"Why should I tell you," replied the figure in a dark yet seducing tone.

"My husband owns this house," I replied confidently, earning a gentle chuckle out of the figure.

"Really," responded the shadow taking slow steps towards me.

"My husband is very influential," I blabbered when a cold hand suddenly touched my leg.

I once more froze.

His hands slowly made their way up, leaving behind a trail of mixed emotion.

The sudden movement left me amazed yet stunned. Unwanted sounds exited my mouth.

What was happening to my body? Something wet and warm gently circled my leg.

"Ah~, "I moaned as an unusual sensation overcame me.

I wanted him to stop, but a part of me wanted more. I needed more of his mysterious yet pleasing tone and actions.

Subconsciously I pushed him, and the thought of my future husband and marriage came to mind.

"Let go," I said, kicking my legs as the figure retreated.

I watched him exit the door without any further words. Weirdly I could feel a mocking yet amused aura surrounding him.

As soon as he left, I ran towards the door, closing it. My body glided down the door, memories of the event running through my mind with questions needing answers.

Most people would get over it as quick as it came, but for an 18-year-old, I considered this the same as death.

Tears slowly exited my eyes as I hugged my knees.

I thought of myself as a mistake. I stayed on the ground, despising the people that had gotten me into this situation.

***

I woke up to the sound of people suddenly entering the room. I jolted up from the bed to see Natalia smiling.

"Good morning Lady Anastasia," said Natalia, a soft smile on her face.

"Hello," I softly replied, looking around the room.

Racks of clothes were lined up. Each clothing item was paired with shoes and accessories I had never seen before.

"What's going on?" I asked with a confused look on my face.

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"Master's family is visiting today," replied Anastasia enthusiastically.

I hummed in response before sitting back down and looking at the door.

"Let's start," said Natalia as the last maids entered the room.

After hours and hours, we finished.

I looked at myself in awe.

It was the first time I had ever seen myself from such a perspective. For a second, I felt like a human. Specifically, I felt as if I belonged.

I admired every detail, from the french bun to the white puff-sleeve dress. I looked perfect.

I once more gazed at myself in the mirror. When a shadow suddenly appeared in the mirror.

I swiftly turned around and followed the figure. To this day, I wonder why I decided to follow him. Why did I fall into his trap?

I ran after the figure as the sound of infant laughter grew louder. I stopped in front of the door that contained the sound.

"What are you doing," whispered a voice in my ear.

I froze. Despite the will to action, I couldn't do anything. The same seducing voice from yesterday.

His hot breath roamed the crook of my neck.

"What do you want, "I asked, trying to distance myself from the figure.

"I should be the one asking the question," replied the man, amused.

"What's so funny," I asked in a slightly pouty voice."Who are you," I asked, turning around to see the figure.

As I turned around, he was already gone. I looked around, trying to identify where he had gone. When the sound came back.

I opened the door to find my eyes blessed by the sight of a beautiful rose garden, and another mystery had once more appeared.

I walked towards the garden as a group of masked men aroused from the bushes.

Each man was holding a sort of weapon.

A dark, evil, and corrupt aura surrounded the man.

As the man seemed to make their way toward me, I rushed to hide in one of the bushes.

Hoping that none saw me.

I crouched down quietly, watching them pass by. The tension started rising as it felt closer. From afar, another score appeared.

After a few minutes, it seemed as if everyone was gone. I checked the surroundings before standing up and following the path the guards had come from.

I ran for several minutes when I saw a road. Once more, another thought had crossed my mind.

You can escape screamed my inner demon. Stay, what if Vicent actually likes you, compelled my inner angel.

Little did I know that little decision would cost my life. I turned left and bolted.

I ran as fast as I could. Sweat dripping down my forehead.

VROOM

In a flash, a black car flew past me as I stopped.

I looked back, eyeing the disappearing car. I ran back into the bushes when I noticed the car coming back.

Did they find me?

I entered the rose bush, running at full speed. Despite the thorns cutting through my leg, I couldn't stop.

I had already made it this far, I thought to myself.

I stopped, noticing a group of guards running towards me.

I was circled.

"Let me go," I screamed, kicking and punching the men. Instead, my attempts went in vain.

I laid sat down on the floor as I looked disheveled. My hands, along with my legs, were each tied.

"Let me go," I screamed, trying to free myself.

To my surprise, the men stayed quiet.

After a few minutes, I was quiet.

The sudden sound of rustling caught my attention. I lifted my head to see a familiar figure.

"Did me miss princess," asked the figure as my eyes grew wide.

It was the same man from yesterday and this morning.

I pushed my body backward as I noticed him coming closer.

"Did you miss princess?" he asked one more, crouching down in front of me.

"I really hate being ignored," he added.

As he grasped my jaw tightly.