Jonathan had already walked into the house by the time I returned and he paused as he saw me. For a split second, it just felt as if he recognized me but then his hoarse voice pulled my head out of that thought.

"What are you doing?" He snarled, looking around me for any hint of mischief.

"Nothing. Just getting familiar with the house.." I said and he stared at me for a few more seconds before walking away.

I returned to my room, my heart pressing against the walls of my chest. What if he walked in on me rummaging through his study? He'd have me killed even before I got the chance to end him myself.

But why are there more cameras on this side of the house than any other part of the mansion? Did he already suspect me even before agreeing to the marriage?

All the questions in my head needed answers but I couldn't get any, so I took my shoes off and crawled into my bed. The cold air rushed in through the open window and grazed my shoulders.

I felt my throat burning as memories of Sophia came flooding back. When I used to be in love.. the days when I had dreams. Big dreams of running as far away from my father as possible. Where I'd start a brand new life with the one I loved... Jonathan.

The night after he told me how unworthy and unfit I was to be his wife, was the night Sophia died. My father's forced surgery was just the funeral.

I took a deep breath and sat up on the bed, wiping my face with the back of my hand. Just as my mind kept drifting, an almost inaudible knock sliced through the silence.

"Come in!" I ordered. The hinges creaked softly and the door pushed open, Lydia walked in holding a little tray containing a folded envelope.

"Mr. Mysterio sent this over." She said and I got down from the bed to pick it up.

"Thank you.." I muttered without lifting my head from the envelope. The door slammed shut and I sat in flllront of my dressing mirror, tearing the envelope apart to see the content.

"...heartily invites you to her golden jubilee.." I muttered softly.

What stopped him from giving me this when he saw me earlier?

I smacked my lips and placed the card on the table, dragging my legs back to the bed. Barely five minutes later, another knock came. This time, louder and firmer than Lydia's.

I walked to the door and pulled it open, outside stood a young lady with a stern face.

"Mr. Mysterio has orders for a change of wardrobe.." she started and I rolled my eyes.

"You're mistaken darling, his side of the house is to the right. Mr. Mysterio doesn't stay in this part of the house.." I explained and turned to leave but she held the door.

"The change isn't for the boss... it's for his wife. And I believe you're the one.."

I stared at her for a while and slowly stepped aside.

"If you'd please walk with me to the living room, we need to take your measurements." She requested. I shut my door and followed her into the living room, it was already packed with racks of dresses and women in uniforms folding more clothes into boxes.

Upstairs, Jonathan lurked around the railings, hovering like a hawk.

I stood in the center of the living room as the lady took my measurements.

"Spread your arms.." she ordered softly. This went on for a while and slowly, I eased into it.

When I finally sat and watched the uniformed ladies display the clothes, I couldn't help but admire the uniqueness of the designs.

My phone vibrated on my lap and I stared down at it. I barely got any messages on my phone and when I did, it was usually Collins. I hesitated at first and finally picked it up.

The timeframe he gave me hasn't elapsed so what was he texting me again for? As I stared at the message, the world paused for a second.

Before I could process the text, a call came in from the unsaved number. Collins.

My thumb hovered over the accept button and my heart pounded in my ears. I could guess why he was calling.. probably to confirm the text I just received.

But then I remembered Jonathan was watching, so I declined the call and turned my phone face down on my lap again.

I repeated the message in my head and the clothes didn't interest me anymore.

"Uhhm.. let me leave you all to do your thing... I need some rest." I said to the head and she tipped her head a little to the left.

"But ma'am, we're only getting started. You haven't seen our best designs yet and you still haven't decided which ones you're picking.." she insisted.

I stared at each rack one after the other, trying to come up with something fast.

"Make use of your expertise and do the selection on my behalf. You've seen me, you know what I'd like. The rest is up to you.." I ordered and she nodded reluctantly.

"Or... matter of fact, I don't trust anyone's judgement. You probably know nothing past your uniforms. I'll take it all, thank you.."

I turned and walked back to my room. I looked up and my eyes met with Jonathan's. The way he stared at me made me feel as though he read the text message from all the way up there. But that's near impossible.

He slowly looked away and disappeared from sight while I hastened to mine.

After making sure the door was latched, I opened my phone and dialed the unsaved number again but it didn't connect. I guess I can't call him but he can.

So I tossed the phone on the bed and buried my face in my palms.

"Change of plans. The order to kill will come sooner than you think."

The message was that simple and it made me panic. I only had less than 24 hours left to get the passwords and the files Collins asked me to get, and now I'd have to start worrying about how soon I'd be asked to end him.

"Ughhh!"

I ran a hand through my hair, letting out a soft breath.

Chapter 6 .

You might like