Ruthless

57

 I knew the truth in my heart, but I needed to see it with my own eyes to be absolutely certain. For that, I need to leave from here without bringing any suspicion towards me. I cannot let them see through me.

Forcefully composing my expression to mask the turmoil bubbling inside me, I turned to Edward. To my bad luck, Edward's narrowed and sharp gaze told me he was already suspicious. I didn't let my facade crack though. My fingers tightened around the piece of paper and my head turned away.

I set the paper down on the table without making eye contact, muttering, forcing a steady voice. "I need to use the restroom." inwardly cringing at my choice of words. Embarrassment flushed my cheeks, but I couldn't afford to dwell on it. Without wasting another second, I turned and swiftly exited the room.

The moment I was out of their sight, I stopped abruptly. Pressing a trembling hand against my chest, I exhaled a long, shaky breath trying to steady my nerves. I felt like I was falling apart. My legs were trembling, barely holding me upright. I had to lean against the wall for a moment to gather myself.

Once I felt normal, I didn't waste a single second and began my search.

My footsteps echoed in the huge hallways as I moved through the grand halls, searching for one face. The maids and men I passed gave me odd looks, their gazes full of questions. They were probably wondering what I was doing, wandering aimlessly like this. But I didn't care. I had to find him.

I searched every room, every possible place where he might be, but there was no sign of him.

Now, there was only one place left to look—the third floor. But there was a problem. That floor was strictly off-limits.

Retreating to my room and forgetting this ever happened came to my mind. But I knew I wouldn't be able to rest with all these wandering, uncertain thoughts would only heighten my anxiety. I'd rather deal with whatever consequences come my way.

With that thought, I moved towards the path leading to the third floor but paused at the foot of the stairs. Doubt crept in, but I quickly dismissed it and, with determination, set my foot.

When I finally reached the top after around thirty steps, I found myself face-to-face with a guard. He had a distinctly Asian appearance, with tanned skin. His stern expression didn't waver even after his sight fell upon me.

"How can I help you, ma'am?"

"I need to go inside," I said. My heart pounded so hard I feared he might hear it.

He shook his head immediately. "I'm afraid that's not possible," he said, his tone polite but firm.

Frustration flared within me, and I knew he wouldn't let me in so easily. Keeping my face as composed as I could, I added, "Edward wants me to grab a file from his office." My voice was steady, but inside, I was praying he wouldn't see through my lie.

The guard remained silent with a thoughtful and doubtful flicker in his eyes. His brows are also furrowing. It's crystal clear he wasn't entirely convinced by my claim. Sensing his hesitation, I decided to push my luck. With an authority to my voice I pressed on. "I'm his wife. Surely you understand this is urgent."

There was another moment of dense silence. Finally, he stepped aside reluctantly.

"Alright, ma'am, but please be quick."

A triumphant smile tugged at my lips as I walked past him, my heart pounding with a mix of nerves and victory.

*******

As I turned the corner, my steps gradually faltered, and I came to an abrupt stop as I finally spotted the man I'd been frantically searching for, as if my very existence hinged on finding him.