Chapter 6: Confession At Valmere

Mark stepped out in a black suit and a professional expression addressing her politely.

"Good morning Miss Blackwell, Mr Evans sent me to pick you up. He wants you to go to his Villa where you will be staying."

Sophia nodded, turning back to her apartment to get her suitcase. She came back and Mark escorted her towards the waiting car. Before she got in, she turned back, glancing at her small apartment. She had no idea what kind of life awaited her on the other side. Taking a deep breath, she got into the car comforting herself. She made the deal herself and now it was her responsibility to honor it.

The drive took longer than Sophia expected as she watched the city gradually fade into the distance. As the landscape continued to change, Sophia got more nervous and she could feel the tension in her body just by looking at her sweating hands.

The car finally stopped in front of a grand estate. It hid in a quiet corner of the world, surrounded by a serene lake and thick woods. The Villa was so magnificent that Sophia felt like something out of a dream.

She got out of the car with Mark's help and approached the entrance. 

Before she could knock, the doors opened startling her. It revealed Alexander standing in the grand foyer as if waiting for someone. His expression is unreadable.

"Welcome, this is Valmere. It will be your home from now on." He said, his voice devoid of warmth, but Sophia didn't feel unwelcomed.

"Thank you", Sophia said politely, before stepping inside. Her steps echoed against the well-structured marble floor. Sophia's mouth was agape as she looked around mesmerized by the luxurious interior.  The high ceilings, the crafted details in the stone walls and the towering windows that gave a perfect view of the lake outside. They all screamed wealth and power.

As she was admiring the place Alexander interrupted her, "Everything you need is here," he said casually as if discussing the weather. "We don't need to interact and you are free to do as you want, mingle with friends, work, whatever you want. Just remember to respect our marriage."

Sophia nodded again, "Thank you."

"One more thing," Alexander paused as if this was more important. "This is a transaction, a temporary arrangement." With that, he continued walking.

'Temporary', Sophia repeated the word in her mind. This was clearly a reminder that this was not a love based marriage or partnership.

She nodded, unable to give any other response. Sophia followed him through the house but she didn't forget to admire the villa's grandeur and elegance. It was very far from the life she had known, far from Marcus's villa and also very far from her small modest apartment.

Alexander paused when they reached the living room, Sophia who was busy admiring everything bumped into his back, "Ouch!" She hissed, holding her nose.

"You hit me and you're complaining?" Alexander asked, turning around to face her.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean it." Sophia apologized, embarrassed. She couldn't imagine how she could mess up on her first day.

"I know," Alexander said, his tone relaxed a bit.

Sophia thought, 'If you knew then why did you complain?'

"You don't need to worry about your mother's recovery, she's in good hands." He said to ease her worry.

Sophia felt relieved. Although she didn't know what would come out of this arrangement, her mother's life had been saved, thanks to her new husband. Still she didn't know how to reveal the truth to her mother.

'"You can take your time to settle." Alexander's voice cuts through her thoughts. "Mark will be around to show you to your room," he said and without another word, he turned around and lI'm I'lleft.

Sophia was grateful to him and she wanted to enjoy the comfort of this luxurious new place. But still, she felt a lump in her throat. Her mother had hope for her marriage with Marcus to do well. In fact Sophia hadn't told her the challenges she faced with Hawthornes. 

Although her parents got divorced when she was 16 years old, Sophia knew her mother valued marriage and it would break her heart if she learned about this.

Sophia decided to reveal the truth to her after she had recovered from her surgery. She can't keep it from her for long. 

Sophia knew how observant her mom was and she would notice something was off.

She settled into Valmere feeling that everything was different from her old life. There was serene silence, cut in only by the rustling leaves outside and the soft echo produced by her footsteps as she stepped on the marble floors.

Sophia still couldn't believe it. She thought, 'It's just yesterday I was drowning in loneliness dwelling on the oppressive weight of my failed marriage. Here I can breathe peacefully. Will it remain like this? But for now, I'll enjoy the moment.'

On her first night at Valmere, Sophia felt awkwardly strange. The place was grand but the quietness gave her goosebumps in her stomach. It was so silent as if it could echo her thoughts. She went out to find destruction. Now she stood on the wide balcony, looking at the serene lake. She could see the moon reflected on the surface of the lake.

The water lapped softly against the shore but she thought the stillness would calm her But it amplified the turmoil inside.

She thought of Alexander and their marriage. He has helped her as per the agreement but she felt the need to be more open with him concerning some matters. 

He was now her husband although in papers, and he deserves to know the truth anyway.

She took a deep breath steadying herself before heading back to the living room.

Alexander wasn't there so she went directly to his study. Mark had given her a tour earlier. Through the crack of his study door, Sophia could see him engaged in a phone conversation. His jaws were clenched as if trying to control his boiling anger.

"Let Gerald know if it's war he's looking for I'll grant his wish," he barked to his phone, his fist clenched as if he wanted to knock the study wall down. Sophia saw this and wanted to go back before he could notice her. She was shocked and afraid of him. He was very intimidating right now and all Sophia wished was to vanish before he could notice her.

But before she could turn around, "I'll call back later." Alexander ended the call before turning back to face her. He gave her a very scary gaze making her heart tremble. She felt like it'd come out. She wanted to say something but words were stuck in her throat. 

Alexander composed himself, relaxing a bit from his earlier outburst. It's as if he realized he had scared her. 

"What is it?" He asked coldly, his eyes piercing on her, intensifying her fears.

"No…nothing, I'll come back later," she said hastily, turning around to leave.

"Speak." Alexander spat out without showing any mercy.

"I wanted to tell you something … or at least to be honest with you." She started fidgeting with her fingers. 

"Go ahead," Alexander said, his sharp cold eyes still on her.

Sophia bit the bullet and spoke, "My first marriage ended the day before yesterday, I just got a divorce when I met you."