CHAPTER IV

I blame the silk sheets and the plump cushions. For the first time in a while I had a dreamless night. I was usually assaulted by nightmares in my sleep. Granted I forget about them in a day, there’s a gaping fatigue that accompanies me in my daily life. It’s ironic that I felt more rested here in an unknown place than in my own home.

Home. 

Was my father waiting for me at home? Did he stay up late thinking that I’ll be back and just went to clear my mind? Or had he already called the police and they’re looking for me now? The pain in my gut ached at the way I left things between him and me. How could I have known that I’ll be kidnapped right after? If I had, I wouldn’t have left his side and would have continued to be his perfect little daughter, never doubting his words.

Would it have been better? All I wanted was to get to know my dad a little more. Now, I’ve been told that he offered me as payment to marry this devious man for some shady debt. If I stopped to actually think about it, it somehow explained why my father was the way he was.

Stop. If I’m not careful I could easily play into my abductor’s game.

I was getting a little too comfortable in this place.

I got out of the bed and drew the curtains to the side. The sun was already high up in the sky. I could spot the guards he was talking about last night who patrol the grounds twenty-four-seven. 

What does he do exactly?

Well, he said he’d explain so maybe he’s already waiting downstairs. I padded towards his walk-in closet and browsed for some decent clothes. Surprisingly, it was divided into his and hers. Most of the women's clothing was just about my size. My stomach clenched. This kidnapping seemed more calculated than I originally thought. Has he been watching me before he took the chance to whisk me away? 

I shrugged off the shudders that ran down my spine and freshened up. None of the clothes here match my style. I was just realizing that as I searched in vain for some t-shirts and sweatpants. I couldn’t help but roll my eyes as I was left to settle for a white casual dress with sleeves which in my opinion, still seemed excessive for a daily wear. I snooped around for a while, hoping for a chance that he might be stupid and left a phone or any gadgets that could aid me help from outside lying around. 

Of course, he’s not going to make it easy for me.

Carefully, I opened the door while I gathered my wits about me. That soon went out the window as I took in the grand high-ceilinged living room. Everything looked so sleek and brand-new. Despite the minimalist design, I suddenly felt underdressed. 

“Good morning, miss.” 

I jumped at the sound of a woman’s voice. She was standing by the staircase appearing as if she just materialized out of thin air.

“G-good morning.”

“This way, miss.”

I followed her down the wide staircase, my head still trying to grasp everything that has happened so far. It felt like it has been weeks but it hasn’t even been a day. The house was a maze of doors and hallways and I gawked around with a mixture of awe and uneasiness. 

We ended up in the kitchen where she began preparing my breakfast on the glistening marble countertops. I took my seat gingerly, unsure of what to do. Her presence was a surprise but was a comfort, knowing I wasn’t the only female in this house surrounded by men. Although, one look on her stoic face, I know she wouldn’t empathize with my situation.

“Were you the one who changed my clothes last night?” 

“Yes, miss. As per Mr. Romano’s orders.”

I felt my muscles loosened as one of my worries had been lifted off my shoulders. I got distracted as she began placing platters of egg, bread, and pancakes in front of me. The delicious aroma sent my stomach grumbling.

“Thanks…”

“You can call me Annalise, miss.”

“Well then, please just call me Lucy.”

“I’m afraid I can’t do that, miss.”

I frowned, being served breakfast when I could do it myself was weird enough. I didn’t want to be called miss on top of that, especially by a woman old enough to be my mother. “Why not?”

“Would you like some coffee, miss?”

My lips pursed but I shook my head. “I can take it from here. Thank you.” 

Silence engulfed us as she remained standing by the side like a robot. Her pay must have been generous to be able to stand still like that.

I picked up my utensils and started on the eggs. “Where is he?”

“He already went out, miss.”

My fork hovered over my plate. “Where?”

“He didn’t say, miss.”

My frown deepened. This was not what we talked about last night.

“What exactly does he do?”

There was a pause before she answered. “He’s a businessman.” She fidgeted and leaned towards the door. “Is there anything else you need, miss?”

“What's his first name?”

“Dante, miss.”

“Dante…” I tested the name on my lips, wondering if I ever heard his name from my father.

She excused herself and left without another word. I finished breakfast and cleaned up. I didn’t waste any more time and got started on searching for an escape route. Annalise was nowhere to be seen so I was left alone on my tour of the house. However, it didn’t take long. The house may be big but all of the rooms were locked except for the gym, library, and the guest room which must be where he slept last night. There were also no back doors and the windows weren't the kind which I could snuck out from. They were also bulletproof. A fact backed by my bruising elbows. 

I was bored out of my mind. There was a flat TV screen mounted on the wall but I’ll be damned if I’ll just sit here and watch like a good little girl he expected me to be.

I heard a beep from the front door and I jumped out from the couch, jogging towards the foyer but it was just Annalise. She brought a pack of black hair dye and told me to get started now as per Mr. Romano’s orders. Before she could offer to help, I interrupted her.

“I know how to do it by myself.” I moved past her and gripped the doorknob. “I’ll just take a quick walk out-”

The doorknob didn’t budge.

Annalise pushed me gently away from the door and put herself between me and my freedom. “Mr. Romano said you’re not to go outside the house.”

“One guard can come with me.”

“Please wait until Mr. Romano comes home.”

That’s it.

I wasn't even married to him and yet, he’s already caging me in. If this was what marriage looked like with him, it’s no wonder he had to force someone to be with him. Even his money and great looks couldn't save him from the single life.

Well, if he wanted to play the tyrannical husband, I could play the crazy wife just as well.