Chapter six/The SmileThat lied.
1175 Words
Bella lay back down, but she couldn't sleep. The faint hum of the air conditioner and Edward's steady breathing only made the silence heavier. Every creek in the hallway outside sent shivers crawling down her spine.
She tried to tell herself, it was just a cruel prank, but the way those words were written. So certain, so final, kept replaying in her mind.
She looked at Edward's face, calm. Unbothered. Like nothing in this house could touch him, but for her, every shadow felt like it was watching.
She turned to face the ceiling, whispering in darkness, “I'm not leaving.”
Even if her voice trembled, the decision was made. She would find out what they were hiding. And if they wanted her gone.. they'd have to do more than slipping a note under her nose.
—--
The next morning, the sun spilled through the tall curtains, painting the room in a soft golden glow. Bella had barely slept, she spent most of the night lying on her side, listening to footsteps, every shadow on the wall felt like a secret trying to whisper itself to her.
When Edward's body moved beside her, she quickly shut her eyes, pretending to still be asleep. She didn't want him to notice that she barely slept last night or the questions burning in her head.
“Bella” his voice was low, warm, like he had woken up in a good mood.
“Breakfast will be in twenty minutes”
She mumbled a soft “Alright” without opening her eyes. The sound of him getting up, moving around the room, dressing up, felt oddly distant, as if she were watching him through a glass. When the door finally clicked shut behind him, she opened her eyes again and reached for the nightstand.
The envelope was still there heading beneath her scarf. She touched it briefly, as if to confirm it hadn't disappeared in the night. Those four words - leave while you can, echoed in her head like a chant.
Shoving the thought aside, she got up to dress herself. Her pale blue dress felt a little too delicate for a morning like this, but she forced a smile into the mirror. No matter what, she had to look like she belonged here.
Downstairs, the dining room was already alive with quiet chatter. Ethan sat at the far end of the table, reading a newspaper, his expression unreadable. Vanessa was sipping coffee, her eyes instantly looking into Bella as if she'd be waiting.
“Morning,” Bella said softly, as she took her seat beside Edward.
“Morning” Vanessa replied with a smile that didn't reach her eyes. “I hope you slept well?”
Bella swallowed, unsure if it was a genuine question or a trap. “I…did, thank you.”
Vanessa's lips curved slightly, but there was something sharp in her gaze, as though she knew otherwise.
Ethan folded the newspaper and set it aside. “We have a charity gala next week” he said, addressing Edward but keeping his eyes on Bella. “Its important the family is…united for appearance.”
Edward nodded, “We will be there.”
“Good,” Ethan said simply, but his tone felt like a test Bella hadn't studied for.
The butler entered quietly, serving breakfast. Bella reached out for a glass of orange juice, but as she lifted it, she noticed Vanessa watching her like a hawk.
“What” Bella asked, forcing a light laugh.
“Oh, nothing,” Vanessa said, stirring her tea lazily. “Just…you remind me of someone.”
Bella's hand froze mid-air. “Someone you know?”
Vanessa tilted her head, her expression almost playful. “Someone who thought she could handle being a Blackwood.”
“Vanessa” Edward's voice was sharp now, but her smile only grew wilder.
Bella set her glass down carefully. “And what happened to her?” She asked, unable to hold herself.
Vanessa leaned back, her smile growing cold, “She's not with us anymore.”
The room fell into a brief, heavy silence. Bella's pulse hammered in her ears, but she forced herself to pick up her fork and focus on her food.
Ethan broke the tension with a quiet cough. “Bella,” he said, “you should take a walk in the garden after breakfast. The roses are in full bloom.”
Bella met his gaze, trying to read him. Was it a friendly suggestion, or a subtle warning to stay somewhere she could be seen?
Edward glanced at his watch. “I'll be out most of the day. Meeting.”
Bella looked at him, but he avoided her eyes.
When breakfast ended, Edward kissed her cheek in a way that felt rehearsed and left.
Ethan disappeared soon after, and Vanessa excused herself without another word.
Bella sat alone, at the long dining table, her plate half-finished. The silence of the mansion seemed to wrap itself around her again, too thick, too deliberate.
She rose slowly, deciding to take Ethan's advice. The garden was beautiful, wild yet controlled, with rose climbing stones, arches and gravel paths winding between hedges. She walked aimlessly, but her mind kept circling back to last night's conversation, and the note in her drawer.
While turning the corner, she nearly collided with one of the house staff, a young maid, carrying a basket of fresh linens.
“Sorry, ma’am,” the girl said, quickly lowering her gaze.
Bella smiled softly, it's alright…. “What's your name?”
“Clara,” the girl replied, still looking nervous.
“Clara,” Bella said gently, “have you been working here long?”
Clara hesitated, glancing around before answering. Long enough to know… not everything is as it seems.”
Bella's breath caught, “What do you mean?”
But before Clara could answer, another voice called sharply from the house, “Clara! Upstairs. Now.
The girl's face turned pale. “I have to go.”
Without another word, she hurried away, leaving Bella standing in the path, her heart pounding.
As Bella turned to head back, a movement by the garden wall caught her eye. A man in a dark suit stood just beyond the gate, half - hidden by the roses. His face was unfamiliar, but his eyes, cold and watchful, were fixed entirely on her.
Before she could approach the man, he turned and walked away, disappearing behind the wall.
Bella stood frozen for a long moment, the morning air suddenly feeling much colder. She didn't know he was, but she had the sickening feeling that he was not just passing by.
When she returned inside, a folded piece of paper sat neatly on the hall table, her name on it in the same handwriting as the note from last night.
Her fingers trembled as she unfolded it. This time, there were only three words.
“Time is running out.”
Bella's chest tightened. Someone wasn't just warning her anymore, they were counting down.
- Writer
