An unexpected feeling

chapter 3

We finished cooking that evening, and I told Maddie I was going to take a bath. "Do you want me to help you with the hot water?" she asked.

"No, no, no need. I saw how you did it last time—I can manage on my own. Thank you," I said.

"All right," she replied. "And don't think too much."

"Thank you so much for everything, and for making me feel comfortable."

"It's the least I can do, dear," she said with a smile as I left.

In the tub, thoughts raced through my head. I was thinking of my family, of my dad, and of course, Lucius—the man who made my stomach ache with fear. I was so scared of him, terrified that one day he might hit me or take advantage of me.

Thinking about that, I held my body tight as images of his hard body, strong hands, and handsome face ran through my mind. Even though he's handsome, I have to leave this place. It's not safe for me here. But then, where would I go? Stop it, stop it, I told myself. Madam Maddie said not to think too much, and that's what I would do.

A few minutes later, I went back to the kitchen, wearing a long white sleeping gown I'd found in the closet in my room. I had a short towel, using it to dry my wet hair, when suddenly—

"Rose, Lucius is already home! We have to prepare before he finishes taking his bath. I'm almost through—just take this to the dining room." She handed a bowl of water to me. "I have to rush to the toilet," she said. "Can you do that for me?"

"Of course, Madam Maddie."

"Thank you, dear," she said and left.

I successfully dropped the bowl of water on the dining table and was about to leave when I carelessly turned and hit Lucius's hard body. He was much taller than me.I stared at his chest, and after, I looked up at his face. Oh, his face was now clean—he looked more handsome and seemed like he'd had a good shave. I couldn't help but think he was very handsome. He moved closer to me, his face near mine. "Watch where you're going, dammit," he said as I blinked a few times before nodding.

"Yes, sir." He walked past me to his favorite seat, and I began to serve the food on his plate. I was now close to him, my small body so near his. I feared he could smell that I'd just come out from the bathroom. I could feel his eyes staring at me—my wet hair, my skin—like he wanted to devour me. "All done," I said, but he was still staring at me. Seeing this, I went quickly to the kitchen.

Maddie came in afterwards. "Oh, Rosemary, I'm so sorry. Is he eating already?"

"Yes, he is."

"I'm starving. Let's eat ours here in the kitchen. Please get the plates," Maddie pleaded. I brought out the plates, and suddenly one slipped from my hand. It was now broken. Hearing this, Lucius stood up to meet us in the kitchen.

"What just happened here?" he asked, furious.

"It was my fault," I said. "I didn't know how it fell from my hand. I am so sorry."

"What is wrong with you?" he said. "Why are you behaving like a little child? Can't you just hold a simple plate?"

"I am sorry, sir. It will never happen again," I begged, fear building up inside me.

"Well, make sure it doesn't, because you will not get to eat for 24 hours if it ever happens. Do you hear me?" I only nodded.

"Nonsense," he said and left.

I turned to Madam Maddie. "I didn't—"

"Shhhh, it's okay. Come, let's clean this up," she said as she held my hand.

A few minutes later, Lucius had retreated to his office. I stood outside the heavy wooden door, my heart hammering so loudly I was sure it echoed down the hallway. I took a deep breath, raised my fist, and knocked—three soft, hesitant taps.

“Who is it?” His voice came through, clipped and impatient.

“It’s me… Rosemary,” I said, barely above a whisper.

There was a pause—long enough that I almost turned and fled—before he finally answered, “Come in.”

I pushed the door open and stepped inside. The room smelled of leather, old books, and the faint trace of his cologne. He sat behind the massive desk, eyes fixed on a stack of documents, not even glancing up as I approached.

“What do you want?” he asked, his tone sharp enough to cut.

I swallowed hard. “Please… let me go. I can’t stay here any longer.”

He lifted his head then, slowly, and fixed those cold, piercing eyes on me. For a moment he just stared, as though weighing whether I was worth the breath it would take to answer.

“You stay,” he said flatly. “And you try—for once—to be responsible. Useful.”

“Please,” I whispered. My legs gave way and I sank to my knees right there on the rug, tears already spilling hot down my cheeks. “Lucius… if you have any conscience at all, you wouldn’t keep me here like this.”

He rose abruptly, the chair scraping back with a harsh sound. Anger flashed across his face, darkening his features.

“And who told you I have one?” he snapped. “I don’t care about your emotions, little lady. You should have figured that out by now. Now get out of my office.”

“No.” My voice trembled, but I forced the word out. “I’m not leaving until you hear me—”

“Lucius!” he bellowed toward the doorway. “Maddie!”

Seconds later she hurried in, eyes widening at the sight of me on the floor, face streaked with tears.

“Get her out of my sight,” he ordered, voice low and furious. “Drag her if you have to.”

Maddie’s expression softened with pity.

She crossed the room quickly and crouched beside me. “Come on, dear. Let’s go.” Her hands were gentle as she helped me to my feet. “It’s okay, Rosemary. Just come with me.”

She guided me out and down the corridor to my room. Once the door was closed behind us, I collapsed onto the edge of the bed, shoulders shaking.

Maddie sat beside me, close enough that I could feel the warmth of her presence. “What were you thinking, love?” she asked softly. “Do you really believe crying and begging will change his mind?”

“I hate him, Maddie,” I choked out. “I’m too afraid to stay here. He’s so… rude, so cruel. I just wish he could be a little kinder.”

She took my hand in both of hers, her grip steady and comforting. “I’m here with you. And as long as I’m here, you’re safe. You don’t have to be afraid, Rose.”

I looked at her through blurry eyes and managed a small, shaky nod. “All right.”

“Now, go to sleep,” she said, brushing a damp strand of hair from my forehead. “And don’t think about that slimy, annoying man anymore, okay?” A small, teasing smile curved her lips.

I tried to smile back and nodded again.

“Good girl.” She leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to my forehead. “I’ll go now. Rest.”

“Thank you,” I whispered. “I wish your child was here. She would have known how wonderful you are.”

Maddie’s smile turned wistful, a flicker of old sadness in her eyes. “Thank you, dear. Sometimes I wish that too.” She gave my hand one last gentle squeeze, then stood and quietly left the room.

Alone again, I curled up under the covers. Maddie was my light in this dark house—kind, steady, God-sent. Without her I would have shattered long ago. All I could do now was cling to that small hope and pray, silently, that one day Lucius might change… that the man behind the anger might finally let a little kindness through.