Canvas of Captivity

Chapter 4 The Top Floor

As Cedric's words pierce the heavy silence between us, I can't bring myself to meet his gaze. With a numbness that seems to permeate every fiber of my being, I simply follow him as he takes my hand and leads me to the awaiting navy blue Aston Martin. The drive to his house is a blur, the landscape passing by in a haze of detached indifference. When we finally arrive at our destination, my eyes sweep over the imposing skyscraper building before us. It exudes an aura of opulence and privilege, a testament to the wealth and power Cedric commands.

"We're here," Cedric announces, his voice tinged with a hint of satisfaction. "I have the entire top floor." I nod numbly, my mind still reeling from the whirlwind of emotions that have consumed me since the moment I met him. As we make our way towards the elevator, Cedric pauses, turning to address the men who accompanied us. "Men, you are dismissed. Your shifts are done," he declares, his words signaling the end of their duties for the day. With smiles of acquiescence, the men nod their understanding and depart, leaving Cedric and me alone in the luxurious confines of the skyscraper. And as we step into the elevator, ascending towards the pinnacle of Cedric's domain, I can't help but wonder what awaits me on the top floor of this gilded tower.

As the elevator doors slide open on the top floor of the skyscraper, I step out into Cedric's luxury apartment, my eyes widening in awe at the opulent surroundings that greet me. The spacious living area is bathed in soft, golden light, filtered through floor-to-ceiling windows that offer breathtaking views of the city skyline below. Plush, designer furnishings beckon invitingly, their sleek lines and sumptuous fabrics exuding an air of refined elegance. A grand chandelier hangs from the high ceiling, casting shimmering reflections across the polished marble floors below. Ornate works of art adorn the walls, their vibrant colors and intricate details adding a touch of sophistication to the space.

In one corner, a state-of-the-art entertainment system boasts a large flat-screen television and surround sound speakers, promising endless hours of leisure and relaxation. Nearby, a cozy fireplace crackles merrily, its warm glow casting a comforting ambiance throughout the room.

The kitchen is a chef's dream, equipped with top-of-the-line appliances and gleaming countertops. A sleek marble island serves as the centerpiece, offering ample space for culinary creations and casual dining alike. Every detail of Cedric's apartment speaks to his wealth and sophistication, a testament to his status as a member of the elite.

As Cedric leads me through the expansive apartment, my eyes catch sight of another hallway lined with doors, each one hinting at the secrets that lie beyond. But Cedric doesn't venture down that path, instead guiding me towards the master bedroom. As he swings open the door to the master bedroom, I'm greeted by a scene of grandeur and luxury. The room is vast, dominated by a magnificent bed adorned with opulent gold and navy blue bedding, inviting me to sink into its plush embrace. The sight of the lavish pillows beckons me closer, promising comfort and indulgence. Cedric gestures towards a door, indicating our private bathroom, and then points to another door, designating it as my closet. Beside it stands another door, ready to serve as his closet.

As Cedric retrieves a t-shirt from his closet and tosses it to me, his words hang heavy in the air, casting a shadow over the room. I catch the shirt with trembling hands, my heart sinking at the implications of his statement.

"Here, you can sleep in this," he says, his tone devoid of warmth or compassion. "And don't worry, we won't have s*x. I won't touch you. But know this—I am not going to wait forever for s*x, and I won't wait long. You are my wife, and you will do your wifely duties." His words send a shiver down my spine, a chilling reminder of the power he holds over me as my husband. Despite his assurance that he won't force himself on me, the underlying threat of his expectations hangs heavily in the air, a constant reminder of the precarious position I find myself in

.

As I step into the bathroom, the weight of Cedric's words still heavy on my mind, I can't help but feel a surge of panic at the realization that he has no idea about my virginity. At twenty-two years old, I've kept this secret hidden away, too focused on my passion for art to entertain thoughts of romantic entanglements.

In the past, when my family had money, there were suitors who sought my company, but I could always sense their ulterior motives, their desire for my wealth rather than genuine affection. And so, I buried myself in my art, finding solace and purpose in the strokes of my brush and the colors on my canvas. But now, as I stand on the precipice of a new chapter in my life, I can't help but feel a sense of vulnerability unlike anything I've experienced before. The thought of Cedric discovering my secret fills me with a sense of dread, knowing that he may see it as a challenge to be conquered rather than a boundary to be respected.

As I return to the bedroom, I find Cedric already settled in bed, his presence casting a shadow over the room. With a heavy heart, I climb into bed, making sure to keep my distance from him, as far away as possible. The weight of the day's events presses down on me, threatening to crush me beneath its burden.

As I lay my head on the pillow, tears begin to fall silently down my cheeks, betraying the turmoil that rages within me. I squeeze my eyes shut, willing myself to hold back the flood of emotions threatening to overwhelm me.

In the silence that follows, Cedric's voice breaks through the stillness, his concern evident in the softness of his tone. "Are you okay?" he asks, his words hanging in the air like a fragile thread connecting us.

But I cannot bring myself to respond, cannot find the words to articulate the storm of emotions that churn within me. Instead, I focus on the rhythmic rise and fall of my chest, the steady beat of my heart echoing in the darkness. Eventually, exhaustion overtakes me, pulling me into the embrace of sleep's sweet oblivion.