CH.47

Serena stirred awake, her eyes fluttering open as she slowly emerged from the depths of a dreamless slumber.

For a moment, she felt completely disoriented, her mind struggling to catch up with her unfamiliar surroundings.

The room she found herself in exuded a sense of grandeur and masculinity that left her feeling slightly out of place yet filled with warmth.

The walls were adorned with rich, dark colors that seemed to absorb the soft light filtering in through the heavy curtains framing the large windows. The room had a chilly, almost somber feel to it, like a mausoleum of sorts, and Serena shivered slightly.

The bed she lay in was massive, a four-poster monstrosity with intricately carved posts that loomed over her like sentinels. The sheets and duvet were a luxurious blend of silk and satin that caressed her skin like a lover's touch, but instead of feeling comforted, Serena felt a sense of unease creep up her spine.

She pushed away the cozy duvet and realized with a start that she had been cleaned and redressed while unconscious. Instead of her own clothing, she now wore a crisp, white shirt that tantalizingly reached her mid-thigh, leaving her long, slender legs exposed to the cool air of the room.

A wave of panic washed over her when she noticed she wasn't wearing any underwear and her mind immediately jumped to the worst conclusion – that she had been taken advantage of in her vulnerable state.

"Oh god, no..." she whimpered tremblingly.

Her hands instinctively moved to cover herself, fingers clutching at the fabric of the shirt as if it could somehow shield her from the horrors her mind was conjuring.

She tentatively shifted her position, half expecting to confirm her fears but felt no pain or discomfort between her legs. A small relief that suggested she hadn't been violated in that manner. Still, the thought that someone had undressed her and seen the intimate details of her body, including the stitches from her recent surgery, left her feeling violated and exposed in a different way.

Serena drew in the masculine scent that permeated the air, a tantalizing blend of spice and musk that seemed to cling to the fabric of the shirt she wore.

Despite her discomfort and the panic still coursing through her veins, she found the aroma strangely alluring, stirring something deep within her that she couldn't quite identify.

It was a scent that spoke of power and danger but also of a primal, intoxicating masculinity that made her mouth go dry.

Serena pushed herself up into a seated position and her panic resurfaced.

Whoever had changed her clothes had undoubtedly seen the stitches that marred the delicate flesh between her thighs, a deeply personal and intimate detail that left her feeling vulnerable and exposed in a way that went beyond mere nudity.

'Who was it? Was it him who cleaned me up? What does he think of me now?' Serena pondered internally.

She swung her legs over the side of the bed and stood on shaky legs, her bare feet sinking into the cold marble floor.

She took a moment to steady herself while her eyes darted around nervously as if expecting an attack from any corner.

Her gaze was immediately drawn to the massive walk-in closet, its doors standing open in silent invitation.

Serena moved toward it and was greeted by a sight that left her momentarily breathless the second she stepped inside. One side of the closet was dedicated entirely to men's clothing. Rows upon rows of immaculately tailored suits, neatly ironed shirts, and accessories… all meticulously organized and arranged with a level of precision that spoke of obsessive attention to detail.

"These must be his clothes," she murmured, running her fingers along the sleeves of a perfectly pressed suit.

The other side, however, was a veritable treasure trove of women's clothing, each piece seemingly chosen with her in mind. Dresses, blouses, skirts, and pants in a dizzying array of colors and styles filled the racks, their fabrics welcoming her silently as she ran her fingers along them in awe. Every item appeared to be her exact size as if the closet had been curated specifically for her.

'I suppose I’ve been brought to my mysterious husband's house. At least he doesn't seem to be a fat-bellied man judging by the size of his clothes. And he appears to be obsessed with cleanliness.' she breathed as she pulled a silky blouse from the rack and held it against her body, marveling at the perfect fit.

An increasing sensation of unease overcame Serena as she continued to explore the suite. The level of detail and personalization in this room was unsettling, suggesting a great deal of knowledge and preparation that sent a shiver down her spine.

Just who was her new husband, and what did he want from her?

The abrupt sound of a door opening behind her broke the tight calm that had descended on the room.

Serena’s heart almost leaped into her throat.

She whirled around, clutching the silky blouse tightly to her chest as if the flimsy fabric could somehow shield her from whatever threat had just invaded her space.

A serious-looking woman stood in the doorway. Her blond hair pulled back into a tight bun that seemed to accentuate the harsh lines of her face.

Her expression was one of disdain as she regarded Serena with narrowed eyes, and her lips were pressed into a thin, disapproving line.

Her hands were folded primly in front of her. She was wearing a clean, white and black maid's uniform.

"You're awake," the woman said in a tone clipped and devoid of warmth or emotion. "The third master has requested your presence at dinner. You'll find suitable attire in the closet."

She turned on her heel, clearly expecting Serena to follow without question or hesitation.

"Wait!" Serena called out with a tinge of desperation as she hurried after the retreating maid. "Where am I? And who changed my clothes?"

The maid paused, turning to fix Serena with a withering glare that made her feel like a scolded child. "You're in the master's home, and that's all you need to know," she snapped, her tone brooking no argument. "As for your clothes, I handled that myself. You were in no fit state to do it yourself."

Serena flushed, her cheeks burning with embarrassment at the thought of this stern, judgmental woman seeing her in such a vulnerable state. "I see..." she murmured, her gaze dropping to the floor as a wave of shame washed over her.

The maid's expression worsened. "Don't go getting any ideas, missy. Just because the master saw fit to bring you into this household doesn't mean you'll ever be its mistress. You're just a passing fancy, a plaything to be discarded when he tires of you." she warned in a voice low and laced with contempt.

Serena's head snapped up. This was indeed her mysterious husband's home.

A wave of conflicting emotions washed over Serena; fear, confusion, and a strange sense of relief at finally having some answers, however unsettling they might be.

"Who is this your master? Why did he bring me here?" she asked.

The maid let out a derisive snort, her lip curling in disdain as she regarded Serena with open hatred. "As if I would know the mind of the master," she scoffed. "Enough questions no. Get yourself dressed and come down to the dining room. It's unwise to keep any of the master’s waiting."

With that, the maid turned on her heel and swept out of the room, leaving Serena standing there with furrowed brows. That maid obviously disliked her, but that wasn't her problem. It would be best if the maid stayed away from her. Otherwise, this home couldn't accommodate both of them because she was no pushover.

She glanced down at the blouse in her hands, suddenly acutely aware of her state of undress.

“I guess it’s time to have some answers,” Serena muttered. She took a steadying breath, trying to quell her disorganized thoughts before making her way back to the closet.

Her fingers trembled slightly as she sorted through the racks of clothing until she found a simple yet elegant knee-length dress in a deep shade of emerald green.

Serena slipped the dress over her head, marveling at how perfectly it hugged her curves as if it had been tailored specifically for her body.

She smoothed her hands over the soft fabric for a few seconds.

Serena took a deep breath to calm her anxieties before exiting the bedroom and entering the corridor, where a maid was waiting for her.