Chapter 85

Charlotte POV:

"Good" days were terrifying.

Forcing my battered body to scurry around the house, I would be dressed in whatever prissy dress he wanted me to wear that day. Bruised face dolled up perfectly and frizzy locks brushed into a neat bun.

I would slave over the stove to prepare Bates favorite meal. A thick cut of steak cooked in his favorite wine, leaking with blood and fine alcohol. On the side, he would prefer a heap of buttery spuds which would be mashed thickly by hand. He loved them best if they were laced with garlic and drowned in beef gravy. A pile of steamed green beans, infused with garlic and a dash of hot chili flakes, would usually complete the heavy meal.

"I miss this."

It was weird.

I could smell the familiar scent of seared steak gently wafting into the air. A delectable rub full of rich spices and tangy sauce. The cooked steak, soaking in golden oil and cooked wine, sat stiffly on my plate. Plump with juices, it leaked into the pile of buttery mash potatoes an