Thread Of Doubt

Chapter Six

“Noah, can you please give me a moment?” I request, trying to mask the sudden rise of emotion that threatens to overwhelm you.

“Of course,” he replies, his eyes never leaving yours. There’s a moment of stillness as you navigate the sudden intrusion of the outside world into your private sanctuary.

The message- ‘Rachel, I see you’re still playing games. Guess you’re not over our breakup yet, huh? Just so you know, I saw you are trying to play games by dating my brother. Don’t you think you’re going a bit too far with your little revenge plan? Or maybe you’re just that desperate for attention. Let’s be honest, we both know you’re not over me.’

As I read the message, I was lost and I couldn't control myself.

“What are you reading?” Noah asked as he moved closer to me.

“Nothing” I said as I cover the screen”

“Are you keeping something from me now?”

“No, I said No”

“Your words may say no, but your body language tells a different story”Noah's gaze narrows, as if he can sense the tension coiled within me. He takes a step closer, gently reaching for the phone.

"Rachel," he says, his voice low and steady. "Whatever it is, you can tell me. Remember, I'm your contract husband. I'm here for you.”

“No, it's fine. It's nothing …” as I was trying to talk, he dragged me closer and my phone landed in his hand somehow.

“Hmm, are you not over him, truly?” He said after reading the message.

“Who said I am not over him? He's only saying his own and I don't care about him anymore”

“He knows you better than I do”

I went to my room and packed what I had to pack then we left for his house.

Noah's words hung in the air like a blade, sharp and piercing. I clench my jaw, unwilling to let him see the hurt his words have caused. But deep down, I know there's a kernel of truth to his accusation.

The drive to Noah's house is a silent, tense affair. I stare out the window, lost in thought, while Noah keeps his eyes on the road.

As we arrive, he walks to my side of the car and opens the door for me. His expression is unreadable.

"Welcome home," he says, the words feeling hollow and cold.

“Thank you”

We were walking inside when one of the maids reached to him

“Welcome boss, your secretary is inside waiting for you“

“Alright thank you” The maid left.

“Did she call you that she would be waiting for you?”

“No, she didn't”

“Then definitely this is not thee first time coming to your house unannounced”

“Any problem? She's my secretary”

“It's not even my concern, you are my contract husband after all”

We got inside the room and I couldn't find her.

“I thought they said your secretary is waiting for you here”

“Yes, she might be in my room”

“What? She's your secretary? Does she even have your room key? Is she your secretary on the other part too?”

“What do you mean?....” He paused and continued, “I will meet you here son” He said and left for his room.

“Secretary coming to his house, not even his house but his persona room, what exactly do they want to discuss that they can't say it here”

My mind races as I wait for Noah to return. I know that I shouldn't care about his relationship with his secretary, but something about this situation feels off.

I went to my room, took a shower and then rested.

After some minutes, Anna came to my room.

“Ma'am your food is ready”

“Oh! I'll come to the dining room now to eat” I said, and continued “Is Noah eating already?”

“No, he's in his room”

“What? Is the lady still there also?

Anna hesitates, her eyes flickering with hesitation. "I'm not sure, ma'am. Mr. Noah didn't say anything to me."

A knot of anxiety tightens in my stomach. "Is there something you're not telling me, Anna?"

Anna wrings her hands, her gaze darting towards the door. "Ma'am, I'm not supposed to say anything, but... I heard voices in Mr. Noah's room earlier. They didn't sound like they were talking about work.”

Her words confirm my anger, “Really? What are they talking about? But Noah said he's not the type to flirt around and I have heard this from many people. Well, Anna you told me that too, didn't you”

“It can be about business too, I really can't say. It can be about business in a different way, just go and eat ma'am, I am sure you have a stressful day”

“Really, just clear the way, let me go…”

“Where ma'am? No you can't, you need to eat first”

“Alright, no problem” I said, and I went to the dining room.

As I push the food around on my plate, a sudden determination grips me. I stand up, wipe my hands on a napkin, and make my way to Noah's room. The only way to quell this gnawing feeling is to confront the truth, no matter how painful.

I left the dining room.

“Oh! No” I muttered, “Rachel remember you are just in a contract relationship with him, no intimacy, no falling in love, just to stay in his house till the contract ended” I stopped while approaching his room.

I went back to the dining room

“What's going on ma'am?” Anna asked.

“I never told you anything is wrong with me”

“I am sorry ma'am. Be fine”

“Be fine also”

Although Anna pretended not to know what was bothering me, I sensed she did. Determined to focus on my meal, I tried to push the intrusive thoughts out of my mind. But, just as I attempted to take a bite, a low moan reverberated through the walls, interrupting my efforts to maintain composure.