Chapter 1: 

The Marriage Trap

Linda's POV

With a groan, the massive church doors opened and I entered after inhaling deeply. I felt every eye turn to face me as my heart thumped in my chest. With sparkling decorations hanging overhead and white flowers along the aisle, which seemed to be a route to my doom, everything was bathed in a pleasant glow. Everything appeared flawless too flawless.

However, I was far from ideal. I was confined.

With a firm hold on my arm, my mother Catherine urged, "Keep your head high, Linda." "The family is the reason you are doing this. We will be saved by this marriage.

Her words kept repeating in my head. This marriage was about survival more than love. The Patricks might be able to save our bank account. But at what price? My contentment? My liberty?

I turned to see Austin standing tall and expressionless at the altar. The stern, frigid look in his eyes was mirrored by his dark clothing. I was going to marry this dude. In every manner that mattered, he was unfamiliar. I had hardly known him at all, yet here I was, ready to say "I do."

The pastor began to speak, but I couldn't hear what he was saying. Panic set in as my heart began to gallop faster and my throat tightened. The decision was bearing down on me with an intensity I had never experienced before. There was nothing for me to do. No escape route. My feet were stuck to the ground.

Austin's steady, quiet voice interrupted my thoughts with, "Linda."

I looked up, sensing that I should say something. It was time to make a promise to a man who didn't give a damn. Who considered this marriage to be just a business deal.

"Are you considering Austin Patrick to be your legal spouse?"

I am hesitating. When our gazes locked, I noticed Austin's coldness and disinterest, as if he were observing a transaction rather than a wedding. My stomach turned over. What sort of life was in store for me and him?

I tried to speak, but nothing came out of my mouth. Was it possible for me to do this?

The wedding reception seemed to be a haze of fake cheers and condescending remarks. The Patrick family estate was enormous, with its soaring pillars and tasteful furnishings almost frightening. Standing amid strangers, I felt more like an outsider than the bride-to-be.

I heard someone say, "Congratulations," but it was faint. My thoughts remained focused on the vows and the instant I wavered. I was on the verge of running. Nearly.

Talking with some business associates, Austin was standing on the other side of the room. Since our arrival, he had not once glanced at me. To him, I was just another task on his list, a formality.

"Linda." My thoughts were disturbed by a strong voice. I looked up to an older, rugged-looking man. His presence demanded attention and his eyes were cold. It was Jonathan Patrick, Austin's father.

He said, "Welcome to the family," but the tone he used gave off the impression that it was more of a warning.

"Thank you, Mr. Patrick," I said, attempting to sound assured despite a little trembling in my palms.

"You're now a member of this family," he remarked icily. You would be wise to keep it in mind. You must follow the Patricks' methods as they are expected to be done.

Feeling the weight of his words, I swallowed hard. "I comprehend."

But I was completely lost on this. How did I end up in this situation?

Needing a breath of fresh air, I moved away from the crowd as Jonathan left. As I went by, the murmurs of the visitors surrounded me.

"I understand it's a commercial agreement."

Stupid girl. She is unaware of what awaits her.

Their remarks kept repeating in my head. Did I truly not know?

I went outside onto the terrace and felt the cool evening breeze on my skin. As I was trying to clear my mind, voices started to appear. Angry, low voices.

"Pastor, now is not the moment," Austin's cool, collected voice sliced through the darkness.

I knew they were right behind me, so I froze and hid in the darkness.

Austin, there's never a good moment for you. However, this must be resolved," Jonathan snarled. "You'll be dealing with more than just a failing marriage if she finds out."

Austin yelled, "Let me handle it," sounding more distant than before. "Linda doesn't require any knowledge."

My heart gave out. What knowledge did I not require?

The bedroom echoed the mansion's overall chilly and uninviting vibe. I felt insignificant and out of place as I stood there looking at the opulent bed. I felt alienated from my own life on this night that was supposed to be my wedding.

With a creak, the door opened and Austin entered. He didn't seem friendly or grin. The same apathetic glance.

With a voice as cold as ice, he declared, "This is not what you think it is." "Our families depend on this marriage. Not a thing more.

Uncertain about what to say, I blinked. "What does that mean, exactly?"

