Chapter 8 The favorite one

Richard smiled, and Jenny lowered her gaze, pleased by his reaction. He fetched another ice pack from the kit, activated it, and leaned in to gently press it against her neck. She caught the familiar scents of his shampoo, the detergent on his clothes, and the outdoors clinging to him from his long patrol.

"It's frustrating," Richard admitted after a moment of silence, lightly brushing the backs of his fingers over the bruises on her neck. "I can't protect you from him. Eduardo defends his son blindly, ignoring the truth right in front of him."

Richard paused, his eyes tracing from the top of her head to the collarbone, where the bruises from Julius began to fade. Jenny felt a momentary relief that he had only harmed a small part of her, knowing it could have been much worse.

"I can't fathom how a father could see these injuries and not suspect the person responsible. Not seek the truth, no matter the cost."

"Well," Jenny murmured softly, "Julius is more Eduardo's son than I'll ever be his daughter."

A hint of sadness flickered in Richard's eyes before he smiled. "Ah, yes, but you will always be more of Sharon's daughter than Julius is her son. She claims to love everyone equally, but I've seen her soft spot for you—the daughter she chose."

Battling tears, Jenny felt overwhelmed by the day's events and Richard's kindness that stirred a rush of emotion.

"Thank you," she whispered as he removed the ice packs from her neck and cheek. He returned to the kit briefly, producing aloe vera. With gentle swipes of his thumbs, he applied it to her skin. Jenny closed her eyes, wishing the comforting touch could last longer.

"Come on now," he said, after tidying up the kit. "Time for bed."

Jenny felt a childish urge to protest, yearning to escape to the garden or anywhere but her bed, reluctant to bid him good night. Yet, Richard had already begun guiding her to the bed, pulling back the heavy curtains and tying them neatly.

She slipped under the covers, and Richard helped loosen them at the foot so they didn't constrict her feet. She wanted to thank him again, but words failed her when she looked at him.

"Stay," she said instead, her voice almost a plea. "Please."

Richard paused, looking up at her from the foot of the bed, one hand on the bed frame, the other resting on her shin. She sensed the warmth of his hand through the thick duvet.

"Okay," he agreed, much to her relief. "But only until you fall asleep. If someone were to find me here with you—"

Richard looked away, tension evident in his jaw. Jenny sat up slightly, pulling the covers back to create space beside her. When he turned back, his eyes landed on her hand, gently patting the bare sheets invitingly.

"No one will know," Jenny assured with a soft smile. "You'll leave once I'm asleep. Besides, where better to keep me safe than right here by my side?"

Richard hesitated briefly before moving to the other side of the bed. He swiftly slipped off his boots and leather jacket, then settled in beside her. Despite having been outside all night, his body radiated warmth, and the scent of roses enveloped Jenny as he pulled the duvet back over them.

Jenny rested her head on his chest, feeling his hand tentatively rest on the small of her back. Ignoring the flutter in her stomach, she took deep breaths, determined to stay awake as long as possible.

"Don't leave," she murmured into the fabric of his shirt. Moments later, or perhaps as she drifted into dreams, Richard placed a gentle kiss on her forehead.

"I won't," he promised, his words soothing her as she slipped into sleep.

......

Jenny's room had become her refuge. If she wasn't at school, she was there. She no longer shared breakfast with her siblings, choosing instead to have it delivered to her, enjoying it in her silken pajamas under the warmth of her down comforter.

After breakfast, she prepared for the day, opting for longer skirts and more conservative tops. While still favoring pale colors that complemented her fair skin, she ensured they covered more. Light makeup became her routine: a touch of mascara to highlight her pale blue eyes, a hint of blush for a healthy glow, and some lip gloss to prevent chapping, maintaining the family's image.

Richard drove her to school separately from Jessica and Julius. Arriving much earlier than them, Jenny sat in her classroom waiting for the day to begin. Though it was boring, the solitude offered a reprieve from Julius's scrutiny.

At school, people tended to avoid Jenny, which didn't bother her. In fact, it made it easier to steer clear of anyone Julius might consider "bad" company. She walked the sterile halls, her heels echoing on the tiles—it was better this way.

During lunch, Jenny sat with Jessica and her friends, who didn't seem to mind her presence as long as she remained quiet, listening to their mostly gossip-filled conversations.

"Oh my god, did you see Tomas today?" one of them exclaimed.

"No, what? Does he look gross or something?"

"Worse, he looks like he's trying so hard." A gasp went up around the table.

"No way! He just dumped Lucy, and he has the nerve to try and look hot?"

"You should have seen it! His hair was all gelled up, and he unbuttoned the first two buttons of his collar!" There were general murmurs of distaste.

"Well, you heard about their sex life. They were like rabbits. I bet he's looking for a new hookup!" And then everyone gasped again, angry at Tomas, plotting to ruin his reputation.

Jenny wished she could do something else or talk to people who shared her interests. But every time she considered it, she thought of Julius.

Somehow Julius was always nearby, surrounded by people. Today, a new girl clung to his arm, making Jenny seethe.

Julius glanced her way, smirking evilly, fully aware of her obedience to his every command. She could feel his eyes on her as she walked alone, isolating herself from everyone.

She despised him, hated how easily she bent to his will. There was a part of her that yearned to stand up to him, to expose his monstrous behavior to everyone.

Then she thought of Kevin.

The bell rang, and everyone headed to class. Jenny did too, by herself, as she was now forced to do.

As soon as school dismissed, she hurried home, always arriving before Jessica and Julius. She retreated to the blue walls of her room, staying there until dinner, and returning afterward, hoping each day that Julius wouldn't attack her again.