Chapter 13

*Laurie*

The maids didn’t hesitate.

"Mistress, please come with us.”

I followed the maids without another word, letting them lead me through the grand hallways until we reached my room. Or at least, what I now assumed was mine.

They ushered me inside, and this time, I noticed a door I hadn’t paid attention to before. One of the maids stepped forward and pushed it open, revealing a bathroom that nearly knocked the air out of my lungs.

Holy hell!! This wasn’t just a bathroom, it was a private oasis.

It was almost ten times the size of the one in the Voss's Family House and twice as large as the bedroom itself.

The room, though luxurious, was nothing compared to this. The space was massive. And at the center of it all? A goddamn swimming pool.

Not a bathtub. Not a jacuzzi. A full-sized, tiled, glittering pool of warm, inviting water, steam curling lazily into the air.

My eyes swept across the rest of the space in stunned silence. An in-wall fireplace crackled to one side, casting a golden glow over marble floors.

A towering glass shelf held an array of expensive soaps, oils, and perfumes, all in delicate crystal bottles. On the far end, a private toilet gleamed under soft lighting, looking more like something out of a royal suite.

And then…

The snack shelves. Not just a small cabinet of refreshments, but fully stocked shelves with neatly arranged expensive chocolates, imported candies, dried fruits, gourmet nuts… things I hadn’t even dreamed of eating before. Beside them, a sleek, built-in fridge hummed softly.

And above it? A huge built-in television screen.

I blinked.

This was a bathroom?

It was more luxurious than any seven-star hotel I had ever set foot in.

I let out a slow, disbelieving breath. Theron Blackmoor truly had no limits.

The maids waited patiently, as if my stunned reaction was expected.

I turned to them. "Alright," I said, lifting my chin. ‘If this is how I’m living from now on, I might as well enjoy it. Fuck! Who doesn't wish for such a beautiful life?’

Their expressions remained composed, but I swore I saw the smallest flicker of approval in their eyes.

One of them stepped forward. "Shall we begin, Mistress?"

I nodded. "Let’s get this over with."

Whatever game Theron was playing, whatever his real intentions were. I’d stopped trying to figure them out for now...

For now, I’d enjoy the luxury.

For now, I’d live like the mistress he wanted me to be.

…

The maids moved diligently, drawing the bath as I stood there, still taking in the absurdity of it all. The scent of jasmine and vanilla filled the air as they poured in oils, the surface of the water shimmering beneath the soft glow of the golden chandelier overhead.

“Your bath is ready, Mistress,” one of them said, her voice, soft like cotton.

I should have felt awkward. I should have felt out of place. But instead, I felt… powerful. This kind of power I did not feel while at the Voss family house for three brutal long years.

The maids and servants there do not even respect me courteously and funny enough, I gave them the privilege to disrespect me. Though I knew these servants here only held great fear for Theron, the feeling of being on top, even for just this minute, was bliss!

Letting them undress me, I stepped into the pool-sized bath, the warmth wrapping around me like the softest embrace.

A sigh left my lips before I could stop it. The water was perfect. Just the right temperature, laced with silken oils that made my skin feel lavish.

I leaned back, closing my eyes for a moment, letting the heat seep into my muscles. God. It felt sinful to enjoy this. But why should I deny myself what Theron brought to me? I wasn’t going to waste this chance.

The sound of water shifting barely registered as one of the maids approached with a tray of sliced fruits. Juicy strawberries, glistening grapes, ripe mangoes cut into perfect cubes. Another held a crystal glass filled with something golden. Wine? Champagne? I didn’t ask.

I plucked a piece of mango from the tray and bit into it, the sweetness melting on my tongue.

Luxury!! Goddamn!! This was pure luxury.

The maids moved quietly, washing my hair with their delicate hands, and massaging my scalp with fragrant shampoo that smelled of honey and roses. The sensation sent shivers down my spine. They were careful, treating me like something fragile, something precious.

Like I was royalty. I’d never been pampered like this before. Not in my entire life.

I opened my eyes slightly, meeting the reflection in the ornate mirror across the room. Was that really me? Reclining in a marble bath, fruit in one hand, being cared for like a queen?

A smirk tugged at my lips. If Theron thought he could overwhelm me with all this, he was wrong. I wasn’t some lost, scared girl anymore. I was going to enjoy every second of this.

By the time I stepped out of the water, my body felt weightless, my skin soft as silk. The maids wrapped me in a plush towel, drying me off with careful hands before leading me back into the bedroom.

There, they laid me on the chaise, rubbing fragrant oils into my skin, the strokes gentle but thorough.

Soft hands smoothed expensive cream over my legs, arms, and collarbone, leaving a subtle shimmer in its wake. Another maid brushed my damp hair, combing through the strands as if they were spun gold.

Then came the scent. Delicate and intoxicating. One spritz, then another. A blend of warm amber, roses, and something rich I couldn’t quite place. The perfume settled into my skin.

By the time they were done, I felt like something untouchable.

Gosh. And then… They brought out the dress.

My breath caught.

It wasn’t just a dress. It was a masterpiece.

The red fabric glittered under the lights, rich as blood and smooth as liquid silk. The design was daring yet elegant off-the-shoulder, hugging the curves in all the right places, with a slit that promised just the right amount of temptation.

I stared at it, speechless.

Theron had chosen this?

For me?

One of the maids stepped forward, bowing her head slightly. “Would you like to get dressed now, Mistress?”

I exhaled slowly, my fingers brushing over the luxurious fabric.

"Yes," I said. "Let’s do it."

If Theron wanted to dress me up like a queen, then fine.

I’d walk into that dinner looking like one.

“Makeup first, Mistress. Please pick the shade of red lipstick you want.”