He took a step closer and said, "It indicates that I have no interest in faking. Both of us are aware of this. A bargain. I'll keep out of your way if you stay out of mine.

My heart fell. "However, we are wed."

And it will always remain that way. An appellation. He turned away from me and moved in the direction of the door.

My voice trembling, I cried out, "Austin, wait." "Is there anything I should be aware of?"

With his hand on the handle, he hesitated. Indeed. Never inquire about my family. Things exist here that you don't want to discover. For the final time, his gaze met mine. "Don't, for your own sake."

I stood in the frigid, empty room as the door snapped shut behind him.

I had trouble falling asleep. Austin's remarks kept coming back to me. Avoid posing queries. Don't find anything. How could I, nevertheless, ignore it? What did he have to hide?

I couldn't stay in the room any longer, so I snuck out of the room and opened the door silently. With just faint lights illuminating the lengthy hallways, the mansion was pitch-black. I wondered because I had a curious urge to investigate.

I noticed a door when I got to the end of one hallway. Unlike the others, it had a strong brass handle and was secured. My curiosity was prickling. Why did that occur?

I was about to grab the handle when someone grabbed my wrist. With a shock, I turned to see the housekeeper, Mrs. Thompson, an older woman.

Her cheeks pallid, she muttered, "You shouldn't be here." "It is best to keep some doors closed."

I felt a rush of fear. "What's causing it?"

She tightened her hold and shook her head. "Go, while the going is still good."

With my heart racing, I hurried back to my room only to discover a letter saying, "Leave while you can," tucked under the door.

As Linda reads the mysterious note slipped under her door warning her to "leave while you still can," she feels a growing sense of dread. When she confronts Austin at breakfast, he coldly dismisses her concerns. Mrs. Thompson, the housekeeper, later approaches her and cryptically warns, "It's already too late for you, my dear. You're in too deep now." The warning makes Linda's heart race what does she mean, and what has Linda gotten herself into?

Chapter 2:

The Past's Shadows

Linda's POV

The dining hall looked just as magnificent as the rest of the mansion when I woke up the following morning, but the air was already feeling chilly. I hardly touched the food that was in front of me as I sat at the long table. Austin was glued to his phone as he sat across from me.

I had to speak with him. I could not get the note from last night out of my head. "Get out while you can." The words made my skin tingle. I had to stop ignoring it.

I finally whispered, "Austin," to end the stillness. Last night, I came upon a note. It was hidden beneath my door by someone.

He gave me a bare gaze. "A message? What was spoken there?

I was not sure if I should tell everyone. However, I was at a loss for what to do. "I should leave while I can," it said.

When Austin eventually put down his phone, he gave me a non-readable look. That is absurd. Linda, you're not seeing things. This home is safe. That kind of note would never be left by someone.

His tone of dismissal annoyed me. "It's not in my head. Someone is attempting to alert me. Furthermore, you cannot ignore it as though it never happened.

Austin reclined on his seat, his eyes icy. "You are now my wife. This is where you belong. Give up worrying about issues that don't affect you.

I balled up my fists beneath the table. What if, however, it's serious? How about if...?

His voice was harsh when he interrupted, "Enough, Linda." "Cease pursuing topics you don't fully comprehend."

The space became quiet. The expression in his eyes told me to stop even though I wanted to push more. The housekeeper, Mrs. Thompson, entered the room as Austin got up to go to work.

Austin gave me one final quick look. Avoid overanalyzing it. Tonight, I plan to return home late. Without saying anything else, he walked out the door, which clicked gently behind him.

Mrs. Thompson came over to me as soon as he was gone, her face pallid. "Mrs. Patrick, you ought to pay attention to that note," she murmured.

Startled, I fixed my gaze on her. "Are you aware of it?"

She slowly nodded. "It's a warning, but there's no way out for you right now."

My stomach knotted up after hearing her remarks. "Too little, too late? What are you trying to say?

Footsteps echoed in the hallway before she could respond. She raced away, swiftly bending her head, leaving me alone with my rushing thoughts.

I sat in the living room later that afternoon, my head still spinning. It was almost too quiet in the mansion. The silence was broken by the sound of the doorbell.

When I opened the door, I was met by an unfamiliar man. His smile was endearing, yet there was a coldness in his eyes.

