Chapter 7 Seven

Locked doors

The lilac dress, still damp from the coffee, clung on comfortably to Sophia's skin. The burning sensation on her chest had subsided to a dull ache, but the Sting of Miss Florence's content lingered. Theory bubbled inside her, a potent antidote to the fear she had felt. She wasn't a pawn, not anymore. She was Adrian Drake's wife, a title she despised but would leverage. In rage, she stormed off in search of Adrian. She saw a huge door and flung it open. Adrian sat behind a huge desk. The table was filled with papers and an open laptop. "Adrian there is something you must know," she said in a shaky breathless tone. Adrian looked up, his gays sweeping over her coffee-stained dress before settling on her face. "Is there a problem, Mrs Drake?" His stone was even, betraying no hint of concern. "Yes. I have been disrespected by your housekeeper. She spilled hot coffee on my dress. And she acted like it was okay." Adrian raised an eyebrow and then his eyes travelled the length of her coffee-stained dress. Sophia, he never knew she could be so dramatic over trivial issues. The housekeeper is quite competent. "Miss Florence has been with the Drake family for over two decades. She is meticulous and a professional, but accidents happen." " This wasn't an accident," Sophia insisted, her voice rising slightly. "It wasn't a warning. A challenge. She walked directly into me, looked me in the eye, and told me I should have been paying attention. Then she practically dared me to tell you." He sighed deeply. "Take a chill pill. It's not as serious as you make it look." Sophia's eyes widened in shock. "Are you implying that I am being irrational over these issues? She doesn't even like me, She practically oozes disdain." He sighed, a belly perceptible release of air. "Sophia, I assure you, Miss Florence is loyal to this family. She would do nothing to jeopardize her position. This is likely a misunderstanding." "A misunderstanding? How can you say that? Can't you see my dress all stained?" Her nerves became jittery. She couldn't believe that Adrian would take her words to mean nothing! His eyes met hers, cool and unwavering. "I am suggesting that in a new environment, under stress, perceptions can be...heightened. I will speak to Miss Florence. But I expect you to maintain a professional demeanor with the staff. We cannot afford any internal discord." Unshed tears stung her eyes, threatening to flow. But she held herself. She felt an emptiness inside of her. It was certain. She was on her own. Again. "Fine," she bit out. "Do whatever you want. But don't pretend this house is a welcoming place, or that your staff are neutral parties." She turned to leave but his voice stopped her. "And the dress?" Sophia glands down at the coffee stain, a stack of Brown Mark against the pale lilac. "It is ruined." "Send it to the laundry. My assistant will ensure you have a new dress. " He returned his gays to his laptop, the conversation, for him, was concluded. Sophia worked away, her heart a cold, hard knot in her chest. The interaction had confirmed her fears. Adrian was distant, dismissive, and prioritized his long-standing staff, over his new contracted wife. Trust would not come easily, if at all, in this marriage. The eyes between them hadn't melted; they had frozen even harder. *** The rest of the morning, Sophia felt a growing sense of restlessness that she couldn't quite shake off. The argument with Adrian had left her feeling unsettled and strangely paranoid. She needed destruction, and more importantly, she needed to understand this fortress she was now trapped in. She decided to explore. Stepping out of her room, she took the flight of stairs leading to another wing in the huge mansion. Every space of the house screamed opulence and complete luxury. The house was vast, okay a labyrinth of rooms. She passed drawing rooms filled with antique furniture that looked too perfect to touch. It was nothing compared to her apartment building where she lived alone with the harsh reality that her family was drowning in debt. Everywhere she went, the staff seemed to materialize and disappear like ghosts. They move silently, never making eye contact, never offering a greeting. It reinforced Miss Florence's earlier implied message: Sophia was an intruder, not mistress of the house. She found a magnificent library, a hidden sanctuary that seemed to breathe history. As she stepped inside, the air was heavy with the scent of aged paper and leather, a comforting aroma that wrapped around her like a familiar embrace. Shelves upon shelves of leather-bound books stretched majestically to the ceiling, each volume a promise of adventure, wisdom, and secrets waiting to be uncovered. The rich hues of dark mahogany complemented the deep greens and golds of the library's decor, creating an atmosphere that felt both regal and intimate. In one corner, a rolling ladder stood invitingly, its polished wood gleaming in the soft light. It beckoned her to explore the higher shelves, to reach for books that might hold forgotten stories or hidden treasures. This was a place where time seemed to stand still, where she could lose herself for hours, wandering through the aisles and immersing herself in the worlds crafted by countless authors. Yet, even amidst this enchanting haven, a flicker of unease settled in her stomach. She couldn't shake the feeling that she was not alone. A faint prickle danced along the back of her neck, an instinctive awareness that sent her heart racing. Each soft rustle of pages and the whisper of her footsteps felt magnified in the stillness, as if the library itself were watching her. Was it merely the shadowy corners and the towering shelves playing tricks on her mind? Or was there something-or someone-lurking just beyond her line of sight? The allure of the library was undeniable, yet the sensation of being observed lingered, a haunting reminder that even in the most beautiful places, not all was as it seemed. Further down a less-used corridor, she noticed a door slightly ajar. Curiosity overriding caution, she pushed her teeth open. It was a small office, filled with old blueprints and architectural drawings. On a large desk, a single framed photo caught her eye. It looked familiar and when she came close, she halted in her strides as she stared in admiration. Adrian was in the framed photo. He looked so innocent and charming as a young boy. Compared to now, he was the ruthless Adrian Drake of his family's empire. Sophia's fingers brushed the photo frame lightly. To bring it close for a better look. "You're not supposed to be in this part of the house." Sophia's fingers froze as she heard the sharp sting of a voice. Sophia turned sharply. Miss Florence stood in the doorway, her face and unyielding mask. Her eyes, however, held a triumphant glint. "I was just...looking," Sophia said, her hand dropping from the frame. "This wing of the house is off limits to residents, Mrs. Drake. It contains special documents and personal effects of Mr Drake's grandfather. Your allocated space is in the east Wing." Miss Florence's voice was clipped, each word a reprimand. "I wasn't aware," Sophia replied, feeling a flush creep up her neck. "Now you are. Please, return to your designated area. I will ensure all those are properly secured." The implication was clear. She was locked out, controlled. Sophia held her chain up and squared her shoulders. "You should speak to me with respect. I am not a child who will be controlled or told what to do. " Miss Florence chuckled and then folded her arms across her chest. "No one is trying to control you. I think it is all in your head," tone tauntingly icy. A sharp gasp escaped Sophia's lips. "How dare you?" She challenged. "If you continue to disrespect me, I will... "Reports to Mr Adrian?" Miss Florence cut in rudely. "He will never believe a word you say. You better do as you are told, Mrs Drake." Sophia glared at her and worked away in rage, a chilling thought settled in her mind. Not only was she unwelcome, but there were parts of this house, this life, that Adrian intended to keep hidden. If she couldn't even explore her own 'home'. How will she carry out her motive for agreeing to marry Adrian in the first place? She just moved in, not spending up to a week. And things were already looking bad for her. Everything felt like a huge mistake.