Chapter 5

Arlene's POV 

My chest was still rising and falling heavily long after I escaped from Simone's room. I leaned against the wall and pressed a hand to my chest.

"What is wrong with him?" I asked.

Judith sighed, "I told you to leave when he asked."

"You didn't tell me he throws knives at people when they disobey him."

"He rarely does that." She rubbed her forehead while I just stared at her, wondering if this was supposed to be an excuse.

"So that is supposed to make me feel better?"

For the first time, she smiled, then said,

“I'm deeply sorry you had to experience that, Ma'am.”

“I'm getting out of here, this instant!” I hurried down the stairs, past the long hallway while Judith hurried behind.

“Ma'am, hold on. You're in the wrong way…” she tried to grab my arm but I yanked it off.

“I don't care! I must leave this place at once.” 

“ But that's not the way to the exit, Ma'am.” 

I paused in my steps, looking around and it really didn't feel like the way we took earlier.

“Oh…please lead the way, Judith.” I muttered in defeat which brought a small smile to her lips again.

We walked down in silence before she finally spoke,

“I'm very sorry for what happened. I understand how you feel and I apologise.”

“Is he always like that?” I paused at the doorway, looking back at the rooms and stairs we just passed.

“When he's in a good mood.” Judith said.

“That's his good mood?” 

“I'm just kidding. Let me show you to your room.” she gave me a little nudge and we continued our walk back to the main building.

The mansion felt endless, every hallway looked the same, every corner was silent. The place was large enough to house dozens of people, yet it somehow felt empty.

We eventually stopped before a double door and Judith pushed it open.

"This will be your room."

I stepped inside and gaped in awe. The room was almost as large as the apartment I used to share with Tristan.

The thought came unexpectedly and I pushed it away immediately. ‘Back in the good old days.’

A king-sized bed sat at the center of the room. There was a sitting area by the window, with a large vanity, a walk-in closet, and a private bathroom bigger than some hotel rooms.

My eyes moved toward the glass doors leading outside; beyond them was the sea. The sound of the waves drifted inside softly.

For a few seconds, I simply stood there. Five years ago, I had slept on a narrow prison bed. Now I was standing in a luxury bedroom overlooking the ocean.

Life was strange.

"Do you like it?" Judith asked.

"It is beautiful." 

She smiled. "I'm glad it's to your taste. Everything you need is already prepared."

"Thank you."

I walked toward the closet, which housed several dresses hung neatly and shoes arranged beneath them. inside.

Bags and other accessories occupied the shelves.

I frowned.

"When did all these get here?"

"Mr. Theodore prepared everything."

I stared at the clothing.

"He really took his time to plan all this."

"Yes, he must have. And you must not fail at this. We're all hoping on you. This has to work out, I have this strong feeling that you're our last hope.” Judith pleaded.

“I'll try my best.” I assured.

I walked towards the vanity table and began to scan through the beautiful stuff it contained.

Judith cleared her throat behind me,

"There are a few rules you must obey.”

I sat slowly on the chair and turned to face her.

"Rules?"

"Yes."

Of course there were rules, there were always rules. Prison had taught me that.

"Go ahead."

Judith's expression became serious.

"Do not enter Master's room unless he invites you."

I nodded, "Trust me, I have no intention of going back there."

She continued.

"Do not enter the east wing."

"Why?"

"I cannot answer that. Just don't. Do not touch his belongings. Do not move anything inside his room. Do not wake him when he is sleeping."

I raised an eyebrow as that one caught my attention.

"Why not?"

Judith hesitated.

"Just don't."

Interesting…"What else?"

She lowered her voice.

"Never mention his family, most especially, his mother."

The room became quiet.

"What happened to her?"

Judith immediately shook her head.

“I cannot say that. I'm sorry, I should leave now."

I almost laughed.

"You realize that makes me even more curious."

"Ma'am…”

“Please, tell me. I need to know what I'm dealing with.”

She headed for the door. Before leaving, she stopped,

"Dinner is served at seven."

I sighed in defeat, “Will Simone be there?”

Judith paused, "Maybe. But don't wait for him.”

Then she left and shut the door behind her.

I stared at the closed door.

A disabled billionaire who lived in darkness, hated visitors, threw knives at people, and apparently had enough rules to fill a handbook.

I walked toward the balcony doors and stepped outside. The air felt cool as the ocean stretched endlessly before me. I rested my hands on the railing. 

For years, I had looked at concrete walls, now I was looking at the sea. I should be feeling grateful.

Instead, I felt uncertain.

I had escaped prison, but my future was still tied to a man I barely knew. A man who clearly did not want me here.

*******

The sound of a knock pulled me from my thoughts.

One of the maids entered carrying tea and snacks.

"Good evening, Ma'am."

"Hello dear.”

She placed everything on the table.

"My name is Rose."

"It's nice to meet you, Rose."

She smiled.

I lifted the hot beverage to my lips and took a sip,

"You are much prettier than we expected."

I nearly choked on my tea.

"What exactly does that mean?"

Rose looked embarrassed.

"Nothing bad. I meant…We just thought..." Her voice broke off.

"You thought what?"

She lowered her voice.

"We thought you wouldn't last more than ten minutes here. I thought the Master would scare you away."

I laughed.

"He almost did." Her soft giggles brought a smile to my lips.

"Most ladies don't survive an hour. They always run away after the first meeting."

My smile faded.

"What do you mean?"

"They leave. He's always harsh and hostile to every new person. Rumour has it that he doesn't want to be pitied nor saved. It upsets him when people try to help him.”

"How many women has Theodore brought here?"

Rose's eyes widened when she realized she had said too much.

"I should go."

Before I could stop her, she hurried out. I couldn't help but stare after her.

Wonderful. Apparently I wasn't the first woman recruited for this job.

That was comforting.

****

By seven o'clock, I headed downstairs for dinner. The dining room was almost as intimidating as the rest of the mansion. The table looked long enough to seat twenty people.

Only one place had been prepared; mine. I sat down and servants immediately began bringing food.

The amount was ridiculous. There were more dishes than I could count.

"Am I eating alone?"

Rose nodded,

"Master prefers to eat in his room."

"Every day?"

"Yes, Ma'am."

I watched her arrange his dinner and before she carried it, I rushed to take the plates. 

"I'll take it to him... I insist."

Time suddenly seemed to stop. One maid almost dropped a plate and the rest looked horrified.

Judith quickly stepped in.

"No, Ma'am."

"Why not?"

"Because I said so."

"He's my husband."

"Did you not hear a single word I said? You're not to enter his room until you're summoned.”

I reluctantly handed it over to her, “you’re not making this easier for me.” 

The rest of dinner passed in silence.

When I finished eating, I left the dining room and headed upstairs.

The mansion felt even quieter at night. I changed into a simple nightdress and climbed into bed.

I had slept off for twenty minutes when I heard a shattering scream.

My eyes flew open and I sat upright immediately. Another scream followed, my heart had already begun pounding.

The scream wasn't coming from outside. It was inside the mansion. A man's voice, painful and desperate.

I climbed out of bed and hurried toward the door. Rushing into the corridor, I bumped into Judith.

"Judith?"

She immediately stepped in front of me.

"Go back inside, Ma'am."

"What was that?"

"Nothing to worry about.”

The scream echoed again and this time a cold chill coursed through me.

"Is someone hurt?"

Judith swallowed hard, then she lowered her voice.

"Master is having one of his episodes."

I stared at her in shock, "What episode?"

"Please, Ma'am."

The fear in her eyes surprised me.

"Stay in your room tonight."