Sunlight spilled across the marble floor like gold. It made the room feel warmer than it really was. I stood under the shower for a long time, letting the water run down my skin until it was almost scalding like it could burn away the memory of last night. The tears. The hunger. The cold silence of a house that wasn't mine.
I hadn't planned to come downstairs. Not really. But hunger had won. That, and the bitter truth that refusing to eat only made me feel weaker not stronger. I dressed slowly in the clothes left for me in the walk-in closet an elegant but modest cream blouse and soft grey pants. No tags. No brand. Just wealth stitched into silence. Before leaving the room, I realised Dominic had taken my phone. He probably took it when I fell unconscious.
Nothing. My stomach turned. Not just from hunger anymore. He took it my lifeline, my last connection to the outside world. Micah. The police or anyone. I clenched my jaw, fury tightening my chest. Game on, Dominic.
I descended the long staircase slowly, the soft pads of my bare feet whispering against the marble. When i reached the bottom, a middle-aged man with sharp eyes and a neatly pressed uniform stepped forward and offered a small bow. "Good morning, Miss Hayes," the man said kindly. "My name is Mr Harrow. I'm the house steward. You'll find the staff here are well-trained and loyal."
"Loyal to who?" I asked coolly. Mr. Harrow smiled faintly. "To the house. To order. And to Mr. Voss, of course." Another woman stepped forward younger, maybe in her twenties, with soft features and a quiet grace. "I'm Clara," she said, bowing slightly. "Your personal maid, Miss. I'll attend to your wardrobe, schedule, and meals unless told otherwise."
Unless told otherwise.The words rang louder than they should I gave them both a tight nod, swallowing the pride that wanted to keep me upstairs, locked away. I needed strength. Information and for now… food.
"Where's breakfast?" I asked. Mr Harrow gestured with a slight tilt of her head. Mr. Voss prefers a light morning meal."I didn't 't respond. She walked toward the hallway Clara pointed to, ignoring the growing weight in her chest.
Dominic took my phone.
My freedom.
My name.