Shadows of deceit : The Augustus secret

Chapter Twenty-three

Ashley

As I walked down the corridor of the sprawling mansion, the only sounds that reached my ears was the howling of the wind outside. In stark contrast to the warm comfort of the indoors, the weather outside was taking a turn for the worse. The wind had picked up, blowing harder and with more force, creating a distinct, hollow sound as it rushed through the trees in the surrounding woods. And the rain continued to pour down.

The house was eerily quiet, a complete opposite to the whirlwind of thoughts swirling within me. I had spent the morning working through my laptop, typing my thoughts away. And I'm proud to declare that I managed to forge some ideas for my possible opening. At least there's that, I thought.

I should admit that after my latest encounters with Isaac, somehow, he managed to make me a bit relieved about the whole writing situation. I'm grateful for his efforts to cheer me up. Unlike the others, he did not pressure me into hurrying up with my work.

For moments, I found myself stuck in the middle of Will's nonstop reminders to collect information, Jackson's warnings to stick to writing and Stefan's mocking comments about my work process. And I felt like I had no right to complain, maybe I don't, maybe I'm not appreciating the opportunity I've been given enough. But at least I'm trying to.

As I approached the living room, I could hear voices. I hesitated for a moment, recognizing the familiar tones of Stefan and Jess. I took a deep breath and continued walking, I turned the corner and stepped into the room. Both of them were seated on the sofa, obviously discussing something. As they noticed my presence they switched their focus on me, Jess offering me a smile and Stefan- well Stefan just being Stefan.

"I hope I'm not interrupting?" I said awkwardly.

"No not at all, join us." Jess offered, I gave her a smile in return and made my way to the seat facing them. For a moment I kind of felt like I was intruding. I mean, two engaged people were in a private conversation, and I just walked in and nooow I'm sitting down. Great. I have the right to feel that way, no?

"I wanted to apologize about yesterday, Ashley. I must have freaked you out with my dramatic screaming." Jess joked apologetically. "No, no not at all, in fact I was worried about you." I replied.

"There's nothing to be worried about, It's just a phobia of mine, the dark." She explained.

"So I've heard." She gave me a confused look and I cursed myself for the slip up, I had no problem before telling her about my source of that info, which was Isaac. But it's heavy for me to mention him now after she warned me about him, plus in the presence of Stefan who've been silent since I came in here.

"I've been meaning to talk to you Stefan. I require access to your family's history archive. You know, journals, letters or documents- "

"I know what a history archive is." He cut me off, okay smartypants.

"I'm sure you do." I said sarcastically, "Anyways I need them, so I'd be grateful if you delivered them shortly." All he did was nod and I was surprised, for once he didn't give me a hard time though, I waited for him to say something else, I kept looking at him and he did the same way until he gave me a confused look, "Is that all?" he said.

"Uh yeah, for now yes that's all." I said as I awkwardly clapped my hands and prepared to stand up and leave. But just as I was about to do that, Martin walked in with an announcement. "Mr. Augustus, I'm afraid you have an unexpected visitor."

Stefan stood up from his seat, the confusion evident on his face. Behind Martin followed an elderly lady, who I'm guessing was the unexpected guest. Despite her advanced years, likely in her early seventies, there was something elegant about her. Her silver hair was perfectly coiffed, her clothing stylish and well-tailored. She clutched a suitcase in her hands but soon as she spotted Stefan, she dropped the suitcase and rushed to him in fast steps, her hands covering her heart. "Oh! You poor thing." She hugged him, and I tried so hard not to laugh at Stefan's reaction as he just stood there, his face was only but confused. He didn't even move a muscle. But at the same time I was super curious to know who this lady was.