Chapter 6 - The Gates of Sterling Manor
The black Mercedes SUV moved silently through the wrought-iron gates of Sterling Manor, the wet gravel crunching beneath the heavy tires.
Maya pressed her forehead against the cool glass of the window, watching the massive stone house emerge from the morning mist. It looked more like a fortress than a home—gray stone, narrow gothic windows, and chimneys rising into the overcast sky like sentinels. Armed guards in dark suits stood near the entrance, their eyes scanning the treeline before bowing their heads to the passing car.
"It’s beautiful," Maya murmured, her voice small in the quiet cabin of the car. "And terrifying."
"It’s safe," Julian said from the seat beside her. He was reviewing a document on his tablet, his face as still as carved marble. "The staff has been briefed. You are Sarah Vance, my fiancée. We met in Boston two years ago. We kept the relationship quiet to protect you from my... business associates."
"What do I tell them if they ask about my family?"
"They won't ask," Julian said. "People who value their lives do not ask me questions about my personal affairs. You only need to smile, stand beside me at dinners, and look as though you love me."
The car stopped before the grand entrance. A guard opened the door, holding a large black umbrella over Maya as she stepped out into the crisp, cool air.
Inside, the grand hall was warm, filled with the scent of burning pine and aged oak. A winding marble staircase led to the upper floors, and a massive crystal chandelier hung from the vaulted ceiling.
An older woman in a neat black dress stepped forward, her hands clasped in front of her. "Welcome home, Mr. Sterling. Welcome to the manor, Miss Vance. I am Mrs. Gable, the head of housekeeping."
"Thank you, Mrs. Gable," Maya said, trying to mimic the calm, elegant tone Julian had used.
"Show Sarah to her suite," Julian ordered. "The east wing. She’s had a long journey. She needs to rest."
"Of course, sir," Mrs. Gable said, bowing slightly.
May you like
As Maya turned to follow her, Julian caught her wrist. His touch was firm, but not painful. His dark eyes searched her face for a second.
"This is your home now, Maya," he said, his voice dropping into that low, resonant register that made her chest tighten. "The rules are simple. Do not go into the west wing without me. Do not leave the gates without a guard. And do not look back."
