Still Breathing

Chapter 14: Exile

Marley Pov present day 2022

Board of Directors weekend getaway at Barnes country estate.

As we enter the room, I sigh. I didn't even realize I was holding my breath. I half expected for Bucky to put me in his old room, for nostalgia sake. I'm also grateful we aren't on the same floor. I forgot how massive this place was. the main house has 3 floors. 8 bedrooms all with ensuite bathrooms. Two master beds, with their own luxury baths for bucky and his parents. Then there are 3 more bathrooms just scattered throughout the mansion. 2 kitchens. A regular dining room. A huge dining hall. a living room. a sitting room. a parlor. And a ballroom. There is an outdoor and indoor pool. a tennis court. Basketball court. A spot where they can play golf. And so much more.

I walk over to the window and look over the land. There are acres upon acres of land. From here I can see the little strawberry house. I roll my eyes. that's why he choose this room. I groan out and Stephen stops unpacking to look up at me. "Are you alright?"

I walk over to my suitcase and say, "Yes." I pull out the dress I'm supposed to wear for dinner tonight and it takes everything in me not to make a face at the dress Stephen has picked out for me. as I take it towards the closet, Stephen stops me and hands me two boxes. "these were on the bed when we came in with your name on them." Stephen opens the note that was placed on top. It says I'm to wear these assigned outfits to dinner and to the masque tomorrow night. Stephen frowns, not liking having his control taken away.

I open the first box and lift the dress. I feel like I've been punched in the gut. It's the exact same blue dress I wore the last time I was here. and I'm instructed to wear my hair exactly the same. I resist the urge to throw the dress. Stephen takes it from my hands and holds it up. he shrugs, not caring one way or another, not understanding at all, why I don't want to wear it. he sets it back in the box and gestures for me to open the other one. for the longest time I just stare at the big box, knowing already what's in there.

Stephen impatiently yanks the box from in front of me and opens it. tears fill my eyes as I take in the same white dress I wore the last time. I take a step back as Stephen pulls out the strapless gown. I try not to look directly at it. I place my fingers over my mouth and turn towards the window. I glance back to see Stephen pull out the accessories. He turns and looks at me confused. I tell him, "it's a swan." He turns back with a frown and place everything back in the back. I hurry up and wipe my tears away and when he turns back to me, I smile at him. he doesn't return it. he looks me up and down and just studies me for a few minutes before going into the bathroom to set up his toiletries.

I place the boxes neatly on the dresser and go back to the window and think about that day. everything from the beginning to the end was amazing. I'm pulled from my thoughts by Stephen when I hear him call for me in the bathroom. I close my eyes and take a few breaths before getting up. as I walk towards the bathroom, I begin to remove my dress and shoes. This weekend just might kill me.

***

After I shower and do my hair and makeup, I step into the bedroom with only my underwear on, to see Stephen already in his suit and bow tie. I stare at him as he stands in the mirror fixing his hair. if he wasn't such an evil bastard, he might tell him how handsome he looks. I remember once upon a time; he was kind to me. we could actually talk when we did meet up... before the incident. I actually use to tell people for an older guy, he was cute in a mature debonair type of way. Stephen catches me staring and slowly turns to look at me. for the first time, there is softness in his eyes. for once, it's almost like he see me. and not the woman he has been abusing and terrorizing for the last few years.