“I think we should start with Orion’s wing. I’ve never been there before, so checking it out will give me a better idea of what needs to be done. We’ll be living in the same wing from now on,” I tell Matilda. This time, Leon drops several forks from the table, and they share a long look that makes my stomach dip. I push back the emotion, with the familiar tingling down my spine that has been a constant in my father’s house while growing up, as it spoke about the danger lurking in every corner. “I’m sure you know a thing or two about renovations, so I’d love for you to help me with this project.”
To my surprise, this doesn’t lift Matilda’s mood, and now worry crosses her features, though she quickly masks it with indifference. “I’ll have a list of interior designers ready for you by the end of the week. In the meantime, you can focus on your work.”
My brow furrows at this. “It’s Monday. Why would we wait till the end of the week?” This woman created a whole-ass new wardrobe for me in less than twenty-four hours, and she needs seven days to find the interior designer? “Besides, I want to see the entire mansion before hiring anybody. So why don’t we?—”
“No,” they both exclaim in unison, only adding to my growing confusion. “Orion needs to approve it all first.”
While I’m not thrilled with the way this conversation is going, I can understand their hesitation. “I told you he gave me permission to do whatever I want.”
“I’m not sure that’s true. Either way, I’d like to speak to him first,” Matilda replies.
Okay.
My understanding can go so far.
“I see. So unless you hear it straight from Orion, my words mean nothing around here?”
Leon coughs, and Matilda clearly doesn’t take the hint from my annoyed tone as she places her hands on her hips and nods. “Yes. We work for Mr. Wright and will only take forward life-altering decisions made by him.”
“Since when are renovations life-altering decisions?” They’re acting as if entering Orion’s wing is the same thing as venturing into hell. What in the world?
“I don’t wish to discuss it further. Have a nice breakfast, Mrs. Wright.” She lifts her nose in the air and marches to the hallway, and I shake my head at this.
Just when I thought we were making progress in our relationship, Matilda showed me her true colors. “I’m sure dismissing the owner’s wife is against the rules you keep on shoving down my throat,” I shout after her, earning a snicker from the passing maids.
“Please be kind to her.” Leon twists his gloved hands. “She’s deeply attached to Orion and wants to protect him.”
Judging by the softness he seems to reserve only for Matilda, and the way he watches her, I have a feeling something is going on between them. Not that we’ll ever know for sure because it’s probably against some kind of employment rule here. “I’m not hurting him.”
A humorless chuckle slips past his lips. “Hurt has different measures, Diana.” He clears his throat. “I’m going to the garden.I’ll bring you some fresh roses soon.” With that, he disappears as well.
Losing my appetite altogether, I put away my mug and grab a napkin, wiping my mouth before getting up as determination fills my every bone and marrow.
I’m married, and Orion and I decided to commit to this marriage regardless of how it started, which means I don’t require anyone’s permission to enter Orion’s wing, least of all Matilda’s.
Stepping into the hallway, I look around, and when I don’t see anyone, I rush up the stairs and turn to the right, noticing the layer of dust covering the black marble on my way.
Are maids not allowed here on a daily basis, or what?
Everywhere else, the floor is polished to perfection, so much so that I can study my reflection in it and see every detail.
Walking farther into the hallway, I notice a weird echo all around me and a dim light. No window seems to be in proximity to brighten up the space around me.
Several doorless, empty rooms line up the hallway, appearing as if no one has touched them after the fire that took Orion’s father’s life.
Since I was just five years old when it happened, I vaguely remember the news channels covering the incident and mentioning something blew up in the basement, which resulted in Conrad’s death and Orion’s injuries. I remember everyone speculating about how lucky a coincidence it was that all the staff were not at home during that time. This meant no one else was harmed in the fire, aside from the house.
Shaking my head, I resume my walk and move toward the double doors straight ahead. This must be my husband’s room, and to my surprise, there’s no lock. An interior similar to mine greets me.
The only difference is that his room is bigger, with a couch, a desk, and a huge window opening onto the entire garden. Orion won’t miss anyone coming and going from his property. Like a human surveillance camera.
“What’s so secretive about it that no one is allowed to come here?” I mutter under my breath before I turn around to go back into the hallway, ready to march downstairs and question Matilda about her odd behavior.
Except the short set of stairs on my left that halts my movements, and my eyes widen at the sight. The small tower peeking from the roof closer to the part of the garden filled with statues flashes in my mind. I thought it was just some kind of decorative architecture piece, but it seems to be actual space?
A sense of trepidation passes over me, my mind urging me to follow my original plan and go to Matilda. My curiosity is piqued and rebels at the thought, so against my better judgment, I walk up the stairs, noticing small cracks in them. The cold emanating from the walls makes my body shiver.
I see the lock on the door and twist it, sighing in relief when it opens easily, and enter into complete darkness as thunder rocks the sky, the sound so loud up here I cover my ears from the impact.
