The Orchestrated Lie

Chapter 8

Stefan's townhouse appeared imposing to me, resembling a dark castle, as I stood outside holding the contract I had just signed. It seemed like a deal with the devil, and a part of me still longed to rip it apart and return to my previous life.

However, I realized there was no turning back. After inhaling deeply to compose myself, I confidently rang the doorbell. The door promptly opened, revealing Stefan's assistant, Marissa, who welcomed me with a friendly smile.

"Miss Shania," she addressed me, motioning for me to enter. I acknowledged the message and proceeded to accompany her to Mr. Hunt's study. As I walked through the modern and simple interior, the sound of my heels reverberated against the shiny floors.

The atmosphere of the space resembled that of a museum rather than a personal residence, which seemed fitting for someone like Stefan - composed, distant, and unwavering.Marissa left me outside Stefan’s study, and I took a deep breath before pushing open the heavy wooden door.

Stefan was seated at a large desk, looking at me with a focused expression. "Shania," he said, reclining in his chair with his arms folded. "I’m astonished that you did not schedule an appointment beforehand. Or do you always bring your paperwork to a man’s doorstep?”

The condescending manner was irritating, however, I managed to maintain a neutral expression. "I thought I would spare you the effort," I responded, showing the signed agreement. "I’ve already signed it."

He arched an eyebrow, with a slight smile appearing on his face. "Consistently efficient. Show me." I approached him and placed the contract on his desk, concealing the slight tremor in my hand. He then picked up the documents and examined them with a calculating look.

After a pause, he lifted his gaze, expressing approval with a glint in his eyes. "I had doubts about your commitment to follow through on the task," he expressed.

When questioned about my doubts, I defiantly replied, "What other option did you leave me with?" I crossed my arms in a challenging manner. A brief expression briefly appeared on his face, disappearing before I could discern its nature.“You could have chosen to walk away.”

“Walk away to what, exactly?” I snapped, the bitterness rising in my throat. “Back to a marriage that’s over? Stefan, you may believe you are helping me by tearing my life apart, but we both understand that your actions are driven by your desires as much as they are intended to assist me."

He leaned in, placing his elbows on the desk. "And what is your opinion on what I desire, Shania?"

“To control me,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. “To make me dependent on you.”

Stefan tilted his head, eyes narrowing. “Interesting theory. But, if that’s the case, why sign the contract?”

I swallowed, feeling trapped under his gaze. “Because at least I know what I’m getting with you. You don’t hide behind lies like Adrian did.”

Stefan’s smirk faded, replaced by something colder. "Do not draw parallels between me and your spouse." The statement hit me with force, revealing a glimpse of vulnerability in his eyes momentarily.

However, it swiftly disappeared, giving way to his usual indifferent façade. "Understood," I responded, suppressing my irritation. "I’m present, I’ve signed the contract, and I’m prepared to fulfil my responsibilities. What is the next step?"

He stood up from his seat, circling the desk to come face to face with me. The aura he exuded was commanding and intimidating, causing my heart to beat faster. In a gentle yet assertive tone, he stated, "From now on, you are under my ownership."

The words evoked a mix of excitement and fear within me, causing a physical reaction. I felt the urge to protest, to assert that I was not a mere object under his dominion. But instead, I held my ground, meeting his gaze with defiance.

“Don’t mistake this for submission, Stefan,” I warned, my voice steady. “I’m not here to be your puppet.”

His lips curved into a faint smile, his eyes glinting with amusement. “Noted. But remember, Shania, you agreed to my terms. My terms entail that you are under my protection, control, and influence as I deem necessary."

I began to object, but he interjected by gently tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. Though his touch was delicate and caring, his gaze held a possessive quality that caused my heart to race. "You’re really unaware of the situation you have stepped into," he whispered softly, his voice barely perceptible. “But I intend to show you, Shania. I intend to make you see that there are consequences for those who cross into my world.”

