#Chapter 10 A Gift and a Reminder

The next morning, I was groggy and tired, having not gotten much sleep. I had tossed and turned, thinking about my future.

How was I going to manage living with three men who despised me, and obviously had not respect or interest in me aside from taking away my innocence?

I was wallowing in doubt and self-pity when I entered to dining room to have breakfast with Armand. “Good morning, Beryl. Did you sleep well?” he asked, not looking up from his plate.

“Fine.” I lied to him, knowing he would smell it on me, but not caring. I couldn't believe that he lived with his sons and didn’t knows how awful they were.

He paused, watching me for a moment. I sat down, and began eating. Bacon, eggs, and fresh fruit. Normally, I would be delighted to have such a delicious breakfast, but today, I couldn’t imagine anything changing my mood.

Armand cleared his throat. ” I have something for you.” He watched my face. “I know you’ve had a lot taken away recently, and things have been hard on you.” He p