CHAPTER THREE

Elodie stepped out of the car, the gravel crunched beneath her modest shoes, and a wave of innocence washed over her, making the world feel both vast and intimidating.

The mansion sprawled before her like a sleeping giant, she had never seen anything like it, she stood there, her simple dress fluttering in the breeze.

The driver had already sped away down the driveway, his tail light fading into the distance. Gathering her courage, she clutched her small suitcase containing little more than a few changes of clothes, her Bible, her rosary and approached the entrance.

The security was formidable, there was an iron gates that swung open in a mechanical way after she presented her invitation letter, guards in crisp uniforms who scanned her with metal detectors and asked probing questions about her purpose.

" Elodie," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper, "here at the invitation of Mr. Antoine" They nodded curtly, waving her through.

"Good day, we’ve been expecting you," a voice interrupted her studying of the house. A butler, impeccably dressed in a black suit, appeared from a side door. His face was lined with years of service, his expression neutral. "The boss is not yet back but his sons are in, they should be in their rooms. I’ll show you to yours."

She nodded mutely, falling into step behind him. He led her through the hallway, each more lavish than the last. "This is it" He gestured inside and walked down back from where they came from.

She set her suitcase down and unpacked slowly, placing her Bible on the nightstand and her rosary close to her so she could grab them when the need be.

As she knelt to say a quick prayer of thanks for safe arrival, loud moans were heard through the wall. At first she thought it was the wind, maybe the rain was about to fall but then it continued and screams could be heard.

It was human, she gasped. Could this be the sound of sin she had been told about, there was shouts and screams of “fuck!” Her innocence recoiled, she had been sheltered all her life, protected from such sins and never exposed to this. Could this be a test to her Faith?

The moans grew louder, the voices increasing. "Oh, yes... harder..." A woman's voice shouted followed by a man’s voice. Her hands trembled as she grabbed her rosary from the nightstand, the beads clinking. She clutched it to her chest, dropping back to her knees on the plush carpet, her eyes squeezed shut.

"Hail Mary" she whispered urgently, her voice shaking as the sounds escalated. The wall seemed to vibrate with their passion, each thrust and cry invading her sanctuary. "Full of grace" She repeated the prayer, her fingers flying over the beads in a bid to drown out the sin next door but the moans increased.

Panic fluttered in her breast, was this the bleak fate she had feared? Had the Lord led her here to test her faith amid such temptation? She prayed harder, her lips moving fervently. The rosary becoming her anchor, each bead a step toward salvation pulling her from the abyss of curiosity that threatened to stir within her.

She must not think such things, she was an innocent devoted sister.

The sound from the room reduced before laughter echoed, then there was silence. Her heart raced as she stayed in her knees completing the rosary, begging and pleading for strength. No matter what the temptation was, she would face it in prayer.

Evening came and she was done with her chores for the day, she got back to her room ready to call her day off when her mind drifted. It wandered back to those moans, could it be one of the sons? She asked herself.

She had been told he had sons in the house but she was yet to be introduced to them all, maybe soon.

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Antoine leaned back in his leather executive chair, he was the epitome of corporate success. He had sharp suits, sharper mind, and a reputation that preceded him in boardrooms and bedrooms alike.

His dark hair was impeccably styled, his jawline chiseled from hours at the gym, and his eyes held a glint that made women weak and made them want to drop their panties.

Jenny was one of them, one of the many girls who fluttered around him at events, their eyes lingering too long, their laughs a bit too eager.

She was a junior analyst in marketing, fresh out of college, with long auburn hair, curves that her pencil skirts accentuated, and a smile that promised mischief.

He'd noticed her weeks ago, the way she bit her lip when he passed her desk, the subtle arch of her back when she knew he was watching.

A soft knock echoed through the room, pulling him from his reverie. "Come in," he called, his voice smooth.

The door opened, and there she was, clutching a stack of reports, her cheeks already flushed under his gaze. She wore a fitted blouse that hugged her full breasts, the top button undone just enough to tease, and heels that clicked on the marble floor.

"Mr. Antoine," she said, her voice breathy, "I have those quarterly projections you requested, I thought I'd bring them personally."

Antoine's lips curved into a knowing smile. He gestured to the chair opposite his desk. "Close the door, Jenny and I want you to lock it."

She hesitated for a second, her green eyes widening, but obedience won out. She clicked the lock and approached him, placing the papers on his desk, her hands shaky. "Is there anything else I can do for you?"

He stood, towering over her his presence filling the room. "Oh, I think there is." His hand reached out, fingers tracing the line of her jaw, tilting her chin up.

She didn't pull away, instead she leaned into his touch, her breath quickening. Antoine could feel the heat radiating from her, the subtle scent of her perfume and the way she took in deep breath.