Vows of fortune

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beautiful artwork. All of it was spotless. "Drake likes to be quiet," Miss Florence stated. "No unannounced visitors. Don't wander around the restricted areas. And if you're hungry, dinner is served promptly at seven." "I appreciate your gesture." The housekeeper left. And Sophia scanned the room. Which had a large display of opulence. It was grand and spacious to host a board meeting. The large bed could contain six people at once. New pajamas and a cozy robe were spread out on the bed. Even though everything was perfect, something seemed off. It was like she was in an opulent cage. She took her time unpacking, letting her fingers wander over the pricey furniture and plush fabrics. Each piece was carefully chosen and placed far away. She felt like she didn't belong here. She ended up sitting at the dinner table across from Adrian later that evening. Their distance from one another was obvious. They ate in silence. Sophia wrapped her fingers around the glass of juice and took a sip. Before setting it down. "Not even a conversation from you," she noted. After a moment of silence, Adrian looked at her. "This table isn't meant for conversation. This is a dining table." She gave a little laugh. " Whoa. How romantic," she said sarcastically. "You are not here for romance." She folded her napkin. "Of course. I am here for debt control and strategic PR. That's what I live for." A glimmer of something appeared on his face but he remained silent. Was it regret, amusement, or guilt? He ignored her words and continued eating. After dinner, he escorted her back to her room He stopped at the door, his fingers grazing the doorframe. "If you need anything. Let me know." "Alright." He gave one nod and turned to leave, his footsteps vanishing from view. Sophia shut the door and leaned against it. The silence in her room enveloped her. Even in luxury, she was alone She wandered around the room touching objects. She didn't own any of it. The desks, glossy surfaces, pillows, and sculptures. She then caught sight of a small door by the side. Curious, she pushed it open. A sitting room And on one of the side tables was a single framed picture. A young lady with a soft smile and warm eyes. She had Adrian's cheekbones. Tracing the edge of the frame with her fingers Sophia picked it up. His mom. An antique piano stood as the centerpiece of the room, its polished wood gleaming softly in the ambient light, while shelves lined with books reached toward the ceiling. Every corner of the space in this room was imbued with memories, as if the walls themselves had absorbed the laughter and whispered secrets that had filled the air over the years. The piano, with its intricate carvings and delicate keys, seemed to hold echoes of melodies played long