Chapter 3 THE MANSION OF MIRRORS

CHAPTER 2 - THE MANSION OF MIRRORS

The driver had dropped my suitcase on the porch, leaving me alone in the biggest house I have ever seen. I went outside to pick it up.

Katherine Knight's voice cut through my thoughts, "Come, let me show you around."

We went through corridors decorated with portraits and gowns like a museum. My shoes sank into the posh white carpet. The Knight mansion felt alive. The shiny floors reflected the lights like water. My reflection on the mirrors that lined the hallways seemed to whisper, "You don't belong here." My simple dress looked embarrassingly off compared to the world of luxury around me.

As Katherine walked me through the mansion, I admired the books sorted by color, and even the air felt customized.

"Working closely with me needs discretion and discipline," she said as we passed a long aisle lined with art on the walls, "The fashion world isn't all glitter and glamour. It's a battlefield of ideas, and I like to stay on top."

I nodded, trying not to gape at a life-sized portrait of her wearing a crown of black feathers and a dazzling, long black dress. "I understand, ma'am."

She smiled slightly. "Good. No place for weakness. I reward loyalty."

Her words were heavy, like a promise and a warning entwined.

My room was twice the size of my old apartment, with white curtains that glittered in the soft light and a balcony displaying a beautiful aerial view of the city. A small mannequin stood in the corner, as if begging for my sketches.

"It's perfect," I said, my voice shaking.

"I'm glad you like it. Dinner will be ready soon. Freshen up and join us downstairs."

When she left, I sat on the bed, my heart spinning. How did I end up here? Yesterday I was just Rain from nowhere. Today I was living under the same roof as the most powerful fashion icon... and her billionaire husband.

The memory of him hit me like a wave. Adrian Knight. The man from the hotel. The man whose touch refused to leave my skin, no matter how hard I scrubbed.

I tried to steady my breathing. This was my dream, I reminded myself of what I was there to achieve under the wings of Katherine Knight. Nothing else counted. Whatever happened last night was a mistake; a secret buried deep under city lights.

But secrets have a way of following you.

When I entered the dining hall, the glow from the chandeliers beautified the crystal glasses. Katherine was already seated at the head of the table, elegant as ever. Adrian sat beside her, looking effortlessly magnetic in a tailored black suit.

His eyes found mine the second I walked in. For a moment, the world was reduced to just the two of us. His gaze wasn't soft or apologetic. It was electric, like we both remembered too much.

Katherine gestured gracefully. "Rain, come, sit."

I forced a smile and sat across from them, praying my shaking hands wouldn't betray me.

Dinner was amazing and terrifying. Katherine talked about fashion events coming up, celebrity clients, and an upcoming partnership with a Paris brand. Adrian barely spoke, but I could feel his attention on me every time I looked up.

"So, Rain," Katherine said suddenly. "What was your inspiration?"

I swallowed, "I grew up making clothes from scraps. It was the only thing that made me feel in charge of my world."

Her eyes softened briefly. "Good answer. Passion and pain often make the best designers."

Adrian finally spoke, his voice low and calm. "Katherine, you sure know how to pick them."

She smiled at him, but he wasn't looking at her. He was looking at me. My pulse was fast. The air between us was thick with something dangerous, something neither of us could name.

After dinner, Katherine's phone rang and interrupted my thoughts. She excused herself to take the call. "Rain, feel free to explore the gallery on the first floor," she said, "Adrian will show you the way."

My stomach tightened.

We walked through a dimly lit passageway, our footsteps echoing. The gallery was filled with images of Katherine on the runways, Katherine with presidents, Katherine at flashy events with Adrian, and Katherine holding award plaques.

"She likes to see herself everywhere," Adrian murmured.

I was startled. "She's... impressive."

"She is many things," he said, his eyes on one of the mirrors.

Then came the awkward silence. His voice softened. "You left without saying goodbye."

My heart stopped. "It was for the best. What happened was a mistake."

"Was it?" He came closer, "Because it is stuck in my head."

I stepped back, my vision getting blurry. "You're married."

He nodded slowly. "I know."

There was something in his expression: regret, desire, or maybe something darker.

"Let's forget it ever happened, please," I whispered.

He came close enough for me to feel his breath on my skin. "I've tried."

Before I could respond, Katherine's voice echoed from upstairs. "Adrian, darling, have you seen my tablet?"

He stepped back immediately, his face returning to calm perfection. "In your studio, I think."

I pretended to be admiring a painting, looking composed, but my heart was in turmoil.

A brightly smiling and elegant Katherine appeared minutes later, "Ah, found it! Rain, I hope you're settling in well. Feel at home."

"Yes, ma'am. It's... alluring here."

"Good." She slipped her hand into Adrian's arm, her diamond ring catching the light. "You'll start tomorrow at eight. Sleep well, Rain."

They walked away together, but Adrian looked back once, his eyes meeting mine in a mirror nearby. It was only for a second, but it was enough to take my breath away. As they disappeared down the hall, I stood alone, swallowed by a truth that I couldn't face yet. Because deep down, I already knew. In this house of glass and glory, nothing was as flawless as it appeared. And sooner or later, something was going to crack.