The Stand In Wife's Revenge novel Chapter 31

The Stand In Wife’s Revenge

Chapter 31

There was silence inside the mansion. Its too silent. My bare feet sank

into the cool marble as I entered the hallway. The quiet was dense

and engulfing pressing against my ears. Alexander was not present.

The faint sound of his footsteps on the polished floors and the

distant hum of his voice on the phone were signs that he was there.

The air however was still tonight. by themselves. Something about

the isolation made me uneasy but it also gave me courage.

There was something substantial here but my world was empty and

my memories were a hole I couldnt seem to fill. something genuine. I

walked down the hallway after leaving my room my feet bare. I

assumed that it was either very early in the morning or late at night

but I had no idea what time it was.

I needed to take a quick walk and perhaps relieve some of my

boredom so I ignored the pain in my head. I took my time moving

tracing the smooth walls with my fingertips. They were icy and my

fingers found their smooth surface to be unforgiving. From the

elaborate moulding to the tall windows that gazed out over the night-

darkened estate everything about this house was magnificent.

Like frozen waterfalls chandeliers dripped from the ceilings their

crystals glinting in the moonlight and scattering prisms of color on

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the floor. Each piece of the tastefully chosen furniture exuded subtle

wealth rather than conspicuous display combining luxury and

restraint.

Who was Alexander?. Yes he was extremely wealthy and helpful in

the last few weeks but at least he ought to be. He was the cause of my

current state after all. At least he owed me the hospitality because he

had caused me to lose my memory.

I knew nothing more than that he had taken me in and provided me

with a place to stay. This house–this mansion–was another piece of

the puzzle that was the man. It was cold but it was lovely.

Magnificent but… hollow.

There were no people in the house that was supposed to be occupied.

Dont laugh. No warmth. Just quiet. My gaze drifted over the wall paintings the well–placed books on the mahogany shelves and the

dim light from the sconces that lined the corridor.

Every element seemed carefully chosen as though the space had been created as a stage rather than a place to live rather than as a home. I kept walking until I came to a partially open door at the end of the hallway. I was drawn to it for some reason an implicit invitation veiled in mystery. As I got closer my heart began to race and I felt a

silent excitement.

I pushed it open without thinking about it, a sleeping room. And not

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just any bedroom either. I could tell right away that this place

belonged to someone significant as soon as I entered. The enormous

bed was furnished with embroidered pillows and dark silks. It

appeared as though no one had laid in it in a very long time.

In addition to a hint of long–gone perfume the air still carried the smell of old wood and something slightly flowery. The smell was strangely familiar but just out of reach as I took a deep breath. Heavy curtains framed the tall windows and the walls were painted in rich

deep tones.

The whole space had a surreal feel to it as if you were entering a world that had been frozen in time. Then I caught sight of them. The photos. The walls were lined with framed photos that were displayed on gleaming nightstands and tasteful shelves. As I drew nearer my breath caught. A female. She had good looks.

A gentle knowing smile curled her lips as her dark hair fell over her shoulders. Her warm and perceptive eyes stared back at me from all sides. Additionally next to her… Alexander. I ran my fingers over a

silver–encased wedding photo.

He looked at her as if she were his entire universe and the two of them stood together engrossed in their own world her hand resting against his chest. There was a twist in my chest. She had this room. In his room. Fiona. Even though I couldnt recall ever hearing the name before it lingered in my memory like a ghost.

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I let out a trembling breath as an odd uneasiness settled in my gut.

What had I been looking for and why had I entered here? My eyes

strayed to a dresser standing against the distant wall a sophisticated

work of art.

The intricate carvings on the wood which gleamed in the chandeliers

gentle glow suggested something ancient and treasured. I was drawn

forward by an unexplained pull and my hands moved before my mind

could react. Whispering softly the drawer slid open.

There was a tiny exquisite box inside tucked away between delicate

silks and lace. I held back. I knew deep down I shouldnt. But I was

plagued by persistent and persistent curiosity. I cautiously raised the

box feeling its weight in my hands. Dark mahogany with golden

inlays a piece designed to hold something valuable was beautifully

crafted.

The lid was cool to the touch and felt smooth under my fingers. I

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