Chapter 7 Strange family

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Chloe walked down the grand staircase, her steps slow and heavy. Since she had been shown around the mansion earlier, she could now navigate it without needing the help of a maid. But even with the familiar surroundings, she felt lost.

The guard at the main door opened it for her, and she stepped outside. Tears streamed down her face, blurring her vision as she walked aimlessly.

She had thought she could endure this life, that she could push through the pain and find her footing. But now, she wasn't so sure.

How could she become a mother to children who didn't even want her near them? How could she fulfill the responsibilities of being the perfect wife when her so-called husband made things so difficult?

And then there was his family-each of them behaving strangely, with secrets she couldn't unravel.

It was all too much. The weight of it felt unbearable, pressing down on her chest, making it hard to breathe. But even if she wanted to escape, she couldn't. The contract she had signed tied her to this life-a cage she had willingly stepped into.

She found her way to the back of the mansion, where a solitary swing hung from a sturdy tree. She sat on it, her thoughts spiraling as she swayed gently. Her mind replayed the events that had led her here-how her life had been destroyed in a single day, and how everything had taken such a cruel turn.

Lost in her thoughts, she barely noticed the sound of footsteps until a voice startled her.

"You're here?"

Chloe jumped slightly, quickly wiping her tears as she turned to face the intruder. It was Laine, her sister-in-law, standing a few steps away with a curious expression.

"Hi," Chloe managed, her voice shaky.

"How are you?" Laine asked. "You don't have to stand for me. Sit back down. We share the same title in this family, after all."

Chloe nodded hesitantly and sat down again.

Laine walked closer, her sharp eyes softening as she noticed Chloe's red, puffy eyes. "Are you okay?" she asked.

"I'm fine," Chloe lied, avoiding her gaze.

Laine tilted her head. "It looks like you've been crying."

"No," Chloe said quickly, forcing a weak smile. "Something got in my eye earlier, but I've taken care of it."

Laine chuckled lightly, her tone turning knowing. "This family can be... overwhelming, can't it?"

Chloe hesitated but finally nodded. "Sort of."

"Don't worry," Laine said, her voice warm but with a hint of amusement. "You'll get used to it. You have to."

"Thank you," Chloe murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Laine gave her a small smile. "Here's a bit of advice-don't take everything people say to heart. In this family, words are weapons, and if you react to every jab, you'll never survive."

Chloe looked at her, a faint glimmer of hope flickering in her eyes.

"Trust me," Laine added. "You're stronger than you think. And if you need anything, anything at all, come to me. I've been through this too."

"Thank you," Chloe said again, her voice more genuine this time.

Laine nodded and turned to leave, but before she walked away, she glanced over her shoulder. "Remember, Chloe, you're not alone here. Even in a place like this."

With that, Laine disappeared into the mansion, leaving Chloe on the swing. For the first time in days, she felt a faint sense of comfort, as if maybe-just maybe-she could find her place in this strange and hostile world.

Chloe rest her head on the swing, staring at the spot where Laine had disappeared. Her words echoed in her mind: "You're not alone here. Even in a place like this."

Could that be true? Could she really find her footing in a house filled with so much coldness and secrecy? She wasn't sure, but something about Laine's tone gave her hope, however faint.

As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the garden, Chloe rose from the swing. The chill in the air mirrored the unease in her heart, but she knew she couldn't stay outside forever. She wiped her face, trying to mask any trace of tears, and made her way back to the mansion.

The grand hall felt even more intimidating in the dim light, the high ceilings and marble floors amplifying every soft step she took. Chloe paused near the staircase, hearing voices in the distance. She followed the sound, careful not to draw attention to herself.

Peering into the dining room, she saw Nicholas sitting at the head of the table, his presence commanding as ever. Across from him sat Aaron, a smirk playing on his lips, and Verona, who whispered something into her husband's ear. Whatever she said made Aaron chuckle darkly, his eyes glinting with mischief.

Chloe's stomach twisted. She knew she wasn't welcome at that table, and even if she was, she doubted she had the courage to sit among them.

"Eavesdropping now, are we?"

Chloe jumped, spinning around to see Nicholas standing behind her. His sudden appearance made her heart race, and she stumbled back a step.

"I-I wasn't," she stammered, her cheeks flushing.

Nicholas's eyes narrowed, studying her intently. "If you have something to say, say it. Otherwise, don't linger like a thief in your own home."

Chloe clenched her fists at his cold tone. She wanted to say something, anything, to defend herself, but the words wouldn't come. Instead, she lowered her gaze and mumbled, "I'm sorry."

Nicholas scoffed. "Stop apologizing for everything. It's pathetic."

Chloe bit her lip, the sting of his words cutting deep. She turned to walk away, but his voice stopped her.

"Wait."

She froze, her back still to him.

"You don't have to run every time things get hard," he said, his tone softer now. "This house... this family... it's not easy. But you're here now. So act like it."

Chloe turned slightly, meeting his eyes for a brief moment before nodding. "I'll try," she said quietly.

Nicholas studied her for a moment longer before brushing past her and heading into the dining room. Chloe watched him go, her emotions swirling in a mix of anger, hurt, and something she couldn't quite name.

She retreated to her room, the weight of the day pressing heavily on her shoulders. As she lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling, she couldn't stop thinking about Nicholas's words. They weren't comforting, but they weren't entirely cruel either.

Act like it, he'd said.

Chloe clenched her fists, determination flickering in her chest. If she was going to survive here, she couldn't keep running. She would stand her ground, even if it meant facing the cold stares, the whispers, and the constant challenges head-on.

Tomorrow, she decided, would be different. It had to be.