"I assume Linda?" He held out his hand and spoke. "Brooks, Daniel. I am your husband's business associate.

Though hesitant, I shook his hand. "What is it that you want?"

Without waiting for an invitation, Daniel entered. "Mrs. Patrick, I'm not here to cause trouble. Indeed, I believe that we can support one another.

I cautiously crossed my arms. "Help one another? How?

His eyes did not open when he grinned. "Let me go right to the point because you are fresh to the Patrick family. You're in a tough situation, I know that. Austin is not who you believe him to be.

I tensed up. "What does that mean to you?"

Daniel strolled around the space, glancing it over. "Austin and I have a long-standing rivalry. He is concealing something hazardous. And I can aid in your escape. However, I require something in return.

My heart pounded. Could I put my trust in him? "What am I doing wrong?"

Daniel came to a stop in front of me, his face solemn. Details. Family secrets, Austin's business dealings—anything that can give me an advantage.

I retreated, shaking my head. "I do not know of that. Furthermore, I wouldn't betray my spouse even if I did.

Daniel's cunning and calculating smirk reappeared. Consider it, Linda. Are you truly aware of the situation you find yourself in? Austin has previously been engaged. Did he mention that to you?

I became motionless. "What?"

He became quiet, almost whispering. Emma was her name. She vanished into thin air. And since then, nobody has seen her.

My spine tingled with cold. "Are you suggesting that Austin was involved in it?"

Daniel furrowed his brow. "I'm warning you to use caution. You might come next.

And with that, he turned and left through the door, leaving me to face my terror on my own.

I was unable to forget Daniel's statements that evening. Emma. A name that was unfamiliar to me. Is it possible that Austin was ever engaged to someone who vanished? I needed to know the reality.

I moved as the mansion became quiet. With my heart thumping in my chest, I cautiously walked along the hallways. I needed answers, even though I wasn't sure what I was looking for.

I entered Austin's study in the end. There was not a speck of moonlight peeking through the curtains; the room was pitch black. Shaking hands, I rifled through the drawers.

Then I discovered it. An image. Even though it was old and a little weathered, I could immediately identify Austin. Grinning, he stood next to a lady and put his arm around her. Although the woman appeared familiar, I was unable to identify her.

Just as I was going to replace the picture, the door creaked open.

"What are you doing?"

Austin was standing in the doorway, his expression unreadable, as I turned around.

"I... I was merely..." Hiding the picture behind my back, I mumbled.

Austin narrowed his eyes as he entered the room. "Are you now looking through my belongings?"

With a forceful gulp, my heart pounded. "I simply must know the truth," Concerning Emma.

His face became serious, and I had a fleeting fear that he might lose it. But instead, he grinned a chilly, lifeless smile.

"Linda, you want the truth? Exercise caution when making wishes.

I was unable to sleep that evening. Austin's remarks kept coming back to me. Exercise caution when making wishes. I wasn't prepared to give up, though.

I stealthily got out of bed and walked down the hallway to return to the locked door I had previously found. I was determined to get inside this time.

To my astonishment, the handle opened when I jiggled it. Even though the room was dark, there seemed to be an uncomfortable vibe about it. When my eyes adjusted, I noticed that the walls were covered in hundreds of photos. It was the same woman, all of them. Emma.

As I approached the desk, I noticed a pile of letters. I took one up and read it while shaking hands. Although the words were unclear, it was obvious that Emma had been in danger. And I was now, too.

Abruptly, a shadow descended upon me. Austin was standing in the doorway, his face contorted with rage, when I turned around and saw him.

"What are you doing, in your opinion?" He snarled.

I froze, feeling a wave of horror flood over me and the letter slide from my fingers.

Just as Linda is about to accept Daniel's offer to betray Austin and escape her dangerous marriage, headlights suddenly flash, and Austin's car pulls into the driveway. Linda freezes in panic, realizing she's moments away from being caught conspiring with Austin's rival. Will Austin discover her plan? What will happen if he catches her in this secret meeting?

Chapter 3: 

The Power Play

Linda's POV

Austin fixed his gaze on me as I remained motionless in the doorway. His fists were clenched at his sides, and he had a dark glare. I felt my heart rush as I held the picture behind my back.

