I woke up feeling breathless, my heart pounding in my chest. I sat up in bed, trying to calm my racing thoughts. As I took deep breaths, the vivid images from the dream started to fade away, replaced by the familiarity of my bedroom. The soft glow of the moonlight coming through the window provided a sense of comfort. I reached for a glass of water on my bedside table, the coolness soothing my parched throat. With every sip, I could feel the tension in my body gradually dissipating. I closed my eyes, allowing myself to fully embrace the present moment and let go of the lingering fear from the dream. It was 2:25 a.m. I closed my eyes, attempting to go back to sleep, and eventually, a sense of tranquility washed over me, and I drifted back to sleep, leaving the scary dream behind.
***
I woke up to the sound of my alarm. It was already 6:00 a.m. I went through my normal routine before heading downstairs. As I spotted Butler Zach making his way to the kitchen, I greeted him with a smile.
"Good morning, Butler Zach. How was your sleep?" I asked, genuinely interested in his well-being.
"Good morning, Miss Smith. I had a restful night, thank you. And how was yours? I hope it went well," he replied, his smile warm and welcoming.
"Yes, indeed. It was peaceful. Is Max awake yet?" I inquired, the smile still present on my face.
"You woke up very early, ma'am. Everyone else is still sleeping, including the master," he informed me.
"Oh, I tend to be an early riser. They say it brings blessings, you know," I joked, a playful glint in my eyes. "By the way, are you heading to the kitchen? Can I assist you with anything?"
"No, Miss Smith. Everything is already taken care of. Why don't you take a little tour around the house while we prepare breakfast?" he suggested.
"That's a wonderful idea. Thank you. I could use some exploration, especially since I'm still new here," I replied gratefully. "I'll definitely do that then."
As Butler Zach continued towards the kitchen, I set off on my adventure through the house. The moment I stepped outside my bedroom, I was greeted by a grand hallway, adorned with exquisite paintings and antique furniture. The house seemed to stretch on endlessly, each room more captivating than the last. The decor spoke of a rich history, with hints of opulence and elegance in every corner.
As I walked through the spacious rooms, I couldn't help but be in awe of the sheer size and grandeur of the house. The ceilings reached great heights, and the windows flooded the rooms with natural light, creating an airy and inviting atmosphere. Intricate patterns adorned the walls, showcasing the craftsmanship of a bygone era. The furniture, carefully chosen and placed, exuded both comfort and style.
Finally, as I reached a set of double doors, my curiosity led me outside. Stepping into the garden, I was met with a breathtaking sight. Lush greenery surrounded me, vibrant and alive. A meticulously manicured lawn stretched out before me, leading to a magnificent waterfall, cascading gracefully into a pool. The sound of water trickling was soothing to the ears, and the fragrance of blooming flowers filled the air. Birds fluttered about, adding their melodies to the symphony of nature.
I found myself drawn to a bench, strategically positioned to offer a perfect view of the garden paradise. As I sat down, the beauty that surrounded me washed over me, bringing a sense of tranquility to the moment. Lost in thought, the dream I had earlier resurfaced in my mind, lingering like a missing memory from my past.
In the dream, that child bore a striking resemblance to me when I was young. However, the face of the woman in the dream remained blurred, making it impossible to discern her identity. I called her mother, but for once never have I ever called Mrs smith, mother even though she is my mother. That child had no difference from me she must've been me, but how? What i'm I missing.
Just as I contemplated these thoughts, Max approached me. "Good morning, wife," he greeted, causing me to raise an eyebrow. "Mind your language," I interjected, correcting him before responding. "Good morning."
"Is something troubling you?" he asked, redirecting the conversation.
"not really, how long have you been here?" I asked.
"Long enough to notice your beautiful features, like your eyes," he said with a serious look on his face, his words carrying a hint of teasing. I responded to his compliment, knowing he was just playing around, and we both shared a moment of light-hearted banter.
