Beyond the Secrets

MOVING IN

Okay, thank you,” Madelyn said ending the call.

She pushed aside her gut feelings even though she trusted her guts every time and concentrated on the story. She was an adept writer who also happened to be very attractive, with a view to continuing this series and making it sizzle – she chuckled at such an idea. Her fingers took her words from the page, writing out this particular piece of fiction that was developing from just pure passion into suspense, she would make sure that she finished writing the last chapter of her research and focus on starting the series.

THE NEXT DAY

Madelyn sat across from Drew, her heart racing with anticipation. She had agreed to help write the story amidst all the chaos, and she was determined to make it a bestseller. While they were discussing the project with Silver Lane’s Editors at the conference room which had a very large space, Madelyn couldn't help but feel a tension between her and Mr Lane. It was as if they were both aware of an unspoken attraction, but neither dared to acknowledge it. Drew was married, after all, and Madelyn didn't want to be the other woman.

During the talk, Madelyn couldn't help but notice the way Drew's eyes crinkled at the corners, the way his smile made her feel like she was the only person in the world even if it wasn't directed to her. She felt a flutter in her chest, and she knew she had to push aside her feelings.

Drew, too, seemed to be aware of the tension between them. But he didn't show it, instead maintaining a professional demeanor that made Madelyn feel both relieved and disappointed.

Madelyn signed the contract form. “Okay if we're done with the signing, please can everyone leave the conference room now, Drew said with a firm tone”.

Drew leaned back in his chair and folded his fingers together as everyone cleared the conference room, leaving Madelyn and him to discuss. "Madelyn, I know you're feeling stressed about the messages," he said, his voice low and soothing as he watched her take a seat across his table.

Madelyn sat across from Drew, her heart racing with anticipation. Yes, she had signed the agreement to help write and finish the story, but she was also determined to make it a bestseller.

"Why don't you come stay at my place for a few days? We can work on the story together. That would make looking for Veronica’s manuscript a lot faster, and you can find some inspiration in the peace and quiet." Drew said as he admired her face looking for answers.

Madelyn's heart skipped a beat. Stay at Drew's place? With his wife? She didn't know if that was such a good idea. Although she knew that it would be great to leave all the worries and also have access to His wife’s manuscripts to complete the book but she was scared something might happen in the later run.

She had read the first part of Veronica’s series, but she had only written the preface of the book but it still does not give off Veronica’s signature. She didn't want to replace Veronica, rather she wanted to write from her perspective, but there wasn't enough information on Google to start it off. Veronica’s book felt real, although she would never tell her husband as she is still trying to discover who the cryptic messenger is.

Madelyn looked at the glass windows of the office as she didn't want to admire Drew’s face. She could feel his voice sending shivers to her body when he asked for everyone to leave. She couldn't help but wonder what she had just gotten herself into. But she pushed aside her doubts and focused on the story. She want to make this a story sizzle but not with feelings and messages like this running up and down.

Madelyn hesitated, unsure if she should accept Drew's offer. Staying at his place, with his wife, seemed like a recipe for disaster. Just as she was about to decline, her phone buzzed with another message. She glanced down, her heart sinking as she read the words: "You're playing with fire, Madelyn. Drop the project or face the consequences."

Madelyn's eyes met Drew's, and she knew she had no choice. She had to take this opportunity, no matter how risky it seemed.

"Okay, I'll do it," she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper.

Drew's face lit up with a smile. "Great," he said, his voice filled with relief. "But there are rules, Madelyn. I have just 5, but you have to follow them, or you're out."

Madelyn looked up at him, her heart racing with anticipation. "5 rules, what are the rules?" she asked, her voice steady.

Drew's eyes narrowed, his expression serious. "The rules may not be important to you but they are to me. You already know that I love my privacy, as you can see that blogs do not have photos of me only descriptions that they still didn't get right” Madelyn chuckled as Drew continued.

“First, you are going to be occupying one of the guest rooms. You are not to allow any one inside without my permission. No exceptions. Second, you will have dinner and breakfast with me every day, I cannot afford for you to skip a meal while you're under my care. Third, you have to be respectful of my wife's space. She's not used to having strangers in the house. Fourth, keep off the fifth room, you are not allowed there as it's very private. Fifth, you're not allowed to enter my office without my permission. "

Madelyn nodded, her mind racing with the rules. She could do this, she thought. She had to do this.

"Okay, I agree," she said finally, her voice firm.

Drew's face relaxed into a smile. "Great," he said, his voice filled with approval. "I'll send a driver to pick you up tomorrow morning. Be ready at 10 am."

Madelyn left the office for her apartment. When she entered, she took a piece of cake that Molly had left for her when she missed her birthday and sat on her bed, staring at her suitcase as she tried to pack for her stay at Drew's mansion. She couldn't believe she was actually doing this - leaving her small apartment and humble life behind for a few days of luxury because of mysterious messages.

She tried to fold some of her clothes placing them each in her suitcase, but her mind wandered to her best friend, Emily. She had to tell her about this crazy opportunity, and get her advice on what to do.

Madelyn grabbed her phone and dialed Emily's number, waiting for her to answer.

"Hey, girl!" Emily's cheerful voice came through the line. "What's up?"

Madelyn took a deep breath. "You won't believe what is going on," she said, her voice barely containing her excitement. "I got a huge gig Em. I'm going to be writing a billionaire detective story for Veronica Lane." She continued to explain about the cryptic messages she has been getting after she was given the gig.

There was a pause on the other end of the line. "What?! That's insane!" Emily exclaimed. "Are you sure that's a good idea Lyn?"

Madelyn hesitated, unsure of how to respond. She knew Emily was right - this was a risky move, and she didn't know much about Drew or his family. But she also knew that she couldn't pass up this opportunity.

"I know it's crazy, but I have to do this," Madelyn said finally. "I'll be fine, Em. I promise."

Emily sighed. "Okay, but be careful, okay? And keep me posted on what's going on."

Madelyn smiled, feeling grateful towards her friend. "Thanks, Emily. I will."

As she was about to hang up, she remembered that she had forgot to mention something"And there's something else, Emily. The man I wrote about the other day is Drew but he's married in reality. He's got a wife, but I'm going to be staying in their home until this whole mystery is cleared."

Emily's voice came through the line, laced with concern. "Whoa, that's complicated. Are you sure you're comfortable with that?"

Madelyn hesitated, unsure of how to respond. She hadn't thought much about the wife, to be honest. She had been so focused on the opportunity to work on her story that she hadn't considered the dynamics of the household.

"I don't know, Emily," Madelyn admitted. "I guess I'll just have to navigate it as best I can. But I had to take this chance. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

Emily's voice was firm. "Just be careful, Madelyn. You don't know what you're getting yourself into."

Madelyn nodded, even though Emily couldn't see her. "I will, Emily. I promise."

As she hung up the phone, Madelyn felt a sense of determination wash over her.