You Are My Slave
904 Words
After she left, I settled into the bathtub, replaying the encounter in my mind.
"Why am I drawn to this woman?" I wondered. "She's hiding something. Her hands moved with the precision of a martial artist, not a typical girl."
I decided to investigate further.
"From now on, since she refuses to be a wife, she'll be my slave," I thought, my mind racing with dark intentions.
An hour later, Butler Oh's voice interrupted my thoughts.
"Your dinner is ready, Sir."
"Give me 10 minutes," I replied.
"Yes, Sir," he said, retreating.
I sat on the bed, scanning the room, and picked up my phone. Then, I headed for the door.
I descended the stairs, wearing pyjamas, and was met with Gem's gaze.
"Why the stare?" I asked.
His grandmother smiled, holding her fork and knife. "Oh, my handsome son, you look more charming than ever. What's your secret?"
I smiled, and she blushed.
"You two are getting along, right?" she asked, glancing at Gem.
"Mom, you know me," I said, tying my bib.
"I'm trying my best," I added, picking up my fork and knife.
"How is it?" my grandmother asked.
"It's okay, Mom," I replied, continuing to eat.
She hummed, patting my hand lightly.
Later, after the meal, my grandmother asked Gem and me to escort her to the garden.
"Dear, I hope he's not treating you badly," she said.
Gem remained silent, and I avoided eye contact.
"Darling, aren't you treating your wife well?" she asked, smiling.
"Mom, I'm trying," I said.
"Forget it, Alex. Treat her better. Do exactly what she wants," she interrupted.
"Okay, Mom," I said to avoid further lecture.
She turned to Gem. "Please cooperate. He's my only son."
I knew she wanted me to help her with the wheelchair, so I did.
"Try sleeping early," she advised Gem. "Tomorrow will be bright."
I watched Alexander and his mother disappear into the house and decided to take a solitary stroll. Afterward, I headed inside to sleep, noticing most lights were already off.
As I entered, the entrance door creaked, and I felt my way through the dark sitting room, searching for the switch. Suddenly, I touched something like a hand on the wall.
Alexander's grip wrapped around my waist, and his lips met mine. I reciprocated, fearful of revealing my mask.
"Need to end this," I thought.
The lights flickered on, and I covered my face.
"Mom, Alex!" a voice called, and the lights went off.
I crawled towards the stairs.
Why did she have to come now?
I turned on the light to see Gem crawling towards the stairs.
"Are you okay?" my mom asked.
"I'm okay," Gem said, rushing upstairs.
"Alex, I didn't mean to spoil your time," Mom said.
"I don't know what's wrong with me," I admitted.
"You're attracted to her," Mom observed. "Follow your heart."
"I'll try, Mom."
The next day, I descended the stairs after seven, but the usual aroma was absent.
I hurried to the kitchen, finding it empty.
"Butler Oh!" I called.
"Sir?" he replied, bowing.
"Where's Gem?" I asked.
"I assume she's not up yet," he said.
"I walked into the kitchen, and Gem was toasting bread, her gaze meeting mine before returning to the toaster.
"You know you shouldn't be preparing breakfast at this time," I said.
She continued, unresponsive.
"Forget yesterday night; I was out of it. Don't read any meaning into it," she said, facing me.
"Wait, you don't intend to consummate our vows?" I asked.
"What vows?" she replied, shocked.
"I need an heir, from a legitimate source," I emphasized.
"That's why I can't do it," Gem said. "I want to do it out of love, but you're being forceful. Until I see you're sincere, I'll follow your wish."
She placed the toasted bread in a tray.
"Fine, you'll do as I ask. I need cooperation," I demanded.
Gem glanced at me, continuing her tasks.
"You must prepare breakfast by 7:20 a.m., lunch by 12:30 p.m., dessert by 5:30 p.m., and dinner by 6:30 p.m. My bath must be ready before 5:00 p.m. You'll supervise cleaning my room once a day and handle my laundry."
She continued working, unperturbed.
"I've heard you, but I'm not your slave," Gem said.
"You chose that over fulfilling your wifely duties. You said I have a great body; that's all you're after. And I promise you, you won't have it easily."
She smiled confidently.
"Then are you saying you're my slave?" I asked.
"Anything for you," Gem replied, smiling.
I walked away, frustrated.
"Serve us immediately!" I ordered.
After breakfast, Gem collected the used dishes and returned to the kitchen, emerging shortly after.
"You're not washing the dishes?" I asked.
"Why should I?" she retorted.
"Those are your wifely duties. Have you forgotten?" I asked.
"No, I haven't," Gem replied. "But is this what I have to put up with for the rest of my life?"
Alexander's mother intervened, "What's wrong with you two?"
"Mom, please stay out of this," I said. "It's between us, and we'll settle it amicably."
"Are you sure?" she asked, concerned.
I nodded.
"Let's escort Mom," I said, looking at Gem.
Gem nodded.
"Mom, where would you like to go?" Gem asked, smiling.
"Alex, let Gem escort me," Alexander's mother said, seeking my approval.
I glanced at Gem, and she met my gaze.
"Okay, but make it quick," I said.
Gem nodded, smiling.
- Writer
