CHAPTER 5
862 Words
The Crest’s mansion was always quiet early in the morning, well almost every hour of the day, yet she can’t shake this feeling that anytime she walks, someone was watching her. Every polished surface, every marble corner seemed to reflect not just light, but intention.
She moved graciously down the stairs, her footsteps hushed due to the plush carpet. She was told to get breakfast in the dining room. She wasn’t sure if Mateo would join her, maybe she wants him too.
At the dining room she met Manager Helen, her presence was reassuring but also stiff. Her calm demeanor only intensified the atmosphere around them.
Trying to be distracted she noticed the table, so immaculate, beautiful seats, the fine silver cutlery, the fresh fruits cut and decorated to perfection. Nothing felt natural here. It was always stuck up, doesn’t look easy.
She poured herself some coffee, taking in the steam and letting the steam on her face, it tasted strong, but it was not like anything she has had in the hospital, it was sweetened just the way she didn’t know she liked, almost comforting, yet she couldn’t relax.
Strange things has been happening since she arrived at the Crest’s estate, Mateo has been staring at her from the corner of his eyes. He thinks she didn’t notice it but she just decided not to say anything, it is his house after all.
There was something about the way he looked at her, not just with curiosity, but with strategy, measured and cold.
And there were other small things as well, the doors that clicks shut after I have entered, the subtle shift of shadows just out of the corners of her eye, and this particular sensation that someone else had been in the mansion yesterday night,
Coco shook her head trying to dismiss the whole thought. She was exhausted, she is still trying to adjust to her new normal. Of course her mind could be playing tricks on her.
After retiring to her bedroom, there was pretty much nothing much to do. She laid there facing up.
A lot of things have happened within this short amount of time, and this is just the beginning, she still needs to endure 6 more months of this silent mansion. The hour looked like it was passing by dreadfully slow.
Coco was all up in her head about the whole thing when Helena startled her.
“master Mateo would like to see you in his study right away miss Benett.” She said in an expressionless tone, one would think she is a robot who has blood flowing through her veins instead of oil.
“okay.” She said softly.
She walked through the familiar hallway, with her heart thumping through her chest. Why was he calling her in the middle of the day? Did I do something wrong?
When she finally arrived in his study room, she saw him reading a book. I didn’t see him as a reader. She thought.
“sit.” He said without a preamble.
She obeyed diligently, though her palms were clammy. Mateo had a neutral look on his face, but she could feel the glare coming from his eyes.
“I’ve assumed by now you’ve noticed the little…anomalies around here. Shadows, things moving when they shouldn’t.” he said quietly.
“I thought it was all in my head!” she shockingly said.
“most people would think that.” He said. “But you’re not most people.”
Coco became flustered. Something undeniable in the air came in between them.
Sometimes Mateo said somethings that made her wonder if he took an interest in her. The way he came close to her and breathes near her neck that made her hair stand in arousal, she doubts that he does this to his other workers. But then again she didn’t know him so she could be a creep for all she cares.
He stood and began pacing behind his desk, hands clasped behind him. “I’ve built a world that doesn’t allow mistakes. People who live in it either adapt… or get hurt.”
“what about me?” she said as she swallowed.
He paused and looked at her. “what about you?” he repeated her words. “you are testing me Miss Benett, I don’t know whether to admire it… or punish it.
Every moment in his presence felt like a battle that she had to conquer, although unwillingly, yet she couldn’t resist.
As Coco returned to her room, she noticed something strange, the folder which was on her desk was no longer there.
She frowned. “Helen?” she called softly.
No answer.
The hallway felt colder now, shadows stretching unnaturally long across the walls. Her heartbeat quickened.
Then she saw it — a flash of movement at the end of the corridor. Something crouched, barely visible, behind a pillar.
Looking down at the door, she found a single note:
“Not everything here is as it seems. Trust no one. —M.C.”
Coco’s hand trembled as she picked it up.
The shadow she saw earlier… was still out there, watching.
- Writer
