CHAPTER 6
AVA CLARKE
I am in my room, immersed in a video call with my relatives at the Fell family house. Tonight, Lucius went out with his daughter Elara, leaving me alone in the large and lonely mansion. The sound of heavy rain hitting the windows and roof creates a melancholic soundtrack as I share virtual moments with my relatives.
"I know you've been there for a short time, but how do you find the job and the University, dear?", my aunt asks, and I can see a smile on her lips.
"Well, being here makes me feel closer to my parents. I think it's a fresh start for me. Maybe I'll face some challenges, but I know this is where I belong now.", I say with a sigh.
I love my uncles, and they've taken care of me since my parents' deaths. They've always been there for me, and they are my family. I miss them. My uncles keep asking me about the house and Lucius, and I reassure them that he seems like a good boss and that we have a good relationship.
They also inquire about Elara, and I open my mouth to answer their questions about the girl I take care of in this house. However, the tranquil atmosphere is abruptly interrupted by a strange noise echoing through the dark hallway.
Surprised, I pull the phone away from my face, focusing on the unusual sound. The house is supposedly empty at this moment, except for me. Curious, I return my attention to the call, trying to ignore the disturbance bothering me.
"She's a child who seems very lonely and always needs someone around. She likes to be the center of everything.", I say, recalling the girl.
"Oh, so she's like you! You were exactly like that when you were just a child. You're a good person, and I'm sure she'll like you a lot over time.", my uncle says, and I nod quickly.
But the noise persists, as if whispering a hidden mystery in the dark corners of the mansion. I decide to end the call to investigate the source of the unsettling sound. I get up from the bed, feeling a shiver down my spine as I walk through the dark corridor.
The old portraits on the walls seem to silently observe me, adding a sense of discomfort to the already tense atmosphere. The persistent sound guides me to a door that Lucius expressly prohibited me from opening. My curiosity, now mixed with a hint of apprehension, leads me toward this mysterious door. I hesitate for a moment, remembering Lucius' words echoing in my mind.
I look around, realizing I am alone. If Elara or Damien were here right now, I'd say they were trying to scare me. But there's no one here but me tonight. This would definitely be a great scene for a horror movie—a foolish girl heading towards a scary noise and dying seconds later because she was too stupid.
I remove my hand from the doorknob, telling myself I don't want to be like a horror movie character. I smile when I think that such supernatural things don't exist in this world. Furthermore, I don't know what's behind that door, but maybe it's just the wind against the window making that noise.
The old wood creaks softly as I open it, revealing a narrow and dark corridor beyond the forbidden door. The dim light emanating from my room barely illuminates the corridor, increasing the mysterious aura that surrounds this forgotten space of the mansion.
I stand before the door for a few seconds, realizing the noise is gone. I close my eyes, allowing myself to sigh in relief. Likewise, I turn to go back to my room, but I scream loudly when I see Damien in front of me. I place my hand over my heart, feeling like any member of this family will scare me to death at any moment.
"God, what's your problem?", I ask irritably, still trying to calm my heart at this moment.
He smiles as if he's enjoying my scary moment.
"You were about to open a door you shouldn't, and you're asking me what's my problem, little mouse?", he says humorously, and I can feel irritation taking over me more and more.
I realize the white-haired man in front of me is wearing a leather jacket, meaning he just got home.
"I won't waste my time with you!", I say angrily, but he gets closer, and I can feel my back hitting the door behind me.
I stop breathing when I smell his cologne, and Damien's intense eyes stare at me. He puts his hands beside my head, and I sigh discreetly. He really exudes danger.
"I'm liking this pajama more and more, little mouse...", he whispers, looking at my chest, and I push his shoulders before stepping away.
He continues laughing, and I sigh in anger, realizing it's just him and me alone in this mansion tonight. I need to control myself and not hit him again.
"I'm going to my room, and don't try to come in again because I'll be waiting for you with something heavier than a lamp!", I say provocatively, pointing at his head, seeing Damien raise an eyebrow still looking at me.
"So try not to dream about me again, little mouse!", he shouts as I quickly walk down the hallway before entering my room and closing my eyes.
I return to my room, feeling a wave of irritation running through every fiber of my being. Damien, the handsome and annoying man who inhabits the mansion where I now work, is once again at the center of my frustration. I don't understand how someone can provoke me so much. His proximity to the mysterious door only intensifies the anger I feel.
He has the gift of arousing an irritation in me that I never imagined possible. Despite his evident beauty, his provocative personality and constant attempts to provoke me are constant sources of displeasure.
When I was inside my room, I clenched my fists, frustrated with Damien's constant presence in the mansion. I know my new life in the small town would be much more pleasant if he weren't part of the package. Sharing the same workspace with someone so exasperating makes each day more challenging.
I turn off the lights, plunging my room into darkness. However, even in the dim light, I can still smell the subtle scent of Damien's cologne lingering in the air. The fragrance blends with the surroundings like a persistent reminder of his irritating presence.
Damn!