Chapter 5

I opened the book. Rules? Was it really that serious?

'Do not enter the east wing.

Do not enter Mr Rooke's study.

Do not attempt to remove his mask.

Do not question his absences.

Do not invite outsiders into the manor.'

"What are these? Do not attempt to remove his mask?" I scoffed. "Could I even get close enough to him in the first place? This is so childish." I dumped the book on the bedside table and went to my bathroom to freshen up. It was going to be a hectic day tomorrow.

The next morning was uneventful. I was dressed and ready for work as early as 7 am. I sat down at the dining table, thinking Cassian would come down to eat.

"Excuse me." I beckoned the maid.

"Yes, ma'am?"

"Is Mr Rooke not coming down for breakfast?" I asked her.

"Oh. He eats later in the morning. Is there something you need?"

"No." I shook my head. So I was just supposed to be eating on this big ass dining table by myself?

I ate very little as I lacked appetite. I left the house a few minutes later, going to the place where I knew I would find some form of happiness.

"Miss Elara! Miss Elara!" Excited squeals greeted me as I walked into the playground. Little arms attacked me in an avalanche.

"Hey, kids! Don't dirty Miss Elara!" One of the staff members shouted as she tried to organize the very disorderly children.

"It's okay, Rose." I laughed as I hugged every one of them.

"We heard you got married! Congratulations!" They all yelled.

I gave a small smile. "Enough of that. I suppose you've all had breakfast? You all seem so energetic."

"Ye,s we have." They began dispersing. Children's attention could shift so quickly.

"Miss Elara? What is your husband like? Is he handsome like Princes on TV?" A little girl asked.

"Hmm. I don't know, Aisha. He is just... perfect. Exactly like the princes you dream about." I placed a finger on her nose.

I couldn't very well tell her he wore a mask or anything like that. She would be terrified.

I sighed as I sat in my office, inhaling the scent I was familiar with and used to.

"Miss Elara? Are you ready for me to hand over the monthly expenses budget of the foundation?" Bethany asked, walking in with a file.

"Sure." I took them from her as I opened them and began reviewing.

"Honestly, adoption has been slow, and we are getting more children almost every day. I don't think our current living budget will be able to work from the following month." Bethany said worriedly.

I bit my lip as I looked at the numbers. She was right. Our accounts were almost empty, and the number of children kept increasing.

"How about donations and sponsorships? Shouldn't that be bringing in some income?"

"Well, your Father and his friends are really the only sponsors we've ever had, and they only do that when it's good for their image, or they need children to photograph. It's all annoying, really." She rolled her eyes.

"Then we go back to the old ways of soliciting for funds. Fliers, ads, and the like. We need to provide for these children."

"How about selling your paintings?" "I know you don't want to, but they're really good and could fetch a decent sum."

I paused, my paintings. I had loved drawing since I was a child, and it eventually evolved into painting. I had a showroom. A small one, but it was mine. I had painted a lot while I was in college. It had been a sort of escape from my reality, but I never showed anyone what I painted. I was far too shy.

Bethany saw some of my pieces by accident and has been telling me to put them on sale ever since.

"I.. I don't know Beth. Imagine if I don't sell any piece. It will be embarrassing."

"You haven't even tried. I know it must feel terrifying putting the deepest part of yourself out there, but you have to take the bold step sometimes."

"I... I'll think about it. Can I be left alone, please?"

"Sure. I have other things to do anyway."

I spent the rest of my afternoon reviewing accounts and brainstorming ideas on how to generate income. Bethany was right. Perhaps I could sell a few of my pieces and use the money for the children.

When I got home, only the maids were there to greet me.

Was this really going to be my life? Being welcomed by maids every day?

"Welcome, ma'am. Would you like your dinner served now or after you shower?"

"Can I have my dinner in my room? I don't really feel like coming out tonight."

"No problem, ma'am." She walked off.

She seemed nicer than Isla. I hadn't even seen her since the stunt she pulled yesterday.

I trudged up to my room, tired from the events of the day, as I collapsed into bed.

This house was so boring. There was literally no one to talk to.

My phone pinged with a text.

'How is Cassian doing?'

'He's fine, ma'am. He has been in his room, keeping to himself.'

'So you both haven't spoken to each other since the wedding?'

I almost snorted. What wedding?

'No ma'am. He has been busy with work, as have I.'

'Elara, I don't mean to put pressure on you, but you are going to have to get close to him. You do plan on getting pregnant, right?'

Shit. I had forgotten about that. I had never slept with anyone. How was I supposed to get into Cassian's bed?

'Yes, ma'am. I'll do better. Is that all?'

'Just get me more useful information next time. I want to see an improvement.'

'Of course.'

Well, this was the icing on the cake. Seducing Cassian Rooke? I was going to die a virgin.

I took a deep breath and decided to freshen up. It would help me feel lighter.

Almost as if she knew, I heard a knock on my door as soon as I finished getting dressed.

"Nice." I said, fluffing my hair once more with the towel, then going to open the door.

My towel dropped from my hand as I saw who stood in front of me.

Cassian?

"I think we should discuss our arrangement, Mrs Rooke. Can I come in?"