Chapter 14- Ashes of Trust

The days that followed the hospital stay were wrapped in silence—the kind that seeps into your bones, making even the smallest movement feel like breaking glass. I was discharged after three days, with a hollow space inside me where life once grew. The mansion loomed ahead as the car pulled into the driveway. It had never felt more distant—more like a cage than a home.

William sat beside me, silent for most of the ride. He hadn’t said much since the night at the hospital. Though his presence was constant, his eyes seemed distant—preoccupied, maybe even haunted.

The driver opened the door for me. I stepped out and looked up at the mansion. The stone exterior felt colder, heavier, more suffocating than before. The staff lined up silently to welcome me back, their expressions unreadable. Eliza was nowhere to be seen.

I didn’t ask.

Later that evening, I found myself wandering the halls. The mansion felt too large, too quiet. I passed by William’s study and saw him on a call. When he noticed me, he ended it immediately.

“Did you get some rest?” he asked.

“A little.”

He gestured to the chair opposite him. “Sit.”

I did.

After a pause, he said, “Eliza is gone.”

“Gone?”

“She disappeared the day after the incident. Took essentials. No trace.”

I swallowed hard. “You think she had something to do with… what happened to me?”

He didn’t answer right away. “I don’t know. And I won’t make claims until I do. But I’m looking into it.”

I nodded, staring down at my hands. “What do you think happened? Who would do this?”

William leaned back, fingers steepled under his chin. “I wish I had that answer. But all I have are pieces. And I’m still trying to fit them together.”

The silence that followed wasn’t uncomfortable. It was reflective, almost shared.

The next morning, I wandered deeper into the mansion than I had before and found myself in a long-forgotten hallway. Dust coated the floors. A musty scent filled the air.

I reached a door with a name etched onto it: Selena.

My heart ached. William’s sister.

The room was untouched. A frozen moment in time. Her vanity still had a brush, a bottle of faded perfume. Books lay scattered on a table, and a scarf was draped over a chair.

I sat on the bed and ran my fingers across the comforter.

Then I noticed a box beneath the bed.

I pulled it out and found photographs, trinkets, and a diary.

The diary felt intimate. Personal. I hesitated, then opened it.

March 3: We went to the riverside today. I’ve never laughed so much. He brings me joy in ways I didn’t expect.

March 10: William is too protective sometimes. But I know he loves me. I just wish he’d understand that I’m growing up.

March 15: I’m seeing someone. It’s early, but I think it’s something special.

I flipped through more pages. There were no dark hints. No fear. Just a young woman in love with life.

Before I could read further, the door creaked open. William stood there, silent for a moment as he noticed the diary.

“You shouldn’t be here,” he said, voice low but not angry.

“I just wanted to know her,” I replied.

He stepped in slowly, took the diary from my hand, and closed it gently.

“She was everything to me,” he said quietly. “I’ve never stopped trying to figure out what happened to her.”

He turned and left, carrying the diary with him.

Back in my room, I sat on the edge of the bed. New sheets had replaced the stained ones, neatly pressed and clean—as if trying to erase what had happened. But some stains never washed out. Not from your soul.

I pressed my palm against my abdomen and closed my eyes. The emptiness was unbearable. The baby was gone.

A soft knock interrupted my thoughts.

“Come in,” I said weakly.

The door opened to reveal a familiar face.

“Nany?”

She rushed in and wrapped her arms around me. “Lily,” she whispered. “William’s people informed me. I came as soon as I heard.”

Tears welled up in my eyes. Her embrace was warm, grounding. I clung to her like I was afraid I’d fall apart again.

“You don’t have to say anything,” she murmured. “I’m just here for you.”

We sat together for a long time in silence. After a while, she pulled back and tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear.

“You look pale,” she said gently. “Are you eating anything at all?”

I shook my head. “I don’t feel hungry. I don’t feel anything.”

She squeezed my hand. “That’s okay. Just take it one moment at a time.”

“I visited Selena’s room.”

She asked, "Who is Selena?"

I told her about everything.....

She gave me a small nod. “I can’t imagine how William must feel.”

Just then, there was a knock on the main door. Moments later, Justin walked in.

I hadn’t seen him since that day I asked him for a job.

“Lily,” he said, his eyes scanning me with concern.

I offered a small smile. “Hi.”

Nany looked between us and stood up. “I’ll give you two a moment.”

“Wait,” I stopped her. “This is Nany—my best friend.”

Justin nodded politely. “Nice to meet you.”

Nany smiled. “Likewise.”

She excused herself with a knowing glance.

Justin sat beside me, adjusting his watch. “You look better than I expected.”

“Thanks,” I said. “Still hurts, though.”

He nodded. “I can’t imagine what you’re feeling. But I’m here for anything you need.”

We talked for a few more minutes before Justin stood to leave. “By the way,” he said, pausing at the door, “I came across something… unrelated. I’ll tell you when the time’s right.”

And just like that, he was gone.

That night, I looked out the window toward the trees at the edge of the property. A wind rustled the leaves, and for the first time in days, I didn’t feel entirely alone.

Pain lingered. But so did purpose.

Something told me this was just the beginning.

And somewhere, beneath the weight of grief and secrets… the truth waited to rise.