Chapter 4 Beginning of his obsession

.

Jenny stares in horror as Julius shakes his hand once, examining it as if he hadn't been the one to inflict the blow. The large ruby family ring on his third finger sits askew, and he adjusts it as they pull into the driveway. Her fingers glide over the burning welt on her cheek, the imprint of the ring still fresh and painful.

Julius doesn't look at her as they approach the front gate of the house, his jaw clenching tightly. Despite all the times he had yelled at her or hurt others, it had never crossed her mind that she might someday be on the receiving end of his violence. She cups her palm over her cheek, already feeling the swelling begin. The welt and the quickly forming bruise will undoubtedly be visible to anyone who sees her upon entering, and if they notice the ring's mark, discerning the identity of her attacker will be all too easy.

The looming gate ahead—an imposing forty-foot structure of wrought iron featuring the family crest in the center—feels like a prison door to Jenny. It's the very symbol that now throbs against her skin, branding her like livestock, reminding her that she is regarded as an object rather than a member of the family.

For a paralyzing moment, she grapples with the impulse to flee from the car and scream for help versus the instinct to remain still, hoping to avoid further punishment from Julius. When they reach the gate, he turns off the ignition, and they are forced to wait for Richard and the rest of the security team to catch up. Once Richard arrives and confirms their presence to the security team inside, the gate will open, allowing them to pass through.

They sit in silence, the thick cover of trees casting shadows over the vehicle despite the bright sun overhead. Although she is the one hurt, Julius's breathing is loud and heavy as he focuses intently on the steering wheel, his chest rising and falling dramatically under his blazer.

"You tell nobody," he says, his tone eerily calm, laced with a chilling finality. It's as if there was never an alternative, as if this scenario has only one conclusion. Without turning to her, he presses on, "Not Father, not Mother, not sister. And none of the staff are to hear of this. Do you understand?"

Despite herself, Jenny finds her head nodding beneath her palm. Julius then turns to her, his face unusually serious and sincere, and for a fleeting moment, she imagines it was someone else who had hurt her, someone else who had dragged her away from Kevin and Richard.

"You keep this to yourself," he says, a soft smile gracing his lips. He reaches out, curling a tendril of her hair around his finger. A voice in her head urges her to jerk away, reminding her of the blood on his hands and the sting of the ring on her cheek, yet she remains paralyzed. His fingers brush against her uninjured cheek, and she notices how soft and cold his skin feels. "We wouldn't want anyone in the family thinking you got yourself into trouble."

Just then, Richard's car rolls up behind them, and through the rearview mirror, Jenny watches as he speaks into the microphone on his lapel. She notices Richard's gaze fixate on Julius' hand twisted in her hair as the gate slowly creaks open, granting them passage through the threshold.

.....

The moment they arrived home, Julius dragged Jenny up to her room. She was too stunned to resist him. While he had always been possessive and cruel, today had reached a terrifying new level. Once they reached her room, he shoved her inside.

His grip on her shoulders was so tight that she feared he might break the skin. "You," he breathed harshly, "are going to stay in here until dinner." Her eyes were wide as they met his. She wanted to scream and fight back but couldn't bring herself to do so. Instead, she nodded compliantly, hoping it would appease him. He gave her a rough shake before releasing her.

"I don't understand why my father brought someone like you into our family. If you tell anyone about this, there will be consequences," he declared, turning to leave. Pausing at the door, he added, "Especially your little bodyguard." With that, he slammed the door behind him.

For a moment, Jenny stood still, then everything hit her at once. Tears began to flow as she stumbled over to her bed, burying her face into the soft pillows that muffled her cries. Despite their comfort, they brought little relief as she tried to process the day's events. So lost was she in her turmoil that she almost didn't notice the footsteps outside her door.

Panic set in, fearing Julius might have heard her sobs. But the footsteps stopped just outside her door—it was Richard, returning to perform his duties. Relief washed over her, but it was short-lived as another set of footsteps joined him.

"You are to patrol the grounds," Julius stated, and she heard a shuffle.

"My job is to protect Jenny," Richard's deep voice replied.

"Your job is to protect the Roth Dreher family," Julius snapped. "Not to follow my sister around like a lost puppy. Jenny doesn't need you now, anyway."

Richard did not respond. Jenny imagined the tense standoff between the two men, both trained and deadly in their own ways. However, one held more power in this situation than the other.

"Yes, sir," Richard finally conceded.

Jenny heard both men leave, and their interaction made her feel even worse. She stayed in her room as instructed. Eventually, her sobs subsided to sniffles and faded completely. She spent the remaining time trying to make herself presentable for dinner. She worked on reducing the puffiness under her eyes and reapplying makeup. Noticing the bruise beginning to form on her cheek, she cringed and tried to conceal it with a peach color corrector and foundation, hoping it wouldn't be too noticeable.

Before long, the dinner bell rang. Gathering her courage, Jenny headed to the dining hall where her family gathered. Her mother and father were already seated, smiling and talking with a seemingly calm Julius. Jessica appeared attentive to the conversation. Jenny slipped into her seat beside her, longing for the comfort of her room. The crystal chandelier was blindingly bright, and the usual smooth satin cushion felt rough and uncomfortable. Her mother glanced at her.

"Hello, sweetie, how was your day today?" she asked.

"It was okay," Jenny lied. Her father turned his attention to her as well.

"That's good, dear," her mother replied with a smile. Jenny smiled back. Julius and Jessica said nothing.

"Let's eat," her father announced, clapping his hands. Two staff members entered, placing platters of food on the table—roasted chicken, seasoned mashed potatoes, and Caesar salad. The waiters served her parents first, then Julius and Jessica. Her plate was given last, following the household hierarchy, before the conversation resumed.

Her father discussed his latest business ventures and political matters, while the family feigned interest. Most of the family, that is. Julius appeared genuinely attentive, knowing it would all be his one day.

Jenny listened half-heartedly, pushing her food around her plate. Her mother noticed her unusual behavior.

"Jenny, are you not happy with dinner tonight?" she asked, concerned.

"No, it tastes delicious. I'm just thinking about all the homework I have tonight," Jenny replied, letting another lie roll smoothly off her tongue. Jessica groaned at the mention of homework; she was never the studious type.

"Sweetheart, what is that on your cheek?" her mother suddenly asked.