From Duty To Desire

Chapter 2

The next morning, Brittany woke up to the sound of silence in the grand bedroom that was now her prison. The room was a stunning example of luxury, with walls adorned in gold and cream. The bed was a massive four-poster affair, with intricately carved posts and a canopy that seemed to stretch up to the ceiling. The bedding was crisp and white, with delicate lace trim that added a touch of femininity to the room.

As she sat, she noticed that the room was dimly lit, with heavy curtains blocking out most of the sunlight. She felt a sense of unease,as if she was trapped in a gilded cage. The room was decorated with exquisite taste, but it was also cold and impersonal,a reminder that she was living in a stranger's home.

Her night had been restless, with dreams of Ethan's scowling face and her own feelings of anger and resentment. She had tossed and turned, unable to shake off the feeling of being trapped in a loveless marriage. She had finally fallen asleep, only to wake up feeling exhausted and anxious.

As she threw off the covers, she noticed that her luggage was still unpacked. But the reality was that this was now her home,at least for the foreseeable future. The thought made her shudder. There was a door that led to a private balcony,where she could see the stunning gardens below. But even the beauty of the gardens couldn't lift her spirits. She felt like a prisoner, trapped in a marriage she didn't want, with a man who hated her.

As she got out of bed, she noticed a note on the bedside table. It was from Amanda, the housekeeper, informing her that breakfast would be served in the dining room at 8am. Brittany sighed and began to get ready, wondering what other horrors the day might bring.

She began to get dressed, choosing a pair of dark wash jeans and a crisp white blouse. She paired the outfit with a pair of comfortable loafers, deciding that high heels were not necessary for a day spent around the house.

The dining room was a grand space with a long,formal table that seated at least twenty people. Brittany took her seat at the far end of the table, trying to put as much distance between herself and Ethan as possible.

Amanda began to serve breakfast, and the tension in the room was palpable. Brittany and Ethan didn't speak, their hatred for each other hanging in the air like a thick fog. The food was a lavish spread of eggs,bacon, sausage, pancakes,and fruit. Brittany picked at her plate,her appetite suppressed by the tension.

Ethan,on the other hand,ate with gusto, his eyes fixed on his plate as if trying to avoid eye contact with Brittany. As they ate, the silence was oppressive,punctuated only by the sound of silverware scraping against plates.

Brittany fidgeted,her nerves stretched taut. She couldn't wait to get out of there,to escape the toxic atmosphere that seemed to suffocate her. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, breakfast was over. Ethan pushed back his chair and stood up, his eyes flicking towards Brittany with a look of disdain.

"I have work to attend to",he said gruffly, his tone implying that he couldn't bear to spend another moment in her company.

Brittany nodded,a sense of relief washing over her. She watched as Ethan strode out of the room, his broad shoulders and powerful build radiating an aura of menace. She pushed back her chair and stood up,her eyes scanning the room as if searching for an escape route.

Amanda appeared at her side,a gentle smile on her face."Would you like a tour of the mansion, Brittany?"she asked,her voice soft.

Brittany followed Amanda,her eyes taking in the grandeur of her new surroundings. She felt like a small fish in a big pond, overwhelmed by the sheer scale and luxury of the mansion. As they walked, Amanda pointed out various features of the house, from the formal ballroom to the informal living room. Brittany nodded and smiled, trying to take it all in.

"Amanda, this is all so overwhelming", Brittany said,her eyes wide with wonder."I've never seen anything like it".

"I know it's a lot to take in", Amanda replied, smiling."But you'll get used to it. Mr Ethan spared no expense when he built this place".

"I can see that", Brittany said, running her hand over the intricate carvings on the banister."It's like a work of art".

"Yes it is", Amanda agreed."But it's also a bit of a maze. You'll need to be careful not to get lost".

"I'll try to remember everything you're showing me", Brittany said,her brow furrowed in concentration.

"Don't worry if you don't", Amanda said with a laugh." It takes time to get used to the layout. Just ask for help if you need it".

Just then, the sound of footsteps echoed through the hallway, growing louder with each passing moment. Amanda's eyes flickered towards the door, and Brittany sensed a sudden tension in the air. Ethan strode into the room, his eyes fixed intently on Amanda.

"What's going on here?"he demanded, his voice low and menacing.

Amanda's eyes darted nervously towards Brittany."I was just showing her around the mansion,sir", she replied,her voice trembling slightly.

Ethan's gaze narrowed."I wasn't aware that a tour has been scheduled",he growled, his eyes boring into Amanda's."Did I not make it clear that Brittany........"

Amanda's face went pale."I thought it would be helpful,sir", she interrupted.

"You thought?", Ethan repeated, his voice dripping with disdain." You are not paid to think, Amanda.You are paid to follow instructions".

Brittany's temper flared,her patience wearing thin."Ethan, stop bullying Amanda",she said,her voice firm.

Ethan's gaze snapped towards Brittany, his eyes flashing with anger"And you",he snarled, his voice rising."You dare to question me? in my own home?"

Brittany stood her ground,her heart racing with fear."I won't let you bully Amanda or me", she said,her voice steady.

"How dare you!", Ethan thundered, his voice echoing off the walls."You'll do as I say!, you'll respect me and my rules!".

"I'm not your property, Ethan. I'm a person, with thoughts,and feelings and rights".

"You have no rights, Brittany. Only the rights I give you. And right now, you're trying my patience", Ethan's expression was cold.

With a fierce cry, Brittany stormed out of the room, leaving Ethan standing alone, his face purple with rage.