Chapter 6: An Undeserved Humiliation

Caroline's POV

I woke up gasping for air, my chest panting as if I’d been running for my life.

The nightmare had me in complete terror, and I couldn’t shake it off. I had never had a dream that felt too real like this before.

My whole body was drenched in sweat, making the damp nightgown cling tightly to my body like a second layer of skin.

My hands flew to my stomach, my sides, my throat, checking for any signs of the wounds I’d felt so vividly in my sleep.

The knives, the blood, the pain, they’d been so fucking real.

I could still feel Ana’s cruel laughter, Wesley’s cold stare and Solana’s sharp voice cutting through me.

But there was no blood on my body. No wounds, or marks. Just my trembling fingers and the fast pounding of my heart.

I let out a shaky breath, my voice barely a whisper, “That felt like death.” Literally speaking.

I sat down on the bed for a moment, staring into the dimness of the room, trying to pull myself together.

Today is not the day to remain on the bed, and cower in fear like a scared cat. I had to get up. I had to move.

I swung my legs over the side of the bed and stood up.

My knees wobbled, but I forced myself to the bathroom.

The family meeting loomed ahead, and I wouldn’t let any nightmare put me in a bad state of mind.

 I turned on the shower, letting the hot water wash over me.

 It rinsed away the sweat, but the anxiety stayed, coiled tight in my chest like a rattlesnake.

Was it the meeting making me feel this way? The nightmare? Both? I didn’t know.

All I knew was that I had to face Anderson’s mother today, and if I failed to impress her, he’d destroy my family. That thought alone made my stomach churn.

I stepped out of the shower, dried off, and reached for the dress Anderson had arranged for me.

He’d asked for my measurements yesterday, and one of the maids had stocked my wardrobe before I even arrived at his house.

It was a blue, simple yet elegant gown.

The gown fitted smoothly against my skin as I slipped it on.

I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting it over my hips, turning to check every angle.

Would it be good enough? Would she approve?

My hands shook slightly as I adjusted the neckline. I had no idea what Anderson’s mother expected, and that uncertainty gnawed at me.

I took a deep breath, slipped on my heels, and left the room.

Then I saw Anderson, heading toward me. My breath caught.

He stopped, his eyes sweeping over me, and for a fleeting second, I thought I saw something in his gaze. Admiration? Surprise? Whatever it was, it vanished as fast as it appeared. His face hardened, a frown creasing his brow.

“Turn around,” he said, his voice rough, like he was annoyed I’d dared to catch him looking.

I hesitated, my cheeks warming under his stare.

Slowly, I turned, feeling exposed as his eyes roamed over me. When I faced him again, he gave a curt nod. “It’s fine,” he said, dismissing me. “Go wait in the car.”

I nodded, without saying a word, and hurried downstairs.

My heart was still racing as I stepped outside.

A black SUV was parked near the gate.

I approached it, opened the door, and slid into the back seat.

The leather felt cool against my legs, and I tried to steady my breathing, staring out the window.

The nightmare still lingered in the corners of my mind, but I pushed it down. I had to focus.

The car door opened again, and I turned, expecting Anderson.

My stomach dropped when I saw Solana instead.

She climbed in, her eyes narrowing as they landed on me. “Why are you looking at me, bitch?” she snapped. “Have you forgotten your place already?”

Her words hit like a slap, but I bit my tongue.

I wasn’t in the mood for her venom, not after that dream, not with everything else weighing on me.

I turned away, fixing my gaze on the window, determined to ignore her.

Seconds later, Anderson joined us, settling into the seat across from me.

The driver started the engine, and the car rolled forward, pulling us away from the mansion.

Solana didn’t waste a moment. She shifted seats, moving to sit beside Anderson.

I felt trapped, the air in the car was heavy with tension.

I sat opposite them, trying to shrink into myself, but there was nowhere to hide.

Then Solana’s hand slid onto Anderson’s chest. “Anderson, I’m horny,” her voice sounded seductive.

My eyes widened. My breath caught in my throat.

What the hell was she doing? I couldn’t believe she’d say that here, now, in front of me.

Anderson smiled, his hand lifting to her cheek.

Then they kissed passionately like I wasn’t even there.

My face burned, humiliation washed over me.

I turned to the window, desperate to escape the sight.

But I could feel Anderson’s eyes on me, one of them watching me even as he kissed her.

They were doing this on purpose. They wanted me to feel bad.

I clenched my fists in my lap, forcing my expression to remain neutral.

I wouldn’t let them see how much it hurt.

First it was my sister seducing my ex husband, and now, Solana is taking over from her.

I wouldn’t give them that power. But Solana wasn’t done.

She pulled back from the kiss, “Anderson, I want you to fuck me while this bitch watches.”

My jaw dropped. My heart stopped.

Kissing was bad enough, cruel enough, but this?

This was a level of humiliation I hadn’t even imagined.

My hands trembled, and I fought to keep my face straight, to hide the irritation raging inside me. How could they do this? How could they treat me like I was nothing?