ZOE

CHAPTER 05

After lunch, she went to her room and sat on the bed. She wanted to sort everything out in her head — that she had confessed her love to Adam, that she was drawn to Mark, and how it would all probably turn out. But before she could even think, there was a knock on the door.

“Go ahead,” she invited.

Silence. No one came in.

Frowning, Zoe stood up and walked to the door. She didn’t even have time to look at who it was — someone struck her hard on the head.

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An hour later…

Zoe woke up in a room that was luxuriously furnished. She didn’t know where she was or how she got there. The only thing she remembered was the burning pain in her head.

She reached up and touched it — a lump. “Aaah…” she groaned. It hurt sharply beneath her fingers.

Then came another sound — knock, knock.

“Who’s there?” Zoe asked, her voice trembling.

The door opened. Standing there was her mother’s husband.

Oh my God, she thought. I just hope I’m not in their house. I couldn’t live under the same roof with him.

“Hello, Zoinka,” he greeted in a flattering tone.

“Good day,” she replied, annoyed.

Smack!

She hadn’t expected that — he slapped her!

“For what???” she gasped.

“If I greet you nicely, I expect the same from you — not something that sounds like a greeting only to the deaf,” he growled threateningly.

Zoe’s fear began to rise. If he slapped her for a simple greeting, what would he do next if she disobeyed him?

How could my mother marry someone like this?!

“Come on, I’m waiting for an answer,” he demanded again.

“H-hello,” she said shakily.

“Well, that’s better. But we’ll have to practice,” he sneered. “There are clothes in the closet. Choose something and change. Then I’ll take you to someone who’s really looking forward to seeing you.”

She wanted to tell him to get out, but she knew that wouldn’t be wise. So she forced herself to speak politely:

“Um… could you please wait outside? I’d like to change. I’d be embarrassed to have you here.”

He smirked. “Miss is learning good manners? That’s good. But you’ll need to learn a different kind of vocabulary — that’s manageable. All right, I’ll wait by the door. When you’re ready, knock, and I’ll come right in.”

His voice was strangely gentle — and that made it even worse. She had a bad feeling about all of it.

As soon as he left, Zoe rushed to the wardrobe and opened it. Inside were dresses made of expensive fabrics. She didn’t like any of them — too fancy, too strange. But at the very back, she found three simple yet beautiful dresses — one blue, one yellow, and one green. She chose the green one.

The wardrobe also had shelves of shoes and accessories. She picked a pair of green shoes that matched her dress. Then, she sat by the dressing table, brushed her hair, and left it loose.

Finally, she knocked on the door.

It opened immediately — Ivan was there.

“I see someone needs a few lessons in dressing. But what can you expect from your old father?” he mocked, snorting.

Zoe shot him an angry glare. She hated it when anyone — especially Ivan — insulted her father. He noticed but said nothing.

“Come on,” he ordered.

Zoe obeyed silently. They walked down the hall, turned right, and stopped at another door. Ivan knocked and entered, with Zoe following.

The room was elegantly decorated — luxurious, like everything else here.

“Welcome home, darling,” Ellen greeted.

“I’m not home here!” Zoe snapped. “My home is with my dad — not here!”

“From today, this is your home,” Ellen said, her voice calm but firm.

“So,” she continued, “I’ll tell you how things will work here. First, you will not be rude to me. Second, you will listen to me and Ivan. Third, you’ll have a maid who’ll explain everything you need to know. I’ll teach you how to behave in society, how to dress, how to apply makeup. Otherwise, you can move freely around the house.”

Zoe felt trapped, furious, speechless.

“Do you want to ask something?” Ellen’s voice softened, almost motherly. “Is something unclear?”

“Will I be able to visit Dad and Kristla?” Zoe asked quietly, her voice trembling. “Please — I need to see them.”

“You’ll stop seeing that friend — she’s not suitable for you. As for your father, you can visit him only if you behave,” Ellen replied smoothly.

“That’s not fair!” Zoe cried. “I need to see my dad — I love him! And what’s wrong with Kristla? Can’t I choose my own friends anymore? Do you want to control that too?!”

“Don’t use that tone with me, young lady!” Ellen barked.

“And as for your friends — yes, I’ll choose them,” she added with a cold smile.

Zoe stood frozen. In a single day, her mother had destroyed her world — taken her father, Kristla, and even Adam away from her. Anger filled her heart. She began to hate her.

“Go now,” Ellen said coldly. “Someone will come for you at dinner. Today you’ll stay in your room — I need to arrange a few things for your stay here. Do you want anything else?”

“Yes,” Zoe said bitterly. “I’d like to know who brought me here.”

“Of course,” Ellen replied, smiling. “You may show yourself now.”

She looked toward the empty space behind her — but it wasn’t empty.

A figure stepped out of the shadows.

When Zoe saw who it was, her knees nearly gave way.