"An envelope?"
Mila's hand was shaking when she brought out the envelope that was under the pillow.
"Why is there no name?" She turned and checked both sides of the envelope, but didn't see anything.
"What could be here?"
She quickly opened it. "Adrian's family hides dark secrets. The accident was no coincidence. Leave before it's too late." No signature. No name.
Her heartbeat increased. "Not again," she whispered and looked around the empty room wondering who left it there.
The next day, Mila was on her bed still wondering who kept the envelope under her pillow.
"Knock…knock, Mrs. Reyes, breakfast is ready Mrs. Cole. Mr. Cole went to the office."
"Aight Mrs Reyes."
Mila quickly opened the door and walked down the stairs.
"Thank you."
In the dining room, there were varieties of fresh fruits and coffee.
Mila ate alone. The house was so quiet that she could hear her thoughts loud.
"What is happening? Why is the house so empty? Is anyone watching me secretly? What is the hidden secret this house holds?"
As she walked into her room, Adrian's text came in, "Family dinner tonight. 7 PM. Be presentable."
Mila sighed and replied, "Okay."
She looked at the contract she had signed. "Two years felt longer now. But Nana's care is secure, and that mattered most."
When it was afternoon, Mila read the contract so many times.
During evening time, she had to pick a simple dress to wear, arrange her hair neatly, and practiced what to do in the mirror.
"You can do this," she whispered.
"Hi Mrs Adrian," Mrs Reyes called. "I'll take you to the dining room."
"Aight, let's go."
Just immediately, she got a notification on her phone. Unknown number again. "The envelope is your warning. Ignore it at your own risk."
Her heart began to beat so fast. "Who could this be? I already signed the contract, backing out now means I lose everything for Nana." she said silently and deleted the message quickly.
Adrian was at the fireplace, discussing with his mother, about business and his wife.
"This must be her, right?" Ashley said calmly.
Adrian nodded. "Mila, meet my mother, Ashley Cole. Mother, "This is Mila, my wife."
"Hi, Mila." Ashley offered a handshake. Her grip was so strong and cold. "Have a seat my dear. Dinner will be served soon."
"Mmm… thanks." Mila sat down opposite Ashley.
The dining table was well arranged and decorated with different wines and beautiful candlelights. Adrian sat in the head chair.
A Butler poured wine while Ashley drank her wine slowly
"So, Mila, tell us about yourself. Adrian mentioned you're his assistant. How... convenient."
"I… I applied for the job. We met that way. I'm happy for the opportunity to work with Cole."
Ashley lifted her eyebrow. "Grateful. Yes, I suppose you are. Coming from... where exactly? Adrian was lost."
Mila met her gaze. "A small apartment in the city. I take care of my grandmother alone. She's ill."
"Hmmm." Ashley nodded slowly. "Family is important. Ours has deep roots. Generations of Coles built this empire. You understand that?"
Adrian cleared his throat. "Mother, let's eat. The soup is getting cold."
Servants brought out bowls of creamy soup. Mila collected hers carefully, she noticed the way Ashley was looking at her.
"Tell me, Mila," Ashley continued, "what do your parents do for a living? Any notable connections?"
Mila paused, her spoon midway. "They passed away years ago. In a car accident."
"Ohhh." Ashely's face brightened a bit, but her voice still sounded the same way. "Tragic. People normally have accidents. But life moves on, doesn't it?"
"Enough questions mom. Mila's here now. That's what matters."
"Of course, son. I'm just getting to know my daughter-in-law. We must keep up appearances." She smiled.
Mila focused on her food.
The main course arrived, roasted chicken with vegetables.
"Mila, Adrian's grandfather, was strict about legacy. Marriage isn't just personal, it's about the family name."
"I respect that. I'm here to support Adrian."
"Support. How charming. But belonging takes more than a ring. It requires... suitability." Adrian's mom chuckled.
Adrian set down his fork. "Mother, stop. Mila is my wife. Treat her as such."
"I'm only getting to know her, Adrian. No need to defend her so quickly, dear."
Despite the heat that was running in Mila's face, she still made sure her words were steady.
"Mrs Cole, I may not be lucky enough to come from a rich home, but I work hard. That's what I bring."
"Hard work. Hahaha, Admirable. But in our world, it's about alliances, not effort alone."
