Wrongfully Yours

CHAPTER 10

“Try to eat a snack at least; you have refused to eat anything for days; your eyeballs are almost out of your socket because you’ve been crying nonstop; You look pale and sick, Snow.

“Marose, why would Bruce lock me up in this basement like I am an animal? How can he do this to me? He is so cruel and wicked.

“I told you not to do anything to upset him; why would you try to run away? Bruce has eyes and ears everywhere; he’ll have my head if he finds out I bring you water everyday.

“How long does he plan to keep me here? This place is so scary, Marose. I might not live if I spent one more night. Please get me out of here.

“I can't, Snow. Please eat something. I brought you pancakes; I made them specially for you.

“I don't want anything; I want to leave this stinking place. This place is filled with rats and tiny insets. I was on my toes all night.

“Do you want me to cook something else for you?

“No, but you can do something else for me.

“What do you want me to do for you?

“I need my phone; please help me get it.

“Mr. Bruce locked your phone in the top drawer in his chambers; I cannot access it.

“Let me have the pancakes. Snow collected the pancakes and started eating them. She took tiny bites at first, but when her taste buds adjusted to the sweet taste, she started taking large bites and in no time, she was done eating. She hasn't had anything for days since Bruce locked her up for trying to run away. If not for Marose sneaking to give her water daily, she wouldn't have survived the situation. When Bruce took Snow back from her father’s house, he ordered Mario’s boys to dump her into the basement after he was done hitting her. Snow’s eyes were red because of the slaps Bruce gave her.

“Should I get you painkillers, Snow?

“Yes, how long do you think Bruce intends to keep me here?

“Bruce is unpredictable, Snow, so I cannot tell, but do not upset him again once you leave here; I cannot afford to let another person die under my watch.

“Die? What are you talking about, Marose?

“Never mind, just drink your orange juice so it can boost your immunity.

“I don't know what I would have done without you, Marose; your children must be really proud to have you as their mother.

“I do not have any children, Snow; I have spent decades in this house. I dedicated my entire life to serving this family.

“Decades!!! You knew Luca’s mother?

“She was a very lovely woman. I was employed when they got married; she was still pregnant with Luca and I took care of her until she gave birth. You remind me so much of her—your nose shape and eye colour. The resemblance is uncanny.

“Luca said the same thing to me: What was the cause of her death? Was it a natural cause or something else?

They both hear Bruce’s car pull up in the driveway. It would be dangerous for Bruce to see her there with Snow because he specifically warned them not to give her food or water or even go near where she is.

“I have to go now, Snow.

Marose collected the juice park and disposable plates she used to package Snow’s food and just as she was about to walk away, Snow called her back.

“Marose, wait!!

She turned and looked at Snow.

“Thank you, Marose.

Marose didn't say a word; she just smiled in such a way that only the right side of her cheek was lifted. She turned and exited. She quickly threw the takeaway packs and stood by the dining room, where she had a clear view of Bruce and his bodyguards entering the mansion.

“Call me Mario quickly before I lose it!

Zack quickly rushed to the kitchen and called Mario. Zack is the second in command after Mario; he takes orders from Mario. Mario was serving Bruce as both a chef and his right-hand man. Mario is tall and macho; he is also as tall as Bruce; his arms are covered in tattoos; and he has a nose piercing where he put a tiny piece of a diamond ring. He came out of the kitchen alongside Zack.

“You sent for me, boss.

“Who hired those fools that accompanied Snow to the gallery a few days ago?

“I hired them, sir; they were the best men sent from Russia. I personally went through their files and they were ranked highly by their previous employers.

“If not for the fact that I've worked closely with you for years and know your cognitive ability, I would have called you a nitwit! The one time I allowed you to handle the recruiting process, you hired incompetent fools. How are they the best on their team when they cannot even handle a woman? Snow ran away under their watch. If they can't watch over a vulnerable woman, how do you expect me to entrust my safety to their hands? Those fools couldn't pour water out of a boot if there were instructions on the heels! What a dolt!

“I’m sorry about that, sir; it will never happen again.

“You know better than to allow it to happen again. I will roast your head on your favourite grill stove and send it to your family in Mexico. Now serve me my lunch before I lose it!

“Right away, sir.

“Marose!!

Marose rushed to where Bruce was and stood in front of him.

“Have you seen snow today, Marose?

"No, I haven't; you specifically warned me not to go anywhere near the basement.

“Good!! I just want to make sure you aren’t disobeying me.

“Sir, I think Snow has learned her lesson already; keeping her there for long is dangerous; she might die.

Bruce got exasperated and held Marose by the neck and her foot was lifted from the ground a little.

“Do you want to take her place? Do you want to replace her there?

In a shaky voice, Marose replied to Bruce; she was choking and almost out of breath.

"No Sir.

“Good!! Now, mind your business, hurry to the kitchen and make sure my food is served this instant.

“Yes sir.

Everyone was on the toe in the mansion; the atmosphere wasn't conducive and Bruce was blowing hot. The staff were on their best behaviour to avoid Bruce’s wrath.