Chapter 22: Edge of the Abyss

Edge of the Abyss

Tiffany sat in her lavishly furnished room, scheming as usual. After Alex’s unsuccessful attempt to extract information from Anatasia, Aurora's step sister, she decided to change her approach.

She knew Vanessa, Aurora's step sister and Vanessa hates Aurora and she was sure that Vanessa would do anything just to make Aurora pay, and that would make Vanessa the easiest to crack.

Their history went back to childhood, and Tiffany knew Vanessa’s deepest, darkest secret, one that could destroy her if revealed.

Determined, she picked up her phone and dialed Vanessa’s number. The phone rang twice before Vanessa answered with her usual cheerful voice.

“Tiffany, hi! It’s been a while,” Vanessa greeted.

Tiffany didn’t bother with pleasantries. “Meet me at the park in an hour. It’s important.”

There was a pause on the other end of the line. Vanessa hesitated but ultimately agreed. “Sure, I’ll be there.”

As Tiffany hung up the phone, a wicked smirk crossed her face. She knew Vanessa wouldn’t be able to resist her. And if she did, well… Tiffany had the perfect leverage.

---

An hour later, Tiffany stood by a bench in the park, waiting. The trees swayed gently in the breeze, and the sounds of laughter from children playing nearby filled the air. Vanessa arrived shortly after, looking slightly anxious but trying to appear calm.

“Tiffany,” Vanessa started, forcing a smile. “What’s this about?”

Tiffany wasted no time. “Where’s Aurora?”

Vanessa’s face fell at the abruptness of the question. She had expected this might be about Aurora, especially after her sister told her about Alex’s odd visit. It seemed too coincidental that both Alex and Tiffany were suddenly interested in Aurora’s whereabouts.

“She’s with her mom,” Vanessa replied. “She’s just on vacation.”

Tiffany narrowed her eyes, clearly not believing a word Vanessa was saying. “Don’t lie to me, Vanessa.”

“I’m not! That’s the truth. Aurora’s just”

“Don’t waste my time.” Tiffany interrupted, stepping closer, her voice low and menacing. “You and I both know that’s not the real reason she’s gone. Now, I suggest you start talking before I make things difficult for you.”

Vanessa swallowed hard, her heart racing. She knew Tiffany could be ruthless, but she hadn’t expected this level of hostility. Still, Vanessa held her ground. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Tiffany’s lips curled into a smirk. She leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a near-whisper. “Remember that little secret of yours, Vanessa? The one you’ve worked so hard to keep hidden?”

Vanessa’s eyes widened in shock and fear. Her breath caught in her throat as Tiffany’s words sank in. “You wouldn’t… we are friends remember”

“Oh, Yes we are friends but I would,” Tiffany said, her voice dripping with malice. “All it takes is one word from me, and your whole world falls apart. So, are you going to tell me where Aurora is, or do I need to make a phone call?”

Vanessa’s mind raced. She was trapped, and she knew it. Tiffany had her right where she wanted her, and Vanessa was powerless to stop her. But still, she hesitated. Aurora was her step sister and even though she hated her, she wouldn't go against her father's words, also Tiffany asking about Aurora is up to no good and she doesn't want to betray her father's trust.

Yet, the fear of Tiffany revealing her secret loomed over her like a dark cloud. Vanessa’s silence hung in the air, and Tiffany’s smirk only grew.

********************

Meanwhile, back at the Blackwood's mansion…

I was lying on my small, uncomfortable bed in the maid’s quarters, trying to rest after a grueling shift. My body ached, and my mind was racing with thoughts of Dominique and the nightmare that was my life here. I hadn’t been able to shake the humiliation of what happened between me and Dominique’s fiancée, Veronica. Though I hadn’t retaliated, I had a feeling she had twisted the story to make me the villain.

My thoughts were interrupted when the door to the room burst open. Mary, one of the other maids, rushed in, panting heavily. “Aurora! Dominique’s looking for you. He’s furious!”

My heart dropped. “Why? What did I do?”

Mary shrugged, clearly scared herself. “I don’t know. But it has to do with what happened between you and Veronica.”

I knew it. I hadn’t even done anything wrong, but that bitch must have twisted the situation. Panic set in as I hurriedly threw on my apron and rushed out of the room, my heart pounding in my chest.

As I approached Madame Coco’s quarters, I could already hear his voice booming from inside the room, his anger palpating even through the walls.My hands shook as I reached for the door and stepped inside.

The room fell into a heavy silence. As soon as I entered, Dominique stood by the fireplace. His broad back turned to me . His hands were clenched into fists, and I could see the tension radiating from him.

Madam Coco stood up to the side, looking nervous as her eyes flickered between me and Dominique. Without him turning around, Dominique spoke, his voice low and dangerous.

“You think you can disrespect my Fiance and get away with it”

I opened my mouth to explain, but before I could utter a word, Dominique turned and slapped me across the face. The force of the blow sent me stumbling back, my teeth tingling as tears welled up in my eyes.

“You don't know your place”, Dominique hissed, grabbing me by the arm and slamming me against the wall. His body pressed against mine, trapping me. I could feel his breath on my skin, and it made my stomach turn in many emotions.

“You think you're special”, he snarled. His voice laced with venom.

“But you're nothing, you're just a maid, My Maid, And now you know, you're going to learn what that means”.

I whimpered as his hand moved to my breast, grabbing it harshly, pain shot through me and I gasped, tears streaming down my face.

“Please”, I begged, my voice barely a whisper. “I didn't do anything”, I swear.

He didn't care. His grip tightened as he leaned in closer, his eyes dark with malice. “Since you don't want to do your job, I'll give you a new one. You'll be my personal slave now. My sex slave”

I felt my world crumbling around me. The terror of what he was saying was overwhelming, and I couldn't breathe. I was a virgin. I had never ever been with anyone before, and now Dominique was going to turn me into his sex slave.

My knees went weak, and I was crying uncontrollably. Pleading with him to stop,

But he didn't listen, instead he was enjoying my fear.

“Take her to the preparation room”,Dominic ordered his guards to get ready for me. The guards stepped forward, grabbing me by the arms and dragging me towards the door. I looked back at Dominic, but his face was devoid of any emotion, as if this was just another day for him.

“And Aurora”, he called after me, his voice cold and heartless.”After this, you understand why they call me the devil”.