Mia's POV
I stepped into the bathroom, the cool marble floor a welcome respite from the burning sensation still lingering on my skin. My mind races, replaying the events that had transpired in Malcolm's office.
I turned the faucet, letting the cold water fill the tub. As I slipped in, the chill enveloped me soothing my flushed skin, but it did nothing to calm the flutter in my chest.
My thoughts drifted back to Malcolm's palm on my skin, the firm yet gentle way he'd spanked me. The sting had been intense but it was the underlying sensation that unsettled me.
Aghh! Why can't I take my mind off him? This is so frustrating.
I submerged myself letting the water wash away the confusion, but my body refused to listen. My nipples peaked and my core pulsed with an uninvited ache.
This was madness.
In the closet, neat set of clothes were waiting for me. From ball gowns, to lounge wears, even pyjamas, nightgowns and underwear were included.
How did he know the size of my clothings.
"Oof, obviously Mia, he has seen you naked already and he even touched you that too with your complete approval, you're such a softie. Well I didn't exactly approve of it but I did nothing to stop him either."
Now I'm talking to myself. I really am going crazy.
"He doesn't expect me to wear this, does he?" I say picking up the black lingerie placed with many others of different colours.
I decided to wear a crisp white blouse and tailored pants.
*Inspiration on Mia's choice of clothes*
Now I need to think of a way to get out here since my first plan didn't work. I didn't expect Malcolm to fall for my tears but I had to try my luck. I can't run off either. There are security cameras everywhere and I'm sure there must be guards too. I don't want to risk getting caught and locked up in a basement cause I know he is very capable of that.
My stomach grumbles, disrupting my thoughts. I need to get something to eat or I might just die of starvation.
As I descended the grand staircase, my gaze swept across the expansive foyer. Black marbles, charcoal stones and just like in my room or the room I was held captive rather, golden light spilled from the chandeliers casting a soft glow on the dark interior.
In the kitchen, I found two women preparing dinner. "Hello Ms Lin" said Mrs Jenkins.
"We've been expecting you, I'm Mrs Jenkins and this is Emily, our maid.
Emily nodded, her eyes curious "welcome Ms Lin"
"Oh, please drop the initials. You can call me Mia and I won't be staying here for long so you can just carry on with your work like I wasn't here" I said, trying to ease the tension.
As we chatted, I learned they worked part time. Arriving early and leaving before nightfall.
"What would you like for dinner?" Mrs Jenkins asks "I have prepared grilled salmon with quinoa and steamed vegetables, vegetarian stuffed Portobello mushrooms......"
"I'll just have a wheatberry salad" I said cutting her off. Who eats so much food anyway.
"Why do you prepare so much when you could just ask for his preference."
"Mr Reed doesn't eat just anything. He eats food cooked by the most experienced chefs worldwide and he has done me a great favour by hiring me as his cook so the least I could do is to satisfy him." Mrs Jenkins said with a warm smile.
"It seems you admire Malcolm a lot" I said, pouring myself a glass of water.
"Yes I do. Mr Reed has done I and my family a great favour and we are alive thanks to him."
It was evident that she cares a lot about Malcolm. I cannot believe that ruthless jerk would do any favours for anyone.
"Mia, I see you're enjoying Mrs Jenkins' hospitality" I hear Natalie say as she strides into the kitchen, exuding confidence and elegance.
She glanced at me with fleeting disdain, her eyes lingering on my attire."I trust you are finding everything to your satisfaction?" Natalie asked, her tone laced with false interest.
"Of course, how could I have any complaints. You bring me here against my will and lock me in a mansion expecting to just behave like it's no big deal. Giving me free clothes and food doesn't change the fact that he is an asshole and a ruthless jerk and you are no different from him, allowing him to treat your fellow woman like some piece of trash." I spat, frustration etched on my face.
How could she just behave naturally, asking if everything is to my satisfaction. Such a bitch.
But instead of getting angry over my tantrums, Natalie only smiled at me "don't worry Mia, you'll be out of here sooner than you'd expect." She said before striding upstairs.
What did she mean by that?
Mrs Jenkins watch Natalie with a knowing glance, a mixture of wariness and understanding.
"How is she related to Malcolm?" I ask Mrs Jenkins understanding the look on her face.
She hesitated at first then she started speaking.
"Miss Natalie has always been with Mr Reed ever since I've known him, she is like his most trusted ally. She is a very sensible and logical person so she has been of great help to Mr Reed, even in time of crisis. But there is something about the way she looks at him, like admiration." She said spiking my curiosity over Natalie. "Anyways, I must be over thinking, she seems like a nice person"
"From what I heard, Ms Natalie was sold to Mr Reed as compensation for a mistake her family made to Mr Reed." Emily who was quiet this whole time suddenly spoke fueling my curiousity the more.
"You know you shouldn't say such things to people don't you?" Mrs Jenkins said to Emily who nods and returns to being quiet again.
After dinner, I sat on my bed staring at the camera whose lens was fixated on me. I don't even have a phone.
I pondered for while before deciding to ask Malcolm for a phone. If he decides to keep me here against my will, the least he could do is give me my phone or any other phone.
I knock on the door to his study before slowly pushing it open but the study was empty. I should go check his bedroom.
I hesitated outside Malcolm's bedroom door, recalling the unsettling memories of our previous encounter.
I pushed open the door, stepping into a sprawling sanctuary. Malcolm's bedroom was a cavernous space draped in shadows.
My gaze wandered taking in the massive bed adorned with velvet pillows, floor to ceiling windows, a marble fireplace, a private sitting area and a doorway leading to a lavish en-suite bathroom.
I have never seen anything quite like this in my 22 years of life.
As I wandered around the room, I noticed another door, almost hidden behind a tapestry.
My heart racing, I turned the handle, pushing the door open.
The room beyond was dimly lit, candles casting flickering shadows. I blinked processing the scene before me......
Hello people!
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Thank u.
I just realised that writing online is much more fun than writing in exercise books like I used to do before😌
Anyways, what do you think Mia saw in the room? Leave a comment.
Mimi 💜
YOU ARE READING
BEHIND THE FACADE R18
RomanceIn a world of power, loyalty and control, Malcolm's rules are clear; no attachments, no emotions. Until Mia challenges everything he thought he knew about love and possession.