Sydney

"Oh, they live with you?" I inquired, shocked. I had no idea they lived in the same house until now. Aiden's connection with his stepfamily was known to be strained. I wouldn't blame him for that. I would also avoid a person like William, no matter how closely we were related. I was therefore surprised to learn that they shared a home.

"Don't worry, Will isn't going to bother you in any way. The estate has adequate employees and security, and...I've warned him." He made a hissing sound.

"OK, I'll try to stay away from them as much as possible," I informed him.

He said, "I have to go now, I'll see you later," and hung up. I had a few more topics I wanted to discuss with him, such as when I would be able to start working. Was he expecting me to stay at home and watch TV? What would I do for the rest of the day?

I looked at the clock and saw that it was just after nine o'clock. I decided to wash my clothes and go out in search of food. I didn't know how things worked around here. I walked out of my room and into the corridor half an hour later. There were other employees performing their work quietly and effectively, which I believed were the housekeeping workers. I recognised a pretty woman in her late fifties who approached me with a pleasant smile on her face. Martha, the housekeeper.

"Good morning Mrs Reiner, can I get you something ?" She added hastily. "We met briefly before ."
"Yes, I remember you, and good morning to you as well; please call me Sydney," I replied cheerfully.

"Oh! That's something I'd never be able to do. Mr Reiner would be displeased, and you are the mistress of the mansion." Martha elaborated.

"I don't want to get you in trouble with Mr. Rei... my husband, but I urge you call me Sydney; I'm not used to such formality," I added, a strained smile on my face. The truth was that, like this charade of a marriage, the word Mrs Reiner was worthless, and hearing it felt like a slap.

"All right, Sydney," Martha returned the smile.

 "Erm… So, where can I get a bite to eat?" I inquired.

"Anywhere you like, Mrs...I mean Sydney. You can have it in the breakfast room, the patio, at the poolside or you would prefer to have in the east wing…" she added quickly seeing my confused face at the mention of the east wing, "that's the main part of the house. That is where the Sr Mr Reiner lives when he is not hospitalized. Would you like to have a tour of the estate? You can have breakfast in the breakfast cart." she said helpfully.

Is there a breakfast cart? With so many alternatives, I was already reeling. Who has a breakfast room on this planet? What was this breakfast cart, anyway? Was there enough room for a table and chairs? How obscenely wealthy were the Reiners?

"I'll have my breakfast in the east wing," I said, smiling warmly towards the friendly lady. "This place is huge!" I commented.

"Don't worry, you may take your time. You'll know this spot like the back of your hand in no time "she exclaimed cheerfully.

'If I can stay until then,' I pondered.

I was led to the east wing. Both wings were separated from each other, by an Olympic size swimming pool. In my mind, I could visualize Aiden's tall broad frame doing powerful strokes, gliding through the water with those strong arms… What was I thinking?! Why was I romanticizing the situation? Good grief! I must be out of my mind! I had to remind myself that this meant nothing! It would be over the day Aiden got tired of me. I sighed and followed Martha, half-listening to her ramblings about the estate, the job, and how kind Reiners were. She came to a halt in a large dining area. There was a big table with seating for perhaps 20 people. A huge crystal chandelier hung above the ornate table.

"I have to eat here?" I asked, surprised.

"Yeah, this is the east wing breakfast room," Martha explained.

I had no choice but to take a seat at the big table by myself. Martha left me alone to enjoy my breakfast after serving what appeared to be an army's worth of food. When I heard someone speak behind me, I was chewing into a slice of bread.

"So you are the broad my son married? Not a bad looking chick from this angle." A female voice said.

I did not turn around but presumed she must be speaking to me or about me. Before collapsing into the chair, the woman walked around to stand opposite me for a minute, as if scrutinising me. The woman was difficult to describe. She was attractive, to be sure. However, her cheekbones were absurdly high, her nose too pointed, and her lips were pouty as a duck's beak. Her heavily made-up eyes were framed by thin arched eyebrows. For her age, she was in good form. She resembled a mascot for a cosmetic surgery centre in general. I have nothing against people going under the scissors for enhancing their looks. It's their choice but there's a thin line between being aesthetic and going over the top. This woman was way over the top. Her red lipstick matched her equally red and long fingernails. Her blonde hair was arranged around her face in a frizzy mane.
Her clothes were of course designer, and expensive. She would have been able to carry them off as well if they weren't so bright! She wore a red blouse that stretched over her breasts. It was teamed with skin-tight pants and boots. She wore an assortment of jewellery, and they all seemed to be diamonds. Diamond earrings, pendant, bracelet, rings. Even her belt buckle seemed to be encrusted with diamonds. The overall effect was that of a botoxed Barbie doll and a Christmas tree put together.

"Oh, I don't suppose you know me. I am Fiona, Aiden's stepmother. You can call me Fiona." She said haughtily.

I couldn't take my gaze away from her and whispered, "Nice to meet you."

She pulled a little finely carved gold box from her bag and opened it to get a cigarette, which she lighted with a gold lighter.

"Do you mind if I light up?" She inhaled deeply and exhaled a puff in my direction.

With a shake of my head, I expressed my dissatisfaction with the situation.
I shook my head.

"Do you want one? It gives you a pleasant feeling "She remarked this as she drew a long drag from her cigarette.

"No thanks," I mumbled under my breath as I continued to stare.

"What are you staring at?" She demanded angrily. "Well, I assume you haven't seen somebody as elegant and attractive as me?"

I turned aside and took another piece of my toast, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be disrespectful."

"I know Reiner men pretty well. I was married to one and have spent 25 years with them." She puffed her cigarette and spoke philosophically. "They are not faithful. They can never be. It's something to do with being the Alpha male thing. "

I turned to face her, puzzled, not sure what she was trying to say.

"Let me give you some advice. Woman to woman....now that you are married to Aiden, it's time to secure your future. Do not fall for this true love and till death do us part bullshit. Collect as many assets as you can," she flashed her diamonds.

"I hope you have a prenup for good alimony when he discards you? Move on and live your life in luxury. Women are just another commodity for them unless they bring in a business contract or connections, unfortunately, you bring neither." She took another puff.

"Thank you, but I don't require your assistance," I answered as I began to walk away. To stop me, she grabbed my hand.

"Oh! But you do, so don't try to get too comfy here, girl. This is my domain. You aren't the first and won't be the final woman in his life. You will have no problems if you stay within your bounds." Her eyes glinted with rage before abruptly changing to a more welcoming expression.

"Consider me your friend, if you listen to me you would relish your stay here until Aiden gets bored of you and discards you. But, that won't be so bad as you would be leaving with a few million." She winked at me.



"Get on my bad side, and I would make sure your life becomes a living hell." She gave an evil smile.

My appetite had vanished, and I knew I couldn't possibly remain much longer.

I remarked, "If you'll excuse me, I guess I'm done," and went away without waiting for a response.