UNWANTED DEVOTION

THE CAGE OF GOLD

Crystal's POV

I sighed, looking out the window as the cold breeze stung my face. My hair flowed wildly, caught in the wind coming through the open window.

The snowy road stretched endlessly, its beauty undeniable, but my eyes refused to focus on it. My thoughts were too loud, too consuming, trembling through me with every passing second. Today, they were taking me to the mansion—the real one where they lived: Mr. Well, Mrs. Well, and him. Just the thought of stepping into that place made my stomach churn.

At least here, in this smaller house, the maids treated me like a person, at least when Mr. and Mrs. Well weren't around. They spoke to me, smiled even. But now, everything would change—new place, new people. Maybe cruel, like the ones I already knew.

"Stop sighing every second, Crystal," Mrs. Well's sharp voice pulled me out of my thoughts. She sat beside me, her posture stiff and commanding.

"Can I... not marry him?" I whispered, barely audible, not wanting to anger her but desperate to ask.

Her laugh was cold, almost amused, like I'd told a ridiculous joke.

Realizing my mistake, I quickly added, "Sorry," lowering my head as I clutched my dress tightly.

Mrs. Well shifted closer, her presence suffocating. "Stop those ridiculous thoughts of running away," she hissed, her voice dripping with malice. "Trust me, you won't like the consequences. Burned feet from hot iron rods... much worse than your last punishment."

Her words sent shivers through me, and I fought to keep the tears from spilling. I remembered too well what had happened the last time I dared to disobey.

It was the day they caught me sneaking into Mr. Well's office to use his phone. I had dialed an unknown number, hoping a stranger might hear me and call for help. But the line just rang and rang. Before I could try again, someone yanked my hair, throwing me to the floor.

Slaps rained down on me, one after another, sharp and merciless. I had begged for mercy, but Mrs. Well didn't stop until my face was red and stinging. Then, they dragged me to the dark room.

That room... The first time, it had been cockroaches crawling all over me. Then mice, then snakes, each time something worse. But the scorpions—those were the worst. They weren't poisonous, but their bites left small, stinging wounds that burned long after they were gone. I had tried to brush them off, but they just kept coming.

Blinking away the memory, I wiped the warmth of tears from my cheeks and nodded silently. I turned back to the window, trying to focus on the passing scenery instead of the heaviness in my chest.

The car slowed as it reached a narrow path lined with flowers and tall trees. The air grew cooler, sharper, as we approached the mansion.

A massive black iron gate loomed ahead, intricate designs twisting through the metal. Two guards in red uniforms stepped forward, opening it. As we passed through, my heart sank further.

The mansion was enormous, its grey walls trimmed with dark grey and white accents. Soft yellow lights illuminated the exterior, making it look almost magical. But to me, it was just another cage—grander, more extravagant, but a cage nonetheless.

I glanced back, watching the gate disappear in the distance. My chest tightened with the urge to run, but there was nowhere to go.

When the car stopped at the entrance, two guards opened the doors. I stepped out, adjusting my sky-blue gown and lace gloves.

"Let's go," Mr. Well ordered. I followed, my legs heavy with dread.

Inside, maids in spotless white uniforms lined up, their heads bowed. One of them stepped forward, her smile polite yet cautious. "Welcome back, sir, ma'am, and..." Her gaze landed on me, uncertain.

"She's my son's soon-to-be wife, Crystal," Mrs. Well said coldly. "She is not to speak to anyone here. I expect you to enforce that, Ella. Make sure she follows the rules. I'll let you know what she can and cannot do. Understood?"

"Yes, ma'am," Ella replied, her tone professional.

"Show her to the room beside Kian's," Mr. Well added.

My eyes widened for a moment, but I quickly masked my reaction. I didn't want to draw any more attention to myself.

"This way, Miss Crystal," Ella said, gesturing for me to follow.

I picked up the hem of my gown as we climbed the stairs. The dress felt heavy, as if it were dragging me down even more. Ella stopped at a white door, opening it to reveal a room so beautiful it took my breath away.

The walls were painted a soft cream, and the furniture was a perfect blend of white and gold. A large glass window let in streams of natural light, and the bathroom, Ella explained, was luxurious beyond anything I'd ever seen.

But as I stood there, all I could see was another cage. This one wasn't silver—it was gold. It sparkled and shone, trying to disguise the fact that I was still trapped.

Ella left after showing me everything, and I sat on the bed, its fluffy cream comforter sinking under me. My reflection stared back at me from the mirror—a pale, tired face marked by misery.

A knock interrupted my thoughts. Mrs. Well stood in the doorway, luggage in hand. "These are your clothes. Change into something comfortable. And don't you dare try anything I won't like," she warned before leaving.

I opened the suitcase to find black sweatpants and a hoodie. Grabbing them, I stepped into the bathroom. The warm water from the bath soothed me, offering a brief moment of calm.

Once dressed, I lay on the bed, pulling the blanket up to my chin. The softness enveloped me, and for the first time in what felt like forever, I drifted into a dreamless sleep.

The Next Morning

"He's coming, Crystal. I don't want any mistakes," Mrs. Well said sharply from the sofa, her eyes glued to her phone.

I nodded silently, my heart pounding as her words sank in.

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