Chapter 5

A house of secrets

Sitting rigidly in the backseat of the vehicle, Sophia scanned the enormous building that would now be known as home.

The house which was all cold glass and polished steel, stood over her like a fortress.

As if he weren't introducing a stranger into his life, Adrian sat next to her silently browsing through his phone.

Adrian remained silent as the car came to a stop. He just adjusted the cuffs on his dark suit, opened his door, and went outside.

Sophia followed after hesitating. As soon as they entered the cold went beyond a metaphor.

A woman in her late forties stepped out from the mansion. “Welcome, Mr. Drake.” Her silver hair was pulled back into a painfully tight bun and she wore a clean grey uniform.

Adrian gave a nod. “Miss Florence. Meet my wife, Sophia.  This will be her permanent residence.”

Sophia smiled courteously.

“It is a pleasure to meet you.” Like an X-ray, Miss Florence's eyes darted across her. There was no warmth in her tone. “We have the east wing ready for your use.”

Sophia paused her smile. The woman's judgment was openly expressed.

Behind Miss Florence, staff members moved like shadows: A butler, a private chef, and housekeepers. No one smiled. No one greeted her. Regarded as an outsider.

Adrian withdrew to his study while Miss Florence guided Sophia through lengthy hallways lined with luxurious furnishings and beautiful artwork.

All of it was spotless.

“Drake likes to be quiet,” Miss Florence stated. “No unannounced visitors. Don’t wander around the restricted areas. And if you're hungry, dinner is served promptly at seven.”

“I appreciate your gesture.”

The housekeeper left. And Sophia scanned the room. Which had a large display of opulence.

It was grand and spacious to host a board meeting.

The large bed could contain six people at once.

New pajamas and a cozy robe were spread out on the bed. Even though everything was perfect, something seemed off.

It was like she was in an opulent cage.

She took her time unpacking, letting her fingers wander over the pricey furniture and plush fabrics.

Each piece was carefully chosen and placed far away. She felt like she didn't belong here.

She ended up sitting at the dinner table across from Adrian later that evening.

Their distance from one another was obvious.

The ate in silence. Sophia wrapped her fingers around the glass of juice and took a sip. Before setting it down.

“Not even a conversation from you,” she noted.

After a moment of silence, Adrian looked at her. “This table isn't meant for conversation. This is a dining table.”

She gave a little laugh. “ Whoa. How romantic,” she said sarcastically.

“You are not here for romance.”

She folded her napkin. “Of course. I am here for debt control and strategic PR. That's what I live for.”

A glimmer of something appeared on his face but he remained silent. Was it regret, amusement, or guilt?

He ignored her words and continued eating.

After dinner, he escorted her back to her room

He stopped at the door, his fingers grazing the doorframe. “If you need anything. Let me know.”

“Alright.”

He gave one nod and turned to leave, his footsteps vanishing from view.

Sophia shut the door and leaned against it. The silence in her room enveloped her. Even in luxury, she was alone

She wandered around the room touching objects.  She didn't own any of it. The desks, glossy surface, pillows, and sculptures.

She then caught sight of a small door by the side.

Curious, she pushed it open.

A sitting room

And on one of the side tables was a single framed picture.

A young lady with a soft smile and warm eyes. She had Adrian's cheekbones.

Tracing the edge of the frame with her fingers Sophia picked it up.

His mom.

An antique piano and books filled the room. There were no modern designs in the room. Obviously, it was reserved. A place filled with memories for Adrian.

She gave the woman another glance. This place had a tenderness that Adrian didn't display.

Was this the only impression that others had of him? Behind her, the floor creaked.

She swung around expecting Adrian but all she saw were shadows.

She returned to her room after carefully putting the photo back.

After a cold shower, she slipped into her pyjamas.

And lay on the bed trying to sleep. But it seemed a difficult task.

She kept turning and tossing on the bed.

After several efforts, her eyelids drooped and she fell asleep.

Suddenly, as if on reflex action, her eyes flew open.

She was awakened by a sound, a faint voice speaking outside.

She was curious so she slipped out of bed and slipped over to the door opening it just enough to hear.

“She has moved in. The charade is on,” Adrian said. He was on the phone.

.

Then on the other end of the phone another voice.

The words were quick, tense, and urgent but she was unable to make them out clearly.

“She is not stupid, Adrian said. “But she doesn't know yet. If it leaks, we lose leverage.”

Sophia's heart pounded. Her thoughts were racing.

What were they hiding?

What was the point of keeping it from her?

With a gentle click, her elbow brushed the door frame as she leaned closer.

Silence.

Next came footsteps. Her heart pounding, she ran back into the room.

Then a gentle knock sounded on the door. Quickly she slipped beneath the covers.

Adrian called calmly but firmly. “ Sophia?”

She remained silent.

No, she couldn't respond.

Adrian stood close to her bed watching her and after a few seconds, he turned and walked out of her room.

She got up and rushed to the door, twisting the key in the keyhole to lock the door.

Her breathing came in sharp gasps as she stared in shock at what she heard.

There was nothing worse than a trap in this marriage. She was beginning to think she made the wrong decision. But it was to save her father's life and clean his reputation.

What secret is he keeping from her?

Who was he speaking to over the phone?