Chapter 4: Whispers Behind Locked Doors
Aria wandered the halls of the Xian estate like a ghost in silk.
The marble floors echoed beneath her footsteps, and the silence pressed in like a second skin. The place was breathtaking—art on every wall, warm golden light pouring through floor-to-ceiling windows, and a grand piano that hadn't been played in years.
It should have felt like a dream. But it was a cage made of glass and money.
She paused outside a locked door at the far end of the east wing. It looked just like every other door—but something about it felt… different. The handle gleamed, but when she turned it, it didn't budge.
Aria knelt, pretending to fix her slipper, and peered at the faint scrape marks near the baseboard.
Someone opened it often.
"Curious already, Madam Xian?"
Aria jumped, spinning around.
It was Nathaniel, Elias's assistant. Impeccably dressed, with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.
"I was just—" she hesitated, then straightened her back. "Exploring."
His gaze flicked to the door. "That room is off-limits."
She folded her arms. "Why?"
He tilted his head, amused. "Because the past doesn't like being disturbed. Especially not his."
Aria's heart skipped. "Is it his?"
Nathaniel gave a tight smile. "Let's just say Mr. Xian prefers some ghosts remain buried."
She wanted to ask more, but his tone made it clear: questions would not be welcome.
"Anything else you'd like to explore?" he asked lightly.
"No," she said softly. "I've seen enough for today."
As she turned to leave, Nathaniel called after her.
"Aria."
She looked back.
"Don't mistake silence for peace. Sometimes it's the loudest warning of all."
She didn't know what he meant. But the weight of his words followed her down the hall.
And for the first time since she'd entered this house, Aria realized—there was far more to Elias Xian than the cold surface he let the world see.