Chapter 7: I gave you a chance to tell the truth, but you refused

Zella POV

I walked out of the room with Emalia and headed toward the dining hall. This place still does not feel real to me. The Cristopher house is too big, too perfect. Every part of it looks like it belongs somewhere else. The design feels European, elegant in a way that makes everything look expensive without trying too hard. Every corner holds something rare, something that probably costs more than I can imagine.

It makes me think about the kind of life Rowan is living. What exactly does he do in that world? Does he deal with things worse than what I already know? That thought did not sit well with me.I wanted to curse Zaria for this. How could she walk into a life like this without thinking about the consequences?

Then I remembered. Zaria has always loved money. A life without wealth was never an option for her. When I reached the dining area, most of the family was already seated. But Dante was not there. That made me worry. I wanted to see him first.

I chose to sit beside Cassia instead of taking the seat next to Rowan. Sitting near him would only cause trouble, especially with Clara watching every move I make. Grace would not hesitate to harm me again if given the chance.

“Let us eat,” Rowan said.

I picked up my spoon and tasted the soup in front of me. The moment it touched my tongue, I stopped. Something was wrong. It tasted off. I forced myself to swallow, but I could not take another spoon.

I knew he was watching me. I reached for the sandwich instead, hoping it would be better. It was not. I almost spat it out. I stood up, planning to go to the restroom, but Rowan’ voice stopped me.

“Where are you going?”

“To the restroom,” I said, my mouth still full. Clara and Grace looked pleased.

Everyone in this house knows how Rowan handles things at the table. No one leaves before he finishes. No one walks away without permission.

“Sit down,” he said.

I could not keep it in any longer. The taste would not leave my mouth. Abel, who sat beside me, handed me a tissue. Grace looked at him with anger, but he ignored her. I took the tissue and spat the food out.

“I am sorry,” I said.

Emalia stepped forward at once and handed me a glass of water.

“Thank you, Emalia,” I said.

She smiled at me, calm and steady.

“My appetite is gone because of you. You are disgusting,” Clara snapped.

“You have no manners,” Grace added.

I said nothing. They are waiting for me to react. They want me to lose control.

“I wonder if the food here is no longer good enough for you,” Arabella said. “Or do you prefer eating at your lover’s house?”

I raised my head and looked at her. Arabella is young, but the way she speaks sounds too much like Grace and Clara. She should not be like this.

“Papa should divorce her and marry Aunt Clara instead,” Arabella continued.

Cassia slammed her spoon down.

“It does not matter who he chooses. None of them will be a good mother for us,” she said.

“Enough,” Elena said, clearly annoyed. “This is not something to talk about at the table.”

No one spoke, but the mood turned worse. Then Rowan spoke.

“Emalia, take my wife upstairs. Prepare proper food for her.”

Grace and Clara both looked shocked. This is not how Rowan usually acts toward Zaria.

“Ayo, Madam,” Emalia said.

I followed her without question. The moment we stepped out, I finally breathed properly. This family is worse than I imagined.

Emalia led me into a room upstairs.

“This is Master’s study,” she said. “He will join you here for breakfast.”

I looked around. Books filled the shelves from top to bottom. Everything was arranged neatly. I moved closer and ran my fingers along the books. These are not easy books to find. Some of them are in different languages.

Does he really understand all of this? Before I could think further, the door opened. Rowan walked in, followed by servants carrying food. He sat across from me and dismissed everyone, including Emalia. The room went quiet. I stayed still, not daring to move.

“Is there something you want to say to me?” he asked.

I swallowed and shook my head.

“No.”

He laughed softly.

“Where did your boldness go, Zaria?” he said. “You used to sit on my lap and try to charm me.”

Heat rose to my face. I can not do that. I can not act like her.

“I am tired of chasing you,” I said instead.

He stood up and moved closer, then sat beside me.

“Then from now on, be my wife properly,” he said. “I like this version of you more. You are different.”

His voice was low, close to my ear. I stayed still. I moved away from him, but he leaned in again, closing the distance.

“Since you came back, you have caught my attention,” he said.

“I…”

I closed my eyes without thinking. He let out a quiet laugh and ruffled my hair.

“Finish your food,” he said. “Then spend time with Dante.”

He walked back to his desk and sat down like nothing had happened. I focused on the food in front of me.

This time, it tasted normal. I ate slowly at first, then faster when I realized I was hungry. I finished everything on the plate. Rowan watched me from time to time while working on his laptop.

“You know you are lying to me,” he said suddenly. “I gave you a chance to tell the truth, but you refused.”

I raised my head and looked at him. He knows. But he is not saying it directly. He is waiting. And I do not know how long I can keep this up. Rowan already knows where Zaria is. She is somewhere else, living her life without consequences. And I am here… Living the mess she left behind.