Shadows of deceit : The Augustus secret

Chapter three

Ashley

I pulled up to the familiar driveway of the Augustus mansion, my heart racing with a mixture of anticipation and trepidation. Although I felt guilty for having Will interfere and help me secure the job, I wasn't willing to give up on my ambitions simply for the sake of morality. Being a journalist was my job, and I was determined to do whatever it took to uncover the truth.

A dark and ominous aura emanated from the mansion, casting a shadow over its majestic facade. The sun was just starting to set, casting a gloomy atmosphere over the grand estate.

The Augustus mansion before me towered like a monolith, its size, opulence, and prestige immediately commanding respect. Built at the height of modern luxury, the structure was crafted with the finest materials, its style and architecture both sleek and stylish.

However, beneath the facade of glamour and status lay a darker truth. Despite its magnificent appearance, the mansion also appeared to exude a sinister aura, the shadows cast by its towering presence painting a stark contrast between the daylight and the gloom. It was as if the building itself was hiding something, its mysterious atmosphere only adding to its intrigue.

My heart pounded in my chest as I approached the front door, my footsteps slowing and my nerves growing with each passing moment. I hadn't fully realized the gravity of the situation until now. What if Stefan had committed the murders? What if my cover was blown and he had me killed?

I tried to shake off the fear, but I couldn't deny the dark and ominous atmosphere of the mansion before me. The beauty seemed to hide a deeper and darker truth that I felt I had yet to uncover. As I neared the door, my anxiety grew. What would await me beyond this door?

My knuckles trembled as I raised my fist and knocked softly on the door, trying to control my nerves and maintain my composure. Time felt like it stood still as the seconds ticked by, the echoes of my knocks bouncing off the walls and into my ears and heart.

I knew that the moment that door opened, my future would depend on how I presented myself. I took a deep breath and tried to gather my thoughts. The knock echoed again, this time more confidently, each sound puncturing my anxieties and causing them to swell as I waited for an answer.

My stomach dropped as the door slowly opened, revealing a man who was probably in his sixties. He stood there staring at me with a suspicious glare, his eyes like lasers piercing my soul and his expression offering little relief. He seemed to be taking in my entire presence, his gaze lingering on every part of me and judging me harshly.

My body started to shake slightly, my anxieties threatening to overwhelm me. I felt like an intruder now, even though I was supposed to be there. I didn't know what to say or do, my mind racing with thoughts as I stared back at the man.

I felt my confidence wavering as I spoke, my voice cracking slightly from the tension. I took a deep breath to steady myself before answering.

"H-Hello," I said, trying to remain composed despite my heart racing in my chest. "Mr. Augustus is expecting me. I'm the journalist who'll be interviewing him for the month." I managed to get out, still trying to conceal my nervous thoughts. It was not my first time interviewing a person of importance, but it was my first time being a guest in their home for so long.

He continued to eye me warily for several seconds, his expression growing even darker as he considered my presence. Finally, he spoke.

"Right this way," he answered, his tone cold and unwelcoming. It was as if he was annoyed by my presence, as if I was nothing more than a nuisance to him.

I didn't dare argue with him, knowing that it would only make the situation more uncomfortable. Instead, I nodded politely and followed him into the vast and intimidating estate.