A new bruise bloomed on my chin as I stared at my reflection, or rather, the reflection I'd been forced to wear for the past seven years.
The fact that I hadn't seen my own face in seven years didn't bother me. It didn't bother anyone. After all, why would they be bothered with the face of someone they never knew existed?
'And why would he care? Why would he bother to ask about or see the face that drugged him and almost ruined him?!'
'As a matter of fact, I think he'd be grateful! He would be thankful! This is a blessing in disguise!'
Those were my father's exact words when I questioned his decision about the mask. A blessing. He said me wearing a mask would be a blessing to everyone. And surely, it was. It is.
'Knock! Knock!! Knock!!'
The sound of a knock on the door immediately pulled me out of my thoughts as my hand dropped back to my side. I walked out of the bathroom and looked toward the door.
The sound of a maid's voice reached my ears. "My Lady, may I come in?".
I raised my brows at her question. Since when had they ever needed my permission? They usually just barged in.
They never needed my permission or contribution. I smirked knowingly.
'Surely, this wouldn't be good'
Though I could sense that whatever it was wasn't good, I granted the maid permission nonetheless. After all, my answer really didn't matter as she would come in anyway.
"Come in".
The door opened, revealing a girl in a maid's uniform who looked a year or two younger than me. She smiled at me as soon as her eyes met mine. Letting herself in, she shut the door.
The unbearably sweet scent of her perfume wafted to my nose as she stepped forward. It smelled like she had put on the whole bottle! It made me sick.
"Greetings, My Lady. I hope you are well?"
Though she sounded polite, I could sense the mischief in her voice. I could practically see the evil glint in her eyes as she bowed her head, smiling.
I nodded softly as I waited for her to get to the point. Sensing my impatience, she lifted her head slightly as her smile broadened.
"My lady, I didn't mean to disturb you...."
"Get to the point".
She quirked her brows as she smirked. Clearing her throat, she said, "My lady, the Lord requests your presence at the dinner table".
I noticed how she showed her pearly white teeth as she said 'The Lord'. Typical.
So, that's why she was so happy. It made sense as the only entertainment they got here was me in my misery. Ever since I had gotten here, I could feel the hostility coming from the servants, especially the women.
Obviously, I wasn't wanted here, especially as their Lord's wife. The maids here were brimming with jealousy upon my arrival. But their jealousy was quickly replaced with joy when they saw how the Lord treated me.
It gave them a sense of reassurance, the reassurance that I wouldn't be here long. And to be honest, I hoped the same.
Though they were happy about my maltreatment in my matrimonial home, that didn't mean they forgot to pitch in their share. They dedicated every second to making me feel worse than I already did.
It was as good as saying even a servant was treated better than I. But that didn't bother me, especially when my little bundle of joy came into this world.
From that moment on, nothing mattered anymore. All that mattered was his happiness. And unfortunately, his happiness meant I had to pretend to be happy in this prison.
But nonetheless, it was always worth it, especially after seeing that amazing smile plastered on his face. For him, I would do anything, even if it meant ruining my life by staying in this marriage.
Come to think of it, my baby must be the reason the Lord invited me to the table. He must be back. If so, that explained it— the Lord would only ever share a table with me whenever our son was home.
Otherwise, he would jump into the sea just to avoid me and my path.
Without a doubt, he hated my very existence.