Whispers in the Dark

Chapter 5: Whispers in the Dark

Isla lay back in bed, her heart still pounding from the sound outside her door. The quiet of the mansion suddenly felt heavy—too quiet.

Was someone watching her? Was it Damien? Or… someone else?

She tried to shake the thought away, but sleep wouldn't come. Every shadow seemed darker, every sound louder. Something wasn't right. And until she knew who was behind this twisted game, she couldn't relax.

Finally, after what felt like hours, exhaustion pulled her under.

When Isla woke the next morning, golden sunlight poured through the large windows. For a brief moment, she forgot where she was. The soft sheets, the elegant bedroom—it felt like a dream.

But it wasn't. She was still trapped in a mystery she didn't understand. And she was still married to a man she barely knew.

A knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts. She sat up quickly, heart thudding in her chest.

"It's me," Damien's voice came through the door—low and smooth.

Isla hesitated, then got out of bed and opened the door. He stood there, as calm and composed as ever, holding a tray with coffee and a plate of toast.

"You brought me breakfast?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I need you focused," Damien said, stepping inside. "You can't think on an empty stomach."

Isla crossed her arms as he placed the tray on the small table by the window. "Is this your idea of being thoughtful, or are you just trying to keep me from leaving?"

His lips twitched slightly. "Can it be both?"

Despite herself, she felt a flicker of amusement—but she wasn't going to let him off that easily. "Why did you come to my door last night?" she asked, watching him closely.

His expression shifted. "I didn't."

Her stomach turned. "Someone was outside my door, Damien. I heard footsteps."

His face darkened, the playful glint in his eyes disappearing. "You're sure?"

She nodded. "I'm not imagining things."

Without another word, Damien pulled out his phone. "I'll have the security footage checked." His voice was cold and controlled, but something else flickered beneath it—something dangerous.

"Do you think it was her?" Isla asked quietly. "Victoria?"

"If it was, she's getting bolder," he said, his jaw tightening. "And that means we're running out of time."

Later that morning, Damien led Isla through the east wing of the mansion. It was quieter here, lined with private offices and meeting rooms. The air felt heavy—like secrets had been buried within these walls for years.

"Where are we going?" Isla asked, trying to keep up with his long strides.

"There's something I want to show you," Damien said.

He stopped outside a door and unlocked it with a key from his pocket. When the door swung open, Isla's breath caught.

Inside was a private study, filled with leather-bound books and framed portraits. But what drew her attention was the wall of files—rows upon rows of labeled folders, organized neatly.

"What is this?" she asked, stepping inside.

"This is everything I know about Victoria," Damien said, his voice low. "Her past. Her connections. Every move she's made to control my life."

Isla's skin prickled as she scanned the files. There were dozens of them—years of information collected like pieces of a puzzle.

"You've been tracking her," she murmured.

"For a long time," Damien admitted. "She's dangerous, Isla. More than you realize."

She turned to face him. "Then why hasn't she been stopped?"

He let out a bitter laugh. "Because Victoria doesn't leave evidence. She manipulates others to do her dirty work. And if she's after you, it's because she thinks you're a threat."

A chill ran down her spine. "A threat to what?"

"My company," Damien said. "And now… maybe to something bigger."

Isla swallowed hard. "What do you mean?"

Damien hesitated, his gaze locked on hers. "I think our marriage is part of something larger—a plan that started long before either of us knew it."

Her heart pounded. "But why us?"

"I don't know yet," Damien admitted, his voice softer. "But I promise you—I'm going to find out."

That afternoon, Isla wandered through the mansion's gardens. She needed air—space to think.

The estate's grounds were breathtaking. Rows of roses stretched out before her, their scent sweet in the warm breeze. But even surrounded by beauty, she couldn't shake the unease twisting in her stomach.

What did Victoria want? And how far would she go to get it?

Isla barely heard the footsteps behind her until it was too late. A hand touched her arm, and she spun around, heart racing.

"I didn't mean to scare you," the man said smoothly.

Isla blinked in surprise. He was tall and broad-shouldered, with slicked-back blond hair and a smirk that didn't reach his cold blue eyes.

"Who are you?" she asked, taking a cautious step back.

"Cassian Wolfe," he said, offering his hand. "An old… associate of Damien's."

Isla didn't take his hand. Something about him felt off—like he was used to playing dangerous games.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice sharper.

His smile widened. "Business. Though I couldn't resist meeting the woman who's turned Damien's world upside down."

Her stomach twisted. He knows.

"I'm not playing your games," Isla said quietly.

Cassian tilted his head. "Smart girl. But you're already in the middle of the game—whether you like it or not."

Before she could respond, another voice cut through the air.

"Isla."

She turned to see Damien approaching, his expression colder than she'd ever seen it. His eyes burned as they locked onto Cassian.

"What are you doing here, Wolfe?" Damien demanded.

"Just saying hello," Cassian said, the amusement never leaving his voice. "Relax, Calloway—I wouldn't dream of stealing your wife."

Damien stepped closer, his body tense. "Leave. Now."

Cassian raised his hands in mock surrender. "Always a pleasure." He winked at Isla before turning and strolling away like he had all the time in the world.

The moment he disappeared, Damien turned back to her. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," she said, though her heart was still pounding. "Who is he?"

"Someone you should stay far away from," Damien said darkly. "Cassian would love nothing more than to tear everything I care about apart."

Isla swallowed hard. "Including me?"

"Yes," Damien said. "And I won't let that happen."

For the first time, she saw something raw in his eyes—fear. Not for himself, but for her.

She should have been scared. She should have run.

But instead, she took a step closer. "What aren't you telling me?"

Damien's voice was barely a whisper. "That I can't lose you. Not now."

And just like that, everything changed.