside me when I needed the world to look. She was useful. That was all. I parked and stepped out without waiting for anyone to open the door. The place was exactly as I remembered it. Old beige walls, worn pavement, faded chalk drawings near the gate. I walked up the small path and saw her stepping out of the entrance, her eyes darting across the yard as if she expected something to jump out at her. She looked pale. Tired too. The color had drained from her face, and she hel