Lily's POV
I searched my memory, trying to recall the events of last night. Had I changed into the nightgown myself, without even realising it? Or had someone else done it for me?
The implications of this discovery sent a chill through me.
The question hung heavy in the air, unanswered, as I scrutinized my nightgown. The soft, silky fabric clung to my skin, as if it had been chosen for comfort and luxury. But how had it found its way onto my body?
I wracked my brain, trying to remember the events of the night before, but my mind was a blur. Had I truly been so exhausted that I couldn't remember changing? Or was something more sinister at play?
Just then Chris walked into the room,
"You're finally awake," The sound of his voice jolted me back to the present moment, and as I looked up to see him standing by the door, a sense of unease washed over me. His tone was cold as usual, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss.
Did he change me?
The thought raced through my mind like a runaway train, and my heart pounded with uncertainty. I searched his face for a clue, but all I saw was the same cold unreadable expression.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" His question brought me back to the present, and I quickly realized how odd I must have looked, sitting there gawking at him. "I'm sorry," I stammered, forcing a smile. "I was just lost in thought...G...good morning,"
He shook his head as he glanced round the room...I tried not to ask but the curiosity was killing me, I had to ask him.
"Umm...Chris....did you....did you change me?"
"How can you ask me a question like that," His words sent a chill down my spine, the discord between his easy charm and my unease deepening.
"Of course I didn't change you," he said rolling his cold eyes.
"I asked one of the female servants to do it," he continued.
"I would never do something like that. Are you forgetting this is a contract marriage? We're not supposed to touch each other...unless it's necessary....just like yesterday," he averted my gaze.
His explanation did nothing to allay my fears, and the knots in my stomach tightened. Something about his explanation felt off, like a puzzle piece that didn't quite fit.
"I appreciate your concern for my modesty," I said, forcing a weak smile, "but I wish you had asked me first."
"What?! You were sleeping...was I suppose to wake you up and tell you to change?" His response sent a shiver down my spine, the implications of his words settling deep within me like a weight
"I....." I was thinking of what to say to him when I heard him speak again.
"Mmm maybe you're right....maybe I was being too nice to you...yeah do me a favour and remind me never to help you again till this whole thing is over," he turned to leave.
"Oh and....hurry up and get down...breakfast is ready," he said with his back to me before heading down the stairs.
I couldn't help but feel bad as I watched Chris go down the stairs, all he did was help me and I didn't even say thank you...I sighed as I slid out of bed, my feet touched the cool, hardwood floor. I shivered slightly as I made my way towards the closet, reaching for my robe and wrapping it tightly around myself. With the soft fabric cocooning my body, I padded softly towards the stairs, the light from the sunbeams illuminating my path.
I paused at the top of the stairs, breathing in the scents of coffee and freshly made pancakes wafting up from the kitchen. Things are not so bad around here right? With a smile, I turned around making my way to the bathroom, ready to begin my morning routine.
I shut the door behind me and flicked on the lights, filling the room with a warm, bright glow. My toothbrush and toothpaste sat on the counter, waiting for me. I popped the cap off the toothpaste and applied a generous amount to the bristles.
The familiar taste of mint flooded my mouth as I brushed my teeth, the steady movement of the brush in my hand calming and soothing.
With my teeth clean and sparkling, I took off my clothes and turned towards the shower. I reached for the knobs and adjusted the temperature, letting the water cascade over my body in a steady stream of warmth.
The shampoo bottle beckoned me as I stepped under the water, and I squeezed out a dollop of the silky liquid, massaging it into my scalp. The rich, floral scent filled the air as I rinsed the shampoo from my hair, savoring the silky-smooth feeling of the conditioner as I applied it to my ends.
As I stood under the water, letting the conditioner soak in, I closed my eyes and let my mind wander. Thoughts of the day ahead...Chris, this marriage...my mother and how badly I wanted to see her flitted through my mind, but I pushed them away, relishing in the simple act of washing away the remnants of sleep.
Once my hair was clean and rinsed, I stepped into the shower, the warm water cascading down my body, I felt a sense of peace and calm
I had let myself sink into the rhythm of the water, allowing it to wash away the remnants of my worries for just a few minutes. The stress and anxiety had fallen away, leaving me with a renewed sense of optimism and hope. Maybe I could make this marriage work, maybe Chris wasn't such a bad person...I mean he did help my mother and asked for me to get changed out of that very uncomfortable dress...the least I could do is to make this less harder for him right?
With my spirits lifted, I had stepped out of the shower, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. The sweet smelling shampoo and conditioner had worked their magic, leaving my hair feeling soft and silky. I stepped out of the shower and reached for my towel, patting myself dry with brisk, efficient motions. Then, I wrapped the towel around myself, tucking it snugly under my arms.
With my morning ablutions complete, I headed back into the bedroom, ready to get dressed.
I moved over to the dresser, pulling open a drawer and rummaging through the neatly folded clothes. After a moment's consideration, I selected a soft sweater and a pair of jeans, setting them aside on the bed.
As I pulled off the towel, the crisp, cool air brushed against my skin, but I quickly pulled on my clothes, sliding my arms into the sweater and buttoning my jeans. The denim felt comfortable and familiar against my legs, the soft cotton of the sweater warming me from the inside out.
Satisfied with my outfit, I turned towards the mirror, admiring my appearance.The feeling of freshly laundered clothes against my skin had further added to my sense of comfort and ease.
I padded across the bedroom, stopping by the door to slip my feet into the warm, fuzzy slippers that were waiting for me. The soft fabric enveloped my feet, and I could already feel the tension easing from my muscles.
I opened the bedroom door and stepped into the hallway, walking down the stairs my footsteps echoing through the house. I moved towards the dinning, the tantalizing aromas of breakfast drawing me closer with each step.