Bite Me Forever

Chapter 2: A Cruel Husband

One week later, my attraction for Viktor was undeniable, and so was the rage I felt for him. Ignoring me as if I didn't exist was a sign of profound cruelty, and I loathed him for it.

I had taken my afternoon bath and donned a round gown with long sleeves. A pair of half-boots were around my feet, and a brightly coloured shawl of cashmere was wrapped around my shoulders to keep my body warm as the cold weather was often extreme during dawn and twilight.

While staring at my reflection in the mirror, I rolled my hair into a neat bun and donned a lace cap. I planned to walk around the manor again—something I presumed would help me adapt to the new environment. I walked outside my bedchamber, heading down to the great chamber through the steps. I hadn't seen Viktor during the day. I'd been walking around near his room to get a little insight into his whereabouts in the morning. Still, he was nowhere to be seen.

I strolled inside the great chamber, heading outside the manor. The sun was about to set, and the sky shone with a reddish light. One could see the magpies hopping excitedly in the garden. The starling was singing as usual, and somehow, it reminded me of those happy moments I had spent with my sisters in England. I was the Goldman family's eldest daughter, and I'd often protect my sisters from anyone who would dare hurt them. Especially cruel men who would break their hearts.

Unfortunately, I ended with one. If my father's business hadn't gone crippled, I was sure I wouldn't have ended with a man as inhumane as Viktor. Regardless of my unhappiness, I couldn't blame my father. At least, thanks to my marriage, he could provide for my sisters, and now they could get married and be happy. What else could I wish for?

James's disappearance had ruined my reputation in England; however, I still had my sisters' company, and not one day passed that I was ever lonely. They stood by me and reminded me that James's unfaithfulness wasn't my fault; he was a lousy man with no soul. Even I knew that. And yet... It still hurt. I still missed him sometimes. His blond hair and honey-coloured eyes, the way he would grab my shoulders and made me feel safe. Gently, I walked by the house, gazing at the mountain cliff and the patches of clouds above it.

"Dinner is served, madame." The housekeeper's voice made me spin immediately. Eponine never wore a smile, and I wondered why. At times, I had the hunch she wasn't too pleased to have me in the house, just like her boss.

"Thank you. Have you journeyed out of these walls before? Somewhere akin to that cliff?" I asked her.

"My duty is not to journey about. It is to care for the house, ma'am." Her response was sharp and malicious. I was befogged about why she sounded displeased and mean.

I sat around the table, gazing at the honey cake, French bread, roasted chicken, two bottles of red wine and a kettle of tea. If Viktor wasn't the type who ate, why had he instructed her to make all these meals? Maybe that was why she was mad at me. However, since I'd stepped foot in the manor, my appetite had worsened because the house was devoid of love. What would often happen was that I would wait for Viktor to show up. Minutes stretched into hours, and Viktor wouldn't come, or when he did, he left almost immediately. I'd never seen him during breakfast. And the question coursing through my mind was how did he leave the house without my knowledge because I was awake before anyone. Or was he in his room? Didn't he have work to do, business to attend to? I gawked at the stairway, again as if that would change anything.

As usual, I was prepared to start eating by myself. Still, to my surprise, I saw Viktor standing at the foot of the stairs; then, he walked gallantly like a warlord through the steps to the dining table. Damn him for being so handsome! His neat attire and well-groomed hair spawned him a swell of the first stare. He pulled a chair back and sat. I grabbed the cutlery and began to fork the sliced chicken, stealing glances at Viktor. He gazed at the food for a moment, poured himself a glass of red wine, and he repeated the same process until he emptied a bottle.