He Stole My Life And Bought My Silence

Chapter 3

I stayed rooted to the spot as the sky slowly darkened.

At last, a knock from Bethany broke into my thoughts. She was carrying a plate with two slightly burned fried eggs.

"I don't know where the housekeeper's gone. She didn't make dinner. Have these for now, Ms. Sutton. I'm not much of a cook. I hope they're all right."

I let out a long sigh, unsure what to feel.

I hadn't pushed Conrad far enough yet, but my behavior had clearly started to irritate him.

He never got angry with me. He simply withheld a couple of meals as punishment.

In the 3 years I'd been trapped here, Bethany was the first person who'd dared go against that unspoken rule.

"Conrad pays your wages. You don't have to be so kind to me."

I turned away, taking deep breaths to steady myself.

Bethany blinked and nudged the plate closer. "I think Mr. Vale's gone too far."

I was stunned. No one who worked for Conrad ever said a word against him. Bethany was the first to do that, too.

After a moment's hesitation, I ate the eggs. They were the best thing I'd tasted in 3 years.

"Conrad's a monster. He seems so pleasant, but being around him is like carrying a time bomb. Bethany, get out if you can. Nothing good will come of staying with him."

I meant every word. Bethany was naive and kind. I couldn't bear to watch her get dragged any deeper into this mess.

Her expression suddenly grew serious. For a moment, I thought she'd taken my advice to heart. Then that innocent smile returned.

"I can't leave. My mom's sick. I still need Mr. Vale's help to take care of her."

Tears gathered in her eyes. My heart gave a painful jolt.

He was using the same trick again.

"Conrad told me that, too. He said if I stayed here, he'd make sure my brother was taken care of."

"What about now? Did your brother get better?"

The memories came flooding back. I lowered my head with a bitter smile.

"He died 6 years ago. I only found out last year."