Beneath the Surface

Chapter 6: The Unexpected Visit

Amelia was in her studio, lost in her art, when she heard a knock at the door. She wiped her paint-covered hands on her apron, wondering who it could be. She wasn't expecting anyone, and the last thing she needed was a distraction.

She opened the door to find Victoria standing in the hallway, a fake smile plastered on her face.

"Amelia, darling," Victoria said, her voice dripping with sweetness. "I was in the neighborhood and thought I'd drop by to introduce myself. I'm Victoria, Lex's wife."

Amelia's eyes widened in surprise, her mind reeling with the revelation. Wife? Lex was married?

"Ah, hi," Amelia stammered, feeling a wave of embarrassment wash over her. "I... I didn't know Lex was married."

Victoria's smile grew wider, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Oh, yes. We've been married for over 10 years. But I like to think of myself as a modern woman, Amelia. I believe in giving my husband the freedom to... explore, shall we say."

Amelia felt a wave of discomfort, unsure how to respond. She didn't know what to say, didn't know what to do.

"Would you like to come in?" she asked finally, trying to be polite.

Victoria's eyes lit up, and she stepped into the studio, her eyes scanning the space. "Oh, how lovely. You have quite a talent, Amelia. I'm sure Lex will be thrilled to hear about your little hobby."

Amelia's instincts were screaming at her, telling her to kick Victoria out. But she couldn't shake the feeling that Victoria was trying to get a reaction out of her, and she refused to give her the satisfaction.

"Thanks," Amelia said, trying to keep her tone neutral. "I'm just getting started."

Victoria's eyes lingered on the paintings, her expression unreadable. "I'm sure you'll go far, Amelia. You have... potential."

The way she said it sent a shiver down Amelia's spine. She didn't like Victoria, didn't like the way she was looking at her.

As Victoria turned to leave, Amelia felt a wave of relief wash over her. She was glad to see her go, glad to be rid of the uncomfortable tension.

But as she watched Victoria walk away, she couldn't shake the feeling that she had just made a mistake, that Victoria was not someone to be underestimated.

"Thanks for stopping by," Amelia said, trying to be polite.

Victoria's smile was like a knife. "Oh, it was my pleasure, Amelia. I'm sure we'll be seeing a lot more of each other."

As the door closed behind her, Amelia felt a wave of unease wash over her. What had she just gotten herself into?