Chapter 3

Andrew hesitated for a moment before finally gathering the courage to speak. I didn't know you had a wife," Andrew began. "And the way you're treating her...it's not right. She deserves better than this."

William's expression hardened as he turned to look at Sophia, who sat on the bed covering her body with the bedspread. Andrew could sense the tension in the room

"How dare you come into my home and tell me how to treat my wife," William spat.

Andrew stood his ground, his eyes never leaving William's. "I may not know everything, but I know enough to see that Sophia deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. You can't just ignore her and treat her like she's some kind of possession."

William's anger grew as he glared at Andrew. "Sophia is my wife, and I'll treat her how I see fit. Now leave."

Andrew looked at Sophia, who avoided his gaze, clearly uncomfortable with the situation. He nodded, knowing there was nothing more he could do. William slammed the door behind him.

He moved towards Sophia on the bed, his eyes fixed on her face. Sophia felt a knot forming in her stomach as he came closer, and she couldn't help but shrink away from him.

But William was not deterred. He reached out and grabbed her chin, pulling her face up towards his. Sophia felt uncomfortable, trapped by his gaze.

"Look at me," William said, his voice low and dangerous. "I want you to understand something. You belong to me, and I can do whatever I want with you."

Sophia's heart was pounding in her chest as William moved in closer, pressing his body against hers. She could feel his breath on her face, and it made her feel sick.

And then, just as suddenly as he had appeared, William pulled away from her and strode towards the door. Sophia was left trembling on the bed, her eyes filled with tears.

She had dreamed of finishing college, finding a kind and loving partner, and traveling the world together. But instead, she was tied to a man who treated her with cruelty and disregard. A monster.

Sophia wiped her tears and stood up, facing the mirror. She looked at herself, her eyes red and puffy, her hair disheveled. She didn't recognize the person she saw in the mirror. This wasn't who she was meant to be.

With a deep breath, Sophia picked up her clothes from the bed and started putting them on. She wiped away the last of her tears and headed downstairs.

She slowly descended the grand staircase, her eyes fixed on the paintings that adorned the walls of the grand foyer. 

The intricate details and vivid colors of the artwork were breathtaking, and Sophia couldn't help but pause and admire each one as she made her way down the stairs.

As she reached the bottom of the staircase, she was drawn to a particular painting that seemed to glow in the light of the chandeliers. She reached out her hand and placed it gently on the canvas, her fingers tracing the delicate brushstrokes.

Lost in thought, Sophia didn't notice the sound of footsteps approaching until a voice suddenly spoke behind her. 

"Do you like it?" The voice was deep and rich, sending shivers down her spine.

Sophia jumped, startled, and turned to see Andrew standing there. She hadn't even heard him approach.

"Oh!" she exclaimed, her hand flying to her chest. "You scared me."

Andrew gave her a small smile. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you."

"It's beautiful," she said, gesturing to the canvas. "Did you paint it?" Sophia asked, looking up at him.

Andrew looked at the drawing for a moment before turning his gaze back to Sophia. "Yes, I did," he said with a small smile.

Sophia's eyes widened in surprise. "It's very nice," she said, impressed by his talent.

"Thank you," Andrew replied, his voice soft.

They stood in silence for a moment, both of them lost in thought. Then suddenly, Sophia broke the silence.

"Thank you for standing up for me earlier," Sophia said, looking down at her feet.

Andrew looked at her, his expression kind and understanding. "I'm sorry for entering your room without knocking. That was wrong of me."

Sophia nodded, still feeling grateful for his help. "It's okay. I appreciate you coming to my defense."

Andrew smiled. "Of course. I couldn't just stand there and watch him treat you like that. You deserve better."

Sophia looked up at him, her eyes searching his face. "Who are you, exactly?"

Andrew paused for a moment, taken aback by the question. "I'm Andrew," he replied slowly. "William's cousin."

"I've been away for a while," Andrew explained. "But I'm back now, and I plan to stick around for a while."

Sophia smiled, feeling a sense of comfort in Andrew's presence. "Well, I'm glad you're here. I could use a friend."

Andrew returned her smile. "I'm happy to be that friend."

Sophia smiled slightly.

They stood in silence for a moment, both of them lost in their own thoughts. Finally Andrew broke the silence.

He spoke up. "Would you like a tour of the mansion?" he asked, gesturing towards the door. "There are some truly stunning rooms that I think you would appreciate."

Sophia nodded, feeling grateful for the distraction. "I would love that," she said, smiling up at him.

Sophia followed Andrew through the halls of the old estate, marveling at the intricate details of the architecture and the history that seemed to seep from every crack in the walls. As they approached a narrow staircase, Andrew held out his hand and gestured for Sophia to go first.

"Ladies first," he said with a small smile, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

Sophia felt a shiver run down her spine at his charming manners, and she eagerly took the lead, feeling a sense of trust and security around him that she had never experienced before.

As they made their way through the maze of rooms and corridors, Sophia felt a sense of peace and happiness that she had never felt before. Andrew was the exact opposite of his cousin William, and she couldn't help but wonder how they could be related.

Suddenly, they passed a closed door, and Sophia took a step back, her curiosity getting the best of her.

"Why didn't you show me that room?" she asked, pointing to the door. "Is there something in there you don't want me to see?"

Andrew turned to her, a playful glint in his eyes. "Oh no, not at all. That's just my room," Andrew replied, shrugging. "I paint and draw in there sometimes."

"I'd love to see your room, Andrew. And your paintings too." Sophia said.

Andrew chuckled at Sophia's enthusiasm. "Are you serious?" he asked, looking amused.

"Of course, I'm serious. I want to see your paintings," Sophia replied, grinning.

Andrew smiled and took a step back, opening the door to his room. "Well, in that case, come on in," he said, signaling for Sophia and Sophia to enter.

As they stepped inside, Sophia was struck by the beauty of the room. The walls were covered in Andrew's paintings and drawings, and there were sketches and art supplies scattered about the room.

"These are amazing," Sophia said, admiring one of the paintings on the wall.

"Thanks," Andrew replied, looking pleased. "I've been working on a new series lately. I can show you some more if you'd like."

Sophia nodded eagerly.