Grace's expression was calm, carrying a wistful detachment.
Mu studied her and suddenly realized, somewhat surprised, that beneath the makeup, there were faint wrinkles at the corners of this woman's eyes, though she looked no different from a young girl.
Time showed no mercy.
Perhaps years ago, she too had been the dream Goddess of countless young men, but now she was merely a woman who had long been someone's wife.
"I don't really believe in love," Grace said softly.
"Why?" Mu asked instinctively. She did not think her feelings had been wrong.
"I'm an actress. I've played many roles onstage, most of them women deeply devoted to love. Quite a few audience members who watched me perform in operas claimed to be my devoted admirers too. They all said I was a woman mad with love, but I knew it was all an act."
Mu said nothing. She knew that all she needed to do now was listen quietly.
"Later, I married Donald and dutifully played the role of a wife. He thought I loved him deeply, but I had merely reached the age when I wanted to find a suitable person to marry."
Grace slowed slightly and came to the window, looking out into the night.
The weather tonight was fairly pleasant.
The evening breeze cast sparse shadows, and the moon shone bright over the night islet.
She narrowed her eyes and looked up at the starry sky, where countless stars glittered, bearing who knew how many thoughts of the world's people.
"I think you only fooled yourself," Mu said slowly.
"Perhaps." Grace smiled faintly. "But now, none of that really matters anymore. After more than ten years, I can no longer tell whether I simply grew used to playing the role of a wife, or whether I