Beneath the Mask

CHAPTER 4: THE RULES

Jennifer's point of view

I was sitting in the living room, looking out the window at the city, when Damien remarked, "I have a list." Below, the lights glowed like little stars. However, I couldn't get rid of the sensation that I was perched on an uncontrollable edge.

"A list?" I turned to him and inquired. I felt as though my voice was too small for this enormous space.

He took a piece of paper out of his pocket and nodded, a sneer on his lips. Yes, a set of guidelines. Rules you must abide by while you are here. I'll make it easy for you.

I arched an eyebrow. Easy? I was beginning to believe that nothing in this place was easy. I didn't say that, though. Rather, I crossed my arms and simply nodded. "All right."

Slowly, Damien unfurled the paper, his gaze darting over it as if he were going to make a major statement. "The first rule is to never, ever go near the west hallway," he stated in a quiet voice. Don't enter that room in particular. Recognize?

My stomach turned over. Once more, the west corridor. What did it contain? Why did he insist on this so much? I started to inquire, but he cut me off before I could finish.

He went on, disregarding my silence, "Rule two." "You must get my permission before leaving the penthouse. Never.

I blinked. "Hold on, what? Not even for groceries or something? With a hint of incredulity in my voice, I inquired.

He was not smiling. "No. Not even for that.

I looked at him, wondering whether he was kidding. I knew he wasn't, though. His eyes were calculating and cold. He spoke with sincerity.

Without even looking up from the page, Damien said, "Rule three." "You have to attend every dinner and function I throw. If you're exhausted, don't feel well, or just don't want to, it doesn't matter. You'll be there. Do you understand?

My gut twisted once again. "That's a lot of rules," I said. "Is there anything else?"

Damien took a while to respond. Rather, he slipped the folded paper inside the pocket of his jacket. He remarked, "There's always more." However, these are the fundamentals. As we proceed, we'll add more. I enjoy keeping you guessing.

I stood there for a while, taking it all in. I could just feel the penthouse walls closing in on me, and my chest felt constricted. How was I to adhere to all of these regulations? And if I didn't, what would happen? What would happen if I just shattered one?

However, I didn't inquire. Since I was aware. When I accepted this arrangement, I had already given up my independence.

He interrupted my train of thought by asking, "Do you have any questions?"

I took a deep breath. "What occurs if I violate a rule?"

A menacing expression crept into Damien's smile as his eyes glowed. "Let's just say that things won't work out for you." Although his tone was suave, it was obvious that he was threatening. "Jennifer, I am a patient man. However, my patience has its limitations as well.

I swallowed my dread and nodded. "I get it."

There was nothing more from him. Rather, he turned and made his way to the door. My heart was pounding in my chest as I watched him.

He stopped and glanced at me over his shoulder before he went. "Oh," he said nonchalantly, "and one more thing." After midnight, no one is allowed in the restroom. Additionally, don't even consider utilizing the library after hours. Believe me.

His eyes urged me not to ask why, even though I was about to. I said nothing. He gave a single nod, as if he had just imparted the most crucial information, and then walked out, softly clicking the door shut behind him.

Everything weighed down on me as I stood in the center of the room. The regulations were oppressive. I could no longer determine which way the surface was, and I felt as though I was drowning in a sea of them.

The room was so quiet that I just gazed at the door for a while. I felt as though I was in a jail, although one that seemed lovely from the outside. There was nowhere to go. There is no way to breathe if the rules are broken.

I went to the window and looked out at the city again. The lights remained, still glistening. However, they no longer felt as lovely. They served as a reminder of my sense of helplessness.

My reflection was looking back at me as I brushed my fingers on the chilly glass. I no longer recognized myself. Now, who was I? A lady who hardly knew the guy to whom she had given her soul? A woman who, after midnight, was unable to even use the restroom?

I felt a chill go through me.

What was behind the door was something I had to know. The corridor to the west. I couldn't get it off my mind. With each minute that went by, my interest became greater and stronger. Even though Damien had made it obvious that I shouldn't approach it, the temptation was still strong.

And the library was another. Why was it impossible for me to go at night? What made these locations so unique? What did he conceal?

The gentle ping of the elevator broke the silence. With my pulse thumping in my chest, I turned swiftly. Was Damien back already? Would he implement additional regulations?

However, Damien did not emerge when the elevator doors opened.

Mr. Weston was the one.

A beat skipped in my chest.

I went cold. Immediately, the tension in the room increased. He didn't look at me at first, but I felt cold as his eyes eventually locked with mine. His eyes were harsher and colder than Damien's.

He remained silent. He didn't have to.

Between us, the stillness lingered, thick and uneasy. However, I was unable to look away. There was something... dangerous about him. I also had the impression that I was standing on the brink of something, something mysterious and evil, the more I stared.

At last, he spoke in a silky, quiet voice. "I see you're still here."

Too afraid to say anything, I nodded.

His gaze never left me as he stepped closer. "Have you not been warned about me?"

The words caught in my throat as I swallowed hard. He asked as if he already knew the answer.

I was unable to lie.

"Yes," I muttered.

He gave me a grumpy smile. "All right. You must use caution. This location is not what it seems.

Without saying another word, he turned and walked by me.

I just stood there, motionless. By that, what did he mean? What did Damien fail to tell me?

I groped for my phone with trembling palms, grazing the glass with my fingers. I required clarification. I had to comprehend what was taking place here. What was in those doors?

Something drew my attention, though, as I was about to text Damien. A darkness at the corridor's edge.

I was being watched.