Linda, what are you doing here? Even with his low voice, you could hear his wrath.

Trying to appear composed, I muttered, "I... I was just looking around." "I didn't intend to—"

"To trespass upon my privacy?" He interrupted, moving in closer. "Enter this room only. You were not entitled.

"Austin, I'm not understanding. Who is she? The question came out before I could stop myself; I couldn't help it. I extended the picture of the woman, her countenance eerily recognizable.

Austin grabbed the photo out of my fingers, his angry face contorting. "Avoid asking questions you aren't ready to receive an answer to."

I retreated a step, suddenly terrified. Why do you feel like this? You have me as your wife. I have a right to know what's happening.

"Deserved?" His laugh was icy, bordering on mockery. "Unless I say otherwise, you don't deserve anything. Linda, this is your final warning. You'll regret it if you interfere in my affairs.

His voice was so menacing that it chilled my blood. I saw a side of him that I had never seen before; a dark, frightening, unpredictable side.

I muttered, "I'm not a prisoner here," even though my voice was shaking.

Austin bent forward, his breath hot against my cheeks. "Are you not?" Something terrible, something I couldn't quite place, shimmered in his gaze. "Are you aware of the fate of the last individual who attempted to oppose me?"

With a dry throat, I took a hard swallow. "What are you discussing?"

He smiled at me, and it made me feel extremely cold. She also didn't pay attention. And she's gone now.

I shook in the low light of the room as he turned and left after making that mysterious remark.

I cautiously ran my fingers over my phone, feeling the cool surface beneath my fingertips. After taking one last look around the empty living room, I dialed Emma's number, my heart racing with each ring. The second ring reached her ears, and I could almost hear her breath quicken on the other end.

"Linda? What is happening?" Emma spoke with concern in her voice, her tone sharp and alert.

To center myself, I inhaled deeply, trying to steady my racing thoughts. "Emma, there's a problem. Austin isn't who I had assumed him to be. This woman is there, and the room is filled with odd objects that I can't quite identify. Although I have no idea what's going on, I'm afraid."

"Linda, you have to leave immediately," Emma sternly commanded, her voice firm and unwavering. "This doesn't seem secure at all. Are you aware of what he might be concealing? You need to be careful."

I muttered, "No, but I'm going to find out. I can't walk away without uncovering the truth. I need to know what's happening here."

Emma said, "Then you need to approach this sensibly. Acquire any proof you can use to defend yourself. However, behave as though nothing is unusual. You have to keep your distance from him, Linda. Don't let him suspect anything."

Even though Emma couldn't see me, I nodded, feeling a mix of determination and fear. "I'll carry it out. However, I'm not sure how long I can continue like this without raising suspicion."

"Linda, you are strong. This is something you can manage. Please exercise caution. Avoid taking any unwarranted risks. Your safety is the most important thing right now."

"I refuse to." I stopped and bit my lip, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on me. "Many thanks, Emma. Without you, I don't know what I would do. Your support means everything to me."

"You're going to be alright. We'll work together to resolve this. Just remember to stay alert and trust your instincts."

Feeling a little more assured, I hung up, but my relief was short-lived. As soon as I put the phone in my pocket, I heard footsteps approaching. My heart dropped as I turned around, only to find Austin staring at me with narrowed eyes from the doorway, his expression unreadable.

His tone was dubious as he inquired, "Who were you talking to?" The intensity of his gaze made my stomach churn.

A beat skipped in my heart, and I struggled to maintain my composure. "Only Emma. She was doing a check-in," I replied, trying to sound casual, but my voice trembled slightly.

He looked at me for a moment, his eyes searching mine, and then nodded, though I could sense the doubt lingering in his mind. "Avoid staying up late. Tomorrow is a significant day for us," he said, his tone almost dismissive.

I feigned a laugh, trying to mask my anxiety. "Obviously," I replied,

The charity event included lights, music, and a sophisticated crowd. It was rather impressive. But the conflict between Daniel Brooks and Austin was all I could think about. They were engaged in a wordless struggle of wills as they stood at opposite ends of the room.

I stayed at Austin's side and pretended nothing was wrong. But I could feel Daniel's gaze following me around, observing everything I did.

