I turned in bed that night, unable to sleep. My mind spun with escape plans. I'd already made up my mind. I was going to run. But not tonight. I needed to learn this place first, and wait for the right moment.
I reached for my phone, found my nighttime playlist, and let the music drown out my thoughts. Minutes later, sleep finally claimed me.
By morning, Selene knocked on my door.
"Mr. Voss asked me to tell you — the fashion designer will arrive later today to take your measurements and choose your wedding dress."
Wedding dress. The words turned my stomach. Still, I nodded and went to get ready.
Hours later, Selene returned. "She's here."
I followed her to the living room, where a woman about my age stood waiting with a tablet and a bright smile.
"Mrs. Voss, a pleasure to meet you. I'm Blair Lawson, owner of Aurum."
Mrs. Voss? Already? I wasn't even married yet.
"It's Mara," I corrected gently. "Nice to meet you, Blair."
She gestured towards the couch. "Come, Mrs. Voss. Have a look at our designs. These haven't even been unveiled yet."
I sank onto the couch, sadness pricking at me. She was showing me her proudest creations for a wedding I didn't even plan to attend.
"Selene, what do you think about this one?" I asked, pointing to a simple straight-cut gown with long sleeves, a low back, and only the barest embellishments. It was understated, elegant, and almost too perfect in its simplicity.
"Me?" Selene stuttered, startled. "I… I don't think I can suggest anything you'll like, Mrs. Voss." She gave a shy smile.
Great. Now even Selene was calling me that.
"I insist." I shoved the tablet into her hands.
She studied the image, then gave a small nod. "It looks nice. Very simple. It'll look great on you."
Before I could respond, Blair leaned in, disapproving. "Mrs. Voss, this looks too plain. You should go for something bold and magnificent — like this." She swiped to reveal a gown glittering with embellishments from top to bottom, trailing with a small train.
I winced. "Too extravagant. It's only a small wedding. I like the first one better."
"But Mrs. Voss---"
"I said I like the first one. That's the one I want," I replied softly but firmly. She frowned, clearly unhappy I'd picked the cheaper option, but I didn't care.
"Very well. Please stand so I can take your measurements."
Once she finished, Blair swept out of the house, leaving quiet in her wake.
I noticed two unfamiliar women hurrying past. One with grocery bags, the other disappearing into the kitchen. "Who are they?" I asked Selene.
"New staff. Miranda and Grace. They handle the kitchen now."
I nodded. "Alright. You can go rest or something. I'm going to explore the house. I need to get used to it — after all, it's my home now." I forced a bright smile.
Selene hesitated, then excused herself.
The moment she left, I began my act in earnest. If anyone asked, I was the picture of compliance, a bride-to-be settling in. Inside, every step was strategy.
I wandered down the hall, trying doorknobs. Most were locked. One opened to a guest bedroom, tidy and unused. Another revealed something entirely different.
I flicked on the light and froze.
The room was dark, walls painted a deep navy. Rows of plush recliners faced a massive flat screen that nearly covered the entire wall. A movie room.
I stood there a moment, taking it in. The leather seats gleamed, a faint smell of butter and salt clinging to the air as if someone had once enjoyed popcorn here. It was the kind of room meant for family nights or laughter. Yet in this house, it felt… abandoned.
I shut the door quickly and moved on.
Eventually, I stepped outside into the garden. A neat white table and two chairs sat in the center, surrounded by roses, marigolds, daisies, and sunflowers. Beautiful, but imperfect. Some blossoms drooped, petals curling at the edges. Whoever tended this garden hadn't done it with enough care. And no lilies — my favorite.
I bent, brushing a hand over a withered rose, when Selene's voice carried across the garden.
"Mr. Voss is back. He requests your presence."
"This garden… who tends to it?" I asked as I straightened.
"Mr. Voss. He fired the gardener after he mishandled the flowers. This is his mother's garden. It's… special to him."
Daniel Voss, with shears in hand, fussing over blossoms? The image nearly made me laugh. He didn't strike me as the type to care about flowers. He probably only cared for it because it was his mother's garden, not because he truly enjoyed it.
"The flowers are dying," I murmured, plucking a fading sunflower and twirling it between my fingers. "I should do something before they all die."
Gardening had always been my refuge.
Selene's eyes widened. "You should ask Mr. Voss first. This is Senior Mrs. Voss's garden."
"I'll ask him," I said. "Let's go."
Inside, Selene slipped away, leaving me in the sitting room. Daniel sat on the couch, one leg crossed, his phone in hand. As I approached, I felt the weight of his gaze—sharp and precise. He set his phone aside, eyes fixed on me, and I tried to steady my nerves.
"Selene said you were outside. Exploring again." He shrugged off his jacket, the white shirt beneath pulling slightly over broad shoulders.
I looked away, settling opposite him. "Yes. I was in the garden."
"It is my mother's. Whatever you do, don't ruin the flowers."
"I won't. I'm good with flowers. Can I plant lilies? And I could tend the garden properly. I'm an excellent gardener." I leaned forward, meeting his gaze with something like pleading.
The truth was simple: this was part of the act. If he thought I was settling in, he'd never suspect I was planning to leave.
A flicker passed through his eyes. Surprise, maybe even curiosity before his expression hardened again.
"Do what you want," he said finally. "Just be careful."
He stood, grabbing his suit jacket. Before leaving, he paused, his eyes flicking to me again.
"I trust Blair showed you the designs. Did you pick a dress?"
I forced myself to sound light, even a little enthusiastic. "Yes, she showed me a lot of beautiful designs. They were all too lovely for me to pick from."
His gaze lingered, searching, weighing the truth in my words. Then he gave a short nod.
"Alright. I'll see you at dinner. We have other things to discuss." He turned and walked away, leaving me in the silence.
I had no idea what other things meant, but my stomach twisted at the thought.