Chapter 6

The spill

She stirred gently in her sleep, feeling the warmth of the sun's rays as they streamed into the room.

The golden light filtered through the curtains, casting soft patterns on the walls and illuminating the space with a warm glow.

The quiet morning air wrapped around her like a comforting blanket, coaxing her toward consciousness.

As she shifted slightly, the sunlight kissed her skin, teasing her awake with its gentle touch, inviting her to embrace the day that lay ahead.

As she flicked her eyes open, the rays flashed in them. Her hand flew to her face, protecting her eyes.

She turned around, facing the white painted wall.

After a few minutes, she dragged herself up and yawned, stretching sleepily.

Her thoughts gradually woke up along with the rest of the world.

Sharp undesired and enduring memories of the previous night also came with them.

She hid quietly, listening to Adrian speak to someone over the phone. They talked about secrets.

What could that be?

And what will happen if she finds out?

Is it something bad or even worse?

She remembered his exact words.

She had been struck by those words like a chilly blast of water.

She had slipped away without him seeing her because her heart had tightened in panic.

Sophia shook her head, a frustrated sigh escaping her lips as she tried to push the nagging thoughts away.

Each one felt like a persistent whisper, tugging at her mind and refusing to let go.

She could almost feel the weight of them pressing down on her, like a heavy fog that clouded her clarity.

Closing her eyes for a moment, she took a deep breath, hoping to find a moment of peace.

Yet, despite her efforts, those thoughts lingered, swirling around her like autumn leaves caught in a restless breeze.

Determined, she focused on the present, willing herself to find solace in the little things around her—a warm cup of tea, the soft rustle of the trees outside, the distant sound of laughter.

Slowly her silk nightgown clung to her skin as she sat up.

It felt too big and too empty in the bed. The only significant change in her marriage was that she was now residing in the Drake mansion.

A visitor to her husband's house. Swinging her legs off the bed she got to her feet. Her bare feet buried themselves in the plush carpet.

She approached the mirror on the distant wall and stretched. Her worried and tired eyes were visible in the reflection as they stared back at her.

“I can't get distracted,” she whispered to herself. “ I'm now married. I must pretend to be fine. And clear the name of my father.”

Her chest constricted at the last sentence. Her father was innocent of all accusations thrown at him. The lies. The embarrassment.

She knew the truth but everyone else thought the worst of him. He had been set up.

And she had to discover how it happened.

The bathroom was the largest she had ever seen.

But she barely took in the sophisticated designs as she sank into the bathtub filled with hot water.

She sighed in pure pleasure as it caressed her skin, easing the tension away.

After several minutes, she grabbed a towel, wrapped herself in a towel. She chose a basic lilac dress from the closet and went outside. It was understated yet sophisticated.

Her hair was pulled back in a simple ponytail.

“ I must go down for Breakfast,” she muttered. As her stomach growled.

She closed the door gently behind her. And then stood in confusion as she gaped at the maze-like hallway.

She sighed deeply and began to walk down the quiet hallway. Trying to locate the dining room.

The walls were covered with paintings and the tall windows let in golden rivers of sunlight. It was cold though. Isolated.

Without a sidelong glance, a maid passed her with her head down. Not a greeting. No smile.

After a moment Sophia shrugged. Maybe the maid was in a hurry.

“I refuse to waste energy on trivial matters. I'm here on a mission,” she muttered.

Her slippers sounded softly on the floor as she moved slowly. She still hasn't thoroughly inspected the mansion.

Too many rooms and hallways appeared to wind in a maze-like pattern.

She would however take a thorough look around today after breakfast. Perhaps she would discover something or anything that would enable her to put the pieces together.

She was deep in thought when she rounded a corner and her body struck someone hard.

She screamed. She was splashed with scalding liquid and felt a hot burning sensation spread across her stomach and chest.

Coffee.

Her skin was stung by the heat which also burned through the fabric of her gown. The reason Sophia screamed was shock rather than pain.

The mug clattered to the floor, spun around before rolling to a halt.

She looked up and froze her eyes wide with disbelief.

In front of her was a well-known face with a twisted icy smile on her lips. “Miss Florence?” she exclaimed.

But as fast as it had come the coldness was gone. A kind contrite smile took the place of Miss Florence's sly grin.

Miss Florence was a tall perceptive woman who worked closely with the Drakes.

“Oh dear,” she said in a kind tone. “Mrs. Drake, if you had been paying attention to your destination, that wouldn't have occurred.”

Sophia looked stunned. The anger rising in her chest was far worse than the burning pain that still throbbed.

“What?” she yelled out. “You should offer a sincere apology for causing this. You walked straight into me.”

Miss Florence's eyes grew gloomy. A colder-than-ice expression took the place of her smile. “Really?” she asked softly. “And if I don't?”

Sophia stepped backward. At her sides, her hands quivered. Her gown got wet from the coffee and the spots where the hot liquid touched her skin continued to hurt.

Her heart however skipped a beat because of the expression in Florence's eyes. It wasn't just an accident. It was a warning.

She knew it. But why does Miss. Florence hates her so much?

Slowly Sophia raised her chin to meet Florence's gaze. Then in a cool but firm voice, she stated. “ I'll make sure Mr. Drake knows exactly what happened. And you might not get away with just spilling coffee the next time.”

Florence smiled but this time her eyes were full of danger. “Do as you wish. Mr. Drake will think it's an accident and nothing more.”

Sophia glared at her. “You shouldn't be so confident.”

Then she turned sharply and walked away in anger.

As she walked away, Sophia's heart was racing. Her thoughts were racing with a dozen questions.

Miss. Florence looked so brazenly confident that Adrian wouldn't believe her. When she eventually tells him what just happened.

What if she's right?

Will Adrian believe anything she says?

There was no doubt that the house held more secrets than she had ever imagined.

Each creaking floorboard and shadowy corner seemed to whisper stories long forgotten, tales of joy and sorrow intertwined in its very fabric.

As she stood there, she felt a strange sense of gravity pulling her into the heart of those mysteries.

It was as if the walls themselves were alive, watching her with a knowing gaze, urging her to uncover what lay hidden beneath the surface.

Now, she was directly in the center of them, an unwilling participant in a narrative that was both captivating and unsettling.

With every step she took, the atmosphere thickened around her, as if the house was holding its breath, waiting for her to unveil the truth that had been buried for far too long.