I lay on the bed and was still imagining what had just passed. His sweet smile, his touch and every kiss of his lips seemed to force me to accept every hate I gave him. I didn't understand why Reynand had changed so surprisingly, or if that was how he played the role before he threw me away like trash. I wasn't part of his priorities in life but he managed to keep me in this prison, that man was too confident that he could marry me just because he had released me from that place.
"Good morning miss, are you awake?"
"Linda? Come in"
"It looks like you're happy today, was Mr. Reynand nice to you yesterday?"
"I think so, Linda may I ask you something?"
"Of course miss"
"Did James come here?"
"No miss, the last time I saw him when Mr. Reynand dragged him out and I don't know what they were talking about, they were fighting miss"
"Did Reynand hit him?"
"Yes, are you worried?"
"No, I just curious why he would act like that to his brother"
"They've always been like that since childhood, especially after Madame passed away"
"What happened Linda?"
"Where should I tell you, I think you already know everything about him"
"I don't know Linda why are you asking me?"
"I'll prepare the water in the bathtub, and then I'll prepare your breakfast here"
"Linda wait, you haven't explained everything about Reynand to me yet!"
I realized one thing that I could not impose my will in this house, there was no answer I could get from someone's mouth except by my own efforts. How could Reynand do such a thing to James, I can imagine how his anger boiled over as he pushed me into the cage. After taking a shower I found a beautiful dress on the bed. It looks like Linda has prepared everything, I have nothing to do today anyway Reynand seems to have left for the office so I can relax and take a short walk. I walked down the stairs and saw some decorations being put up in this luxurious house.
'What's going on?' I wondered, everyone seemed to be busy with their own work.
From afar I heard some servants talking about their master, one of the words I heard was 'lucky' to be the partner chosen by Reynand. It sounded nice, maybe those who were far more desirous of being trapped in Reynand's arms but not me. They didn't really know what it was like to be a prisoner in this luxurious palace, I left them to their work while talking about their master.
I chose to be in the park, the only place I could breathe freely. I looked at the ring that was still wrapped around my ring finger, like it was stuck and hard to take off. Since I've been in this house I've been daydreaming a lot, the only way all my dreams can come true even if it's in my imagination not in reality. Imagining me running free without a shackle looming over my life, being able to see my father smile again, hugging him tightly and taking him away from this city. Isn't that an impossible wish since I still can't get the contract. How evil is the owner of this palace, how could he not let me go and create a distance for everyone not to dare to approach including his own brother James. That man did show a sweet demeanor but in my eyes he was still like a demon ready to make my life a mess, and now I was completely alone here.
"Thinking of me?"
How could that voice appear in my mind again, I was expecting too much from him. James wouldn't have come looking for me after the fight with Reynand, he was always in charge of whatever he considers as his own. Like two kids fighting over candy, such an uncomfortable position. The longer the voice gets, the clearer it sounds in my ears, am I really crazy or am I attracted to James?.
"Did you miss me Aletta?"
"James? Am I dreaming?"
"You're dreaming baby"
"Did you really come to see me? I'm so happy, and how did you know I was here?"
"Hey.. calm down lady, your hug is so tight, I can hardly breathe if you're like this"
"I'm sorry, I was too excited. It was like a dream that you were in front of me"
"Yes... you are dreaming but unfortunately your eyes are open"
"James are you alright? I heard Reynand.."
"Hitting me? Linda must have told you."
"Yes, does your face hurt? Is your body injured?"
"If my face hurts will you find medicine for me?"
"Of course, does it still hurt?"
"No, what about my heart Aletta? If my heart hurts will you treat it?"
"What? How could I"
"Tell me Aletta tell me you love me"
"I..."
"Tell me that you love me"
"James I don't know"
"That's all I need to heal my wounds Aletta, surprising isn't it"
"....."
"You don't need to force yourself to marry him, I'll take you away right now"
"James"
"Hmmm?"
"Since when did you love me?"
"Since you were in the hospital"
Savior? No, I don't think that's the right word to describe James's presence right now. His words confused me, just like the rest of the house always confused me. We were still facing each other, his gaze was so warm but for some reason I felt like it was hard to say that I wanted to follow wherever he went. Everything seemed to be held back and I couldn't say it, even though my heart wanted to. Before Reynand comes and hits him again James better leave because my gut feeling is very bad. James pressed me for answers, I shook my head giving him the full realization that this house was too dangerous for him. I didn't want anything to happen to him, so I let him go without me. His face showed disappointed, it wasn't my intention to refuse his invitation but I couldn't leave this luxurious house yet because there was something I had to get first.
I begged Jemi to leave this house immediately, there were too many guards who could take his life at any time. She hugged me tightly and promised to take me away from this house immediately before the wedding happened, I couldn't say anything and promised him something because there were important things I had to do without anyone knowing. After hugging me he went to avoid some guards who suddenly came to see in the park. I'm Trying to be calm and not make them suspicious, I walked past them to my room. I don't know what I'm feeling now after hearing his confession, I'm feeling indecisive. Could I love him too? It's too soon and I can't follow what my heart desires the most.
I closed the door tightly and a little tense with what I had just heard, Reynand had been standing by the bedside waiting for me to come. He extended his hand to bring our bodies closer together, and I found it increasingly difficult to mask my uncertain feelings. Reynand caressed my cheek, turning my face towards him. Bringing my eyes together with him trying to search for the truth deep into those unusual eyes, I didn't say a word but he smelled something strange about me.
Reynand asked me where I was going and I answered him, he again asked in a low voice who I was meeting and I couldn't answer him. I was afraid he'd get angry and lock me up again in the cold room like the last few days. Reynand repeated his words again and I couldn't answer him, then he whispered asking if I had intentionally met James there. I shook my head and Reynand raised one eyebrow as if doubting my answer. Too many eyes were watching every move in this house, what I did must have reached his ears.
'Answer my question dear... did you meet him there on purpose?"
The words seemed to echo in my ears, I answered his question quietly. Reynand looked at me without expression, he left leaving me alone in the room. I felt like I got my oxygen back after Reynand left, I sat limply on the bed and covered my face. Suddenly Reynand came back and took my hands forcefully, he cuffed my hands to the bed right at the head position. I knew that today was going to be a disaster for me, it was lucky that he didn't drag me back into the warehouse. I begged him to let go of my hands but he ignored me, he threatened me again to hurt James if I still wanted to see him and before the wedding happened I would stay in this room.
No matter how much I struggled and called out his name he wouldn't let go, even if I screamed Reynand still wouldn't care and let me go. He had kept me on the bed enjoying the remaining days of my freedom before becoming his wife and now Reynand locked the door to the room making it impossible for anyone to enter except himself.