Total pages in book: 140
Estimated words: 127933 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 640(@200wpm)___ 512(@250wpm)___ 426(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 127933 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 640(@200wpm)___ 512(@250wpm)___ 426(@300wpm)
"Mistress Lolita," he spoke softly, concern evident in his tone. "May I suggest we return inside for your breakfast?"
I nodded absently, my gaze lingering on the empty space where Alexander had stood moments ago. The lake beyond shimmered like a dark secret, it’s still waters reflecting the depth of my entrapment. The vast estate loomed behind me, sprawling across the land like a beast waiting to devour me whole. I turned back toward it, the towering silhouette casting long shadows across the ground.
The morning sun kissed my skin, but the chill in my heart remained, deeper than the warmth could reach—a coldness that came not from the air, but from the quiet understanding that I was so far from anything and anyone who would see me as I truly was.
Trapped.
CHAPTER THREE
I was guided to the dining room where a smaller, yet no less impressive spread of delicacies had been laid out. Ambrose, proving to be ever the attentive steward, pulled a chair out for me.
I murmured a quiet "thank you" as I took my seat.
A servitor—Tasia—entered right after, her movements graceful and silent. Her dark hair was pulled back neatly, accentuating the gentle contours of her face. She placed the usual pills and a smoothie before me, its hue a different shade from usual.
"Here you are, Mistress. This was specially prepared to help with your menstrual discomfort."
I thanked her and received a warm smile in return before she dipped her head and left the room. As soon as she vanished from view, I took a closer look at the smoothie. Its color was a rich, deep purple, like crushed velvet in a glass. Tiny flecks of red and blue swirled through it, creating an almost hypnotic pattern. It had clearly been carefully crafted—like a potion instead of a mere drink.
Ambrose, standing by with a watchful eye, reassured me, "That should hold you over for a few hours. If the discomfort becomes too much, inform me or one of your servitors.”
I would certainly not be going to him.
“I’ll use the intercoms if I need anything.”
“Excellent. You'll find them in various rooms throughout the house." He paused for a moment before adding, "Once you have finished your breakfast, you are free to explore the estate at your leisure, inside and out." He gave me a genial smile. “It’s been a pleasure to meet you. Enjoy your meal.”
I nodded, taking in his words, and only then realized I’d been clutching the key that entire time. I unfurled my fingers and stared at my hand. The imprint etched temporarily into my skin felt like a metaphor for Alexander. Just as the key had left its mark, so had he, in ways that were far more indelible. I looped the delicate chain tied to the key around my neck and then reached for the pills first.
I swallowed them with a sip of the smoothie. Its rich, velvety texture was smooth and cool, with a flavor that danced between sweet and tart. The taste of fresh berries mixed with a hint of something floral, left a refreshing aftertaste that soothed my senses.
I moved on to the food, picking at the array spread out before me. There were slices of fresh fruit, buttery pastries, and delicate slices of cured meat.
Each bite was a burst of flavor—juicy, sweet, savory, and rich. The pastries melted in my mouth, their flaky layers giving way to a soft, buttery center. The fruit was perfectly ripe, its natural sweetness complementing the richness of the other dishes.
Despite my initial reluctance, I found myself eating more than I had planned, the flavors and textures offering a welcome distraction from my troubled thoughts. The food, coupled with the smoothie, seemed to give me a bit of strength, a small semblance of normalcy when I ignored the fact a portion of this meal was meant to help me conceive. Once I was full, I set my utensils down and looked around the room. Ambrose had discreetly stepped away some time ago, giving me space.
I wiped my mouth with one of the cloth napkins before standing up, grasping the key once more. It would be foolish not to take this opportunity to explore. I started with the upper level.
The silence inside the house was broken only by a distant, beautifully haunting melody hummed by a servitor--I was grateful for it. While working at Millennium I’d grown accustomed to large luxurious spaces that were often empty since I never cleaned the rooms with guests inside. The stillness of the estate wasn’t like that. The more I saw the more I couldn’t believe this place was real. I discovered three lavishly appointed bathrooms, each equipped with laundry chutes, a practical touch. I stumbled upon a closet that was as large as the apartment I had once called home, its shelves stocked with neatly folded towels and linens.