Chapter 8 The Man Behind the Mask
869 Words
Katherine listened, but irritation prickled beneath her skin. She glared at the woman. "Pretty? Really? If that's the case, go find me another ugly maid outfit to wear! I don't mind!"
The woman was left speechless, as if choking on her own words.
A sly grin curled on Katherine's lips. She had never met someone so unsophisticated and ridiculously thick-skinned. At her age, she dared to compare herself to a young lady like her? It was laughable.
Descending the stairs, Katherine took in her surroundings. The villa was undeniably lavish, perched by the seaside. As she stepped into the grand hall, the sea breeze drifted through, carrying the fresh, salty scent of the ocean. Surprisingly, she found it pleasant.
The villa stood on a small cliff overlooking the beachfront. The garden was semi-open, supported by four white columns that gave it an air of European elegance.
She suddenly recalled her sister's fondness for a particular painting — a mysterious European palace with an elevated open garden in one corner. She had never imagined such places truly existed. Yet, as she gazed at the lush greenery and the delicate lilies of the valley blooming all around, she felt an odd sense of familiarity. The tiny white flowers, like little bells, seemed to echo her sister's laughter in the quiet air.
Then, an unsettling thought crept into her mind. Why did this place — belonging to some perverted man — seem to reflect her sister’s tastes so. perfectly? It was almost as if everything had been designed with her in mind.
A shiver ran down her spine as she remembered the man's strange reaction when she had called out her sister's name that dreadful night. Could he have known her sister?
Or even worse... had he been in love with her?
No, no…
Could he be… the brother-in-law from the rumors?
A wave of unease crashed over her. If that were true, then what?
Panic seized her. She reached out, clutching the woman's hand desperately. “Tell me! What is the name of the owner of this villa? The man who brought me here?”
The woman folded her arms, looking at her with disdain. “And why should I tell you? What difference would it make once you know?”
“Please, I'm begging you! Just tell me! Katherine's pride was long forgotten. She clutched the woman’s hand tightly, her voice trembling.
Seeing the usually arrogant Katherine now humbled and pleading, the woman smirked, basking in her newfound power. “And what do I get in return?”
Katherine's expression shifted. She straightened, smiling coldly.“You’ll get plenty.”
“Oh? Id love to hear what you have in mind.” The woman, oblivious to the change in Katherine's demeanor, continued to taunt her.
Katherine's patience snapped. In one swift motion, she grabbed a brick from the flower bed, lifting it high.“Your reward? A whole corpse instead of pieces after I’m done with you!”
“Ah! Y-You — Don't be rash! That could kill someone!” The woman's face drained of color as fear overtook her. She trembled, eyes darting around in desperation. “D-Don’t do anything crazy!”
Katherine's eyes gleamed with triumph. She had her exactly where she wanted her. What's his name? Tell me now, or I'll smash your skull open.
“N-No… I-Ill tell you!” The woman caved, blurting out, His name is Leon! You must have heard of him — Leon, the noble Eurasian prince! He arrived in X City only a year ago, yet he's already taken control of the city's economy. Even the Sinclair family is struggling against him!”
The moment Katherine heard the name “Leon,” the brick in her hand slipped from her fingers, hitting the ground with a dull crack, breaking in two.
She stood frozen, her mind blank, her breath caught in her throat.
Her gaze shifted to the calm sea, to the delicate lilies of the valley swaying in the breeze.
Inside, her heart crumbled.
It was him.
It was him.
Her brother-in-law.
The man who had loved her sister and cherished her like a treasure in the palm of his hand.
Memories flashed before her, a whirlwind of past moments.
—“Kate, I’ve fallen in love with a man. He's a noble prince. He cherishes me like a precious gem, and he promised to bring my favorite painting to life one day.”
—“Kate, Hao said he'll take me to England to meet his mother when he gets the time.”
—“Kate, your sister is getting married. From now on, you’ll be on your own. Be a good girl, okay?”
—“Kate, he's the most perfect man in the world. Remember my words—one day, you will find someone just as perfect.”
…
Wait.
Her brother-in-law. The man her sister had idolized, worshipped like a deity. And yet, he was the same man who had repeatedly humiliated her.
The man who had taken everything from her. Summer Kate shook her head violently, her body trembling as tears streamed down her face.
“No… No! It can't be! It can't be!”
- Writer
