hapter 35
Chapter 35
ROSALIE
I woke to the soft creak of the door opening, faint morning light slipping through the crack. My eyes fluttered open, the dull ache in my back a sharp reminder of the hard floor I’d slept on all night. My limbs felt stiff, my stomach felt like an empty pit that growled loudly, reminding me of the meal I’d missed the night before. The room was silent except for the soft sound of footsteps.
Margaret, one of the maids, stepped into view. She looked hesitant, her small frame barely visible in the dim light. She carried a tray with water and slices of bread, her hands trembling slightly as she approached
“Mrs. Rosalie,” she whispered, her voice trembling, almost as though she feared being overheard. “It’s morning. I’ve brought you some water and bread.”
I sat up slowly, my head spinning from hunger and disorientation. My muscles protested the movement, but I forced myself upright, my pride demanding that I maintain a shred of composure. “Thank you, Margaret,” I muttered, reaching for the glass. The cool water slid down my throat, soothing my parched lips and dry mouth.
Margaret hovered nervously, her gaze darting between me and the door. She was wringing her hands, her expression tight with worry. “Ma’am,” she started hesitantly, “Mr. Damien has instructed me to inform you that you are to attend a function this evening at seven o’clock. He… he demands your presence.”
I froze mid–sip, disbelief washing over me like a cold wave. I slowly lowered the glass, setting it back on the tray with deliberate care. “A function?” I repeated, my voice rising slightly. “He demands my presence after locking me in this room all night without food or water? Is that a joke?”
Margaret flinched, lowering her gaze. “I’m serious ma’am. He left the house early this morning and asked me to let you know.”
I stared at her, my disbelief morphing into a simmering anger. My voice was tight as I asked, “And where is he now?” Margaret hesitated, her hands twisting the hem of her apron. “He didn’t say, ma’am, Only that he’d be back before the
event.”
unless it s
suited him, never let anyone know more than he deemed Damien never gave answers Of course, he wouldn’t say. necessary. My blood boiled, my hands clenching into fists on my lap. I took a slow, deep breath, trying to steady myself, but it didn’t help..
“Fine,” I said through gritted teeth, my voice clipped. “I’ll be ready.”
Margaret nodded quickly, as though eager to leave. “Shall I prepare a bath for you, ma’am?” she offered, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Yes,” I bit out, “Do that.”
The moment she left, I let out a shaky breath, pressing my hands against my temples. My head throbbed, my stomach churned with hunger and fury, and my heart felt heavy.
Moments later, I was already in the bathtub, trying so hard to focus on the warm water around me.
The bath did little to soothe me. The warm water may have eased the tension in my muscles, but it couldn’t touch the storm ring in my chest. My thoughts spiraled as I scrubbed away the grime of yesterday, each stroke of the sponge an outler for
14:27 Tue, 18 FebOM.
Chapter 35
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The hours dragged on, each tick of the clock grating against my nerves. When evening fell, the house began to transform. I could hear the maids bustling around downstairs, the sounds of furniture being rearranged, the clinking of glassware.
I scrutinized my appearance one last time before ambling out of my room.
I stepped out into the hallway, making my way toward the staircase. My fingers trailed lightly along the banister as I descended, each step feeling heavier than the last. The sound of the classical music reached my ears–a soft, elegant tune that filled the grand hall with an air of sophistication.
The space was dazzling, every detail meticulously planned. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, their warm light casting a golden glow over the room. Tables were draped in ivory linens, adorned with floral arrangements of roses and lilies. Guests milled about in glittering gowns and sharp suits, their laughter and chatter filling the air.
I straightened my back, taking a deep breath to steady myself. As I reached the bottom of the stairs, my eyes scanned the room, searching for him. My heart pounded, a mix of anticipation and dread. And then I saw him.
Damien stood near the fireplace, effortlessly commanding attention. His black suit was perfectly tailored, emphasizing his broad shoulders and lean frame. His dark hair was neatly combed, and the flicker of the firelight danced in his sharp features. He looked every bit the powerful, untouchable man he was.
But it wasn’t just him. Standing beside him, laughing at something he’d said, was Melanie; that rude lady that interrupted our dinner date and made me walk out on him.
My heart sank, a wave of jealousy crashing over me with such force that it left me breathless. Melanie was stunning, her sapphire gown hugging her figure in all the right places. Her hair fell in soft curls, her smile radiant and effortless. She looked like she belonged at his side.
They were deep in conversation, her laughter ringing out like a melody. He leaned slightly toward her, his posture relaxed, his expression almost fond. It was a stark contrast to the cold, domineering man who had locked me in a room less than Twenty–four hours ago.
My fists clenched at my sides, my nails digging into my palms. How could he? After everything–after the night before–how could he stand there, laughing and chatting with that woman as if nothing had happened?
My chest tightened, anger bubbling up to the surface. I wanted to march over there, to demand an explanation, to make a scene. But I forced myself to stay rooted in place, my breaths shallow and quick
No, I thought bitterly. I won’t give him the satisfaction of seeing me lose control.
But as I stood there, watching them, the weight of it all pressed down on me
How dare he? The question echoed in my mind, over and over, each repetition stoking the fire in my chest. How dare he treat me like I’m nothing and then flaunt her!
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