Dancing with a stranger

Chapter |10 ✨

My father wanted me gone sooner rather than later. The next morning, I packed my last suitcase and a few boxes, knowing Mr. Everett had arranged a car to take me to the cottage.

I wasn't ready. I still had years left to live my life before even thinking about settling down. Was this punishment for digging into what happened to my mother? I still had so many unanswered questions, and now I was being shipped off to a cottage in the middle of nowhere.

The car pulled up. I turned back one last time to see Grace standing on the front steps. She looked small and fragile, alone. I promised to text her, then climbed in, a knot of anxiety tightening in my chest. The ride was quiet; I stared out the window, trying to make the scenery soothe the unease bubbling inside me.

We followed a winding dirt road and finally arrived at the cottage. Small, white, and almost quaint, it had a porch swing and a garden that smelled faintly of roses. The mahogany French doors swung open as if inviting me into a dream—but I knew it was far from one.

I grabbed my bags and stepped inside. Steele wouldn't be here yet—he was out of state for his father's business. That didn't matter. I needed space, and maybe here, I'd finally get some.

The interior matched the exterior: clean, spacious, almost unreal. A wide staircase led to a lofted landing. To my right, a sitting room. Down the hall, a kitchen, fully stocked. To the left, a bedroom with an attached bathroom.

I dropped my bags in the bedroom, letting out a long sigh. The walls were soft blue, the four-poster bed huge, the dresser neat and modern. A flat-screen sat atop it, and the walk-in closet could fit both of us—and maybe a third person. I hadn't planned on unpacking, but here I was, feeling overwhelmed by space I didn't even want.

After changing into comfortable clothes, I collapsed on the bed for a nap. Alone. And God only knew when Steele would arrive.

When I woke, darkness had fallen. My phone buzzed: a text from Mr. Everett about wedding plans. He'd arranged a small ceremony, coordinating with someone named Sheryl. I replied politely, but part of me kept wondering about Mr. Everett's past. Married before? Lost a wife? My father never said a word.

My stomach growled, breaking my spiral of thoughts. I headed to the kitchen, discovering the pantry and fridge were stocked. Someone had brought groceries—pre-made sandwiches, juice, and snacks. I grabbed a ham sandwich and orange juice, finishing quickly, then settled on the couch with Netflix. The Vampire Diaries played, and Damon's smoldering gaze was oddly comforting.

After a few episodes, I cleaned up and opened my laptop. I typed in Sean's name repeatedly, but nothing came up. If he was still out there, he'd been given a new identity. Frustration gnawed at me, but I pushed it down, telling myself I'd figure it out later.

I was just about to drift off when a loud slam jolted me awake. Sliding on my slippers, I walked toward the front door. Steele was there, talking to a bodyguard. When he noticed me, an eyebrow rose.

"Oh, you're finally here," he said. "My father never said when you'd arrive."

"Yeah, I got in yesterday," I muttered, shaking the sleepiness from my voice. I retreated to the kitchen to make coffee, needing a moment to compose myself.

"Hey!" he called after me. "I never said you could walk away like that."

I ignored him, sipping my coffee and watching him carry boxes upstairs. A quiet relief settled over me—at least we wouldn't be sharing a bed just yet.

A few hours later, Steele came down, dressed differently. "I've got a meeting with my dad," he said, as if I should have already known. "I'll be back in a few hours."

I nodded absently, unsure how to pass the time. The moment he left, I pulled out my phone and texted Grace, needing her more than ever.

Me: Hey, how's it going over there? I miss you!
Grace 🤍: It's okay. Your dad's been busy. I miss you too and love you!
Me: Crazy—Steele got here today and just left to meet his father. Didn't say much to me.
Grace 🤍: That sucks. He sounds like an ass anyway. Well, gotta go, I'm heading to work.
Me: Bye :(

I set my phone down and stared out the window, wondering how I was supposed to survive this new life—alone, trapped, and at the mercy of a family I barely knew.