Shadows of deceit : The Augustus secret

Chapter Sixteen

Ashley

I lightly graze the charm of the moon on the necklace with my thumb, conflicted about whether it was a normal necklace or something else entirely. The idea of this cheap and simple item belonging to such a wealthy woman was hard to wrap my head around, and the jewelry in her room only made the necklace appear even more out of place.

I didn't know what to do as I considered asking questions about the necklace that was hidden away in the drawer in a place where it was obviously not meant to be found, much less by me.

I tried to let this go, telling myself that the necklace would be no help in uncovering the truth about the murder. What could a simple item really offer?

But every instinct in my body was telling me to look more into it. That's when a stupid, reckless idea popped into mind. I took out my phone and searched for necklaces similar to this one, finding many models that were practically identical to it. It wasn't special at all, being simple and straightforward, which was unsurprising to have so many options on the internet.

I took screenshots of different models of the necklaces I searched for, making it seem as if I took my time choosing which one I'll be getting. And then, with the fast beating of my heart, and my mind screaming at me that I'm becoming more reckless with my job, I wrap the necklace around my neck.

Mrs. Augustus is not the only person in the whole entire world to own this item, besides it makes even more sense if a person like me owns it, so what a coincidence that I happened to own something as similar as Mrs. Augustus necklace, which I'm not supposed to know about.

I reasoned with myself, and I made my decision, I'm going with it.

...

I made my way toward the living room, carrying my laptop in one hand and nervously pulling on the necklace that now hung around my neck. It felt forbidden, as if the necklace refused to touch my skin, burning me with the guilt of both stealing and wearing such an item. Even as it sizzled against my skin, I knew I had to continue, as it was the only way I could initiate a conversation about the strange necklace and ask my questions without seeming suspicious.

I enter the living room, planning on beginning my draft and looking for the perfect place to write. I wanted a good view of the large family portrait in the room, since it gave me inspiration on how to properly write. After all, it is their story.

Taking a seat on the sofa, I adjust the laptop on my lap and take one final glance at the family portrait before me. After cracking my fingers and clearing my throat, I take a deep breath and begin to type away.

...Nothing....

I stare at the blank screen, struggling to find the perfect opening. After a few deep breaths and trying to clear my mind, nothing is coming to me. My fingers remain motionless, and my thoughts are frozen. I struggle with finding a suitable way to start my story. I can't seem to find the perfect words, and it's like I'm stuck with this terrible writer's block.

Fucking great.

I type away at random phrases, hoping to make my block disappear. The last time Jess asked me about my progress, I was embarrassed to admit that I only had some notes, making me feel humiliated. Stefan's taunting smirk and disapproving tone in his voice began to haunt me, as the feeling of anxiety and frustration grew even more in my chest.

I set my laptop aside, as I became more and more frustrated with myself. I got up and began to pace around the large living room, my mind lost in thought as I grew increasingly angry at myself.

I stopped in my tracks before I reached the large family portrait, staring at it for what felt like minutes. As I continued to observe, I began to feel a slight shift in the air. My skin started to burn from the sensation of being watched. I could almost feel the eyes on me, and I knew they were there.