Chapter 007

"How’s the mansion treating you?" As Jemma entered the stately foyer, her flawlessly manicured nails glistening in the gentle light, her voice was brimming with kindness. Her heels clicking on the marble floor served as a reminder of her identity as she walked in without waiting for an invitation. It also caused my stomach to turn.

"Jemma, what are you doing here?" It was difficult for me to control the hint of annoyance in my voice.

She claimed, "I was just in the neighborhood," with a smile that was too radiant to be real. "I wanted to see how you were doing. Observe how you're adapting."

Getting settled. The words hurt more than I thought they would. It wasn't as though I had any say in the situation. I didn't live here. It wasn't my intention to be here. My life had been completely upended, and Mike had promised me nothing but an empty marriage and the chilly comfort of his mansion, which is why I was here.

I mumbled, "Thanks," keeping my voice barely polite.

As she moved deeper into the mansion, she looked around as if she were at an art gallery. Every action and look Jemma made was calculated and meant to make you feel insignificant. to give you a sense of alienation.

"You know," she replied nonchalantly, "I was just talking to Mike earlier, and he mentioned how quiet it’s been around here." She hesitated, her gaze darting to the stairs as though she thought Mike may show up at any second. "A little too quiet, if you ask me."

I tensed up as her words weighed heavily on my chest. "What do you mean?"

For a split second, I noticed a hint of something darker in Jemma's eyes as her smile grew. She said, "Oh, nothing," as though she were making a lighthearted joke. "Just that... well, living here so far from all you knew must be a major adjustment for you. And, of course, with Mike. Isn't that a slightly different way of living?

I wanted to say something, but I bit my lip to keep it to myself. A confrontation with her was the last thing I needed. However, it was hard to ignore her hints and small jabs. It seemed as though she was unable to stop herself from constantly teasing me.

"It’s fine," I responded, attempting to grin even though it didn't feel natural. "Everyone is adapting. Mia is also doing well.

Jemma cocked her head, her face contorted with a phony pity. "Mia must be having a great time here. The staff, all the attention... It must be too much for a little girl to handle. She arched an eyebrow in a seductive tone, and there was something in her remarks that I couldn't quite place.

I was fully aware of her actions. She was attempting to minimize me. attempting to get me to doubt who I am and where I fit into Mike's life and this estate.

I wouldn't allow her, though. I was unable to. Not when I was already having a hard time getting by.

"She’s fine," I responded firmly, maintaining my composure in spite of my stomach churn. "We’re both fine."

Jemma gave a small laugh, but it was not a light laugh. "You are, of course. But you know," she went on, her voice trailing off, "Mike has a thing for children. It always has. He is compelled to assist others, particularly when they are in need. Her comments, which purposefully targeted a wound I was unaware even existed, lingered in the air like poison.

My fists were clinched at my sides. I was being tested by her. aiming directly at my relationship with Mike. The impulse to confront her and express my disapproval of her deceptive tactics was growing stronger, and I could feel the heat building in my chest. However, I was unable to. I refused to let her witness my hesitation.

I responded, "That’s enough, Jemma," in a tone that was surprisingly composed given the rage that was building within of me. "I don’t need your advice, or your commentary."

She pretended to be innocent as she blinked. "Oh, I apologize. I didn't mean to cause you any offense. I'm just worried. After all, entering someone else's life is difficult, particularly when that someone is Mike.

I took a deep breath. She purposefully used every word she spoke to discredit me and give me the impression that I wasn't deserving of this life, this marriage, or this house.

"I’m fine," I said again, my tone more acerbic. "I can handle it."

She responded, "Of course you can," with a false sweetness in her voice. "I never doubted that for a second."

Her gaze lingered a bit too long as it passed over me once more. I was fully aware that she was attempting to evaluate me in order to identify my areas of weakness and potential openings.

"Well," she replied at last, taking a step closer, "I'll let you return to... whatever you're doing here. However, I just wanted to check in with you. In case you need anything, you know."

I wanted to let her know that she wasn't needed in any way. However, I refrained from doing so as I was certain that she would only turn that into something worse. I nodded while maintaining a neutral expression.

I forced a smile, even though it felt like it was made of stone, and added, "Thanks for stopping by,"

Jemma's eyes were cold and calculating as she gave me one final, lingering glance. "Obviously. If you need a friend, I'm always here." Her heels clicked forcefully on the marble floor as she turned and marched toward the door.

After she was gone, I stood there for a while, attempting to get rid of the sensation that had become ingrained in my body. Jemma was problematic. And I was aware that she would attempt to interfere in my life again.

I ended up walking the home in the middle of the night after Mia had gone to bed. I felt as though the walls were closing in on me, and the house's emptiness mirrored my own. I had chosen this life, and it was meant to be my new life. It didn't feel like mine, though.

Here, I was merely a stranger, enmeshed in an unfamiliar game.

I noticed the smallest sound as I walked by Mike's office: a door opening and then softly closing. It was loud enough to cause me to halt, but not loud enough to be an annoyance. I was unable to resist. I needed to know what was happening.

Careful not to make a sound, I moved closer to the door. I just managed to catch a glimpse of Mike standing with his back to me around the corner.

He wasn't alone, though.

Jemma.

She was standing beside him, her hand on his arm, her head cocked as she whispered quietly. My stomach turned just looking at it. What was happening?

As if sensing my presence, Mike turned slightly, and I held my breath. The occasion was electric, and there was a great deal of tension between them.

I was going to back off and blend into the darkness when Mike's voice broke the stillness.

He said, "Is she here?" in a low voice that was nearly inaudible to me.

Jemma nodded, her lips curving into a smile. "She is present. However, she doesn't need to be aware, does she?

I went cold.

What was happening?

What did they have to conceal from me?

And why did I have the impression that I was missing out on something more significant, something that was falling apart before my very eyes?