Ruthless

37

Five days

After spending five days in the basement, they finally decided to release me, showing a hint of mercy that I hadn't expected. I had mentally prepared myself for a much longer stay. Along with the short duration of my stay, the other thing that pleasantly surprised me was that they didn't subject me to starvation this time. Instead, they provided me with top-notch meals three times a day.

The sudden pop broke the silence of the room as I squeezed lotion into my palm. A sound similar to farting came in the process. Rubbing my hands together, I coated my face with cool moisturizer.

Once I finished applying the lotion, I stood in front of the mirror, observing my reflection. It was remarkable how much better I looked after just a simple bath. Passing by the photo frames on my way from the basement to the room, I caught glimpses of my reflection, which seemed more akin to a character from a horror movie than to myself.

I had trembled at the sight of my own reflection, haunted by the state I had deteriorated into. Though still tired and disheveled, I felt relieved that I was now at least presentable. Despite still appearing a bit worn-out and pale and sick. I now appear presentable. Perhaps now, I wouldn't evoke screams and frantic escapes from those who crossed my path.

Thankfully, the overwhelming pungent odor that had clung to me was now masked by the fragrance of saffron from the body wash.

I was deeply engrossed in my reflection, lost in the maze of endless thoughts, when the door to the room I stayed suddenly swung open with a resounding bang, causing me to startle at the unexpected loud noise.

Annoyance surged through me as my heart raced wildly against my ribcage. A maid, presumably Stephanie's personal one, entered the room looking somewhat flustered. Does she not have had the basic etiquette of respecting someone's privacy?

Also, what is she doing here? Along with annoyance, suspicion also prickled at me with her unexpected entrance. Since she worked for Stephanie, it was probably for something pleasant. Whatever the reason, I wasn't going to dwell on it. I am about to know it anyway. I gazed at her expectantly, awaiting an explanation for her dramatic intrusion.

She smoothed her already neat and slicked bun and adjusted her uniform before moistening her red-painted lips and speaking, "Ma'am Stephanie requests your presence in her room."

Stephanie? Asked me?

My mind raced as I glanced at the clock mounted on the wall before turning back to the maid. What could Stephanie possibly want from me at this late hour, nearing midnight?

If Stephanie had business with me, she should have come herself rather than demanding my presence as if I were beneath her. What arrogance.

Although tempted to decline out of high pride, curiosity won out, and I decided against it and decided to give her a visit. Closing the cap of the lotion I had been using, I returned it to its place before turning back to the maid, who awaited my response.

Without uttering a word, I started moving towards the door, stepping out into the hallway. Fortunately, I knew Stephanie's current location; otherwise, I'd have had to backtrack and seek help from the maid with the directions.

Despite still being married to Adrian, she was staying in one of the guest rooms, having been forced out by Adrian from their shared space due to his lingering bitterness over Adam and Stephanie's relationship.

It always gets to me that, considering Adrian had been the one to direct Stephanie towards Adam, he is angry with Stephanie. Understanding their logic mostly eluded me; their rationality seemed absurd and beyond my grasp.