Chapter 7: A Stranger’s Smile
327 Words
Rita wandered into the garden just after sunrise, trying to find a quiet moment to breathe. The mansion always felt too big, too perfect, too... suffocating.
“Morning, sunshine,” a voice called out, smooth and unfamiliar.
She turned to see a tall man in a navy blazer, leaning casually against a stone pillar with a coffee mug in hand. He looked nothing like Richard—so relaxed, so open.
“I’m guessing you’re the new wife,” he added with a grin.
Rita crossed her arms. “Depends. Who’s asking?”
“Julian Hooked. Richard’s cousin. Occasional boardroom rebel, full-time disappointment to the family.”
Despite herself, Rita laughed.
Julian walked toward her with the confidence of someone used to disarming strangers. “Relax, I don’t bite. I’m just here for a few days. Business stuff.”
“Does Richard know you’re here?”
“He does,” Julian replied, sipping his coffee. “Though I doubt he’s thrilled about it.”
Something about Julian’s smile made Rita uneasy. He was charming, yes—but too smooth. Too curious.
Later that day, when she mentioned him during lunch, Richard’s face darkened.
“Julian came by?” he asked sharply.
“Yes. Is that a problem?”
“Stay away from him.”
“That’s a strong reaction.”
Richard stood, his voice calm but firm. “He plays games, Rita. And I don’t want you caught in them.”
“Is this about business?”
Richard hesitated. “It’s deeper than that. Just... trust me.”
Rita nodded, but inside, questions stirred. What kind of games did Julian play? Why did Richard react so strongly? And why did it feel like she was suddenly in the middle of something far bigger than just a marriage contract?
As she lay awake that night, she realized something: in this world of secrets and control, the real danger wasn’t from strangers.
It was from the people closest to you.
- Writer
