Secrets Buried Under Winter Skies Hidden Truths by Eliot D. Karr 2 Summary
In “Secrets Buried Under Winter Skies: Hidden Truths,” the story opens with the protagonist, Mrs. Morton, returning to the ward after a restless night. Bertie, her concerned maid, expresses her relief upon seeing her. Mrs. Morton, feeling exhausted but trying to maintain a reassuring demeanor, requests Bertie to help arrange her discharge from the hospital. They soon embark on a trip to Efrain’s company, where the atmosphere shifts as Bertie questions the purpose of their visit, hinting at her unease.
Upon arriving at Efrain’s office, Mrs. Morton encounters a new receptionist who mistakenly assumes Bertie is her mother. This misidentification leads to a playful yet revealing moment, where Mrs. Morton clarifies her role, asserting her identity as Efrain’s wife. As she enters Efrain’s office, she finds him with a young woman named Noreen Kane, who is dressed in expensive attire and appears to be uncomfortable under Mrs. Morton’s gaze. The tension in the room escalates as Mrs. Morton recognizes Noreen as Bertie’s daughter, which leads to a mix of emotions and a sense of familiarity.
The interaction between Mrs. Morton and Efrain is charged with unspoken feelings. She expresses her longing for his presence during her hospital stay, feeling a pang of disappointment at his absence despite his gestures of sending flowers. Efrain’s excitement about a new project contrasts with Mrs. Morton’s fatigue, leading her to decline his proposal to sign on for it. This moment highlights her growing assertiveness and need for space after her recent health scare, showcasing her strength amidst vulnerability.
As the chapter progresses, Mrs. Morton’s feelings of frustration and weariness are palpable. She notes the inadequacies of the new receptionist, emphasizing her awareness of the dynamics at play in Efrain’s world. The narrative captures the complexities of their relationship, filled with love, disappointment, and the weight of unspoken expectations. Ultimately, Mrs. Morton’s resolve to prioritize her well-being marks a significant moment of self-assertion, setting the stage for deeper revelations and conflicts to unfold.
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**Secrets Buried Under Winter Skies: Hidden Truths by Eliot D. Karr**
As the first light of dawn crept through the horizon, I made my way back to the ward, the sterile scent of antiseptic clinging to the air. Just as I reached the door, Bertie burst out, her expression a mix of concern and relief.
“Mrs. Morton, where did you go? I was so worried,” she exclaimed, her voice tinged with anxiety.
I offered her a reassuring smile, though I could feel the weight of my exhaustion. “I couldn’t sleep, so I decided to take a little walk downstairs. The doctor is in his office. Can you please find him and get my discharge sorted?”
Without hesitation, Bertie nodded and hurried to gather my belongings, her movements quick and purposeful. The driver was waiting for us outside, and soon we were on our way to Efrain’s company.
As we approached the imposing building, Bertie’s brow furrowed with uncertainty. “Mrs. Morton, why do we come here?” she asked cautiously, glancing around as if expecting something ominous to occur.
I couldn’t help but chuckle at her worry. “You don’t recognize it?” I replied, a playful glint in my eye.
Bertie shook her head vigorously, her ponytail swaying with the motion.
I had only ever visited Efrain’s office when it was absolutely necessary, usually to lend the Levy Group’s influence to meetings that required my presence. Efrain had always insisted on keeping his personal life separate from his work, wary of the gossip that could arise among his employees.
As I stepped into the lobby, a new receptionist caught my eye. She was young and unfamiliar, her face betraying her surprise as she asked me to fill out my information. Just as I was about to comply, she noticed Bertie hovering behind me.
With a bright smile, she greeted, “Hello, Madam. You’re here to visit Mr. Morton again? He’s lucky to have a mom like you.”
Bertie’s complexion paled at the comment, and she opened her mouth, perhaps to clarify, but I interjected with a light-hearted laugh. “Oh, she’s not Efrain’s mom. She’s the maid! You must have mistaken her. I’m Efrain’s wife, and I think I can find my way to his office without any help.”
The receptionist’s eyes widened in disbelief, but I brushed past her, ignoring the astonishment etched on her face as I ascended the stairs.
As I reached Efrain’s office, I spotted Adrian Dennis, Efrain’s assistant, exiting with a look of surprise that quickly morphed into a professional demeanor. He turned on his heel and knocked on Efrain’s door without so much as a nod in my direction.
“Mr. Morton, Mrs. Morton is here,” he announced, his tone all business.
I could only wonder what the two of them were discussing behind closed doors. When I finally stepped inside, I found Efrain adjusting his collar, and a woman stood nearby, her gaze cast down, a blush creeping across her cheeks.
Curiosity piqued, I glanced at her ID badge—Noreen Kane.
She was dressed in high-end designer clothes, the pink diamond ring on her finger sparkling with a brilliance that outshone my own wedding ring. I couldn’t help but remember the plush toy Rosalie had wanted for her birthday last month, a mere fraction of the cost of the extravagant doll Noreen held in her hands. Efrain had chastised Rosalie for wanting something so frivolous, calling her a spoiled girl.
