Evelyn stirred, her body aching in unfamiliar ways. As consciousness returned, the events of the previous night replayed vividly in her mind. The soft sheets against her skin reminded her of how Michael's hands had roamed her body, his lips igniting sensations she had never thought possible. But the soreness wasn't just physical—it lingered in her thoughts, clawing at her confidence.
This wasn't her first time. Evelyn swallowed hard, memories of Liam surfacing like an unwanted ghost. Her ex-boyfriend, her college love, had been her first. But it hadn't been like this. That night had been a blur of alcohol and betrayal. Liam had taken advantage of her drunken state, ignoring her protests, and afterward, she had convinced herself it had been her fault for drinking too much. She had given her body willingly, but the way he had used her left a bitter scar she couldn't erase.
She pushed the thought aside, staring up at the ceiling, her mind clouded with new fears. What if Michael hadn't enjoyed it? What if she hadn't lived up to his expectations? What if he compared her to Diane and found her lacking? The thought twisted her stomach into knots. What if this had been nothing more than a fleeting moment for him—a release, a convenience?
The sharp pang of anxiety drove her out of bed. She wobbled slightly as her feet touched the cold floor, her legs trembling beneath her. Grabbing her robe, she padded into the bathroom. She splashed cold water onto her face, hoping it would clear her head. Instead, it only amplified the whirlwind of emotions.
She cleaned herself quickly, avoiding her reflection in the mirror. She couldn't bring herself to meet her own gaze. When she returned to the bedroom, the bed seemed larger, emptier. Her mind raced as she debated what Michael's absence meant. He wasn't here. Did he leave because he regretted it? Because she wasn't good enough?
Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. Evelyn froze, clutching her robe tightly around her. The door creaked open, revealing a striking woman with long, fiery red hair cascading down her back. She had piercing blue eyes framed by thin glasses and wore a sharp black suit that exuded authority and grace. Evelyn blinked, momentarily stunned by the woman's beauty. She looked like she belonged on a magazine cover, not standing in a doorway.
"Good morning, Ms. Evelyn," the woman said, her voice calm yet firm. "I'm Artemis, your personal guard, Nice meeting you again. Mr Volkov has asked me to look after you in his absence."
Evelyn's mouth opened slightly, words failing her. A personal guard? Her heart skipped a beat. Did this mean Michael didn't want her to leave? Was this his way of ensuring she stayed? Or was it just a matter of duty, of control?
"Mr. Volkov won't be back for the next three days," Artemis continued. "If there's anywhere you'd like to go or anything you need, let me know. Breakfast is at nine o'clock."
Evelyn nodded dumbly, still processing Artemis's presence. Her mind swirled with questions. Did Michael trust her enough to leave her in his home, or was this an extension of his power over her?
"You're... very beautiful," Evelyn blurted out, her cheeks flushing instantly. She couldn't help but compare Artemis's polished elegance to her sister Diane's icy perfection. If anything, Artemis seemed even more intimidating—like a warrior dressed in corporate armor.
Artemis gave a small smile, unfazed. "Thank you. Do you have any immediate requests, or shall I call for the maids to assist you with your day?"
Evelyn cleared her throat, feeling self-conscious. "Uh, yes. I think I'll need some help. And—um—I should probably change out of this." She gestured to her crumpled wedding gown from the previous day, still lying across the room.
"Very well. I'll send someone in shortly," Artemis said before excusing herself.
---
A few minutes later, a pair of maids entered, their movements efficient yet gentle as they helped Evelyn freshen up and dress. They handed her a simple but elegant outfit—a soft blouse and tailored pants—that felt far more comfortable than the constrictive gown.
As Evelyn smoothed the fabric of her blouse, her gaze fell to her phone lying on the bedside table. Her heart clenched. Stella. She needed to talk to Stella. Her step-sister Diane and step-brother Charles had always made her life difficult, but Stella had been the one constant—a source of unwavering support and protection.
Unlocking her phone, Evelyn saw a barrage of messages from Stella:
How are you doing?
Is Mr. Volkov treating you well?
Do I need to call the police?
Evelyn chuckled softly, the knot in her chest loosening just a little. Stella had always been a worrier, especially after witnessing how Diane had tormented Evelyn throughout high school and college. While Diane's cruelty had been sharp and cutting, Stella's kindness had been a balm, even if it came with overbearing concern.
But Stella didn't know the truth. About Michael. About his supposed disability. About everything. And Evelyn wasn't sure she could tell her—especially about the sex. If Diane ever got wind of Michael's secret, she might use it to her advantage, and Evelyn didn't want to jeopardize whatever plans Michael had.
Deciding she needed to talk to Stella in person, Evelyn headed for the door. She was about to step outside when Artemis appeared, her sharp blue eyes scanning Evelyn carefully.
"Do you have somewhere in mind?" Artemis asked.
"Yes," Evelyn said hesitantly. "I'd like to visit a friend. It's not far—just in Redmont."
Artemis nodded. "Very well. We'll leave shortly. Afterward, if you wish, we can stop by some shops. Mr. Volkov has provided you with a credit card for anything you might need."
Evelyn's stomach flipped at the mention of the credit card. She hadn't even thought about money or resources, and now the idea of spending Michael's wealth felt overwhelming.
"Uh... okay," she managed, her voice shaky.
---
When they arrived at Stella's home, Evelyn felt a pang of disappointment to find her friend wasn't there. A quick text revealed Stella had been called into work unexpectedly, leaving Evelyn with only her thoughts. As they drove back, Artemis suggested stopping at a boutique, and though Evelyn initially resisted, she eventually agreed.
The day passed in a blur of polite conversation and quiet self-reflection. Evelyn couldn't shake the lingering questions: Why had Michael left so abruptly? And why did he leave her with a personal guard?