Chapter 6 Not a home

The mansion looks exactly like the palace of a wealthy king. The floor which was made with marble stretched endlessly in every direction, chandeliers hung attractively on the ceiling reflecting on the marble floor to make it glow like crystal lights.

There were expensive art lined all over the walls, masterpieces that most people only ever saw in museums. The staircase were so wide, the windows and doors really looked expensive.

Charlotte clutched her small purse against her chest as she wandered the halls, feeling like an intruder in a world that wasn't meant for her. Her cheap heels clicked awkwardly against the floor, an unwelcome reminder of how out of place she truly was.

Every door she opened revealed another sign of wealth and different art work, to show that the house really belong to a billionaire. She admired Oliver's taste, but wondered why he behaved like a nuisance.

Her footsteps slowed as she passed a massive window overlooking the gardens. Even the night couldn't hide the beauty winding stone paths, statues hidden among trimmed hedges, and a fountain that glistened under the moonlight.

She liked the view as she looked on she smiled sheepishly, she had been carried away by the beauty of the garden. Footsteps echoed behind her and she turned around just to see Oliver standing right behind her.

His expression wasn't funny at all, he had a straight face, no smile, but he looked quite cute in her eyes, like the devil had transformed into someone different. He was still putting on his wedding attire.

He had loosened his tie and undone his upper buttons revealing his bare chest. Charlie stared at his chest and closed her eyes, she wished she could just disappear out of his presence. His cuteness was intimidating, she liked how she felt but she didn't like the man that made her feel that way.

"Let's get one thing straight," he said, his voice low and devoid of any warmth. "Stay out of my way, and I'll stay out of yours."

Charlotte swallowed hard, feeling her throat close up.

"I- I understand," she managed, her voice barely a whisper.

Without taking another glance at her, Oliver walked past her his shoulder brushing against hers. "Talking about the devil, that's exactly what he is. Can't imagine what two years with this clown would be like" she murmured.

Feeling left alone once again, Charlie went in search of a bedroom, one with less expensive furniture and appliances. She saw one which seemed to be the smallest bedroom in the house, but was way above her acquisition.

All she had with her is a small suitcase that contains some of her best clothes. Clothes that doesn't fit in to her current profile though. She dropped the suit case inside the wardrobe and sat on the sofa by the bedside.

Her eyes scanned the room from one corner to the other, the adorable artwork on the walls, the romantic blue bulbs, the marble floor and the king size bed with expensive bedspread and duvette.

She kind of like all of it but she still feels lonely and trapped.

After some hours, she lay on the bed and stared blankly at the ceiling. She was still putting on her expensive gown with smell of her expensive colon oozing out of the gown she was wearing.

The dress reminded her that none of those where real. The kiss, the wedding, the husband, the house nothing was real about all of this, it's just like a mere dream.

She thought about her mother, how she's faring at the hospital, she thought about her friend Emily. She kept thinking about a lot of things until she couldn't think of anything anymore.

At that point, exhaustion took over, pulling her into a restless sleep. But in the middle of her sleep she realized that peace wouldn't come.

A loud crash jolted her awake. Charlotte shot upright, her heart pounding. For a moment she thought she had imagined it, but then she heard the low murmur of angry voices echoing down the hallway.

Carefully, she slipped out of bed and crept to the door, pressing her ear against it.

"...I don't care what it costs. Find out who leaked it," Oliver growled. His voice was colder than she had ever heard it.

Another voice, lower and more cautious, responded, "It's already spreading. If we don't handle this now, it'll blow up by morning."

Handle what? Charlotte's mind raced.

"You know what to do," Oliver snapped. "No witnesses."

A chill ran down Charlotte's spine.

The sound of heavy footsteps grew louder, coming straight toward her door.

Panicked, she backed away, her heart hammering in her chest. She glanced around the room, realizing there was nowhere to hide. The only other exit was the balcony-and a deadly drop beyond.

The doorknob rattled.

Someone was trying to get in.

Charlotte's breath caught as the door creaked open and a shadow slipped inside.