Chapter 2 Weird

MARIA'S POV

I seized my breathing as I grip on the door knob and observed for a little bit before opening the door. I hoped to see someone, but the corridor was empty, as if whoever it was had vanished instantly.

I searched here and there along the length of the hallway, but still, there was not even a shadow, so I went back to bed, still disturbed.

I got up to the contact of sunshine as it streamed through the windows. "Oh! I didn't close the curtains last night" I groaned and turned away from the view of the dawn.

The curtains swung to the morning breeze, and the lamp beside my bed was still on. I had just arrived yesterday, but I'm already feeling bored. If someone had told me that I would miss my tiny bed in my little apartment, I would have disagreed. Now I miss home seriously but I think it's due to the silence in this place. "You'll get used to it. Just focus on the money," I slapped my head a little.

I remembered the footsteps from yesterday and immediately consoled myself that it was nobody. In a mansion as huge as this, it may just be an echo or someone passed, even though something told me it wasn't my imagination.

I moved the blankets aside, slipped into a jeans and a sweatshirt, and tied my hair backwards in a ponytail. The rug felt comfortable under my feet as I took each step. What's the need for a rug when the floor is tiled? I wondered and then convinced myself that they probably had nothing to do with money.

I went into the bathroom, where I had a quick shower after brushing my teeth.

Entering the hallway, I encountered the mansion's silence once more. I heard my breath, the service hum, and the distant alarm. Was I going to live in this quiet place for nine months? I have not even stayed for a day and I'm already feeling strange and bored.

I think I was a bit too self-aware, or maybe I just wanted to avoid feeling so stressed out. I thought about it from another perspective.

I ran my fingers along the wall while walking by. Paintings and portraits of people with lively eyes and stern looks decorated the hall.

They might be portraits of his family members. I stopped at a picture of a woman in a deep red dress; her eyes seemed to follow me, sending chills down my spine. I couldn't deny the beauty of the house.

It had high ceilings, gleaming floors, and as I moved through it, the rooms looked just like they're from a film with their nice living rooms and rich couches. They had a music room with a grand piano and a little indoor garden.

I passed some staff, and a young maid with towels looked at me briefly before looking away. I greeted her, but she ignored me and walked away.

The butler just gave me a stiff nod when I asked about the library, but he didn't say anything. I got the message: "Don't ask questions".

It felt weird and off.

While moving along another hall, I saw a door that grabbed my attention. It looked more shadowy than the others. It has solid oak, with an old-fashioned brass knob. A small gap was revealed where it didn't close completely.

With curiosity stirring, I stepped forward.

Inside, the dim light limited my view through the narrow gap. I leaned in and reached for the knob when it went 'BANG'.

The door banged shut behind me, causing me to gasp and jump back.

A maid was on the other side, and her eyes went wide when she spotted me.

"I... I apologize, Miss, "You shouldn't be near this room," she informed.

"What's in there?" I asked with my voice slightly shaking.

She swallowed before answering me. "It's private," she stated.

She then turned and quickly made her way down the hall, not saying a word.

I kept my eyes on the door for a while before moving away. The surrounding air grew colder.

I went downstairs for lunch later that day. Celeste greeted me in the dining room with her trademark smile.

"Everything alright, Miss Cole?" she questioned while pouring water from a glass pitcher.

"I ran into a locked door earlier," I answered, and one of the maids said it was private."

Celeste didn't blink. "Yes, some areas of the estate are restricted. Mr. Willow values his privacy."

I nodded along, but there was something in the way she spoke that made me feel like I had done more than just open the wrong door; it felt like I had interfered with something dangerous.

After eating lunch, I continued my exploration of the house and ended up in the library. The walls had a bunch of old books neatly arranged. A few chairs were near the fireplace, which burned quietly. I attempted to read to take my mind off it, but I couldn't stop thinking about that door.

"What was behind that door? Why did the maid panic? And why was everyone here acting strange?" I asked myself

I stayed there reading till evening. Dinner was eaten in silence again, and still, Paul wasn't around. I didn't see him all day.

I returned to my room and stood by the window. With night setting in, the fog returned, swirling around the trees outside like spectral digits. Now, the gate at the driveway's end is barely seen.

I closed the curtains and sat on the bed. Even with the warmth in the room, I felt cold.

I got into bed and left the lamp on because I was too scared to turn it off.

I must have fallen asleep, as I woke to, distant footsteps again.

I rose and took a deep breath.

They approached the door. Cautious and slow. Step by step.

I got out of bed and sneaked to the door.

I positioned my hand by the knob. "One, two, three..." I counted in my head.

I opened it, but it remained empty. I was aware of what I heard.

I quietly stepped out, glancing left and right. Everything was completely quiet with no one around. Neither were there footsteps now.

I wasn't insane. Someone may have been watching and listening nearby.

I shut the door gently and leaned on it, my heart racing.

This was more than nerves. It wasn't just about staying in a weird house. Something feels off here.