CHAPTER 7
Kate couldn't sleep. That message was still on her mind. Her eyes kept darting to the door, her heart kept beating like a drum. She didn't know who sent it. She didn't know what secret they were talking about. But she felt it. Something dark was hiding in that mansion.
By morning, she got dressed. She didn't feel like eating, but she needed air.
She stepped outside, heading toward the garden.
That was when she saw her.
A tall woman in a red dress, slim waist, long legs, skin smooth like glass. She looked expensive. Confident And dangerous.
The woman turned and smiled like she'd been expecting Kate.
"You must be Kate," her voice was soft but sharp.
Kate frowned. "And you are?"
"I'm Gabriella," she said. "William's past. His real past."
Kate blinked. "I don't understand."
Gabriella stepped closer. "Oh, you do. You're his new wife, right? The contract girl."
Kate's face tightened. "That's none of your business."
Gabriella laughed. "Sweetheart, everything about William is my business. You're not the first. You won't be the last."
Kate folded her arms. "Why are you here?"
"I come and go as I please," Gabriella said. "You see, William and I… we don't really end. We pause."
Kate looked her straight in the eye. "That's your problem, not mine."
Gabriella tilted her head. "So bold. I like it. But let me give you some advice. Get out while you still can. Before this house eats you alive."
Kate chuckled bitterly. "That's the second warning I've gotten in two days. You all think I'm scared?"
"You should be," Gabriella said. "Do you know what happened to the last girl who thought she could handle William?"
Kate narrowed her eyes. "You?"
Gabriella didn't answer. She just smiled, turned and walked toward the house.
Later that afternoon, Kate was in the living room when William came in. He was wearing a black suit, his face unreadable.
"She came to see you," Kate said.
"I know," he replied.
"You let her walk in here like she owns the place," she said.
He looked at her. "She's my past. Don't concern yourself."
"She told me you two don't end, you pause," Kate said.
William turned away. "She's nothing."
Kate stood. "Then why does she still have access to you? Why does she speak like you belong to her?"
He didn't answer.
Kate moved closer. "You brought me here for your company, your image, your money. Not for love. I accepted that. But I won't be humiliated too."
William finally looked at her. "Then don't get attached. Don't expect anything. Just play your part."
Kate's heart hurt. "Do you even feel anything at all?"
William's voice was quiet. "Not anymore."
Later that night, Kate stood by the window. The wind blew in quietly.
She wasn't crying. She was thinking.
Who was Gabriella really?
Why did she still have a place in this house?
Why was William acting like a man with no soul?
Her phone buzzed again.
Same unknown number.
"Don't trust her. She's not just an ex. She knows what happened in the east wing."
Kate froze.
She looked out into the night. Then something moved across the window. A shadow. It was Quick and quiet. She turned fast.
No one, everything was Just silence. But someone was watching. And the past wasn't done with them yet.
Kate couldn't stop thinking about that message.
The east wing.
What was there? What did Gabriella know?
But she had no time to think deeper. That morning, William told her they were attending a business brunch.
"You don't have to say anything," he said flatly. "Just sit beside me. Smile when needed."
Kate nodded. "Like a doll."
He glanced at her. "Exactly."
The hotel was too bright. Too grand. Kate felt small again. She followed William silently as they walked into a room filled with suits and glittering glasses.
They sat.
Kate kept her eyes down. She didn't belong here. And they knew it too.
A man walked up to their table, older, arrogant, eyes sharp like a knife.
"William," the man said with a fake smile, then turned to Kate, "And this must be your little trophy wife."
Kate felt heat rise in her chest.
The man kept going. "She's prettier than I expected. Bit young though. Does she even know what we're discussing or is she just here for the wine?"
Kate clenched her fist. William stayed silent.
The man smirked. "Well, I hope she knows how to behave. You know these pretty girls—great for photos, not for boardrooms."
Kate opened her mouth, but before she could speak—
"Enough," William said coldly.
The man froze.
William's voice was calm, but his eyes were ice. "You don't speak to her. Not like that. Not at all."
Kate stared at him.
"She's my wife," William continued, "And I don't care if you like it or not. Show some respect, or leave this table."
The man raised his brow. "Relax, William. I was just—"
"I wasn't joking," William said. "One more word, and the deal is off."
The man gave a tight smile, turned, and walked away.
Kate was still frozen.
"You didn't have to do that," she said quietly.
"I did," he replied, still facing forward.
"Why?" she asked.
He didn't answer.
— — — —
Back in the car, silence filled the space between them.
Kate looked at him. "I didn't expect that."
"I won't let anyone humiliate my wife in public," he said.
"But you humiliate me in private."
William sighed. "That's different."
Kate looked away. "No. It's not."
At the mansion, Kate walked to her room. She was confused. Not just by what he did—but by how it made her feel.
A tiny part of her wanted to believe… maybe… just maybe… there was still some warmth in William Dray.
Later that night, she heard a soft knock.
It was William.
"I don't like anyone touching what belongs to me," he said.
Kate frowned. "So I'm a thing now?"
He didn't smile. But he didn't walk away either.
Kate crossed her arms. "What happened to no emotions, no attachments, just business?"
"I never said I was made of stone," he replied.
Kate blinked. "Then why do you act like it?"
He looked down. "Because kindness is weakness."
Kate stepped forward. "Then I guess you slipped today."
He looked at her. "Then don't expect it again."
He walked away.
Kate stood in the doorway. Her heart was beating too fast.
She didn't want to feel anything. But she did.
Her phone buzzed again.
It was the Same number.
"He's not the enemy. Look east."
Kate turned to the hallway.
Something was waiting for her in the east wing. Something no one wanted her to find.