David appeared again.
However, Sam did not say anything, at the moment. He pushed the door back and pressed the lock. Leaving David outside.
The Hamptons appeared stunning from the outside, but inside these walls, it felt like entering a different realm—one where I didn't belong.
Sam was already in the living room when I headed to the dining room for breakfast.
The lengthy table resembled a cinematic setting, with silver trays laden with fresh fruit, pastries, and eggs. All were positioned as though they had been there for hours.
Evelyn grinned at me, but it wasn't a friendly grin. It was the type of grin that displayed more teeth than warmth.
Her appearance seems to be difficult to describe.
"Morning, Lisa," she replied. Her voice was overly sweet, yet I could sense the bitterness beneath. "Did you have a good night's sleep?" She asked.
I nodded and took a seat beside Sam. I did. "Thanks."
"You're fortunate," Evelyn remarked, stirring her tea on the table. "Certain individuals struggle to adapt to... environments such as these." "It must be quite distinct from the city, I suppose."
I compelled a strained grin. "It's lovely in this place."
Sam cast a warning glance at Evelyn, yet she disregarded him, refocusing on her tea.
His grandmother, a graceful lady with piercing eyes and a voice that bore the burden of years, spoke next.
"So, Lisa," she remarked, her eyes piercing through me like a laser, "what exactly is it that you do?" "Photography, was it?" She inquired, staring at me.
"Indeed," I replied, sensing my throat constrict. "I work as a freelance photographer."
Her eyebrow raised slightly to indicate her disapproval. Independent work. That has to be uncertain.
The next morning, sunlight streamed in through the expansive floor-to-ceiling windows of my guest room.
I sat on the edge of the bed, running my fingers over the soft cashmere blanket, trying to convince myself that I could survive another day in this home.
"Grandmother," Sam interjected, his voice sharp, "Lisa has great talent." "She has collaborated with several major clients."
His grandmother didn't bother to glance at him. "I'm certain," she replied, indicating that she truly wasn't.
I sensed the warmth growing in my cheeks, but before I could reply, Evelyn spoke up once more. She said.
"It has to be difficult, however," she remarked, her tone airy, nearly indifferent. "You see, staying in touch with the types of individuals Sam collaborates with."
"I assume you don't associate with the same groups."
"That's sufficient," Sam retorted, his tone raised enough to cause everyone at the table to halt.
Evelyn pretended to be naive. "I'm merely engaging in conversation, Sam." "There's no need to be defensive." She spoke out.
Sam got up, his chair dragging on the wooden floor. "If this is how you view conversation, perhaps you should consider not speaking." He said and decided to move around.
The space fell quiet. His grandmother scowled, placing her teacup down with a gentle clink. "Samuel," she said, her tone frosty, "that's not how you should talk to your sister."
"And this is not how to treat my visitor," he retorted.
I gazed at my plate, hoping the ground would engulf me entirely.
The atmosphere in the room was excruciating, and I sensed each pair of eyes fixed on me.
His grandmother remained standing, her stance rigid. "Pardon me," she remarked, her tone strained. "I no longer feel hungry."
She exited the room swiftly, creating a chilling stillness behind her. Evelyn grinned, obviously pleased with the turmoil she had created.
"I'm sorry," I whispered beginning to rise.
But Sam's hand reached out, clutching mine. "You don't have anything to be sorry about here," he stated, his tone steady.
I gazed at him, astonished. His jaw was clenched, his eyes burning with rage.
I wasn't accustomed to witnessing him in this manner, so intensely protective. It caused a flutter in my heart, yet I swiftly pushed the emotion away.
Evelyn reclined in her chair, her grin becoming broader. "You're fast to stand up for her, Sam." "Almost as if you're concealing something."
Sam paid no attention to her, his hand continuing to hold mine. "Let's move," he said, his tone more gentle now.
I acquiesced, allowing him to lead me out of the room.
We strolled quietly for some time, the sharp morning chill nipping at my skin. He guided me to a little garden hidden behind the estate, a tranquil spot away from curious glances.
"I apologize for that," he remarked, brushing his hand through his hair. "Evelyn possesses a knack for making individuals feel out of place."
"I'm fine," I replied, even though it truly wasn't.
"It is not," he confirmed, glancing at me. "You shouldn't need to deal with that."
"This is not fair to you in any way."
I averted my gaze, concentrating on the roses that bordered the garden walkway.
"This isn't real, Sam." I can't fault them for doubting me. "I don't fit in here."
His hand grasped my chin, angling my face upwards toward him. "Don't mention that," he replied, his tone soft.
"You are meant to be wherever you wish to be, Lisa." "Don't allow them to make you feel differently."
His words lingered in the space between us, dense and electric. For a brief instant, I overlooked Evelyn, his grandmother, and all the stress.
I just spotted him, the man who gazed at me as if I were something beyond merely being part of a setup.
But before either of us could say anything else, Evelyn's voice broke the moment.
"There you both are," she remarked, walking into the garden as if it were hers. "I was curious about where you had gone."
Sam's hand fell away from my face, and I stepped back, suddenly sensing vulnerability.
"What is it that you desire, Evelyn?" Sam inquired, his voice crisp. Looking at her.
She paid no attention to him, her eyes fixed on me. "Lisa, could we talk for a moment?" talk what? Sam responded immediately.
I looked at Sam, but he didn't make her stop. With a heavy sensation in my chest, I nodded.
Evelyn guided me along the trail, away from Sam. Once we were out of earshot, she faced me, her expression difficult to read.
"You're quite skilled at portraying the role," she remarked, her tone soft.
"What is it you are referring to?" I inquired, even as my stomach was already churning in turmoil.
She smiled, yet it wasn't a warm smile. "Let's go, Lisa." Don't underestimate my intellect. "I'm aware that there's additional depth to this small... agreement you share with Sam."
I tried to speak up to refute it, but the words wouldn't escape.
"I believed that," she replied, her grin growing larger. "You're not great at concealing it, you realize."
I gulped significantly, making an effort to remain composed. "I'm not sure what you believe you understand, but you're mistaken."
Her eyes sparkled with an almost savage intensity.
"Am I?" Interesting, as I've been conducting some research. "And what I discovered... let's just say it's quite fascinating."
My heart ceased to beat. "What are you trying to say?" I asked.
She moved in nearer, her voice just above a murmur. "Do you believe you're the only one hiding secrets, Lisa?" "Reconsider your thoughts."
I sensed the color fade from my face. Evelyn's eyes remained on me for a brief moment more before she turned and walked off, leaving me there, paralyzed.
What was she aware of? And how much more terrible was this about to become?