Troubled Love

CHAPTER THREE: THE DINNER

My body tensed.

"I'll eat by myself," I said firmly. "I'm too tired and need to rest."

"He insisted, sweetie."

"I don't care. I'm not going."

I walked down the hall, barely noticing where I was going, feeling drained and frustrated.

Mama Lulu quickly caught up, then moved ahead with a smile that said she knew exactly what was coming. "We’re here."

She opened the doors, and I stopped, I couldn't help but stare, I was stunned.

The room was breathe taking.

It felt like walking into a fairy tale. Soft carpet, a huge bed, and a chandelier that lit up the whole room, making it feel cozy and fancy. It was nothing like the life I knew.

I gasped. "Wow, Mama Lulu… this is amazing."

She smiled. "I thought you’d like it."

Before I could take it all in, she clapped her hands. "Let’s get you out of those clothes. You must be uncomfortable."

I laughed a little. "Finally."

She helped me out of my gown, and I sighed with relief when the heavy fabric hit the floor.

Mama Lulu had already laid out something comfy for me,just a tank top and shorts. I grabbed them and went to the bathroom.

The warm water felt so good, washing away the stress of the day. As I stood under the shower, my mind wandered. What was life going to be like here? Would Mr. Grey ever change? Would his family ever accept me?

I sighed and pushed those thoughts aside as I finished up and got dressed. The clothes fit me perfectly, like they were made just for me. Just as I was adjusting my top, I heard a knock at the door.

Jennifer came in, bringing River and Drew with her.

"My babies!"

I dropped to my knees and hugged them tight. Their little hands clung to me, and I kissed their soft cheeks, taking in their familiar scent. I hadn’t seen them all day, and holding them felt like everything was finally okay again.

Jennifer hesitated before speaking. “Ma’am, I’ve already prepared your outfit for dinner with Mr. Grey.”

My expression hardened. “I’m not going.”

“But Mr. Grey insisted,” she tried again.

“I said no. I’ll eat alone.”

Jennifer turned to Mama Lulu for help. “Please, talk to her. I’ll be in trouble if she isn’t ready.”

"Mama Lulu sighed and placed her hand on my arm. 'I know you're obviously mad, but,'

'My name is Lisa,’ I interrupted, standing my ground.“Not ‘ma’am’ or ‘child.’ And right now, I’d like some private time with my kids.”

The room fell silent. Mama Lulu looked momentarily surprised but nodded.She carefully led Jennifer out and closed the door behind her.

Now, it was just me and my kids.

I pulled them in close, hugging them tightly. This was all that really mattered.

Then, suddenly, the door slowly creaked open.

Annoyance flared within me. I held River and Drew closer, keeping them tight against me. “I told you i needed some alone time with my kids,” I said coldly, not even bothering to look up.

Silence.

Then suddenly, two little voices shouted together.

“Daddy!”

I stiffened.

Slowly, I looked up.

Mr. Grey stood by the doorway, his eyes met mine. The room instantly felt tense and heavy, as if his presence alone had pulled all the happiness out of the air.

The moment River and Drew saw him, they squirmed in my arms, eager to break free.

“Daddy!” River’s voice rang out, pure excitement lighting up her small face.

Drew followed closely, and both kids rushed to him with huge smiles. It made my chest ache.

Mr. Grey knelt down with open arms. They rushed into his hug, giggling as he pulled them closer. He kissed their foreheads like they meant the world to him.

“My sweet, precious ones,” he said softly.

It made me sick.

He was playing the role of a loving dad perfectly,so gentle and caring. But I knew what he really was: a monster trying to break me.

And yet, my kids loved him.

I tightened my fists and stayed still. I knew why he was here. I was ready.

He looked at me, his face serious. “Why did you turn down my request?” he asked.

His request.

I knew exactly what he meant. Dinner. A simple meal, yet with him, nothing was ever simple.

I stood up straight and said firmly, “It's my decision to make, not yours.”

His expression shifted slightly. “Let’s not create a scene in front of the kids,” he said calmly, though I could tell he was holding back. He ran his fingers through Drew’s hair like everything was fine, but it only made me feel worse.

I swallowed hard and turned to Mama Lulu. “Take them to their nursery to play.”

