Behind closed doors
1097 Words
CHAPTER TWO: Behind closed doors
The mansion loomed like something out of a luxury magazine, cold marble, tall windows, gates that clicked shut like a final decision.
Adele stood in front of the towering front door, suitcase in hand, stomach twisting. She was really doing this. She’d signed the contract. Alexander Lorenzo now owned the next nine months of her life.
She’ll birth him a child and then leave.
The door opened before she could knock.
A woman in a black uniform looked her over, expression unreadable. “Miss Dante. You’re expected. Come.”
Adele followed the woman. The place smelled like expensive cologne and lemon wax. Everything was silent, looked expensive, too perfect—like a museum no one lived in. Most of the things are made of gold.
She felt eyes on her. Her gaze flicked up, tiny black domes of cameras sat tucked into corners.
At the foot of the grand staircase, the woman stopped abruptly. Adele almost bumped into her.
“Rule one,”the woman said without turning,voice clipped.” Never go upstairs. Not unless you're summoned.
The pause that followed was intentional, as if daring Adele to ask why.
But she didn't anyway. She just stood more like a statue observing things.
The woman continue walking.
They passed a grand staircase, a chandelier that looked like it belonged in a castle, and a hallway lined with modern paintings. No photos. No personal touches. Void of emotions, just wealth.
The woman stopped at a large door.
“This is your room,” she said. “You are not to go upstairs unless instructed. Meals are served at 8 am, 1 pm and 7 pm. Mr. Lorenzo’s staff doctor will monitor your health weekly. I'm sure you read the contract thoroughly before signing those were just some relevant things you need to adhere to. If you need anything, press the button beside the bed. Understood?”
Adele nodded.
The woman left without another word.
Adele stepped into the room. It had beautiful, soft grey walls, with a little girly stuff, silky bedding, and a view of the garden below. She dropped her suitcase and sat on the edge of the bed.
This was not her world. Not even close, it was far from it. It's still more like everything is just a dream, but the sooner she accepts this reality, the better for her.
She should’ve felt grateful. But all she felt was the weight of silence pressing on her chest. She was scared of the things yet to come. She began unpacking.
Adele wrestled with her suitcase. The zipper stuck halfway,snagged on fabric. She tugged hard, too hard and her framed photo slipped out clattering onto the floor.
Her heart jumped. She scooped it up instantly, fingers trembling as she checked the glass. Not broken. Thank God.
She placed it carefully on the nightstand. A piece of herself, defiantly standing in this cold, lifeless mansion.
She then proceeded to fully opening the suitcase, slowly pulling out a photo of her, her father,her mother and Caleb, taken at a beach before her father's deathl. Her chest tightened.
Back then, her world was still whole, her family was small but it was hers.
She set the photo on the nightstand, "This is for your mom ", she whispered. "Just hang on".
Her gaze drifted to the red button beside the bed. The woman's word echoed in her mind.” If you need anything, press the button “.
Her hand hovered. Just once, just to see . She pressed lightly.
The door opened in less than ten seconds. A different staff member appeared. Tall, dressed in black, expression blank.
“Yes, Miss Dante?”.
Adele froze.
“I…it was a mistake. I didn't mean to”.
The man's eyes flicked to the photo on her nightstand, then hack to her. He nodded once and left, closing the door with soft click.
She then continued unpacking.
As she lay on her bed after unpacking, she closed her eyes and the hospital came rushing back.
Her mother’s fragile body hooked to the machines, Caleb sitting in the corner pretending to be strong.
"She needs the surgery now", the doctor had said, "You have a few weeks".
The memory of Alexander sliding the contract across the table played in her mind.
*Later that evening*
A soft knock startled her.
The knock was soft , but the air shifted before the door even opened.
Before she could answer, He walked in.
Alexander.
He wore a black dress shirt and slacks, his sleeves rolled up, showing strong forearms and a luxury watch that probably cost more than her house.
His gaze swept the room once. It landed on the photo of her family. Without asking, he picked it up . He studied it with a blank experience, then he kept it back on the stand without saying anything.
“How are you settling in?” he asked, voice cool.
“It’s... quiet,” she said.
“You’ll get used to it.”
He walked to the window and stood with his back to her, hands in his pockets. “Let me make a few things clear.”
Adele straightened instinctively.
“I don’t like noise. I don’t like disobedience. You’re here because we made a deal. Nothing more. You’ll follow the rules. You’ll attend every medical check. And you’ll stay out of my way.”
He turned to face her. Cold eyes. No emotion.
“Don’t mistake my generosity for personal interest.”
Adele’s throat tightened. “I never did.”
A long pause.
For a moment, his gaze dropped to her face, lingering not in a lustful way, but almost like he was trying to read her. Then it was gone.
“Good,” he said. “Dinner is in an hour. Dress appropriately.”
And just like that, he turned and walked out.
Adele sat frozen, heart racing, until his footsteps disappeared.
Just as she let herself breathe, the door creaked open again. Alexander silhouette lingered in.
“One last thing”,he said. His voice was quieter this time, but sharper.
This house has rules, Miss Dante. Break them, and you'll understand why no one dares Alexander Lorenzo.
Then he was gone
Adele sat there for several minutes after the door closed.
This was going to be harder than she thought. Fear started creeping into her again but she felt helpless.
But something about him didn’t match the rumours. There was
A c***k somewhere.
And one way or another… she’d find it. She murmured
- Writer