His powerful words rendered me speechless, and I found myself captivated by the intensity of his gaze. He exuded a sense of danger, a mysterious and alluring aura that drew me in despite my reservations. Before I could react, a sudden knock on the door disrupted the moment, snapping us out of the trance.

Stefan's demeanor became stern as he directed his gaze towards the door in a state of annoyance. He called out for the person to enter, his tone reflecting his irritation. The door opened, and Marissa appeared, her complexion appearing pale. "Excuse me, there is an individual present who claims to be Shania's spouse.”

I was taken aback, the color completely drained from my face, my heart racing and a wave of shock washing over me. Adrian. Stefan's presence raised questions as his demeanor shifted, displaying a hint of danger in his gaze and a tense jaw.

His inscrutable expression directed towards me left me wondering about his intentions. "It appears that your previous experiences are still affecting you."

I felt a wave of anxiety as I realized Adrian was actually present here. “I haven’t encountered him since the moment I informed him that our relationship had ended.”

Stefan gave a curt nod, his gaze darkening. “Wait here,” he instructed, then turned and strode out of the room, leaving me alone.

I sank into the nearest chair, my mind racing. Adrian showing up here was the last thing I needed, especially with everything that had happened. However, I was aware that Stefan would not welcome an unexpected visitor, particularly if it happened to be my estranged spouse.

Time passed slowly, with each minute feeling longer than the previous one. I could faintly hear voices coming from the hallway, with Stefan's deep voice blending with Adrian's more intense and irritated tones. The atmosphere was filled with tension, causing my anxiety to increase steadily.

Eventually, Stefan returned to the room, his emotions inscrutable. Following him was Adrian, whose face displayed a mix of anger and disdain. His eyes shifted from Stefan to me, filled with darkness and accusation.

"Is this it?" he sneered, his words oozing with contempt.“You’ve moved on already? With him?”

I stood, forcing myself to meet his gaze. “What I do with my life is none of your business, Adrian. You lost that right the day you betrayed me.”

Adrian’s lips twisted into a sneer. “You’re delusional if you think this guy actually cares about you. He’s using you, Shania. Just like I did.”

Before I could respond, Stefan stepped forward, his posture calm but his voice laced with a chilling authority. “I suggest you watch your tone, Mr. Adrian. Whatever relationship you had with Shania is over. She is under my protection now.”

Adrian's focus shifted towards Stefan, his demeanor becoming more stern. "Do you believe you can simply come in and claim what belongs to me?"

Stefan's eyes narrowed, displaying a menacing glimmer in his gaze. "She was never in your possession. In my opinion, she is independent and belongs solely to herself. If you still have any respect, you should leave now."

The atmosphere in the room was heavy, causing my heart to beat rapidly. Adrian shifted his gaze between Stefan and myself, displaying a fleeting expression of regret, anger, or frustration on his face. But then he turned, a bitter smile on his lips.

“Fine,” he muttered. “But don’t say I didn’t warn you, Shania. Individuals like him are unlikely to alter their behaviour. Eventually, you will come to the realisation that you have committed a significant error.”

After stating this, he abruptly left, closing the door forcefully behind him. After a moment of quiet, filled with a weighty atmosphere, I experienced a sense of both relief and fatigue.

Stefan exhaled softly and his expression softened as he inquired, "Are you okay?"

I agreed, although I spoke with uncertainty. "I was taken by surprise by his sudden appearance," I admitted as he moved closer, standing mere inches away from me.

"You can rest assured that he will no longer be a concern. I will take care of the situation."I searched his eyes, wondering if I should feel reassured or wary.

“And what if he’s right? What if… this is a mistake?”

Stefan maintained a firm and inscrutable gaze. "We will address that situation when it arises. But for the time being, you are here. I consider you as my possession, Shania, and I am not one to easily release what is mine."

He extended his hand, grasping mine firmly. The sensation of his touch conveyed a mix of ownership and reassurance, evoking a peculiar feeling of security within me even as I harbored reservations.