Rosie carefully placed the tray of food on the table, her eyes filled with sympathy as she watched her trembling new madam before her. Penny sat on the edge of the bed, her delicate fingers clutching the sheets, her face still pale with shock.
What has she gotten herself into?
The question lingered in Penny's mind, but no matter how many tis she told herself this was just a nightmare, reality refused to fade. She had truly married a madman.
But how? How had Christian gotten his brother's signature if he was mad?
In all her life, she has never been touched by a mad man till today.
"W... What... was that?" Penny finally whispered, her voice fragile like glass as her blue eyes darted to the maid who placed her tray of food on the table.
Rosie tilted her head slightly. "You an Master Osvaldo?" The young girl asked, hazel eyes glowing beneath the light.
"Well," Rosie said softly, arranging the dishes. "From what I heard, Master Osvaldo, is the rightful heir to the Adkins fortune. It's unfortunate he's sick." Rosie said.
"Has he always been... mad?" Penny asked.
"Here, we call it... a sickness madam." Rosie lifted the lid of the soup bowl, releasing a warm, savory aroma, but Penny wasn't in the mood for food.
All she wanted was to leave this hell for good. She should have never co here in the first place. She should have stayed far away from them all. Maybe 2-3 years would have done the trick. But Penny knew she wouldn't have knowing she was married to soone.
If she wants to leave, she needed zero guilt.
"Master wasn't always like this, or so I've heard. But over ti, he... changed." Rosie shrugged.
"I'm sorry you've been dragged into this, Madam," Rosie murmured. "If only Master Christian would stop searching for brides for master..."
Penny's breath hitched. "Searching for brides?"
Rosie hesitated before nodding. "Every year, he brings won from all over, hoping one will survive. But none ever do. That's just how it is."
A cold shiver ran down Penny's spine. "H... how many... have there been?"
Rosie bent her head. "More than thirty. None lasted long. It was either they died by Masters hands, or they committed suicide. But none have survived." Penny's stomach churned at Rosie's words.
What have she really gotten into?
Right now more than ever, she wanted to run away. She knew she had to leave. She had a bright future ahead for her to die like this. She couldn't let Ari and her stupid ex win this war.
"But you..." Rosie continued. "Master Osvaldo gave you a na. That's never happened before. He didn't even hurt you as much..."
Penny's heart pounded. So this was why Christian and Ariana had been so eager to marry her off?
They had sent her to die.
Penny gritted her teeth. She must survive this so that she deals with them.
If she disappeared for a few years, maybe two or three, her marriage to the mad man would dissolve on its own. And when she returns... she would make Christian and Ariana pay for their cruelty.
She nodded at her thought. That was a good idea.
"Please eat, Madam," Rosie urged gently. "You must be starving."
Penny shook her head slightly. "Food is the least of my troubles now Rosie." Penny said.
She stood up suddenly. "I want to leave. This marriage is a mistake. Rosie... will you help ?"
Rosie looked startled, she couldn't say no to her plea. She had said no to countless other won in the past and had watched them all die by the hands of their master.
How many more won have to die for the Adkins family to know Osvaldo Adkins can not be saved? "Madam, I..."
"I won't survive another night here," Penny whispered. "I don't belong here. I shouldn't be here."
Rosie bit her lip, then gave a quick nod. "Alright. I'll help you leave tomorrow morning. But tonight... let draw your bath. You need rest."
Penny didn't argue. Her body was still shaking. She couldn't afford to see that beast anymore.
She let Rosie guide her to the bath, soaking in hot water that slled of herbs and jasmine. She closed her eyes, letting the warmth ease her pain.
By the ti she returned to the bed, her eyes were heavy. Rosie had promised the doors would stay locked. That Osvaldo never ca out at night.
Since the night dress available in the room was not her size, Penny had decided to sleep in just her underwear.
She would tell Rosie to help her get her clothes by morning.
She curled beneath the sheets, her body settling in the soft mattress. She was super exhausted. And before Penny knew what was happening, she had fallen asleep.
Penny was half-asleep, her mind drifting in and out like a paper boat on a restless stream, when a faint sound broke through the silence.
Click!
Her eyes snapped open. Her head imdiately turning to the door handle to see it moving.
Her heart began to race.
She sat up instinctively, fingers clutching the blanket as if it could shield her.
Was it Rosie? Was it yet ti for them to leave?
Her head instinctively turned to the clock which read 1:30 am. This was a little past midnight. Rosie wouldn't want to leave now. So who was it.
"Rosie." Penny called and the door creaked open.
One footstep.
Then another.
A tall figure entered, his presence heavy, overwhelming, as if the air itself had bent to his will.
Penny's breath caught in her throat as she stared at him.
It was him...
But what is he doing here?
And as if noticing her stare, his silver eyes turned to et her gaze. And Penny's breath caught in her throat.
"What are you?" His deep voice sounded in her ears.
User Comments
0 comments from readers