The dessert came, chocolate mousse. Mila ate in silence, the tension thick.
Adrian changed the topic. "Business is booming. The new deal closes next week."
"Good. Your cousin Victor called today. He sends his regards."
"Victor. Always prying."Adrian's jaw became tight.
Ashley glanced at Mila. "Family rivalries. You wouldn't understand yet, dear."
Mila shifted her plate. "Excuse me please, I'm tired. I'll be in my room."
"Oh.. I'll walk you then." Adrian got up immediately.
Ashley smiled. "Goodnight, Mila. Sweet dreams in our home."
"Don't take her words to heart. She's only protecting me," Adrian told Mila at her door.
"It's okay, I understand.Goodnight," Mila nodded.
Mila dressed for bed. Her conversation and all Ashley said to her at the dining room bothered her so much.
She looked at the drawer where she kept the note, and brought it out again.
"Deadly secrets? What does that mean?"
"Knock, Mrs Cole, may I come in?" Mrs Reyes asked.
"Yes please, come in."
"For you, ma'am. To help you sleep."
"Thank you." She collected the tray. "How long have you worked here Mrs Reyes?"
"Ever since Mr. Cole was young." Mrs. Reyes smiled faintly.
Mila hesitated. "Has there been... trouble in the family?"
Mrs. Reyes looked around. "Families like this have secrets. But I shouldn't say." She left.
Instantly, Mila's phone vibrated. It was Nana on the line. "Mila, sweetheart, how is your new home?"
"It's big, Nana. How are you feeling?"
"Better already. The hospital says everything's covered." Nana sounded relieved.
"Good. I'll visit soon." Mila hung up, feeling a bit warmer.
She quickly took her bath, and climbed the bed wearing her nighties. Sleep did not come.
The next morning, she got up.Morning light filled the room. Birds were signing. Mila prepared for the day.
Downstairs, breakfast waited. Adrian was already eating. "Office in an hour."
"Okay." Mila poured coffee.
"Ma'am, I'm done with your laundry." Mrs Reyes said, carrying the plates.
"Thank you." Mila smiled at her.
Adrian left first. "See you there." His car drove away.
Just as she was about going to her room, she got a call from Vivian.
"Hello."
"Mrs Cole, we are having a meeting at the conference hall tomorrow at 9am, see you."
"Aight thanks." Mila responded.
Towards evening, a fashionista came in with different dresses.
"Mrs Cole, here's some outfits for you."
Mila fitted some and picked the ones she liked.
"Thank you, they suit me so well." She smiled.
She quickly went to her room and got ready for dinner with Adrian.
"Mrs Cole, do you need my assistance? Mrs Reyes asked, as she was standing at Mila's door.
"No I can handle it, I'll let you know when I do." Mila responded.
"Aight ma'am, I'll be in the dining room to prepare your dinner with Mr Adrian."
"Mmmm." Mila hummed.
In the dining room, Ashley was absent.
"You are back?" Mila said, welcoming Adrian.
"Mother's out," coming in a bit late than the normal time.
"Okay, a fashionista came in today, why are you doing all these for me?"
"You are my wife, and so you need to look presentable at all times, no one needs to see you having a bad appearance. Everything has to be professional and real." Adrian said.
For a while she stared at Adrian trying to accumulate all he had said. "I understand."
"Now let's eat." Adrian responded.
They ate quietly. Steak again, with wine.
"Hope you are enjoying your meal?" Adrian asked.
"Mmmm, it's nice." Mila responded. "Mrs Reyes has been helpful."
"I see, that's the reason she's been paid."
"How did your day go?" Mila asked.
"Busy. Deals closing." Adrian replied shortly.
Mila nodded. "Mine was quiet." She sipped water.
After dinner, Adrian retired early. "Goodnight."
Mila wandered the halls. Portraits of Coles stared down. Stern faces.
She returned to her suite. Locked the door. The note still bothered her.
"Knock..knock" the sound was so low that no one could notice.
"Who is it?" Mila froze.
"It's me. The maid." A young voice replied.
Mila opened slightly. A girl in uniform stood there. "What is it?"
The maid was shaking, "About the hidden envelope... I know who put it there."
Mila opened her eyes in shock. "You do? Who?"
The maid moved closer. "It was—" suddenly, a sound from the corridor interrupted her.