chapter four
670 Words
Zhenyi's gaze consumed Lyca.
"Tonight, you're mine," he whispered.
Lyca's heart raced, panic flooding her.
She had to survive.
The maids retreated, shutting the door behind them.
Lyca stood frozen, Zhenyi's approach sending chills down her spine.
His hands reached out for her.
Lyca's determination flared.
She wouldn't give in.
Not yet.
Zhenyi's lips brushed against hers.
Lyca turned her head, revulsion coursing through her.
"Afraid?" Zhenyi taunted.
Lyca met his gaze, defiance igniting within her.
"I'll never submit," she declared.
Zhenyi chuckled softly.
"Oh, you will."
His hands roamed, and Lyca struggled against his grip.
But Zhenyi's hold was firm.
Lyca's thoughts spiraled.
Escape felt impossible.
Zhenyi's control was stifling.
Tears threatened to spill from her eyes.
Father, where are you?
Why did you leave me?
Lyca's mind flickered back to happier moments.
Her father's warm smile.
His comforting embrace.
"Always protect yourself, Lyca," he had said.
But how?
Zhenyi's grip tightened further.
Lyca's focus snapped back to the nightmare unfolding before her.
She couldn't give up.
Not yet.
With renewed resolve, Lyca pushed against Zhenyi.
"Stop!" she shouted.
Zhenyi's eyes narrowed.
"You're mine now," he growled.
Lyca's desperation morphed into despair.
Was anyone coming for her?
Or was she truly alone?
As darkness closed in, Lyca's thoughts splintered.
Fear.
Panic.
Desperation.
Her father's face lingered in her mind.
A beacon of hope.
Or a cruel reminder of what she had lost?
Zhenyi's voice sliced through her thoughts.
"You'll learn to obey," he sneered.
Lyca's determination solidified.
She would survive.
And find a way out.
But for now, she was trapped.
Zhenyi's mercy.
Or lack of it.
Was her only hope.
The night dragged on, but Lyca's resolve never faltered.
Morning came, and Zhenyi still hadn't returned.
Lyca let out a sigh of relief.
A temporary reprieve.
The maids arrived, chattering quietly.
"Time to dress, Mistress," one of the maids said.
Lyca stood tall and confident.
"I won't need your help," she declared firmly.
The maids exchanged doubtful glances.
"Who does she think she is?" one of them whispered loudly.
Lyca chose to ignore their whispers.
With determination burning inside her, she dressed herself.
Downstairs, the maids lingered, their expressions icy.
"Breakfast, please," Lyca requested.
"Make it yourself," one maid shot back with a sneer.
Lyca's smile concealed her anger.
She needed to assert her authority.
"I'm Zhenyi's wife," she stated clearly.
"You're all lowborn. If you refuse to serve me breakfast, I'll tell him you plotted against him."
Her gentle smile masked the steel in her voice.
The maids' faces turned pale.
"Yes, Mistress," they replied in unison.
Hastily, they scrambled to prepare breakfast.
Lyca's moment of triumph was brief.
She understood that Zhenyi's return would bring new challenges.
But for now, she relished this small victory.
After breakfast, Lyca felt the urge to explore the house.
She needed to uncover every corner, every secret.
The maids observed her with wary eyes.
"Mistress, please be careful," one of them cautioned.
"Some areas are off-limits."
Lyca's curiosity was piqued.
"Which areas?" she inquired.
"Master Zhenyi's study," the maid responded.
Lyca mentally noted the forbidden territory.
She had to see what Zhenyi was hiding.
As she wandered, it dawned on her.
She wasn't allowed to leave the house.
Guards were stationed at every exit.
Her prison was gilded, yet still a cage.
Lyca's frustration mounted.
She sought distraction in the TV news.
The screen flickered to life.
And in an instant, her world shattered.
Her father's obituary flashed across the screen.
A sharp pang of grief pierced her heart.
But then, beside her father's image.
Her own obituary appeared.
Lyca's eyes widened in horror.
"What...?" she whispered.
Wait, am I going to die?
Zhenyi's words echoed in her head.
"You're mine now."
Did he plan to kill her?
Lyca's gaze was fixed on the TV.
The news anchor's voice droned on.
"...and in related news, Lyca, daughter of business magnate...
Reginald Lee, declared dead...
Heir to the Lee empire...
Now under the control of Zhenyi Corporation...
Following Lyca's tragic demise."
- Writer
