The shadow wife

As we drove through the winding roads, the city gave way to rolling hills and lush greenery. Finally, we crested a hill and Reginald's mansion came into view.

I gasped in awe, my eyes widening as I took in the breathtakingly beautiful sight. The mansion was perched atop a rolling hill, surrounded by lush greenery that stretched as far as the eye could see. The mansion itself was a masterpiece of architecture, with elegant lines, soaring columns, and expansive windows that seemed to sparkle like diamonds in the night light.

A narrow, winding tarred road snaked its way up the hill, disappearing into the darkness before reemerging at the mansion's grand entrance. The road was lined with tall trees, their branches swaying gently in the breeze, and ornate lamp posts that cast a warm, golden glow over the entire scene.

As it was already night fall the mansion had transformed into a dazzling spectacle of light and color. The windows blazed with a warm, golden light, casting a welcoming glow over the surrounding landscape. The exterior walls were adorned with intricate stone carvings and ornate details, which were highlighted by strategically placed spotlights that created a sense of depth and texture.

I stumbled slightly as I stepped out of the car, playing up the drunk act. "Wowww...this is...this is...amazing!" I slurred, gazing up at the mansion in awe.

Reginald chuckled and caught me by the elbow, steadying me. "Careful, Lyra," he said, smiling. "You don't want to hurt yourself."

I giggled and leaned into him, feeling a flutter in my chest. I was getting in deeper and deeper, but I was determined to see this through.

As Reginald led me into the mansion, I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder. The interior was just as opulent as the exterior, with lavish decor and priceless artwork adorning the walls.

I stumbled occasionally, giggling and playing up the drunk act as Reginald caught me and steadied me. He smiled and laughed, seeming to enjoy my company.

As the tour came to an end, Reginald led me to a cozy sitting room with a roaring fire. "Can I get you a drink?" he asked, gesturing to a well-stocked bar.

I nodded, still playing up the drunk act. "Yeeeah...something strong," I slurred, collapsing onto the couch with a giggle.

Reginald smiled and poured me a drink, handing it to me with a raised eyebrow. "You're going to have to pace yourself, Lyra," he said, chuckling. "You don't want to overdo it."

I grinned and took a sip of the drink, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. I was getting in deeper and deeper, but I was determined to see this through.

As I sat on the couch, sipping my drink, I noticed a maid hovering in the doorway. She was a middle-aged woman with a kind face and a discreet smile.

"Is everything okay, sir?" she asked Reginald, her eyes flicking to me and then back to him.

Reginald nodded, his eyes never leaving mine. "Yes, thank you, Maria. I've got everything under control."

The maid nodded and discreetly withdrew, leaving us alone once again.

As soon as she was gone, I couldn't help but wonder why Mrs. Smith was so determined to take down Reginald. He seemed like a nice guy, and he was certainly charming. But it was none of my business, I reminded myself. The rich and powerful had their own ways of doing things, and I was just a small pawn in their game.

I felt a pang of guilt for what I was doing, but I pushed it aside. I had no choice, I reminded myself. I had to do what Mrs. Smith wanted if I wanted to protect my family.

As I glanced around the room, I noticed that Reginald lived alone. There were no family photos, no signs of anyone else living in the mansion. It was a lonely existence, but it also made my job easier.

I remembered the study Reginald had shown me during the tour, and I made a mental note to get back there as soon as possible. I just had to keep up my drunk act and wait for the right moment to strike.

I took another sip of my drink, feeling the alcohol coursing through my veins. I was getting sleepy, but I knew I had to stay awake. I had a job to do, and I couldn't afford to mess it up.

Reginald was watching me, a concerned expression on his face. "Lyra, maybe you should slow down on the drinks," he said, his voice low and gentle. "You're starting to look a little pale."

I smiled and waved my hand, trying to brush off his concern. "I'm fiiine," I slurred, trying to sound as drunk as possible. "Just need to...just need to powder my nose."

Reginald nodded, his eyes never leaving mine. "The bathroom is just down the hall," he said, pointing the way. "Do you need any help?"

I shook my head, trying to look as independent as possible. "No, no, I'm good," I said, stumbling to my feet. "Just...just give me a minute."

As I made my way to the bathroom, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. I was one step closer to completing my mission, and I was determined to see it through.

