Audrey’s pov.
The next morning, I woke up feeling surreal.The wedding, the vows, the rings – it all seemed like a dream.
I stretched, my gaze drifting around the lavish room.Nicholas mansion was a world of its own, opulent and intimidating.
A knock on the door broke the silence.
"Come in," I called out.
A gentle woman, likely a maid, entered with a warm smile.
"Good morning, Mrs Brookes”. Breakfast is served downstairs."
I nodded, swinging my legs over the side of the bed.
"Thank you. What's the plan for today?"
"Mr. Brookes has a meeting. You're free to explore the estate or relax as you please."
I nodded, taking a deep breath.Time to start my new life.
I rushed downstairs because I was hungry.I met a middle aged woman at the counter of the kitchen making breakfast.
“Good morning mrs Brookes. I’m the chef and the house keeper of this house,my name is Victoria agnes but you can call me Agnes,ma’am.”
“Ohh,please call me Audery ,not Mrs Brookes”
“Yes ma’am.”
I asked her how she got the job and she told me how Nicholas helped her from being homeless five years ago. I was shocked that he has the capability of helping someone. I never expected that from him.
She talked about her two daughters who are in college and Nicholas was the one paying their fees until recently that her first born took up the responsibility. That was when Nicholas walked in and didn’t even glance at me rather his gaze was fixed on Agnes.
“Show her around,his tone was dismissive,make sure she knows the rules”. Agnes nodded and her expression softened.
“Of course sir.”
After breakfast was served and I’m full, I requested that Agnes take me around the house. As we walke through the luxurious walls,Agnes pointed at several doors and amenities and showed her some things which might be in need when she’s not around.
“This room is off-limits.”
Agnes pointed at a door at the end of the hall of the penthouse.
“Mr Brookes gave explicit instructions that this door remains locked all the time.”
Audery was curious and raised an eyebrow
“What’s behind that door?” Agnes leaned in,her voice less audible..
“Rumor has it that it’s a room from his past,one he wants to forget.”
Audrey’s intruge grew and she wondered what was behind that door,she made a mental note to investigate further despite the warning..
I decided to explore the estate in the evening , eager to familiarize myself with my new surroundings.
The maid that knocked on my door this morning , Emma, provided me with a tour, pointing out various rooms and amenities because Agnes had an emergency. As we strolled through the gardens, I felt a sense of serenity wash over me.The perfectly cut grass and vibrant flowers were breathtaking and amazing.
We walked toward a pond, its surface reflecting the clear blue sky.
"Mr. Brookes favorite spot," Emma said, smiling.
I gazed out at the water, feeling a pang of curiosity.What made Nicholas tick? What secrets lay beneath his polished facade?
As I pondered, a figure emerged from the nearby path.
Nicholas business partner,perhaps?
"Mrs. Brookes, this is Alexander Ian," Emma introduced.
Alexander's piercing gaze and charming smile made me uneasy.
"Welcome to the family, Audrey.”he said, his voice dripping with sincerity.
As Alexander and I exchanged pleasantries, I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease.His eyes seemed to bore into mine, as if searching for something.
Emma excused herself, leaving us alone.Alexander's smile grew wider.
"I must say, Audery, you're a lovely surprise."
His tone sent shivers down my spine.
"Nicholas told me so much about you," he continued.
I doubted that.
"What exactly do you do for Nicholas ?" I asked, trying to sound casual.
Alexander chuckled.
"I handle his...delicate matters."
His answer only heightened my wariness.As we walked back to the mansion, I sensed Alexander's eyes on me.I quickened my pace, eager to escape his unsettling presence.
Just as we reached the door, Nicholas appeared.His gaze narrowed, taking in Alexander's proximity to me.I quickened my pace and hurried inside to escape Nicholas’s gaze because he was intimidating me.
When I entered my bedroom,I felt a sense of relief having escape from the two people. Then I sensed someone barged into my room and it was Nicholas.
“Why were you with Alex earlier? I told you to stay out of my business,didn’t I tell you?” He lashed out angrily at me and I shot back.
“Your business? You should be the one to mind your f*****g business not me,what did you tell him about me?”
“You think I wouldn’t make research about the wife I want to get married to? I know everything about you wife.” He smirked evilly.
“What do you know about me? You think you know me? You’re just an ass. You don’t know anything about me” I snarled at him.
“I know you killed your brother,Chris ,wife.”
There was a loud sound that echoed in the room. It was me slapping him.
“What the f**k! how dare you!”. His voice was low and menacing. His anger was evident.
“GET OUT OF THIS ROOM,NOW”,my voice wavey and tears swelled up in my eyes.
“You should be thankful,I saved you from your dumb parents,woman.” He chuckled evilly and slammed the door on my face.
I couldn’t control my tears any longer,I jumped on the bed at started crying. Is this how my life will be here? I thought I had escaped from my parents. it seems like I’ve entered another prison. I cleaned my tears and entered the bathroom. Standing in front of the mirror,my reflection staring back at me. Tears welled up in my eyes threatening to spill.
“How did I get here? How did I become like this?”
My eyes blurred as tears fell,streaming down my face,I wiped them but tears came back.I need to be strong to survive this face,I can’t let this argument weigh me down. Time to show Nicholas,myself and my parents that I wouldn't be broken.