He once came over to us with a cunning smirk. "Linda, you look gorgeous tonight," he said with ease. "Austin is truly fortunate."

Austin tightened his hold on my arm, but he forced a grin. "Always a pleasure, Daniel."

Daniel cast a sidelong glance at us, his face expressionless. "I wonder if Linda realizes how fortunate she is."

I wasn't sure what game he was playing, but his comments were loaded with meaning. Between the two men, each attempting to outdo the other, I felt like a pawn.

The more the evening went on, the more trapped I felt. Daniel's subdued remarks only made matters worse, and Austin hardly spoke to me at all. I was worn out by the end of the night and eager to get up from this nightmare.

But Daniel found me by myself before I could get away.

With his gaze finally becoming serious, he muttered, "Linda, you're in more danger than you realize." "You will need my help if you want to survive."

Confused and afraid, I just stared at him. "Explain what you mean."

Austin won't keep you safe; I know that much. I just can't explain it all now. Consider what I must give.

He vanished into the throng, leaving me feeling even more uneasy.

I crept out of the estate late that evening, my heart racing as I breathed in the crisp night air. Daniel was waiting in the shelter of the trees by the garden.

"You arrived," he murmured as he moved forward. "You'd listen, I knew that."

I mumbled, "I don't have much time." "What am I doing wrong?"

Daniel had bright eyes. Details. Please find out what Austin is planning for me. I'll get you out of here in return.

I paused, feeling the impact of his remarks. Really, could I turn on my husband? Then Austin's warnings, the enigmatic woman, and the darkroom came to mind.

In the distance, headlights flashed before I could respond. My heart fell.

Austin's vehicle was approaching.

After making the bold decision to sneak out of the mansion to meet Emma and gather evidence against Austin, Linda steps out into the night. The air is thick with tension, and her heart pounds with fear. As she walks away from the mansion, she feels a presence behind her someone is watching her. She quickly turns, but the shadows reveal no one. Still, the unsettling feeling remains. Is she being followed, and will she make it out alive before Austin finds out what she's doing?

Chapter 4: 

Finding the Reality

Linda's POV

Austin was waiting for me at the front entrance when I barely made it back to the mansion. He stepped closer, his eyes cold and his demeanor gloomy. When I realized he knew, my heart fell.

He questioned, his voice quiet but brimming with rage, "Where were you?"

Trying not to panic, I mumbled, "I... I went for a walk." Still, I knew it was insufficient. Austin was not the kind to accept justifications.

"A stroll?" His hand gripped the doorframe more tightly as he arched an eyebrow. Or a covert gathering with Daniel?

My heart felt icy. How was he aware?

I forced myself to look him in the eye and responded, "I don't know what you're talking about."

Austin took a step toward me, his face just inches away. "Linda, don't tell me lies. I observed you. Do you believe I wouldn't find out? His tone hardened, his jealousy obvious. "Are you and him conspiring to harm me?"

"No!" I swiftly shook my head. "I was not planning anything, I promise. I simply—

"You just what?" Austin yanked my arm with a jerk. "Do you think you can walk away from me so quickly? Here, Linda, I am the only one in charge. Nothing can get away from me.

My eyes began to well up with tears, but I fought the need to cry. "Why do you act in this way? Why refuse to let me leave?

Painfully, his grip tightened as he leaned in closer. "Because I own you. You will abide by the terms of this marriage or incur consequences.

"How much is it?" Fear squeezing my throat, I whispered.

Austin's face became serious. "You will never see your family again if you try to leave me. Do you comprehend?

I gasped as his words struck me like a blow. "You wouldn't..."

"Give me a try." His tone was icy, bordering on heartless. "Linda, I think you should stay in line. This is the final alert you will receive.

He then snatched away my arm and rushed out of the room, leaving me standing there, shaking and feeling more helpless than before.

I was thinking about the woman in the picture all day the following day. Who was she? What damage had Austin caused to her? I had to learn the truth.

I took advantage of the opportunity when Austin left the mansion for a business meeting. With a racing heart, I returned to the enigmatic room and pushed open the door.

The room was just as I remembered—cold, dark, and full of secrets. I took my time going through the drawers, searching for anything that would provide me with more information. I eventually located it after that.

