I signed the contract, the pen in my hand feeling like a weight I couldn't escape.
As soon as the ink dried, I realized what I had just done—I had sold my soul to that psycho. But I had no choice. It was my family. If I didn't do this, I would lose them. I couldn't allow that. I had to stay strong, hold on, and find a way out. Once I was free, I'd run straight to the cops and spill everything.
But for now, I was trapped in this house, my new prison.
Gladys led me to my room, or rather, my cage.
---
Meanwhile…
Isaac was pacing frantically, his thoughts spinning. "I don't get it," he muttered to Riley, his worry growing.
"Relax, Isaac.
Maybe she had something important to take care of and had to leave town," Riley suggested, trying to calm him down.
"It doesn't make sense. She's been gone for ten days. No word, nothing. It's not like her."
"She left a note. What more do you need?" Riley said, rolling her eyes, though her own worry was creeping in.
"I know, but... something's not right. This isn't like Skylar." Isaac's voice cracked with concern.
Riley sighed.
"Isaac, she's always been the type to handle things alone. That's just Skylar. She's strong, and whatever she's dealing with, I know she'll figure it out. You have to trust her."
Isaac glanced down at his phone again, still hopeful. "I guess... But what if she's in trouble?"
Deep down, Riley felt a knot in her stomach. What if he's right? What if Skylar really is in danger?
---
Lucien's POV
I walked into the mansion, blood still fresh on my hands. The two men I had killed earlier today were only the beginning.
Moretti's—those bastards had been a thorn in my side for years. They started this war five years ago when they killed four of my men. I had to make them pay, take everything they had. Now, I was closer than ever to ending it all with one swift blow.
But even after all the violence, I couldn't stop thinking about her. My new pet. She was probably asleep by now, but I needed to check on her. I opened the door to her room and found her lying there, so innocent, so... damn beautiful. My breath hitched as I took in the curves of her body beneath that thin nightshirt. She was a temptation, too irresistible.
I sat on the edge of the bed, watching her as she slept. She murmured something in her sleep. My heart stilled.
Isaac?
I scoffed, fury bubbling inside me. How dare she?
She was mine now. Only mine. I'd make sure she knew that. I leaned closer to her, gently brushing a strand of hair away from her face, but she shifted again, murmuring his name. I clenched my fists.
When she woke, she would regret even thinking about another man in my presence.
I walked out of the room and called for Gwen. She'll serve me, and I'll have my fun later.
---
The Next Morning
I woke up, lightheaded and disoriented. I hadn't even realized when I had drifted off last night. The weight of what had happened hit me all over again. I needed to escape, but I had no idea how. Not yet.
The maid arrived, her presence a stark reminder of my new reality. "Master Lucien demands your presence in the dining hall," she said coldly. I sighed but didn't resist. I had to play along for now.
As we walked, I couldn't shake the thought of the tiny gate in the garden. If I could figure out how to get past the guards, I might just have a chance.
We reached the dining area, and I stood there, watching him stir his tea, his eyes dark with some unknown amusement. "You're still alive, I see," he muttered, his tone like a silent threat.
I didn't answer. There was no point.
He shoved a plate toward me. "Feed me," he demanded.
I moved without a word, doing as ordered. The silence between us thickened. I was already planning my escape, but I had to keep up the charade for now.
---
But before I could even take a step away from the table, his hands were on me, dragging me back.
He stood between my legs, his breath hot against my skin as he pinned me in place.
"Where do you think you're going, little pet?" His voice was low, dangerous.
I refused to meet his eyes. "To my room. To my cage," I muttered, the bitterness choking me.
He smirked, a cruel twist of his lips. "Seems you haven't read the rules.
As my pet, you only leave when I allow it." His hands slid to the knot of my shirt, loosening it with terrifying ease. My heart hammered in my chest.
"I will not tolerate defiance," he whispered against my ear, his breath scorching. "You will learn your place."
His lips found my collarbone, and I fought back a shudder, a sick feeling of panic rising in my throat. I pushed him away, but he only kissed me harder, more aggressively.
I kept struggling, trying to push him off, but just as he was about to undo the second knot holding my shirt, his phone rang. He cursed, pulling away from me.
"Gladys," he barked into the phone. "Make sure she's not fed for the rest of the day. Show her around the mansion, but keep a close eye on her. She's not to be trusted."
---
I was left alone in the hallway, my body shaking with the aftermath of what almost happened. This was my reality now.
As Gladys led me through the mansion, I tried to keep my composure. My mind raced. Escape. I need to escape.
We walked through the enormous garden, and I spotted the tiny, unguarded gate. Could this be the way out?
"why is that gate there?" I asked the maid who followed Gladys, my voice casual.
"I don't really know.
No one's used it in years. There was a tragic accident near it, and since then, no one's allowed to go near it.
Except Master Lucien," she replied, her voice laced with fear.
I studied the gate carefully. It wasn't locked properly. If I can get past the guards, I could escape. It's risky, but it's a chance.
But then Gladys called for me, and I reluctantly followed her back inside, the hope of freedom fading as quickly as it had come.
---
In the kitchen, the maids were gossiping. "Have you seen the new girl?" Laura asked, eyeing me from across the room.
"Yeah. She's pretty, but I doubt it'll last. He never keeps them around for long," Nora muttered, tossing carrots into a bowl.
"You mean Gwen?" Mona chimed in. "She'll be gone soon enough."
Gwen appeared, overhearing the conversation. "Is there a problem here?" she sneered.
Nora stiffened. "Just because you sleep with Master Lucien doesn't mean you're above us."
Gwen smirked. "I'm the assistant head maid. You're all beneath me. And as for the new girl? She'll be gone within a week. I always get what I want."
---
The walls were closing in. I had to escape. I couldn't stay here much longer.