Chapter 25 Chapter 25

Chapter 25 Chapter 25
Lucelia’s pov

I never remembered falling asleep.

Every creak outside my bedroom door sounded like footsteps returning. Every gust of wind against the windows made my heart leap into my throat.

I kept staring at the door, half-expecting it to open again and reveal Ruan's shadow standing over my bed. It didn't return, but his words constantly rang in my head as my grip on the bed didn't loosen. My heart stung and slammed hard against my chest.

I closed my eyes, trying to slip back into sleep but it didn't work as his face kept on appearing in my mind.

I jerked up, breathing was inconsistent as I heaved. Why? Why?

I thought back to those events, the lingered touches and that one time that he had held my waist before I fell. All of them swarmed my head. Why do I keep thinking about them?

They hate me. I was probably trying to comfort myself but I knew that it was far from that more complicated.

Something must be wrong with me. I slapped my head, trying to keep the flooding thoughts away. Then I remembered my mother, the way she had looked at me and I seemed to understand,

Mother wasn't comforting me. She was questioning me. The realization stung as the tears slid down the corner of my eyes. My teeth pressed into my lower lips, my eyelashes fluttered as I tried to stop the tears.

The world seems to be rotating slower. Every action is paused but the pain kicks in; My temple is pounding and the lights feel too bright.

I closed my eyes, opening them slowly but I couldn't still adjust to the lights as I blinked rapidly. My head was buzzing as my fingertips quickly moved, pressed firmly against my temples as I rubbed it slowly.

It's not helping. None of it is helping.

I reached into the bedside drawer, took out a packet of painkillers and swallowed one with a glass of water. The bitterness lingered on my tongue long after the tablet was gone. Eventually, exhaustion dragged me into an uneasy sleep.

When I woke up, the sunlight spilled into the room and I could hear the clinking of plates coming from downstairs.

The footsteps of the servants. My mother's high pitched tone whenever she was talking to step-father. And his laughter.

All of it. It was time for breakfast.

I could perceive the sweet fragrance of the pancakes and waffles, my favourite but I didn't take a step out of the bed. I just laid there like a piece of wood.

I stayed exactly where I was. If I didn't leave my room, I wouldn't have to see them.

I laughed softly, thinking about how I was trapped in here because of the boys. I couldn't take a step out of my room because I didn't know what they would do to me, they could eat me up before I could blink my eyes.

I let out a shaky breath, picking up the novel by my bed side. I pretended to read it, my eyes remained fixed on that particular page for 20 minutes while I occasionally looked at the clock on the wall.

Just as I had gotten tired of staring at that page, a knock came on my door as my heart skipped a beat.

Who could it be? Ruan? Reis? Silas?

I didn't want to see any of them, I went quiet as I chewed on my lower lips. I was acting just like a corpse, holding my breath like the person at the other side would catch on.

Please go. Just go. I prayed in heart, hoping whoever it was would leave after there was no response. But another crisp knock sounded.

I buried myself into my blanket, when a bold voice came through, “It's me, Dad.” I held a bewildered look on my face, wondering why he was at my door as I hurriedly jumped out of bed to meet him.

I rushed to the door, putting on my slippers and almost slipping on the way to the door.

I pulled the door open, gasping for breath as he asked, “Why aren't you downstairs?” I was stunned for a second before I lied, “I'm trying to finish up this really interesting book that I had picked up.”

He didn't believe me as he said, “Drop the book and come downstairs. Breakfast is more important.”

I refused. He scanned me, seeing that I was dressed, he just proceeded to drag me out of the room while I tried to convince but he didn't let me go.

As soon as we get to the table, I feel their hot stares on my body as I try to look away. Their gazes are fiery and filled with hostility, they obviously didn't want me here.

“Dad, I haven't had my bath. I have to go.” I quickly tried to excuse myself,standing to leave but he refused.

“No, sit down and eat. You can't avoid breakfast, not in this house.” He dismissed me.

Mother quickly added, scooting over to his side with a sweet expression, “Girls have to look prim and proper, honey. Let her go and take her bath.” He didn't respond, he just threw a cold look as she shut up.

Reis couldn't take it anymore as he slammed his fists against the table, it rattled from the impact as all heads snapped to him.

“Sit down, Reis.” Dad commanded him, “Once you leave this table, don't come back to it.”

He didn't listen, he threw me a cold look as Silas and Ruan followed after him. They didn't listen to their father's call, just walked back to their room.

I buried my head, trying to eat large scoops so I could leave the table as fast as possible. My thigh was clenched as I could feel my cave get soaked as a quiet gasp left my lips.

Why did they make me feel this way? Why would such a fee
ling be so strong that it's breaking the very bond I should be building on?