CHAPTER 6

"Follow your husband's request and head home," echoed Papa's words in my mind as I sat in the back seat of the sleek black Range Rover.

Home? Husband?

These terms were strange to me until recently.

Yesterday, my home was my father's house, and I was happily single. Now, I found myself married with a new home and husband.

As we stopped by a security booth, an armed man emerged, and Bram nodded at me. I was growing convinced that Bram might be mute. The man peered through the window at me, I furrowed my eyebrow in confusion. He withdrew his head, nodded at Bram, and we drove off.

As we advanced through a passage, probably leading to Lucas's house, I glanced out of the

windshield and beheld the magnificent mansion I had ever seen. My jaw dropped. Was this now my home?

"This is ridiculous," I murmured to myself as Bram opened the car door for me.

Before me stood a magnificent white and grey mansion, twice the size of Papa's estate and four times larger than our house back in America.

No wonder Lucas sought-after Papa's deeds; how did he manage to afford such luxury?

Next to to the mansion were smaller buildings, likely for storing the numerous cars randomly parked to the side. In the center, a grand water fountain led to a well-manicured garden.

Bram led the way towards the wooden double doors, not affording me a moment to take in my surroundings properly. I lifted my big and heavy dress and hurried to catch up.

Upon entering, a team of people in black suits awaited. A woman in her mid-fifties stepped forward, welcoming me with a bow, followed by the rest.

What's with the bowing? Why was everyone bowing?

"Welcome home, Mrs. Firmino," she greeted, and everyone behind her respectfully bowed. What's with the bowing? Why is everyone bowing?

"Thank you," I responded nervously, as I was not familiar to this formality.

"I understand you've had a long day, but Mr. Firmino has instructed that you receive the full house tour before retiring for the night."

"Look, Ms..." I began.

"Ms. Dimitri," she assisted.

"Ms. Dimitri, I'm very tired, my feet are hurting, and I just want to change out of this dress. I'm sure Lucas will understand."

Right now, all I wanted to do was drop onto that bed and sleep forever. I knew sleep was about to hit me.

She glanced at the others and then at Bram. I looked to Bram as well, but, as usual, he remained stoic.

"I'm sorry, Mrs. Firmino, but I cannot disobey Mr. Firmino's instructions."

"He doesn't have to know. I won't tell him, and if he finds out, I'll handle whatever punishment he gives you guys."

She stayed silent for a while before turning to one of the men behind her. "Robert, please take Mrs. Firmino's bags to her room."

I smiled, hoping she agreed with me, but then she looked back at me. "Mrs. Firmino, let us begin our tour."

I frowned as I kicked off these ridiculous heels.

She guided me through the ground floor, which included the kitchen, dining room, living room, his office, the laundry room, a few closets, and two bathrooms.

"What does Lucas do to you guys that makes you so afraid of him?" I asked her as we ascended the stairs, but she remained quiet. "Is he always mean? Do you think he will be mean to me all the time? Did he have a wife before?"

She halted in the middle of the stairway, and I began to fall back, but Bram was right behind me to save me.

He's already saving my life.

"Mrs. Firmino, I cannot answer any of your questions. You should save those questions for Mr. Dorian. He will determine if those questions should be answered or not." She resumed walking.

I was so full of questions that I couldn't help it. Who wouldn't want to learn information about the stranger they just married?

"I’m sorry, but who is Mr. Dorian?" I asked.

"You'll know when you meet him," she said with a bit of annoyance, so I just stayed quiet.

We finally reached the top of the stairs, where she showed me five bedrooms, two more bathrooms, another living room, and a gym. By this time, my feet were tired and numb.

"This here is Mr. Firmino's actual office," she said. "He has two?"

She nodded. "The one downstairs is for meetings only."

I nodded before stretching my hand to open the door when she quickly stopped me. "You cannot enter. This room is off-limits to everyone except Mr. Firmino."

I raised my eyebrow and said, "I'm his wife," grabbing the doorknob to enter, but it was locked.

"Only he has the key," she informed. "Let's move on to your bedroom." She turned the corner, and there was only one room in this section. I smiled, realizing I would be isolated from everyone.

His office was a bit close, but at least his room was nowhere close to mine. We walked down the long hallway before she opened the door. Both of us walked in while Bram stood at the side.

"That is Mr. Bram's post. He will remain there whenever you are in here," she explained to me.

I looked around and smiled. This room was huge. Although I didn't like the grey walls because they looked depressing and serious.

Entering the spacious room, I noticed the king-sized bed with navy blue sheets. Spotting a white door, I questioned its purpose. "A bathroom," she replied. Pointing to another, I asked, "And that?" "Your closet."

"It's a walk-in closet?" I asked eagerly, and she smiled.

Eagerly, I rushed towards the walk-in closet, picturing it filled with countless dresses. However, my excitement disappeared upon discovering Lucas's suits and ties occupying one half.

"Why the hell are his clothes in here?"

She laughed. "You are sharing this room, so it makes sense that you share a closet." "Sharing a what!?" I shouted.

She looked at her watch. "Alright, Mrs. Firmino, it's getting late. I will leave you," she said before walking off.

She turned back. "Oh wait, I forgot to take it at the door. Your phone, please." "You can't take my phone."

"It is for security purposes, ma'am. You are new here, so your phone needs to be reviewed. You will get it back as soon as Mr. Firmino has approved."

I laughed. "This has to be a joke." Her face was dead serious.

I sighed before handing her my phone. "Alright."

She smiled. "Sweet dreams, ma'am. Once again, welcome home!"

I collapsed onto the bed, thinking about the unusual situations. Why did Lucas insist on sharing a bedroom?

An uneasy feeling troubled me, suspecting negative possibilities. I struggled to unhook my dress and took a shower. Dressed in my two-piece pajamas, I lay on the bed, listening to the clock tick.

An hour later, the door swung open.

"Go home, Bram," Lucas muttered as he entered, closing the door behind him.

Surprised, I sat up as he dragged himself into the room. He looked at me before heading to the bathroom.

"How could you just leave your own wedding like that? Do you know how embarrassed I was?" I asked.

He remained silent as he washed blood off his hands. Catching his gaze, my heart skipped a beat. He slammed the bathroom door in my face.

In silence, I returned to bed, turning my face into the pillow. Minutes later, the door opened again, and Lucas's footsteps approached the other side of the bed.

He said nothing to me, I laid still on the with fear and discomfort. I didn't know whose blood stained his hands, but I sensed it indicated nothing good. Squeezing my eyes shut, I forced myself to sleep, aware that this is my new life now.