Moonlight deception

Chapter 5: A new life

Disembarking from the car, Sophie's heart raced with anticipation and fear, like a wild animal trapped in a cage. She had no idea what to expect from her new husband, Ryan, or her new false life. The isolated mansion loomed before her, its grandeur and beauty tempered by an eerie sense of foreboding.

A man with black and greyish hair, due to his age, stood by the entrance, his eyes fixed on Sophie as she approached. He bowed, his movements precise and calculated.

"Good day, Ms. Tao. I am Jenkins, your butler. Welcome to your new home." His voice was measured, with a hint of detachment.

Sophie remained quiet, her eyes fixed on the mansion's facade as she followed Jenkins. The interior was just as impressive, with opulent furnishings and artwork adorning the walls. Jenkins led her through the labyrinthine corridors, finally stopping at a door that seemed to lead to a private wing.

"I will take you to Master Ryan now. As you know, he is in a coma due to... mistakes." Jenkins' voice dripped with sarcasm, his eyes glinting with a knowing light. "But I believe it will be compensated for."

Sophie's mind reeled as she pieced together the implications. Megara, the girl who had put Ryan in a coma, was now nowhere to be found, leaving Sophie to pick up the pieces. A surge of anger and resentment flared within her, but she pushed it down, focusing on the task at hand.

As she entered the grand bedroom, Sophie's gaze fell upon a figure lying on the bed, his face upturned, his body motionless. She felt a pang of pity for him, mixed with a sense of trepidation. Ryan's features were chiseled, his alluring features seeming to bore into her heart even in his unconscious state, she couldn't deny the fact that she actually admired the man. His jet-black hair framed his face, accentuating his sharp jawline.

Mr. Jenkins handed her a pen and a stack of papers, his expression unreadable. "Please sign the contract agreement, Ms. Tao. It outlines your duties and responsibilities as Master Ryan's wife and caregiver."

Sophie's hands trembled as she took the pen, her mind racing with doubts and fears. She scanned the papers, the words blurring together as her mind struggled to comprehend the implications. With a deep breath, she signed the documents, feeling a sense of resignation wash over her.

Jenkins smiled, his eyes glinting with satisfaction, as he took the papers from her. "Excellent. I will leave you to your duties, Ms. Tao. Follow the instructions in the file carefully. Master Ryan's condition requires precise care."

As Jenkins departed, Sophie's legs trembled beneath her. She approached the bed, her eyes fixed on Ryan's face, searching for any sign of life. His chest rose and fell with each breath, a gentle reminder that he was still alive, still fighting.

With a sense of determination, Sophie opened the file and began to read, devouring every word, every instruction. She would do this, she vowed. She would care for Ryan and nurse him back but she felt weak and hopeless.

Walking to the door and locking it, Sophie burst into tears, overwhelmed by the turmoil of her false life. She felt like a prisoner in a gilded cage, trapped in a world where she didn't belong. The weight of her situation crushed her, and she slid to the floor, surrendering to her emotions. She was alone once again, a maid in a grand house, tasked with caring for a grown man like a child. The desperation for freedom from this suffocating life consumed her.

As she wept, her chest began to ache, and she whimpered in pain. The intensity of her emotions threatened to overwhelm her. Just then, a knock on the door broke the silence, but Sophie couldn't muster the strength to respond. "S... stop, w... what's going on with me?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.

The pain subsided, and Sophie forced herself up, wiping away tears. She took a deep breath and composed herself, preparing to face whatever lay ahead.

The door opened, and a young maid with dark brown hair tied in a neat bun entered. "Good day, Ms. Tao. I've brought dinner. If you need anything, I'm at your service. Your wardrobe is fully stocked, and I've laid out a gown for this evening."

Sophie couldn't bear the thought of being served like royalty. She felt like a slave, not a mistress. "No, no, please... I can cook and clean. Don't stress yourself. Please, don't."

The maid's innocent expression tugged at Sophie's heart. "But madam, it's my duty here."

Sophie hastened to collect the tray, eager to alleviate the maid's burden. "Call me Megara, please. Be free with me. If you need help with cleaning, just tell me. Send me, even."

The maid's eyes widened, and she hesitated before speaking. "I'm sorry, madam, but I won't be allowed to do that. I'll be punished if I don't follow the rules."

The word "punished" resonated deeply with Sophie, who knew the sting of punishment all too well. She didn't want to be the cause of the maid's suffering. With a heavy heart, Sophie accepted her new reality. "Fine, I understand. Thank you. But if you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here."

The young maid smiled, revealing cute dimples, and bowed before leaving. Sophie locked the door and leaned against it, the aroma of the food wafting up to her. She had never seen such an exquisite meal. Her stomach growled in anticipation.

Sophie sat on the floor, devouring the food with relish, savoring each bite. She almost licked the plate clean but restrained herself, smiling at her full stomach. The warmth and comfort of the meal brought her a fleeting sense of peace.

With renewed energy, Sophie rose to take a bath, hoping to wash away the remnants of her emotional turmoil. As she soaked in the warm water, she closed her eyes, letting the silence envelop her. But her mind wandered back to the maid's words: "I'll be punished..." Sophie knew she had to find a way to break free from this gilded cage and reclaim her life.

Little did she know that this was just the beginning.