She stepped forward quickly, nodding as she took their small hands. “Come, little ones.”

River and Drew glanced back and forth between the two of us, clearly confused, but after one last look at their dad, they let Mama Lulu lead them away.

Mr. Grey kept his cool, watching them until they disappeared down the hall. Then he turned back to me.

A slight grin appeared on his face. His voice was low and calm. “I thought I made it clear,whatever I say goes. No one questions me.”

I stood my ground and refused to back down. “Then why did you ignore what I asked for?”

I laughed bitterly. “Why should I sit down for dinner with someone who treats me like I don’t matter?”

His smile vanished. The warmth he’d shown the kids was gone in an instant, replaced by something cold and dark.

“I’ll treat you however it pleases me,” he said. “Because you're mine now.”

He stepped closer, until we were just a heartbeat apart. My breath caught when he gently moved a piece of hair behind my ear. His touch was soft,but I knew better than to trust it.

He ran his fingers through my hair, then suddenly grabbed a handful and pulled my head back, making me look at him,I gasped and grabbed his wrist, but he didn’t let go.

His face was right up against mine, and he stared at me while pressing me against the wall. He touched my cheek, his fingers trailing down and brushing against my trembling lips.

“I thought I made myself clear about accidents not happening again,” he said quietly.

A chill ran down my spine.

“Then why do I have to repeat myself?” he asked, and his hand tightened around my neck.

I gasped, trying to pull his hand away as I struggled to breathe.

He leaned in close and whispered in my ear, “Don’t ever say no to me.”

Then, just like that, he let go.

I collapsed to the floor, coughing and struggling to breathe. I held my throat, trying to catch my breath.

He straightened his sleeves, turned to the door without looking back at me, then called out:

“Samantha, if she doesn’t eat with me, she doesn't eat at all”.

"Panic bloomed inside me. I got up, hurried to the door, and slammed it shut behind him. My back leaned against the door, shaking as everything hit me at once.”

“Tears streamed down my face; I couldn't hold them in any longer. I slowly sank to the floor and curled up into a ball."

I had no power here.

And he knew it.

***

"Lisa! Lisa!" Mama Lulu's voice called out, sending me back to reality.

I turned to see her standing by the counter, her warm eyes watching me. "What do you want to prepare for the kids?" she asked.

"River wants a peanut butter sandwich, while Drew insists on having jam with bread," I replied, wiping the last plate before placing it neatly on the rack.

"Check the third cabinet. The jam and peanut butter should be there. I'm getting the bread ready."

I opened the cabinet and pulled out the peanut butter along with a jar of raspberry jam.

"Raspberry jam? Nice pick."

I smiled faintly. "Yeah, Drew loves raspberry so much."

I grabbed two slices of bread while Mama Lulu helped open the peanut butter jar. Scooping a generous amount, I spread it evenly onto one slice, pressing gently to ensure a smooth layer.

"You look troubled, child," she murmured, her voice filled with concern.

I forced a smile. "I'm fine."

She didn't buy it. "You know you can always talk to me."

A sigh escaped me. "It's just...that I'm overwhelmed this was not the life I dreamed off and the Greys are making matter worse I'm just enduring for my kids I worry about their future."

Mama Lulu placed a reassuring hand on mine. "I know, child. Nothing comes easy, but you have to be strong for your children. They need you. And I'm also here for you too."

She pulled me into a warm hug, and for a moment, I let myself lean into the comfort she offered. Then, pulling away, she helped with the raspberry sandwich, her presence a quiet source of strength.

Mama Lulu had been with the Greys for years. She was one of the few people I could trust. With her around, I felt a little safer from Rita’s cruelty.

***

"The red dress was his pick," Jennifer said, holding up the gown as I sat at the vanity.

I frowned, my fingers hesitating as I traced the fabric. "Mr. Grey's favorite color is red," she added, helping me prepare.

I stared at the dress, conflicted. The boldness of it, the way it screamed attention, it wasn’t me. It felt like a statement, a claim. Did he want to show me off or remind me of my place? The thought unsettled me.

"Wow. The dress is stunning," I murmured, my voice lacking enthusiasm.

Just then, my phone lit up with a new message.

Don't trust anyone at the event tonight especially him.