Chapter 3 Chapitre 3

The dull roar of the car finally died down as it stopped in front of the imposing gate of the Blackthorn estate. Lyana , sitting in the back seat, felt a knot forming in her stomach at the sight of the immense property. The wrought iron gates slowly opened, revealing an avenue lined with majestic trees that seemed to stretch into infinity. As the vehicle moved forward, the mansion appeared, dark and grandiose, as if from another time.

She got out of the car, her suitcase in hand, and looked up at the building. Its tall windows seemed to stare at her like silent eyes, and a strange feeling of unease took possession of her. Draven , who had accompanied her throughout the journey in an almost intimidating silence, approached to show her the entrance.

"Welcome home," he said in a neutral, almost mechanical tone.

She didn't answer, too busy taking in the immensity and coldness of the place. Inside, the lobby was even more impressive: crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, gleaming marble floors, and furniture so luxurious it seemed untouchable. Yet despite this opulence, something was missing. A warmth, a soul. The mansion was beautiful, but freezing.

An older woman, probably the housekeeper, approached and greeted them with a polite smile. Draven gestured for him to take care of Lyana 's luggage before turning to the latter.

"You will find everything you need here. If you're missing something, let Mrs. Elswick know. She manages the estate. »

She nodded, feeling a strange tension in the air. " And you  ? Will you be here often? » she asked with a hint of defiance, seeking to pierce the impenetrable shell of her new husband.

He stared at her for a long time before answering. "I travel frequently for business. Don't expect to see me often. »

These words resonated like an echo in the emptiness of the immense hall. Before she could react, he walked away, his footsteps echoing on the marble, leaving her alone in this house that, although luxurious, felt more like a gilded prison than a home.

Lyana followed Madame Elswick to her room, a sumptuous but strangely impersonal space. The thick curtains, the massive bed and the antique furniture seemed to suffocate him. She placed her suitcase on the floor and sat on the edge of the bed, looking around.

Loneliness set in quickly. She timidly explored the place, but each room she discovered seemed reinforced by the same coldness. There was a music room, a huge library, a living room with a fireplace so big it could have stood upright, but not a single trace of a life lived here. No photos, no personal items. It was as if the mansion itself was a carefully orchestrated set, revealing nothing of its true master.

As she walked down a dark hallway, a half-open door caught her eye. Curious, she approached it and took a look inside. The room appeared to be an office. Stacks of documents piled up on a large mahogany desk, and a laptop sat in the center. Lyana hesitated, but something urged her to enter.

She moved forward slowly, placing her fingers on an open file. The words she read there gave her a chill: names, numbers, and what seemed like questionable transactions. Before she could read further, a deep voice behind her startled her.

"I see you found my office." »

She turned abruptly to see Draven leaning against the door frame with his arms crossed. His dark eyes stared at her with an intensity that unsettled her.

"I...I was just watching," she stammered, feeling trapped.

He stepped forward slowly, and she felt an electric tension fill the room. "If you want to know anything, Lyana, just ask. But going through my stuff? This is not really a way to start a relationship of trust. »

She raised her chin, refusing to be intimidated. "Maybe you could start by being honest with me. Why did you choose me? What do you want from me, Draven ? »

He stopped a few inches from her, and she felt his hot breath on her face. "There are things you're not ready to hear yet. But believe me, Lyana , everything has a purpose. You better concentrate on your role and let me handle the rest. »

Their exchange was interrupted by a noise in the hallway. Draven turned his head, visibly irritated, before turning away abruptly. "Stay away from this room. This is a warning, Lyana . »

He disappeared before she could respond, leaving her alone with a mixture of frustration and curiosity.

Later that evening, as she tried to get to sleep, a light scratching at her door pulled her from her thoughts. She straightened up, hesitating to answer. Finally, she opened the door to find an elderly man, dressed in a dark uniform. His face marked by time and his worried look gave him a mysterious air.

"Madam Blackthorn ," he whispered, bowing slightly.

" Yes  ? What do you want  ? » she asked, surprised by this nocturnal visit.

He glanced behind him before continuing. "I know you're new here, but listen to me carefully. Pay attention to your husband. Everything he does has a reason, but not all of those reasons are good. »

Lyana frowned. " What do you mean  ? Are you implying he's hiding something from me? »

The servant nodded, his eyes flashing with a warning light. "You are more than just a wife to him, Madam. You are a key element in a dangerous game. Stay vigilant. »

Before she could ask any more questions, he bowed again and quickly walked away, disappearing into the shadows of the hallway.

Lyana closed the door, her mind swirling with questions. Who really was Draven Blackthorn , and what game had she just been drawn into?