Wrongfully Yours

CHAPTER 11

“You look a mess, your skin is covered in dirt, and your hair is unkempt. I'm sure you’ve learned your lesson. The next time you try to act stupid, you’ll pay dearly for it.

“Is that the worst you can do, Bruce? I was anticipating something more deadly!

“Marose, please take this woman out of my sight before I strangle her with my bare hands.

Marose moved closer to Snow and supported her movement with her hand. They went upstairs, and Marose had already prepared a strawberry bubble bath for Snow.

“Are you trying to get yourself killed, Snow? I’ve told you never to speak whenever he talks to you.

“That is why people like Bruce think they are powerful and dominating because women keep quiet when they are abused by these men.

“Stop trying to be rebellious! You’ll only get yourself killed.

Marose continued to scrub Snow’s back from behind.

“You remind me so much of my mom; she used to bathe me in strawberry-scented gel every day, and she would sing me my favourite nursery rhyme.

“You must miss your mum.

"Yes, I do, she had a very lovely voice; she sang like an angel.

Snow was suddenly quiet for a few seconds as she played with the bubbles in the water. She was thinking about Luca; she wondered where he was and what he would be doing. Is he thinking about me too? Does he miss me as much as I miss him? Is he alright?

She was thinking about Luca, and it made her sad.

“Marose.

Snow called out in a low tone; her voice was so low that it sounded like a whisper.

“Yes, Snow. Do you want anything?

“Do you think Luca will come back anytime soon?

Marose stopped scrubbing Snow’s back and moved to her front.

“Snow, why do you care so much about Luca? Why do you keep asking after him?

“I just care about his well-being; that is all.

“Lies!! Your eyes and your body say otherwise. I saw everything in his room the other day.

Snow’s eyes widened; she felt a cold sensation down her spinal cord and as she fixed her gaze on Marose, she began to stutter.

“You mean you saw…

“Yes, I saw everything, child; you do not have to be embarrassed. You see, I've never seen Luca look at another woman since he broke up with his girlfriend years ago. I used to think he was gay because he never brought any woman home; he was not even talking to anyone; he was always reserved. But I see the way he looks at you, the way he touches you and the chemistry between you both. He even punched his friend in the face because he was admiring you.

“He did?

"Yes, snow, what you guys have is beautiful—two young people treading on dangerous ground. Love is a beautiful thing, Snow, but it can also consume you. If Bruce finds out that you are sleeping with his stepson, you’ll beg for the gift of death.

“How come you know so much about us, Marose?

“How do you think I've survived in this house full of killers for so many years? My ears are always on the ground. Your body is clean now; come, let me oil and massage your body.

Snow got out of the bubble bath and Marose cleaned her up and made her lay down for a massage.

“Why are you so nice to me, Marose?

“I’m just doing my job, snow. And besides, you remind me of my younger self. I used to date an abusive man who would beat me up and lock me up for days without food or water.

Marose suddenly massaged a spot on Snow's back and she groaned in pain.

“Did I hurt you?

“Not you, but I fell on my back when Bruce started hitting me the other day and that spot has been hurting me ever since.

“I’m sorry, I will be gentle.

Someone knocked on the door and Marose left Snow to go and check who was behind it. When the door opened, it was Ella, one of the girls who works under Marose.

“Yes, what do you want, Ella? Snow will not like to be disturbed at this very moment; she needs all the rest she can get.

“Mr. Bruce demands her presence right away.

“Did he tell you why?

“He didn't say but some men are downstairs discussing with Mr. Bruce; I think he wants Snow to join them for dinner because Mario is preparing something big.

“Alright, she will be down in a few minutes.

Marose headed back to where Snow was and sat beside her.

“Who was that?

“It was Ella; Mr. Bruce wants you to come downstairs.

“I’m not going anywhere; my body is aching; I need to rest.

“This is not the time to be rebellious Snow; if you want to survive in this house, you have to do everything Mr. Bruce asks of you, so get up like me and dress you; he has guests waiting for you downstairs.

"It's a good thing he has guests downstairs; at least they will see my red eyes and know how wicked Bruce is.

“You think they don't know that already? Mr. Bruce once killed one of his business associates because he tried to double-cross him. He was reported to the police but in less than 24 hours, no one heard about the situation again. He is too powerful. I won't allow you to go downstairs with your bare face. I'll cover the red circles with a full-coverage foundation. Get up and get started.

“What will I be wearing?

“I sense Mr. Bruce will be downstairs with his business partners so I need to make you look exceptionally beautiful. Mr. Bruce likes to showcase his women.

They went to Snow’s closet and Marose picked a chocolate satin racer front jumpsuit with wide legs and an open back. She picked brown-coloured sandal heels and started dressing Snow and she did light makeup. After she was done, she curled her hair and it covered one part of her face. Marose ended the makeover with Chanel COCO MADEMOISELLE EAU de perfume. Snow was looking and smelling glorious; she had picked up a very tiny purse.

“You look really beautiful.

“Thank you, Marose. How did you learn to do all of this? You seem to know everything.

“I don't know everything, Snow; I know a little bit about everything.

Snow smiled at her and headed downstairs to meet Bruce. She walked slowly so she wouldn't miss her steps. When Bruce saw her coming, he walked towards the staircase and gave her a hand as she came down. As usual, he put on a fake smile.

“Ladies and gentlemen, meet my wife, Snow. Isn't she beautiful?

Snow’s eyes met with those of her ex-boyfriend Jackson and her purse fell to the ground.