He sat down next to me, and with a serious tone, he said, "I don't allow anyone here. It's my place, the only place where I can think without distractions. But don't worry, my place is yours now. I made a promise to you, Lana. I will never let you go. You can be free around me, just be yourself. That's all I need from you. And as for your father, I will make sure he pays the price for messing with my woman."
His conviction resonated, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude and affection towards him. I instinctively hugged him, and he hugged me back, reciprocating the embrace. It was an impulsive act, driven by an unspoken connection between us.
Before letting go, I whispered in his ear, "I will be here with you, always. If you need anything, let me know. Thank you, Max." I couldn't help but add, "Also, I am still trying to remember from which part and day I became your woman." I added to lift mood.
He looked at me, his eyes filled with a mixture of love and curiosity, before we were interrupted by Zach, who informed us that breakfast was ready and Abi was looking for us.
As we made our way towards breakfast, a comforting sense of security washed over me in Max's presence. The remnants of the dream and the unanswered questions it left behind lingered in the depths of my mind, but with Max by my side, I felt a newfound confidence that we could face any uncertainties together.
"Good morning, Abi," I greeted her warmly, coming to a halt.
"Good morning, Lana. Wait, why are you guys together?" Abi's curiosity was evident in her voice as she spotted Max and me walking together.
"Oh, I was exploring the house, and that's when I ran into Max. We decided to stick together," I explained, my words laced with a hint of excitement. Max, on the other hand, didn't feel the need to offer any further explanation. Instead, he effortlessly guided me towards a chair, pulling it out for me to sit before settling down beside me.
Abi's eyes widened with a mix of surprise and curiosity. She sensed that there was more to our connection than a mere chance encounter within the house. However, she respected our privacy and chose not to pry any further. Rather, she smiled knowingly, allowing us to enjoy our moment together.
As I settled into the chair, Max's presence beside me provided a sense of comfort and reassurance. I couldn't help but feel a surge of affection towards him, grateful for his thoughtfulness. The three of us sat down to a breakfast spread that was both delicious and healthy. Freshly squeezed orange juice, a colourful fruit salad, and whole-grain toast with avocado spread adorned the table.
As we indulged in the nourishing breakfast, I couldn't help but notice Max's subtle yet constant grip on my hand under the table. It was as if he refused to let go, his touch conveying a silent message of reassurance and protection. This small gesture sparked a delightful tension between us, the electricity of his touch sending shivers down my spine.
I found myself torn between focusing on the conversation with Abi and the electrifying connection pulsating beneath the table. Max's touch held a subtle possessiveness, a declaration that he was there for me, and that nothing could come between us. The tension between us grew with each passing moment, the unspoken words hanging in the air, begging to be acknowledged.
After we were done with our breakfast Max suddenly spoke "Lana, can we talk in my room? There's something important I need to share with you."
My heart skipped a beat, assuming he wanted to discuss my father. The idea of confiding in Max about my concerns felt comforting, like he could offer some solace or guidance. Obligingly, I followed him to his room, my mind racing with anticipation.
But as soon as we entered the room, the atmosphere changed. Max closed the door behind us, his eyes burning with intensity. He took a step closer, his voice laced with desire and possessiveness. "Lana, I can't hold back any longer. I want you. I want you to move in with me in this room."
My jaw dropped, shock and disbelief washing over me. The conversation I had imagined about my father had taken an unexpected turn. Max's possessiveness, once subtle, had now become blatant and overpowering. The tension in the room escalated, leaving me feeling vulnerable and trapped.
I mustered the courage to stand my ground, shaking my head in disbelief. "No, Max. That's not what I expected. I can't do that. We need to talk about my father, not this."
His expression hardened, his possessiveness transforming into anger. In an instant, he grabbed my arms, his grip tightening. He forcibly pulled me closer, his lips crashing onto mine in a forceful, unwanted kiss. My heart raced, my mind spiralling as I tried to comprehend what was happening.
As he released his grip, his eyes bore into mine with a mix of desperation and determination. "Lana, if you refuse to move in with me, I will tell everyone that we kissed. But if you do, It will be our secret, but only if you comply. You have until the end of the week to move in with me."