Chapter 3 Whispers in the Dark

Ben's grin widened and his dark eyes took in everything I did, and the air seemed heavy. He appeared completely relaxed, as if he had every right to be here. 

"What got you in?" I gripped the vase tighter and demanded. 

He held up a fictitious hand in surrender. "Calm down. I'm only here to converse. "Normal individuals don't 'talk' like that by breaking into someone's house." 

"Yeah, but Martin and I are both aware that we are not typical individuals." As if the tension in the room didn't affect him, he leaned relaxedly on the desk. "And you are much more fascinating than I anticipated, dear Rina." 

With a voice more composed than I felt, I responded, "I don't know what game you're playing, but you need to leave." 

Ben gave a low, menacing laugh. "Oh, it's not me who's having fun. Martin would be that person. Did he mention our small family dispute to you? 

"I'm not interested," I yelled. 

"Really? You ought to be. His eyes shone brightly. Whether you like it or not, you are now a part of the game I hope you know now sweetheart!!. Martin has ensured that. 

With my heart pounding, I took a step back. "What are you discussing?" 

Ben's smile faded as he straightened. "You believe that appearances are all that matter in this marriage? That you are only a useful pawn in Martin's scheme of things? 

The glimmer of doubt must have been there in my eyes since Ben's smirk reappeared even though I didn't answer. 

"Oh, Rina. Rina, sweet and innocent. Martin didn't pick you based solely on your situation. He picked you because he anticipated my interest in you. 

I gripped the vase more tightly. "You're telling lies." 

"Am I?" Ben took an unsettling step closer. "Ask him directly. Ask him why he's keeping you hidden like some priceless secret and why he's suddenly so anxious to protect you. 

We both froze at the sound of the lift doors opening before I could reply. 

Ben mockingly remarked, "Looks like your knight in shining armour is home." He stopped in the doorway and brushed by me. "Until we meet again, Mrs. Bryan." 

Just as Martin entered the penthouse, he vanished down the corridor, his eyes probing and keen. His demeanour hardened the instant his eyes met mine. 

He strode over to me and asked, "What's wrong?" 

I started to respond to him, but the words stuck in my throat as I wanted to talk. Shall I share Ben with him? 

His voice was filled with worry as he said, "Rina." Then I blurted, "He was here." Martin's whole attitude changed as he turned very fast and asked. "Who?" 

"Ben. Somehow, he got in. He made statements. As I recalled Ben's mysterious remarks, my voice drifted off. 

Martin's jaw tensed as he took out his phone and gave quick commands to the person on the other end. He had a stormy face when he hung up. 

With a low, menacing voice, he declared, "This is over now." 

"What was his meaning?" With my courage back, I asked. "How about if I played your game? about him being the reason you chose me? 

Martin paused, his silence more audible than a response. 

I took a step closer and said, "I deserve the truth." "Martin, why me? For what reason did you select me for this arrangement? 

His guarded, conflicted eyes addressed mine. "That's not what you believe." "Then describe." 

The sound of glass breaking reverberated throughout the apartment before he could respond. The source was a window close to the living room, and we both turned towards it. 

Martin commanded, already approaching the commotion, "Stay here." I mumbled, "Like hell, I will," and followed him despite his scowl. 

The rough hole in the window was visible, but the living room was very quiet. An icy wind blew through the room, bringing with it a feeling of foreboding. 

When Martin's phone rang, he picked it up right away. "What?" He listened with a grim look. "Comprehensive." 

His countenance was stern when he hung up. "We must depart. Right now. 

"What's happening?" With my heart racing, I enquired. He took hold of my arm and dragged me in the direction of the lift, saying, "No time to explain." 

"Martin!" Despite my protests, his hold remained firm. 

Things began to come together as we made our way down to the parking garage. This was more than a family quarrel. This was something dangerous, something far larger. 

"Where are we heading?" As we got into a sleek black sedan, I enquired. 

"Somewhere safe," he stated in a tone that made no room for debate. 

I couldn't get rid of the feeling that we were being observed as the automobile raced through the metropolis. 

"What do you not tell me?" I pushed. 

Martin's grip tightened around the steering wheel. "Rina, you wanted the truth? Alright. Never were you merely a pawn. Ben's fixation on you was inevitable, and I took advantage of that. However, things are now getting out of hand. 

"What is meant by that?" 

His voice was heavy with something I couldn't identify, and he continued, "It means you're not just my wife anymore." "The secret to everything is you." 

The car jerked sharply to the side before I could comprehend what he was saying. 

"Wait a minute!" Martin struggled to regain control and yelled. 

As the car turned out and slammed to a stop against a concrete stone, I could hear the noise of tires and the sound of a horn. 

I looked at Martin, surprisingly, his face a mixture of fear and panic. 

His voice was anxious as he questioned, "Are you okay?" 

With my heart pounding, I answered, "I think so." His eyes darted to the rearview mirror as he nodded. "Remain here." 

"What? No! He reached for the door, but I caught his arm. 

"Listen to me, Rina," he stated in a stern voice. "The person who did this is not finished. Keep your head down and remain in the car. 

He vanished into the darkness before I could disagree with him. 

His comments weighed heavily on me as I sat there shaking. The secret to everything is you. 

But before I could interpret it, the passenger door sprang open and a shadow moved outside the vehicle. 

Ben said, "Hello again, Mrs. Bryan," with a chilly grin.