I still can’t wrap my head around this situation. So let me list out the points:

          First, he forced me to look for it in that dark room.

          Second, after seeing that disgusting gray gloop, there was a sweet aroma and I was knocked out.

          Third, I wake up in this mansion with restraints on my arms and legs that soon disappear.

          Fourth, I am told to eat a meal with Sir Covington.

          Fifth, after getting ready, I wait for him at the dining hall where I find out he is my fiancé.

          How does this situation make any sense? Someone must’ve been hiding in that god awful room while I was searching. However, if someone did try to kidnap me… How did they get past everyone outside. There was only one entrance and one exit to that room. No windows either. I can also be sure that I am no daughter of some rich man. Never in my entire existence would I have thought that I could be treated this carefully. Now I even have my own attendant. I really hope he doesn’t find me. If he finds out that I was enjoying life somewhere other than by his side, I would be in a whole load of trouble. How long can I stay here with no worries… Is it even a good idea to stay here without even attempting to escape?

           “Clara?” William asked, looking concerned.

           “U-u-yes? Yes? William?” I replied, a bit startled.

           “Are you sure you’re alright? You hadn’t talked in awhile and you were staring off into space. The food should almost be ready, that’s all.” His kind voice tickled my ears. Was he really my fiancé?

           I quickly muster out an excuse. “Oh! Thank you, no sorry, I was just daydreaming for a bit. I apologize.”

           “Okay….” William looks the other way and rests his chin on his hand.

           I really don’t know what our relationship is. One thing I have been wondering about, however, was my name. How did they know it. If I was knocked out they couldn’t have asked me any questions pertaining to my information. It almost feels like I’m living someone else's life. I need to get to the bottom of this.

           The food arrived, and my troubles begin once again. Which fork, which spoon? I don’t know proper table etiquette. I didn’t want to embarrass myself any further during this encounter with William. Trying to think fast, I decided to just copy how he used his forks for the spinach and caviar salad. With subtly copying him completed, the more I looked around the room , the more I decided that this was indeed an amazing place. The beautiful flower arranging, the placement of the curtains, even the painting selection just made the room even better.

          We had just finished the last course of the meal. As expected, all of the food was really tasty. The meat was cooked just right, the vegetables were ripe and crisp, even the soup had a certain level to it. I didn’t feel worthy of the meal. I’ve been treated so well here, but I don’t even know where I am or how these people came to know me.

          “Clara, would you please join me in my study later? I wish to speak to you about something.” William smiled and looked at me straight in the eyes.

          “Why of course! I’d be delighted, William.” I responded with as much joy as I could muster.

           I wanted to see if I would get any information out of him. He didn’t seem to be like a master plan genius or anything. However, if I did have to marry him, I don’t think it would be such a bad idea. He is pretty good looking after all, and he hasn’t treated me badly so far.

          The lady lead me out of the room and we headed back towards my room. The sun had dipped even further down into the hills. As we kept getting closer to my room, the more suffocated I felt myself get. I almost couldn't stand it anymore.

          “Could I please have a bit of fresh air? Maybe if you could just open the window-”

          “I'm very sorry Miss, but I cannot do that for you. Opening the windows here is strictly forbidden.”

          I was about to faint from this stuffy air. There wasn't anymore time. I ran over to the nearest window and busted it open. The wind from the outside felt great, and I could finally breathe again.

          “-Miss--” The lady stammered.

          “It's quite alright, you are dismissed. I'm very sorry. I didn't account for the weakness of your lungs, Clara.” William said, he seemed very serious.

          “Uhm… What do you mean?”

          “You felt the air constricting your lungs just now didn't you? The air felt heavier right? That's why you just had to open the window?” He got closer and closer to my face with every question.

          “Y-yes I did, William. What about it?” Did he find out? Does he know who I really am… What's he going to do to me?

          “Haha. I see. Sorry about that. I don't have very many maids at the estate, and it is pretty dusty around his area. That's probably why. I really should've given you a different room. Again I'm very sorry about that.”

          “It's okay, I just wasn't aware of what was going on. There's a window in my room so I should be fine. I wouldn't want to trouble you anymore than I have already, William.”

          “Well, if you really think it’s okay.. But I do have something to talk to you about later so I need you to come by the study in about an hour. Here’s a map to the study. If you get lost, just yell and I know someone will be able to hear it.” He waved a goodbye and started walking away.

          I was in complete awe of him. I don’t think that he was doing it on purpose but he had a certain charm about him. The air around him was different. I hurried into my room and stared out the window. It had already gotten pretty late, the sun had gone down and I could hear the crickets enjoying themselves. Something was still bothering me thought. How does dust in a hallway make someone act like that. I honestly felt like something was choking me, I could’ve passed out. Then I realize I’m still holding that map he gave me.

          “Hm. One hour he says…” I think to myself.

          I studied the map that he drew up for directions to the study. It was on the floor above mine, but it didn’t seem as far as the dining hall. I didn’t know how much longer I had until an hour was up, but I didn’t care. I just wanted answers at this point. I followed the drawn map to a corridor and some stairs until I came to a magnificent door.

          “I must be here…” I knock on the door, not sure if I was being too loud or too quiet.

          “Come in.” That’s William’s voice. I know it.

          I walk into the room and he invites me to sit down across from him. One look around the room and I was speechless. The roof was a decent height, but it was still filled to the brim with books. The air didn’t feel stuffy here, but I could smell the oldness of the books. It wasn’t a bad smell, but watching William read the book in his hand with that smile of his, he was definitely in his element here. I don’t really like books, however this place felt very comforting. Maybe it was just the presence of William that mingled with the smell of old books and dusty shelves, but this place felt very familiar.

          “So, what did you want to talk to me about, William?” He closed his book and looked me straight in my eyes.

          “Just how much do you think everyone is fooled by your act, Clara?”