I stumbled into the bathroom, locking the door behind me. I leaned against the sink, taking a few deep breaths as I tried to clear my head. I had to think, had to come up with a new plan.

I rummaged through my purse, my fingers closing around the small bag of bugs by it's padding perfectly hidden.I had to plant them, but how? Reginald's mansion was enormous, and I had no idea where to start.

I took a few moments to collect myself, trying to think of a strategy. I could try to sneak into the study again, or maybe make a break for the kitchen. But what if Reginald caught me?

I took a deep breath and pushed aside my doubts. I had to do this.

I opened the door and stumbled back out into the hallway, trying to look as drunk as possible. Reginald was waiting for me, a concerned expression on his face.

"Lyra, are you okay?" he asked, his eyes scanning my face.

I nodded, trying to smile. "Y-yeah, I'm fine," I slurred.

Reginald's expression changed, his eyes taking on a flirtatious glint. He reached out and took my hand, pulling me close.

"Maybe we should get you to bed," he whispered, his breath hot against my ear.

I tried to pull away, but Reginald's grip was tight. "I-I don't think that's a good idea," I stammered.

Reginald's face fell, but he quickly recovered. "Of course, sorry about that," he said, releasing my hand. "Maybe another drink will help you relax?"

I nodded, trying to play along. Reginald poured me another drink, and I took a sip, trying to pretend that everything was fine.

But as I sipped my drink and we talked, I started to feel...off. My head was spinning, and my vision was blurry. I tried to focus, but everything seemed to be moving in slow motion.

I felt a wave of nausea wash over me, and I tried to stand up, but my legs wouldn't cooperate. Reginald's face was swimming in front of me, his eyes filled with concern.

"Lyra, are you okay?" he asked, his voice distant.

I tried to answer, but my words were slurred and nonsensical. I felt myself falling, and then everything went black.

I passed out, unaware of what was happening around me.

I slowly opened my eyes, groggily taking in my surroundings. The first thing I noticed was the sharp pain in my private area, which made me wince. I looked around the room, trying to remember how I got there. My clothes were scattered on the floor, and I was tucked under the duvet. Panic set in as I realized I had no memory of going to bed.

The sound of the shower running in the adjacent room made my stomach turn. I tried to sit up, but a terrible headache and dizziness forced me back onto the pillow. I closed my eyes, trying to remember the events of the previous night. Fragments of my conversation with Reginald came flooding back, but everything after that was a blur.

And then it hit me - the realization of what must have happened. I felt a wave of nausea wash over me, and I knew I was going to be sick. I threw off the duvet and stumbled out of bed, barely making it to the bathroom before I vomited.

As I sat on the floor, holding my head in my hands, I knew I had to get out of there. I had to escape from Reginald's mansion and get help. But for now, I just sat there, feeling broken and violated.I sat on the floor, my head in my hands, as I heard the shower turn off. I didn't look up, didn't want to see Reginald's face. But I heard him come out of the bathroom, heard his footsteps as he rushed to my side.

"Lyra, are you okay?" he asked, his voice laced with a bit of concern.

I looked up at him, my eyes blazing with anger and disgust. "Don't come any closer to me," I spat, my voice shaking with rage.

Reginald stopped in his tracks, a look of surprise on his face. "Lyra, what's wrong?" he asked, taking a step back.

I laughed, a bitter, mocking sound. "What's wrong?" I repeated, my voice rising. "You drugged me, Reginald. You violated me. How could you do that?"

Reginald's face was expressionless but he took another step back. "Lyra, I didn't mean to hurt you,"

I shook my head, feeling tears prick at the corners of my eyes. "You didn't mean to hurt me?" I repeated, my voice incredulous. "You didn't mean to hurt me? You raped me, Reginald. You took advantage of me when I was unconscious. How could you do that?"

Reginald shrugged nonchalantly. "I didn't know you were a virgin," he said, his voice dripping with condescension.

I felt a surge of anger at his words. I wasn't a virgin, not technically anyway. I had made love to Alex, my ex, twice before. But it had been a long time ago, and I had never continued because it had hurt so much. But Reginald didn't know that, and I wasn't about to tell him. Even if I was or wasn't a virgin,it doesn't give him the right to do what he did

"I thought a woman of your caliber was supposed to be exposed," Reginald continued, his eyes roaming over my body. "I thought when I made advances at you and you refused, you were just playing hard to get. So I took plan B."

