Chapter 12 In Over Her Head

The Harrington Estate was a gilded maze with expansive marble floors, glistening chandeliers, and an air of riches that seemed to emanate from every nook and cranny. I felt like an imposter wearing someone else's flesh as I stood at the base of the grand staircase and looked up at the hundreds of faces that had arrived for tonight's soirée.

Williams said next to me, his hand grazing mine, "Just breathe." Despite his apparent comforting presence, the issue just became more pressing.

I muttered, "I don't belong here," as I adjusted the diamond bracelet that was a tad too dazzling on my wrist.

He reminded me, "You're Mrs. Williams Harrington now." "You do, then."

However, his statements seemed vacuous. As we walked into the room, I could feel the looks and the murmurs that followed. I was a stranger who had suddenly become the centre of attention in their elite world, and to them, I was nothing.

A flurry of small conversation and introductions characterised the evening. Williams was the ideal host, guiding me through the mob with seamless charm. Placing a courteous smile on my face, I attempted to keep up, but it was impossible to ignore the underlying sense of judgement.

A piercing voice interrupted the conversation, "Darling." “Please give me a word.”

Sophia Bennett soon to be Harrington. One of the strongest women in the room and Williams cousin, Marcel’s fiancé. Her crimson gown trailed behind her like the tail of a predator as she strode towards us.

"Freda," she uttered, a smile that stopped short of her eyes. "I hoped we could talk."

Williams gave her a stern glance. "Sophia—"

I hurriedly said, "It's okay," and moved forward. "I would love to talk."

Sophia smiled broadly and guided me to a more peaceful area of the room.

"You've adapted to our world surprisingly well," she said, her voice brimming with fake love. “The pressure would cause most people to collapse.”

I made myself laugh. "Well, I've always picked things up quickly."

"Obviously." She sipped her champagne, her stare penetrating. “But what do you want to get out of all of this, Freda? Getting married to Williams and into the Harrington spotlight is a significant change for someone with your... background.”

It was there. I had been anticipating this subtle stab all evening.

I looked her in the eye and replied, "I didn't marry Williams for his name or his money." "In every way possible, we are partners."

Sophia, obviously disappointed, raised an eyebrow. "Partners? How up to date of you. However, I have some counsel for you, my love. Outsiders don't get along in the Harrington universe. It won't endure, even though you may think you've found your place here.”

I didn't want her to see how hurtful her remarks were. "I appreciate the guidance, Sophia. I will remember that.”

As the evening went on, I started to withdraw to the room's outskirts in search of some alone time. All of it was stifling in its oppressive grandeur.

One voice behind me said, "You seem like you could use a drink."

I turned to see Marcel holding out a glass of champagne, his face unreadable.

I took the drink and remarked, "I assumed you would be too busy planning my demise to serve as a barman."

He laughed. “Are men incapable of multitasking?”

I remained vigilant as I sipped the champagne. I couldn't afford to forget Marcel was deadly.

He leaned against the wall and remarked, "You know, you're handling this better than I expected." “By now, most individuals would have fled yelling.”

"Perhaps I am not like most people."

"Obviously." His eyes were sharper than ever as he watched me for a time. “But, Freda, exercise caution. This family has a way of consuming individuals just like you.”

Before I could answer, there was a ruckus close to the door. Sharp, terrified voices rose as a group of security personnel ran to the door.

"What's happening?" I turned to Marcel and asked.

He stopped grinning and adopted a sincere expression of worry. "Difficulty," he said plainly.

Williams showed up beside me, his face glum. "Remain here," he commanded, already approaching the mayhem.

I said, "Like hell I will," and followed him in spite of his objections.

As we got closer, the crowd dispersed, exposing the cause of the commotion: a rumpled man shouting haltingly in the doorway.

"It's him," a whisper went forth.

Although "him" turned out to be a man I didn't know, it was obvious from his crazed eyes and unstable posture that he wasn't looking for a friendly conversation.

"Where is she?" With a raspy voice, the man demanded. "I must see her!"

Williams took a step forward and spoke in a firm but calm tone. "You're creating a commotion. Go now so we can have a private conversation.”

The man looked at me after glancing around the room. Recognition twisted his face.

"You," he added, gesturing to me with a quivering finger. "You resemble her exactly."

"Like who?" My question was hardly audible above a whisper.

With hatred in his voice, he spat, "Your mother." "You're going to finish the job now that she ruined everything."

Deathly silence descended upon the room. As I gazed at him, the impact of his words weighing heavily on me, my heart raced.

The man lunged at me before I could react. His voice was clearly audible as they hauled him away after security wrestled him to the ground.

“She resembles her mommy, exactly! All of you will regret this!”

The world was spinning around me as I stood motionless. What did this man know about my mother, and who was he?

Williams grabbed me by the arm and dragged me out of the mob. "We have to leave, Freda."

But I was immobile and unable to think. The guests' whispers became more audible, their judgement and interest evident.

"Who was that?" I was able to enquire at last.

Williams's jaw tensed as he paused. "Someone with too much knowledge."

I felt sick to my stomach as I gazed up at him. "Has too much knowledge of what?"

He didn't respond. Rather, he held me tightly and relentlessly as he guided me out of the room.

The weight of everything fell on me as I sat by myself in the penthouse later that evening. It was all too much—the picture of my mom, the vague cautions from Marcel and Sophia, and now the charges from this stranger.

My thoughts were racing as I gazed out at the metropolis. The truth was waiting to be discovered somewhere in the shadows of this planet.

A gentle rap on the door, however, broke the stillness as midnight rolled around.

I got up and walked towards the door, my heart racing. My blood ran cold when I saw what I saw when I opened it.

It was one envelope with a beautiful handwriting address to me. There was a note inside that said:

"Come by yourself if you want answers. Midnight. Harrington Cemetery”