Vows of fortune

sp

herself. " I'm now married. I must pretend to be fine. And clear the name of my father." Her chest constricted at the last sentence. Her father was innocent of all accusations thrown at him. The lies. The embarrassment. She knew the truth but everyone else thought the worst of him. He had been set up. And she had to discover how it happened. The bathroom was the largest she had ever seen. But she barely took in the sophisticated designs as she sank into the bathtub filled with hot water. She sighed in pure pleasure as it caressed her skin, easing the tension away. After several minutes, she grabbed a towel, wrapped herself in a towel. She chose a basic lilac dress from the closet and went outside. It was understated yet sophisticated. Her hair was pulled back in a simple ponytail. " I must go down for Breakfast," she muttered. As her stomach growled. She closed the door gently behind her. And then stood in confusion as she gaped at the maze-like hallway. She sighed deeply and began to walk down the quiet hallway. Trying to locate the dining room. The walls were covered with paintings and the tall windows let in golden rivers of sunlight. It was cold though. Isolated. Without a sidelong glance, a maid passed her with her head down. Not a greeting. No smile. After a moment Sophia shrugged. Maybe the maid was in a hurry. "I refuse to waste energy on trivial matters. I'm here on a mission," she muttered. Her slippers sounded softly on the floor as she moved slowly. She still hasn't thoroughly inspected the mansion. Too many rooms and hallways appeared to wind in a maze-like pattern. She would however take a thorough look around today after breakfast. Perhaps she would discover something or anything that would enable her to put the pieces together. She was deep in thought when she rounded a corner and her body struck someone hard. She screamed. She was splashed with scalding liquid and felt a hot burning sensation spread across her stomach and chest. Coffee. Her skin was stung by the heat which also burned through the fabric of her gown. The reason Sophia screamed was shock rather than pain. The mug clattered to the floor, spun around before rolling to a halt. She looked up and froze her eyes wide with disbelief. In front of her was a well-known face with a twisted icy smile on her lips. "Miss Florence?" she exclaimed. But as fast as it had come the coldness was gone. A kind contrite smile took the place of Miss