I felt a wave of nausea wash over me at his words. He was sorry, but only because he had gotten caught. He didn't care about what he had done to me.

"I'm sorry," he said, his voice insincere. "But you'll get over it. Why don't you stay over here till you feel better? I've got to go out, but I'll see you in the evening."

I was so angry, so disgusted, that I stood up and slapped him. It was a big mistake.

Reginald's face turned red with rage, and he pounced on me. He beat me up, his fists flying as I tried to defend myself. I felt a wave of pain wash over me, and then everything went black.

I passed out again, this time from the pain and the shock. When I came to, I was lying on the bed, my body aching all over. Reginald was nowhere to be seen, but I knew I had to get out of there. I had to escape.As I slowly got out of bed, my body aching all over, I remembered the little cameras I was supposed to plant. I looked around the room, trying to locate my purse. Luckily, it was still intact, and the package with the bugs and cameras was still inside. I felt a surge of determination, despite the immense pain I was in. I had to complete my mission.

I planted two cameras in the room, making sure they were well-hidden. Then, I headed straight to the study, trying to move as quickly and quietly as possible. I planted a bug under the desk, and a camera behind a bookshelf, and a third one in the ventilation system. I made sure to cover all the important areas, including the phone and the computer.

Next, I headed to the sitting room, where I planted bugs in the couch cushions, the lamp shades, and the coffee table. I also made sure to bug the bar area, where Reginald kept his drinks and snacks.

As I was planting the last bug, I heard a voice behind me. "Excuse me, miss, what are you doing?" It was the maid, Maria.

I turned around, trying to look as innocent as possible. "Oh, I was just...um...looking for a book," I stammered. "I couldn't sleep, and I thought I'd find something to read."

Maria looked at me suspiciously, but she didn't push the issue. "Okay, miss. But maybe you should go back to bed. You look a bit...peaky."

I nodded, trying to smile. "Yeah, maybe you're right. Thanks, Maria."

I quickly made my way back to the bedroom, trying to avoid any more questions. I locked the door behind me and leaned against it, trying to catch my breath. I had done it. I had planted the bugs. Now, all I had to do was get out of there and back to Mrs. Smith.

I made my way downstairs, my purse clutched tightly in my hand. The maid, Maria, saw me and asked again, "Miss, are you sure you're okay? You look like you're in pain."

I shook my head, trying to keep my emotions in check. "I just want to leave," I said, my voice firm.

Maria looked concerned, and she reached out to touch my arm. "At least eat something before you go," she said. "You must be starving."

But I ignored her and staggered towards the door. It was a huge, heavy door, and I couldn't push it open. I was too weak, too hurt.

Maria saw my struggle and rushed to help me. She pushed the door open, and I stumbled out into the bright sunlight.

I didn't look back, didn't say thank you. I just kept walking, my eyes fixed on the gate ahead. I could see the bodyguards standing there, their faces expressionless.

But to my surprise, they didn't try to stop me. They just stepped aside, letting me pass. I walked through the gate, out onto the street, and took a deep breath of fresh air.

I was free. At least, for now.I trudged along the deserted road, my legs aching and my body screaming in pain. I prayed for a miracle, for someone to come to my rescue, but I knew I was a long way from civilization. The Snake Path Hill stretched out before me, a seemingly endless expanse of winding road and desolate landscape.

I felt like I was going to die, like my body was giving up on me. But I couldn't give up. I had to keep going, for my mother's sake if nothing else. I had to get out of there, had to get back to her and make sure she was safe.

Just when I thought I couldn't go on, I saw a black SUV coming down the road. I stumbled towards it, waving my arms and shouting for help. The car screeched to a halt beside me, and the door opened.

For a moment, I thought I was hallucinating. But then I saw him, the Smiths' bodyguard, his face a picture of concern as he rushed towards me.

"Lyra, what happened?" he asked, his voice low and urgent. "We've been searching everywhere for you."

I tried to speak, but my voice was barely a whisper. The bodyguard scooped me up in his arms, carrying me back to the SUV.

As we drove away from the mansion, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. I was safe, at least for now. And I knew that I would never go back to that place again.