Perhaps it was the judgment in my gaze that made Noreen fidget. “Mr. Morton, I should return to my desk,” she stammered, clearly uncomfortable under my scrutiny.
“Wait,” I called out, my voice firm yet curious.
She froze, her body tense, like a deer caught in headlights. I could see the brief flicker of sympathy in Efrain’s eyes, but it vanished as quickly as it appeared.
“Lyn, she’s…” he began, but I cut him off, feeling an odd sense of recognition.
“She looks kind of familiar to me,” I said, watching as Efrain’s shoulders relaxed slightly.
With a smile, he explained, “Noreen is Bertie’s daughter. She resembles Bertie quite a bit from when she was younger. Bertie knew I was in need of an assistant, and since Noreen had just completed her studies abroad, she recommended her to me.”
I nodded, absorbing the information, while Efrain shot Noreen a look that silently urged her to leave.
Choosing to ignore his subtle dismissal, I threw myself into Efrain’s arms, a wave of affection washing over me. “Honey, I’ve missed you so much. Why didn’t you come to see me at the hospital?”
Noreen stiffened at the display of intimacy, and Efrain leaned in, his voice barely above a whisper.
“I’ve been swamped with the whole going public thing. I trust Bertie to take good care of you,” he murmured, his tone a mix of apology and reassurance.
I couldn’t help but feel a pang of disappointment. After bringing me to the hospital, Efrain hadn’t bothered to visit even once in the two weeks that followed.
To be fair, he had sent me flowers twice—both times, lilies, which I had never cared for. Yet, I could still smell their scent lingering on Noreen.
“Since you’re here, you should sign up for this new project. I’m planning to announce it on the day we go public. With the Levy Group’s backing, our stock price will soar on day one,” he continued, his excitement palpable as he loosened his grip and pulled out a file, eager to share his vision.
Under normal circumstances, I would have signed the document without a second thought. But this time, I skimmed the contents and returned it to the desk. “You can give it to Vicky,” I said firmly, feeling a sense of resolve.
Efrain’s smile faltered, his expression shifting to one of surprise.
“I’m tired, and I want to go home,” I added, my voice steady.
He forced a smile, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “I’m sorry. I forgot you were just out of the hospital. You’re such a strong woman. Sometimes, I forget that you need a break. Let me call the driver,” he said, his tone a mixture of concern and frustration.
I waved my hand dismissively, not wanting to make a fuss. “Bertie and the driver are downstairs. By the way, your new receptionist could use a bit more training. She didn’t even know you lost your mother at a young age and mistook Bertie for your mom?”
Conclusion
As I stepped back into the chill of the winter air, the weight of the past few weeks began to lift, replaced by a newfound clarity. My encounter with Efrain had stirred a whirlwind of emotions within me, from the warmth of his embrace to the pang of disappointment that lingered in the air between us. I realized that while I had been grappling with my own vulnerabilities, Efrain was entangled in his world, one that often overshadowed our shared moments. Yet, in that office, amidst the tension and unspoken words, I found a flicker of strength within myself—a resolve to reclaim my voice and assert my needs, even if it meant challenging the status quo. The secrets that had long been buried beneath the surface were beginning to surface, and for the first time, I felt ready to confront them.
As we drove away from the imposing building, Bertie’s concerned gaze met mine, and I offered her a reassuring smile. The journey ahead was uncertain, but I felt a sense of empowerment coursing through me. I was no longer just Efrain’s wife or the dutiful mother; I was Lyn, a woman who had endured the trials of life and emerged with a deeper understanding of her worth. The road ahead might be fraught with challenges, but I was resolved to navigate it on my own terms. In the quiet of the car, I breathed in the crisp winter air, feeling the promise of renewal and the warmth of hope wrapping around me like a comforting blanket. The secrets buried under winter skies were no longer a burden; they were the catalyst for my awakening, and I was ready to face whatever lay ahead.
What to Expect in Next Chapter?
In the next chapter of “Secrets Buried Under Winter Skies: Hidden Truths,” readers can expect a deepening of the complexities surrounding Efrain and Lyn’s relationship. As Lyn grapples with her feelings of neglect and frustration, the tension between her and Efrain will escalate. The introduction of Noreen, Bertie’s daughter, adds an intriguing layer to the story, raising questions about loyalty and the blurred lines between personal and professional lives. Will Lyn uncover hidden truths about Efrain’s dealings at the company, or will she find herself caught in a web of deception that could threaten their family?
Moreover, the chapter promises to delve into the dynamics of the Levy Group as Efrain prepares for the company’s public announcement. With Lyn’s unexpected refusal to sign the project document, readers can anticipate a confrontation that may reveal deeper fissures in their marriage. Will Efrain’s ambition overshadow his commitment to Lyn, or will he recognize the emotional toll his actions have taken on her? As the stakes rise, the chapter will explore the fragility of trust and the lengths one will go to protect the ones they love, all while secrets continue to unravel beneath the winter skies.

Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.