Chapter 2: Welcome to Lockwood Mansion

Ava's POV 

As we approach the front door several maids bow 

“Welcome home, Mr Lockwood” 

Then they turn to me 

“Welcome home, Mrs Lockwood” 

I almost flinch

I guess I'll have to get used to hearing that name 

The large wooden doors opened before we even reached them 

‘Wow’ I thought 

Inside, the floor was covered in shiny white marble, and a huge crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling. 

A curved staircase led upstairs, while expensive painting and fresh flowers decorated every corner.

Everything screamed one thing

Money

More money than I have ever imagined 

For a second I forgot to breathe 

“Sir, would you want me to show her around?” a maid's question interrupted my thoughts 

She said with her head bowed 

“If I wanted that I would have said so” he replied coldly 

“Come with me” he said and walks ahead without even checking if I'm following 

I followed quickly behind him 

He led me to different rooms and didn't say more than one word in each room 

“Libary” 

“Pool”

“Gym”

“Kitchen” 

“Dining room”

I didn't say anything, I mean there wasn't anything to say, I just followed quietly. 

The place feels too big, too empty and too cold

If only life didn't take a huge turn I wouldn't be here

He stopped and turned to me, his eyes like they could see through my soul 

“If you need anything the maids will attend to you, now here are the rules and I need you to pay attention”

Rules? 

What am I? 12?

“One don't enter my room without permission” 

“Two, don't enter my office unless I call you”

“Three, don't interfere with company matters, I'm releasing you off your duties” 

I look at him in shock 

“What? Why?!” 

“Four, you don't question me”

“Five, in public we're husband and wife, in private, stay out of my way” 

I bit my lower lip, trying to get a grip of myself.

Looks like he'd go any length to break me. The tears I've been holding in for a long time slips out. I couldn't take it anymore 

He turns to leave 

“I have a question” my voice very shaky 

He pauses, his back facing me 

“W..why me” 

He turns, with a smirk on his face 

“Because you were the only woman willing to say yes” 

“That is not true” I cried 

“Have it your way, Ava Maxwell” he laughed and walked away 

I stood there in the big hallway, crying

As if working with him wasn't enough, now I'm tied with him for a whole year

I'm starting to hate my life 

“Hi ma'am, I'm Stella. I'd be your personal maid, please allow me to show you to your room” 

A maid said from behind me 

I quickly wiped my eyes and turned to her 

“Sure” 

“Right this way ma'am” she said with a pretty smile 

Soon we arrived at my room 

Decorated sky blue walls, very spacious, huge bed, walk in closet, bathroom half the size of the room, floor to ceiling windows

“It's beautiful” I muttered 

Regardless, I feel trapped

“Ma'am would you like to eat anything?” Stella said standing from the door 

“No, I'm good thanks”

“Mr Lockwood insisted that you have something to eat Ma'am” 

Ugh. Does he affect my choices too?

“Pancakes” I said flatly 

“Alright Ma'am, they'd be ready in 30 minutes” she said and left shutting the door behind her 

I walked to the door and turned the knob, making sure it's locked 

I removed Brandon's ring, threw it to the side and slip my actual ring back on its right finger 

“I haven't forgotten” I whisper softly as I hold it close to my chest 

My heart feels heavy. It's too much 

‘What did I do to deserve all of this’ I bring my knees forward and bury my head in between my knees, crying bitterly 

Three hours later…

A loud thud came from right outside my room waking me up from my sleep.

‘How did I fall asleep?’ I questioned myself drowsily as I sit up right

I look over at my bed side drawer  

‘Oh she brought the pancakes, but I thought I locked the door?’

Hmm, weird

Anyways 

From the way it looked I could tell they were cold

My stomach rumbled reminding me I hadn't had anything to eat all day 

I lean over to grab it, then I hear the thud again 

In fear, I withdrew my hands and fold myself under the duvet 

‘what the fuck is that? Did someone break in’ I muttered 

I slowly walk towards the door

“Is anyone there” I said loud enough for whoever it was on the other side of the door to hear 

No response 

I slowly opened the door and poked my head out to check, looking both ways of the hallway 

Nobody

Now that's strange

As I'm about to close the door I hear footsteps. It came from the left side of the hallway 

As I peek a little closer, I see a shadow 

‘what the fuck’ I say to myself fear slowly creeping into my voice 

Then it disappeared 

I immediately banged my door and jumped straight into my bed 

‘It better be my imagination please’ I whisper clutching to my knees under the sheets 

One month earlier…