Chapter 36 AFTER THE KISS (Demilia’s POV)
The door clicked shut as he left without another word. And just like that, the distance became real, to the point I don't want him around me. I ensured to stay locked in my room most of the day, not allowing anyone to come close to me. Not because he ordered it, because I chose it, because that's what I want for myself.
The maids came and went quietly, careful not to meet my eyes, as I would bite them, and that was partly true. Someone... maybe Ethan, I assumed...had given instructions. From the soft footsteps, low voices, too much caution. I hated everything about it. I hated how suddenly gentle everything felt, like glass waiting to shatter, but taking caution to not clash.
When Lena slipped in that evening, I broke down completely before her. She barely closed the door before I collapsed into her arms. At least, I have someone that I would loosen up around.
“I can’t do this anymore,” I whispered. “I can’t tell what’s real from the fake anymore.”
She held me tightly, rubbing my back like her baby. “You don’t have to figure everything out today, but slowly each day.”
“He kissed me,” I said, my voice hollow. “And I felt nothing, no emotions attached. Not because I don’t feel...but because I don’t trust him anymore.”
Lena stiffened on hearing that. “He kissed you?”
“Yes. Like it was a weapon he was meant to use and win me over. Like he was trying to shut me up.” Her hands clenched in fury. “That man is dangerous.”
“I know,” I whispered. “And the worst part is… I think he thinks he’s protecting me from danger by doing what is in his mind.”
Lena pulled back to look at my face. “Listen to me carefully. Whatever he’s hiding...it’s big. And someone else knows it too.”
I frowned in confusion. “What do you mean?” She hesitated, and I feared she might drop the greatest bomb.
“Lena.”
She sighed. “Vanessa has been circling the house again.” My stomach dropped as she mentioned that strange woman's name.
“She came by this morning,” Lena continued. “Said she wanted to check on you.”
I scoffed weakly, already fed up without her even coming. “That woman doesn’t care if I live or die.”
“I know right. That’s why I didn’t let her in.” But Vanessa didn’t need access to hurt me.
She needed timing to act, to bring out her full purpose.
>>>>>>>>
And as predicted, it happened one night. I was sitting on the bed, staring at the wall, when a soft knock sounded at the door.
“Demilia?” a familiar voice called gently. “It’s me.”
That was Vanessa. Every instinct screamed no, but of course, curiosity....and exhaustion...won over my security.
“Come right in,” I said. She entered slowly, dressed elegantly as always. This time, very calm, poised, and controlled. Her eyes swept over me with thinly veiled satisfaction.
“You look tired,” she said sympathetically. “He’s been hard on you.”
I didn’t respond, as just seeing her was enough to hit her with any weapon available.
She sat on the chair opposite me, crossing her legs. “I won’t stay long. I just… wanted to check on you, like a sister.”
“That’s generous of you, but we are not sisters,” I said flatly.
She smiled, taking in the blunt truth. “I know you don’t trust me anymore. But I understand how confusing Ethan can be, especially to ladies.”
My fingers curled into the sheets, holding myself from hitting her. I never trusted her in any way.
“What do you want from me, Vanessa?” She tilted her head, hesitating. “Only the truth.”
I laughed softly, already pissed off. “You’re about the last person I’d get that from.”
“Is that really so?” she asked calmly. “Because I think I’m the only one who’s ever been honest with you since the day you arrived here.”
I looked away, as she was partly right, but only for her own gain, to break me and send me out of the mansion.
She leaned forward. “Did you know Ethan found out about your pregnancy long before the wedding?”
“I didn’t want to be the one to tell you about this,” Vanessa added. “But you deserve to know what kind of man you’re tied to, to know what your next move should be.”
My hands shook as I stared at the papers all over again, still not saying anything to her.
“I’m sorry,” she said, her voice almost tender. “Truly sorry for bringing the bad news.”
That was the cruelest part of it. She stood up. “You should rest now, stress isn’t good for you.”
Then she left without another word. I didn’t scream as I was supposed to.
I didn't even cry. I sat there in shock, staring at the evidence as it had just been placed there for the first time. When the tears came, they were silent, not loud like before.
Lena found me like that. She read the papers once and went pale. “She did this on purpose.”
“I know,” I whispered. “She wants to break you, to make your life miserable.”
“She already has.” Lena grabbed my hands. “Listen to me, you need to stay strong...for yourself. For the baby.”
I nodded numbly, at least, to make her happy. But inside, something fundamental had shifted.
>>>>>>>>
Ethan’s footsteps passed my door later that night. I heard it very clearly, but I didn’t open it.
For the first time since I’d known him, I didn’t rush toward his gravity. I pulled away quietly to see if I could get myself back.
And somewhere down the hall, I knew Vanessa was smiling, very happy that her plans were working. Because the fracture had widened. And luckily for her, she has all the time in the world to bleed it open. But one thing remains certain, I won't ever give Ethan the chance to toss me around as he pleases again. I will take my life into my hands.