Shadows of control

17. A Mystery?

Sofia's pov:

Finally the day has arrived. After being confined for what felt like forever, I was ready to return to the office. I could sense a positive change in my so called abusing husband; the physical abuse had stopped. This glimmer of hope gave me strength. I'm fortunate to have found a new family who treats me with love and care. What more could I ask for? I'm ready to adapt to this new chapter in my life.

It was 5 AM when I woke up, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. I freshened up and slipped into a midnight blue pencil skirt that I'd borrowed from Naira last night, a classic office attire. Though it was still early, I was eager to start the day. I think I will leave for office with him at7 AM. As I sat on the couch, I couldn't help but steal a glance at him, peacefully sleeping.

He is a vision, isn't he? Right from the moment I laid eyes on him, I was smitten. Those piercing blue eyes, long, dark lashes, and a physique that could turn heads. It was no surprise that the entire office was swooning over him. But little did I know, behind that charming facade lurked a heart that was as cold as ice. He played with my life, and for that, I can never forgive him.

I was sitting on the couch, staring at him, and I don't know when I fell asleep. When I woke up, I saw him sitting on the bed, looking at me like he was waiting.

He was ready for the office, too. Before I could say a word, he stretched his arms back on the bed and said in a cold, commanding voice,
"Need some more time?"

"Ahm... actually I was waiting for you"

He simply ignored me and walked out of the room. At the breakfast table, Everyone wished me good luck for my first day at the office. He, however, excused himself and went outside. Without a second thought, I followed him like a lost kid, hoping he would give me some place in his car like I can take a cab but how it will feel being his wife and coming from a cab.

He settled into the car, shutting the door behind him. For a moment, I wondered if he'd forgotten about me, standing there, stunned. Then, the door swung open, a silent invitation. I slid into the passenger seat beside him, the scent of his cologne filling the car.

Finally, we arrived at the office. He walked in, his cold demeanor radiating an aura of aloofness. I trailed behind, feeling like a lost puppy. The office was abuzz with chatter, but as soon as he entered, the room fell silent. Everyone's eyes turned to me, their gazes filled with curiosity. I knew they were wondering about my new status as his wife and my return to the office.

The woman looked up, her expression turning sour. "Don't you have any manners?Knock before you enter" she snapped. I didn't bother responding to her rudeness. This was my cabin, after all. I slammed the door shut and marched towards his office.

Taking a deep breath, I knocked and entered.Should I call him boss now? Yes I should.
"Boss,"
I began, my voice steady,
"I think there's been a replacement. Someone seems to have taken my place in my cabin."
taking a pause I continued
"So now What I am supposed to do"

He didn't even look up from his word
"I know"

Before I could shoot him with another question, he added,
"You'll be handling the finance department."
His tone was flat, devoid of any emotion.

My heart pounded in my chest. A finance department? After everything I'd done? How could he trust me with such a huge responsibility? I stumbled backward, disbelief and confusion swirling within me.

I stood there, stunned.
"What?" I managed to stammer.

He cut me off, his voice firm,
"If you can't handle it, you can leave."

I shook my head, regaining my composure.
"No, no, I can do it,"
I insisted. With that, I turned and left the room.

A few minutes later, a kind-hearted employee showed me to my new cabin. It was surprisingly spacious. I sat down at my desk, surrounded by towering stacks of files. The responsibilities were doubled, but I welcomed the challenge.

It was eight at night, and I was exhausted after a long day of work. As I prepared to leave, I decided to check on him. I found him still engrossed in his work.
"At what time are we leaving?"
I asked.

He didn't even look up from his screen.
"You can take the driver."
he replied, his voice monotone.

I figured he will be taking a bit long,but I decided to wait. After all, it was important to maintain the appearance of a loving couple. I asked his assistant to let me know when he was ready to leave.

As the clock struck 11:30 PM, I realized just how late he often worked.Sometimes he used to even come at 1-2am at night ,I remember because he used to take out his frustration on me after coming nevermind leave it He's changed!!.I was hungry and tired, but I was willing to wait.

The employee announced that he had just left. I panicked, thinking he might miss me. In a fit of desperation, I started running towards the exit, hoping to catch up with him. However, as I burst out of the building, I saw him getting into his car.

He looked at me with an arrogant smirk.
"I told you to leave. Why are you still here?"
he asked.

My heart sank.
"I was waiting for you,"
I replied, my voice barely a whisper.

"Did I ask to wait for me?"
He shook his head dismissively and got into the car followed by me.

We reached the mansion. The family had already finished dinner, but ma was patiently waiting for us. After a late dinner, I shared the events of my long day with her.

**Few weeks later**

Days turned into weeks, and my new life was slowly taking shape. I had a loving family, a caring mother-in-law, and a sweet sister-in-law, Naira. But there was one thing that still puzzled me: Kiara. I'd seen her around the mansion, a mysterious figure who kept to herself. Curiosity gnawed at me. Today, I decided I'd finally ask about her after reaching him.

I finished my work early and waited for Ansh to finish his. However, he was unusually quiet, hardly communicating with me. Weeks had passed, and our physical intimacy had dwindled to almost nothing. While a part of me was relieved, another part was curious. Was there something more to his behavior? Had he found someone else?

Shaking off these thoughts, I returned home and sought out Naira. She was the only one who might have some answers. I found her in her room and gently coaxed her to the balcony.

"Naira,"
I began,
"If you don't mind, can you tell me something about Kiara? "

Naira looked at me, a bit confused.
"Well, she's the youngest in our family, the fourth sibling. I can see why you're curious. She's quite reclusive, despite living with us."

I listened intently as Naira continued her explanation. "In our family, marriages are often strategic alliances. Dad wanted to marry Kiara off to someone powerful. But she's different. She was in love with Adrik Volkov, a dangerous man from our rivals . He's quite notorious, but he loves Kiara deeply. He warned us not to interfere with her choice. Once, he even kidnapped her and kept her in his mansion and even no one in the Mafia has the power to enter in their rival's territory and bring their person back but Ansh, being the protective brother as he is, went after them and brought Kiara back. She thinks of him as her enemy for it, but he genuinely cares for her. She just doesn't see it."

"What's she doing now?"
I asked, curious.

Naira explained,
"She's currently working with Vijay, handling one of our other companies. She's quite capable, despite her rebellious streak."

Naira added,
"And, I suppose you know that Adrik Volkov is one of Ansh's biggest rivals. They're both prominent business tycoons known for their intense competition."

As I was about to leave, Naira stopped me.
"Please don't tell Ansh that I told you all this,"
she pleaded. I reassured her and left the room, my mind racing with the newfound information.