Abby 2: Abigail

Chapter 13

I looked over the arrangement of wild roses outside of Madeleine's office before our weekly meeting late Wednesday afternoon. They were her favorite flower, and she always kept a fresh display on a table there. She had once told me they symbolized pain and pleasure in Victorian times. Without pain, how can we really know pleasure? she would say. Fitting for a BDSM club, I thought as my fingers traced over the silky petals with a gentle caress.

Eden had left on business and wouldn't return until next week, so I had decided to discuss the recent events with Madeleine at our regular meeting today. How would she react to the news that I had accepted Eden's proposal and now was considering leaving the Fleur-de-lis? Would she understand, or would she feel I had betrayed her investment in me?

As I studied the detail in the petals of the wild roses, my mind thought back to the start of my training almost a year ago. How much I had grown since those first sessions. No longer the timid girl I had once been, each step I had taken to explore and express my desires had brought me closer to understanding myself. Was I ready to give that up?

I gathered myself as I heard Madeleine approach, my anxiety rising as I tried to convince myself that she would understand and support my decision. After all, I was not obligated to extend my contract, but a sense of loyalty to her weighed on me, given all she had done.

The door swung open, my head bowing respectfully as Madeleine stepped out with an older gentleman I hadn't seen at the club before. They exchanged pleasantries for a moment until the man turned, walking away towards the lounge. She turned her attention to me with a welcoming smile. "Abby, please come in."

Madeleine wore a red and black leather corset dress that hugged her figure like it had been crafted just for her. Her raven-black hair was pulled up in a series of intricate braids, exposing the delicate curve of her neck. The room echoed with the sound of her heels clicking on the polished marble floor as we walked to her desk at the far end of her office. Over time, our regular meetings had become less of a formal affair. Every two weeks, we would sit down for an hour and just talk about how things were going at the club. Sometimes, she would have training or instruction for the next week, but usually, she was more of a friendly mentor than the owner of an exclusive BDSM club.

She took a seat at her desk as I sat opposite her in a leather armchair, crossing my ankles and fidgeting with my hands. Her eyes met mine as she leaned back, looking at me with a smile. Madeleine always regarded you as if seeing through your soul. She could read the slightest change in a person's facial expression as if it were a gesture. It made you feel both seen and exposed at once as she saw through you as clearly as one might look out a window. I couldn't tell if it was more intimidating or calming.

"You seem nervous, Abby."

"There's something I wanted to talk to you about. Well, two things, actually."

She cocked her head to the side slightly as I shifted in my seat. "I've been thinking about the club... and my contract. You've been so good to me, and I've grown so much during my time here. Honestly, it's been an incredible experience. Most of the staff feel more like family now." I paused, trying to find the right words.

"But?" she asked, sensing my hesitation.

I took a deep breath as I braced for the impact of my words. "But Eden has asked me to marry him, and I've said yes."

Madeleine leaned forward in her chair, her face radiating genuine happiness. "Congratulations, Abby, that's wonderful news. I'm so happy for you."

I couldn't stop a great sigh of relief as I smiled back at her. "Thank you, Madeleine. But if I am going to be a wife, I'm not sure that continuing at the club would be the best thing for me anymore."