Chapter 293: Feeling Physically Defeated

Chapter 293: Feeling Physically Defeated
Celia Bennett's POV:

It was all I could do just to reach over and place the cellular device on Master Pierre's open, outstretched hand. That was a lot, really, going over the contract once again. It seemed like so long ago at this point. So much has happened since... Since I actually signed the piece of paper. I still remember the pin that I was given. Honestly, I don't even know that particular pin at the moment.

"Just so you know, all of your belongings have been collected and will be in your room prior to our arrival, which is here momentarily," Master Pierre said as he relaxed his posture as well.

I couldn't just relax, especially after everything that just happened back there on the highway. No wait, we are no longer in the states, and they don't call it that here, they call it? I think they call it a motorway. Some part of this country calls it a motorway. I do know that, first and foremost, as a fact, just not exactly where to be precise.

Finally, the vehicle came to rest as it slowed to a stop. My eyes were solely fixed on my lap. I don't know if I can bring myself to raise my gaze and look out the window. However, one thing I did notice was that no other conversation was going on inside the vehicle. No matter what, the music was still playing.

"I want you to sit here a moment," Master Pierre said as he reached over to my opposite shoulder and pulled me close enough that he could whisper into my ear. "For now, close your eyes."

I turned to look at him when he reached up and lightly grasped the back of my neck, preventing me from turning my head.

"Yes, Master Pierre," I said as I immediately closed my eyes.

He didn't hurt me. I didn't expect them to. He just wanted me to listen and do as I was told. I understand that. I would do everything I could to maintain the respect towards him. If it wasn't for him... There's no telling exactly where I would be in this moment.

I couldn't help it as a shudder ran down my spine at the thought of being within the grasp of that one man. Mr. Amul and his son, the one whom I was going to be forced to marry. I don't think I will ever be able to forget his name. I cannot believe that I was about to become an Amul myself. Omar... I am so glad that I am not with you.

Right then, just as I closed my eyes, I heard a door open on the vehicle. From what I could tell, I tried to figure out exactly who opened their door, but it was hard, as it was just a sound and I wasn't paying all that much attention to anything else at that point. We were in a decently sized SUV after all, so that didn't help me come to a conclusion either.

The only thing that I cared about was that Master Pierre was still sitting there beside me. That's all the same, no matter. I wasn't alone. Well, there was Michel sitting there on the seat right next to me and as usual, Stuart was in his preferred place in the driver's seat, but none of that mattered. I only cared about one person particularly. Just as long as they stayed right beside me.

"I'm going to step out of the vehicle," I heard Master Pierre say in that moment, and that nearly took my breath away.

"But...!" I said as I almost turned to face him, but his hand was still lightly placed in the back of my neck.

"I will tell you this, if this helps settle your mind some," Master Pierre said as he leaned over and began to whisper into my ear. "You are home now. This is your new home. You no longer have a home back in the States. Especially not with the man who placed you in this position in the first place. You will forever be at my side."

And with that, I heard the side door open and then felt the vehicle dip as Master Pierre stepped out and withdrew his hand from the back of my neck. With it, I thought he took all the warmth that I had once felt as I was still sitting here in nothing but a simple lingerie cover. How was I going to help anyone?

If it were not for the fact that I was sitting in the back of the vehicle, I would've felt it as if I were completely exposed at this point. But... No matter what, I had to do what I was told.

That's not me! I said to my own thoughts. You are not someone to just take orders from someone else, are you? Why do the thoughts in my mind have to question my own sanity?

"No!" I said it, not even realizing that I had said it out loud.

"Miss Celia?" I heard Stewart's voice call out from the front driver's seat.

Shit... I didn't realize I was not alone. I thought everyone else had already stepped out of the vehicle at this point. I was too frustrated to pay attention to how many times the door opened and closed. I didn't feel the heat from the outside, so I can only assume that the door had been closed back.

"Is everything all right?" I heard Stuart asked me this time.

I kept my eyes closed and my gaze down at my lap whenever I responded to him, saying, "Yes, everything is fine."

"Are you sure?" I heard Michel speak up at this moment.

I didn't realize that he was still sitting there beside me. Granted, we were not touching as the back seat was decently wide enough. I always made sure I stayed a proper size so I didn't look pitiful in the scourge that I wore to the business office.

"Yes, I'm sure," I told them both. "I'm fine. I'm just wrestling with my thoughts, that's all."

"Very well," I heard Michel say that moment. "I'm going to step out. Stuart will stay in the vehicle with you so that you are not left alone."

"Thank you," I said just as I heard the door open.

"Relax," Michel said to me in return, as I could tell his voice was softer this time and at a lower tone. "Believe it or not, but we are glad that you are here."

I wasn't exactly sure what he meant by that. This was supposed to be a business thing. I was supposed to be helping Master Pierre as his personal assistant. How was I supposed to know that on the first day that I met him, I would be signing a contract that would practically turn over everything? And that I would have no control over anything at that point? I didn't even have my cell phone!

As I sat there, I couldn't help but wonder. What could they possibly be discussing? Was it about me?!