Beneath an old mound of papers lies a stack of paperwork. I took them out and looked over the pages. Names, times, and places. They all appeared to have a connection to the woman in the picture.

As I continued reading, my stomach turned. There was a problem. These records of transactions and unusual interactions, with Austin's name all over them, implied foul play.

Had he had a part in her abduction?

Then my attention was drawn to something else. A little journal, encased in leather. I opened it and leafed through the contents. Although it appeared to have been written quickly, the handwriting was neat. It was the diary of the woman. She had written about being afraid for her life and felt stuck. And then she suggested a secret place in the last entries. Somewhere she had intended to flee to but never managed to get there.

I tried to read more, my hands shaking, but the journal was wrenched from my grasp before I could take in anything more.

With a shock, I turned around and saw Austin standing behind me with a blank expression on his face.

He gripped the journal tightly and asked, "What do you think you're doing?"

"I was just—"

"Are you spying on me?" His eyes were menacing and icy. "When I told you to stay out of my business, you should have listened."

With my heart racing in my chest, I took a step back. Austin, who was she? What became of her?

He remained silent. I had more questions than ever after he just shut the journal and left the room.

Dinner that night was torture. Austin was sitting across from me, his expression aloof and impersonal. There was a great deal of tension in the air and a heavy quiet between us.

It was more than I could handle. I had to express myself.

"Austin," I said, a little shaky in my voice. "Why do you act in this way? Why won't you be honest with me?

He didn't take his eyes off his food. "I've covered all the information you require."

"That's not true," I shouted, furiously frustrated. "You have something to hide. I located those files. I am aware of the woman in the picture.

When Austin finally raised his head, his eyes narrowed and his fork clanked on his plate. "You're not very knowledgeable about this."

I continued, my voice getting stronger, "I think I do." "I believe you were involved in her disappearance. If otherwise, why would you keep all those secrets hidden?

He gave me a long look while maintaining an unreadable expression. Then, to my amazement, he grinned—a chilly, shiver-inducing smile that made my skin crawl.

"Linda, you're not ready to know the truth."

I balled my fists beneath the table, attempting to maintain a steady tone. What's the truth? How did you treat her?

Austin's eyes darkened and his smile vanished. "Before you regret it, if I were you, I would stop asking questions."

My heart raced, but there was no turning back now. "Austin, you can't keep me in the dark forever. I'll investigate what transpired. I'll investigate your true identity.

He remained silent for a brief while. He got up and left the room without saying anything else, leaving me alone with my thoughts and my worry.

I was unable to continue being passive. The more Austin concealed, the more I sensed that I was in danger. Before it was too late, I had to take action.

I put together a little bag late that evening and slung it over my shoulder. Emma and I needed to get together so I could gather evidence and plan how to take Austin down. I had to take action or I wouldn't be able to stay in this mansion for long.

The only sound in the quiet house was the tinny ticking of the hallway clock. With cautious steps on the hardwood floor, I moved in the direction of the back door.

But I felt a shiver go down my spine as I grabbed for the handle. It was as though someone was observing me.

I whirled around, taking in the dim hallway with my gaze. Nothing. But the sensation persisted. I did not doubt that someone was waiting, skulking in the shadows.

"Hey?" With a trembling voice, I whispered.

Not a response.

Taking a deep breath, I forced myself to face the door once more. I had to get out. I could no longer allow my fear to stop me.

However, the sensation of being watched persisted even after I left. It got stronger, if anything. I peered over my shoulder, but there was nothing visible in the shadows.

I was still plagued by the feeling that something or someone was pursuing me.

I wondered if I would ever be fully free as I moved further into the night, my pulse pounding and my head full of questions.

After narrowly avoiding Austin's suspicion and returning to the mansion, Linda stumbles upon a hidden compartment in the forbidden room. Inside, she finds a letter written by the mysterious woman in the photograph, detailing her fear of Austin and hinting at a deadly secret buried in the mansion. Just as Linda finishes reading the letter, she hears heavy footsteps approaching the door creaks open, and Austin steps in, his face a mask of fury. "What do you think you're doing in here?" he growls. Linda's heart pounds has she finally crossed a line she can't escape from?