Chapter 3: Beneath the Surface
Ethan's mind reeled as he processed the revelation about his family's dark secret. He felt like he was living in a dream, unsure of what was real and what was not. Lady Victoria's words echoed in his mind, leaving him with more questions than answers.
As he walked through the estate's gardens, Ethan couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched. He glanced around, but saw no one. The trees seemed to loom over him, casting long shadows that stretched and twisted in the fading light.
Ethan's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps behind him. He turned to see Jenkins, his valet, approaching him with a concerned expression.
"Milord, your parents request your presence at dinner," Jenkins said, his voice low and respectful.
Ethan nodded, feeling a sense of trepidation. He didn't know how he would face his parents after what Lady Victoria had revealed. Would they know that he knew? Would they try to hide the truth from him?
As he entered the dining room, Ethan's parents greeted him with warm smiles. But Ethan couldn't help feeling like he was seeing them for the first time, like he was noticing the subtle flaws in their features, the imperfections that he'd never noticed before.
The dinner conversation was stilted, with Ethan struggling to participate. His parents seemed to sense his unease, but they didn't press him for details.
After dinner, Ethan excused himself, citing a headache. He knew his parents would understand, would expect him to retire early after a long day.
As he lay in bed, Ethan's mind raced with thoughts and questions. He knew he had to uncover more about his family's past, to understand the truth about their dark secret. But he was scared, unsure of what he would find.
The darkness seemed to closing in around him, and Ethan felt like he was losing his grip on reality. He knew he had to find a way to navigate this new world, but he was unsu
re where to start.