Chapter 34 34

Chapter 34 34
Nora’s POV

I didn’t know what I was expecting when I opened the second door, but nothing could have prepared me for the sight in front of me.
The room was empty, save for a single bed in the middle of the room. I didn’t need to be told nobody lived here. It felt empty and lonely.

Unlike his room, this room was all white. The only color that could be seen was from the pictures that were hung all around the room. Intrigued, I walked in and closed the door after me.

My eyes went to a huge table in the corner of the room. Different pictures were hung all around the table as well as the walls.

“What is this place?” I muttered as I turned around. It felt like I was surrounded by a lot of faces. They were all old pictures. I walked to a portrait and saw it was a family photo. A man and woman were holding an adorable-looking baby in her hands. They looked happy, and the smiles on their faces seemed genuine.

Who are these people?

My gaze went to several pictures, and I realized it was just the three of them in all of the portraits. Some were taken together while others were individual shots. I walked to a photo on the wall and a boy stared back at me. He looked to be about ten years old. He looked like someone I knew.

Julian? Oh, shit.

Then it all clicked. This was Julian and his family. Wow. So he dedicated a whole room to them? I knew little to nothing about him, so I didn’t know if they were alive or not. I didn't know if he just kept them here because he could.

As my mind reflected back on my plan, I thought long and hard on which room to use. Going in here would make him much madder than me going into his room because this looked like a really private space that held a lot of memories. The thought of carrying out my plans in such a personal space made guilt fill my mind, but I just had to do it. I meant no disrespect to them, but their child was after my life, and getting him pissed off was the only way he was letting me go.

After setting my mind on the target, I returned to my room and passed the day quietly. After yesterday’s prank, I couldn’t think of going back to the kitchen because then I would be faced with their guilt-filled stares.

When it was evening, I came downstairs and began to listen closely for the sound of Julian’s car arriving. My plan was all set. About thirty minutes later, the long-awaited sound came. I sprinted off my seat and ran up the stairs as if someone was after me. Some of the maids stared at me in shock, but I offered them a small smile and continued on my journey.

Coincidentally, I realized Julian would be passing the picture-filled room first before entering his own room. That meant I had better chances of being seen. By the time I got to his wing, I was breathless, but I didn’t mind. I also lost my way a couple of times and was kind of scared I would run out of time.

With my breath coming out in short gasps, I pushed the door open and entered. I made sure it was wide open before walking towards the portraits on the table.

“I am sorry, but I mean no disrespect. I need to leave this place,” I pleaded with the woman who I assumed was Julian’s mom. I felt a bit better after apologizing.

Soon, I heard movement down the hallway. I held my breath. Was I doing too much? Hell, it was too late to back away now. I held the portrait and acted as if I was merely glancing at it as the sound of the wheelchair moved closer. I didn’t move. I listened until the sound kept moving closer, and then I heard Julian’s voice.

“Why the hell is that door open?” I heard him ask.

“I don’t know, boss, I’ll check,” I heard his assistant say.

Only then did I dare to turn around. Just then, Julian and his assistant appeared at the entrance. Julian had an angry look on his face as he tried to see who would dare enter this room. I forced down my fear and plastered a surprised look on my face.

Our eyes met at the same time. I watched as alarm and anger quickly took over Julian’s face. Even his assistant was shocked to see me there.

“You—”

“Hi. I am sorry, I got lost,” I said innocently.

“What the hell do you mean by lost? Are you insane?” Julian snapped, looking me over.

“I just lost my way—”

“Drop that portrait and get the hell away from that table,” Julian yelled.

Only then did I realize I was still holding the woman’s portrait. I quickly dropped it and took a step away from the table. Julian wasn’t done.

“I have set rules in this house that I expect you to abide by. Is it so hard?” he asked, looking really tired of my shit.

“It was really a mistake. You know the hallways look almost familiar, so it makes it hard to tell them apart,” I explained.

“Come out this minute.” His voice was back to being cold and empty.

I hurriedly stepped out of the room. But something was missing. The anger I had been expecting wasn’t forthcoming. It was either he was already tired of me or he really thought I lost my way. Either way, I needed some reaction off him.
“I am really sorry—”

“It’s not needed. Let me warn you this one last time. Don’t wander into this section of the mansion ever again. Do you understand?”
Too easy.

“I can’t make any promises,” I said, scratching the back of my neck.

Anger flashed in his eyes.

“What did you say?” he asked.

“Nothing. Is that your mom?”

His anger quickly intensified.

“That is none of your business. Don’t ask me silly questions and stay out of my lane. It doesn’t concern you,” he ground out.

I knew I had to stop, but I still pushed. My freedom would only be made possible if I continued pushing.

“It does, actually. You’re my husband and I know nothing about you. Don't you think it’s high time you tell me about yours?”