Lily Pov….
As I approached the magnificent building, my eyes danced across its features, taking in every detail. The building was breathtaking, a masterpiece of architecture and design. It seemed to gleam with a radiance brighter than any star in the night sky, its golden façade glittering in the sunlight. The gate was also a work of art, perfectly crafted and adorned with intricate details. I stood there, struck by its beauty, unable to believe that this was the place I would be calling home.
I cleared my throat and walked towards the gate with purpose, ready to claim my rightful place. I gave the gate a few light knocks, trying to remain composed as I waited for someone to open it. After what felt like an eternity, the gate finally creaked open to reveal an elderly man, his face etched with concern and yet a hint of joy upon seeing me. My heart began to race, anger and anticipation building within me.
"Ma'am Olivia," the old man began, his voice shaking with emotion, "your husband has been worried sick about you. He's been searching for you for days now, and we're all so relieved to see you're okay." My heart lurched at his words, and I struggled to maintain my composure. But then I remembered that if I wanted to continue living here, I would have to play the part of the "stupid Olivia" that they all thought I was. I looked down at my dress, a constant reminder of my place in this world.
"I'm so sorry for causing everyone so much worry," I said, my voice soft and contrite. "I just needed some time alone to clear my head, so I went for a walk. I didn't mean to cause any alarm." I tried to sound apologetic, hoping to keep my true intentions a mystery.
"Oh, I completely understand your need for some time alone," he said, his voice soothing and understanding. "But I'm so glad you're safe and sound. Your husband will be overjoyed to see you!" With that, he opened the gate wide, ushering me inside. I stepped through the threshold, my nerves on edge as I braced myself for what was to come. Would I be able to keep up the charade, or would I slip up and reveal my true self? Of course not, that's the most stupid thing to do.
"He's inside, you can go in to see him," the gatekeeper said, and I dutifully followed his instructions. I didn't want to raise any suspicions, so I did my best to act normal and unassuming. As I entered the house, I felt a knot in my stomach, knowing that I was about to face my greatest test yet. Could I fool the one person who knew me best?
I closed the door behind me, taking a moment to take in the grandeur of the house. But my awe was cut short by the sound of footsteps, approaching me from the other end of the hall. I quickly composed myself, turning to face the person who would soon appear. To my surprise, it was a maid, her expression one of pure bewilderment. I did my best to maintain my façade, smiling at her politely.
"You're back, ma'am," she said, her voice pleasant and warm. She drew closer to me, eager to make conversation, but I had no desire to engage with her. I cut her off with a brusque nod, and she seemed to get the message, retreating back to her previous spot.
"You can see you are not blind, you dimwit," I said, my voice dripping with arrogance. "Where is my husband?" I demanded, expecting an immediate answer. The look of shock on her face told me that I had caught her off guard, but I didn't care. I didn't give a damn about what she thought of me.
"He's in his room," she managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper. With a final glance in my direction, she turned and hurried away. I watched her go, a feeling of satisfaction washing over me. I had made my point, and she had gotten the message.
I hurried up the stairs, eager to find him as soon as possible. I'd only ever seen pictures of him before, and I was curious to see what he looked like in person. But when I reached the top of the stairs, I was met with a bewildering array of doors. I stood there, frozen, unsure of which one led to his room. If I asked someone for help, it would raise suspicions. What should I do?
Just as I was debating what to do, I heard the faint creak of a door behind me. I turned and saw him standing there, his eyes widening in surprise and then, in a flash, turning to anger. He stalked towards me like a predator closing in on its prey. I felt my heart pounding in my chest, and a chill ran down my spine.
"How dare you?" he hissed, his voice low and dangerous. Then, without warning, his hand flew out and slapped me across the face. I gasped, my hand automatically going to my stinging cheek. I had not anticipated this reaction, and I was completely taken aback.
"You slapped me?" I asked, still in shock. It was hard to believe that this had actually happened. I had never been slapped in my life, and now, of all people, my worst enemy had struck me. Anger and hatred began to well up inside me. He would pay for this, I vowed. I would make him pay.
"How dare you disobey me like this? I told you never to leave this house, and yet here you are, brazenly flouting my orders. You ungrateful little wretch," he spat, his words like venom in my ears. I wanted to scream, to fight back, but I knew that it was pointless. I was trapped, unable to stand up to my oppressor.
"For your disobedience, you are grounded," he said coldly. "You will not leave your room until I decide what to do with you. You will stay here, alone, until I say otherwise." My heart sank. I couldn't believe what I was hearing.
"Go to your room. Now," he snapped, his voice sharp and demanding. But I couldn't move. I didn't even know where her room was. How could I obey his order when I didn't know where I was supposed to go? I stood there, frozen in place, my mind racing.
"What are you waiting for? Are you deaf?" he demanded, his voice raising in volume and pitch. But I didn't respond, determined to play my next move carefully. I had a plan, one that I hoped would get me out of this predicament.
"Olivia, go to your room," he repeated, but I remained silent and still, refusing to acknowledge his command. I held my breath, hoping that my plan would work and that I wouldn't give myself away.
"Fine, you want to make this difficult? Then we'll do it the hard way," he growled, grabbing my arm and dragging me down the hall. He opened a door, shoving me inside and slamming it shut behind me. Finally, I knew which room was mine. I may not have been able to ask for directions without raising suspicion, but I'd accomplished my goal in the end. A small victory, but a victory nonetheless.
The room was surprisingly nice. It was well-decorated and inviting, with a comfortable bed and a clean bathroom. I knew that the first thing I needed to do was take a shower, to wash away the stress and fatigue of the day. And after that, a good nap would help me recharge and give me the energy I needed to figure out my next move. I had a feeling that my brother, Ryan, had no idea what I was capable of. He was in for a big surprise.