Chapter One

Elena's Pov

June 20th 2024

I checked the time, it was 6pm, my throat was parched, I couldn't bear the thirst any longer as I stepped out of my room, and walked through the staircase down which led to the kitchen.

A strong smell of cigar hit my nose as I stepped into the kitchen. William had promised to stop this bad habit as I had always warned him against smoking. He's just too lazy to change, I thought, while I opened the fridge to get a bottle of water.

I'm Elena Walker, 25, with a killer shape and pretty face. My husband William Tyson and I got married five years ago. He was the epitome of opulence and grace. With a networth that rivaled small countries, and a demeanour as cold as the Arctic, he was a formidable force in the business world.

His steely gray eyes, sharp as shards of ice, seemed to pierce through anyone who dared to meet his gaze. His perfectly tailored suits, always in shades of charcoal or navy, exuded power and authority. Every movement he made was calculated, every word he spoke carefully chosen to maximize his advantage.

Despite his considerable wealth, there was a distinct lack of warmth in William's presence. He had long ago traded empathy for efficiency, viewing others as mere pawns in his relentless pursuit of success. His office, a sleek and minimalist space devoid of personal touches, mirrored the emptiness that resided within him.

Rumors swirled around him like a dark cloud, whispers of ruthless business practices and cutthroat tactics that had propelled him to the top. Colleagues spoke of deals brokered with no regard for ethics, of partnerships forged and discarded at his whim.

To those who crossed his path, Williams was a force to be reckoned with—a man whose heart was as cold and impenetrable as the steel towers he inhabited.

We first met at a party where I was invited to help my aunt with the catering service. I never looked his way, but I noticed he couldn't take his eyes off me. I ended up avoiding him all through the party before we finally left.

I was born into a home where we never have to struggle to get anything we want. My parents were rich but not so much and they always tried their best to get to the top which still hasn’t proved worthy.

Until one day, my mom was arrested by one of her creditors. All pleads to get her released fell on deaf ears as she was detained for three days. With strong threats to shut down my parent's company, everyone turned to me and the only one who could provide a long lasting solution. I had no choice but to accept the marriage and protect my family.

William had often showered me with love, gifts, and affection ever since and I had also grown to love him. One time,on our third year anniversary, he had even organised a surprise party and even gotten me a new car. No one else saw this sweet side of him except me.

A sharp stainless sound from the far end of the hallway startled me as I stopped in my thoughts. I listened again to see if I would hear anything, but the house had gone silent. We had so many maids but most of them were done with their chorea and must be in their rooms resting.

I walked across the hallway, slowly tilting towards the sound. I had this eerie feeling like something was about to happen, but I had to shake it off as I tilted further.

Walking carefully towards the corner of the hallway, I screamed as someone bumped into me from the other corner. A hot substance poured and strained my dress, the cup fell and shattered everywhere. I looked up startled to see Ellie the maid, trembling in fear.

“Oh my God! I'm so so–rry mada-m.”

“What's wrong Ellie? Are you okay?”

“Yes madam, I just didn't expect to bump into anyone suddenly. ” she forced a smile

“You should be careful next time.”

“Yes madam,I'll get a change of cloth–es for you” She continued, stuttering.

“Not to worry, You should get this place cleaned up first, I'll get changed upstairs.”

“Yes madam” she bowed slowly as I walked up the stairs. I stared down the other side of the hallway.

“Something was definitely wrong.” I thought. I walked up to my room to get changed. Williams hadn't come up all day, he said he had work to do in his study and he didn't want to be disturbed.

He was usually like that sometimes, that's why we have our separate rooms. So when he wants to be alone he stays there.

Few hours later, it was already 1am, I kept rolling on the bed, the scenario from the last few hours replaying in my head. I sneaked out of my room. The whole house was silent now.

Curiousity got the best of me as I approached the middle of the hallway. I already knew something was wrong because of a strange, wet metallic smell.

There was stains of blood on the wall like someone was stressing to get pass this side, or more like being dragged to move walk over there.

“Is William’s hurt?” That was another question which popped in my brain but still no answer.

Stepping forward, I noticed a small wooden door , it was slightly opened. I walked into the door, it was a secret passage down the basement.

An underground room with a very dim light was now visible. Although the room was still slightly dark, my eyes was already getting used to the darkness. I stepped on a slippery substance. I shuddered, the floor looked like a total bloodbath, it was a gory sight. Blood was everywhere.

It was clear that there had been a struggle; blood stains covered the wall in a long spread like someone was pretending to be a paint roller. Blood dripped from the wall with long strides forming scattered droplets.

The image made me quiver, but what I saw next made it even worse. I held my mouth to stop myself from screaming. Hanging on the roof was the corpse of a lady on the end of the rope.

The corpse swung towards my face as I raised my arms and screamed.