A kiss for Ree

Chapter 36

*****

I don't think I've ever been this bored in my entire life.

The world seemed too quiet—the kind of silence that lets you think. A suffocating kind of silence. The kind that makes your skin itch, makes the corners of your mind feel like they’re closing in.

The kind that makes you pace the room a thousand times, lie on the floor just to stare at the ceiling, and count invisible cracks in the walls.

I had tried everything.

I've read every magazine that a maid brought—Out of the kindness of her heart or Ludwig's offer, I don't know. I've flipped through textbooks I could find.

But mostly, I just waited. I waited for the day to end, the darkness that makes me go to bed. I waited for someone to come save me from this torture. My mind cut across to Lila, wondering if she's ever thought about saving me and if she's safe.

You have to save yourself Ree. No Prince charming or step mother can come to your rescue.

If I wanted to get out of this dumb, suffocating, controlling engagement, I'd have to save myself.

And I’d have to start now.

I flung open the red dress from the last outing in my closet and pulled out the phone. The one Jax gave me. I said no a million times but Jax wouldn't hear it, he wanted to text me all the time. But I hadn't even turned the phone on since then, I was afraid Ludwig would barge in and catch me with it.

But screw that.

I slipped it into my sweater pocket and slipped out of the room, moving fast and staying silent. I had a plan in my mind already, I don't know if it'll work but I just have to give it a trial.

My bare feet barely made a mark as I walked aimlessly around the house, discovering places I've never seen before. I've never even explored this house, never cared to.

My heart almost jumped out of my chest as I came across a maid. I took a deep breath to steady my almost-heart-attack and act composed.

"Hii" I said as politely as I could, "Is Ludwig's dad around?. Do you know where he is?."

"Yes. He's at the balcony in the highest floor" she answered.

"Thank you" I said half whispering and offering a small smile.

There was no need for an aimless search anymore, I went straight up to the highest balcony.

There he was. Sitting in a leather chair like some rich villain from a dated movie. A drink in one hand and cigar in another. The balcony was partially covered in smoke. He was definitely resting and enjoying his evening, hate to disturb but I have to do this.

You can do this Ree!. You can't stay scared! You have to fight for freedom.

And so I swallowed my fear. I cleared my throat to get his attention.

He looked up at me, his face twisted in annoyance. “What are you doing here?. Where's Ludwig?”

I quietly, stepped into the balcony. I decided not to beat around the bush, “I came here for answers.”

He raised a brow. “Now you’re asking questions?”

I didn’t flinch. I stayed far from him and stylishly pressed record on the phone in my pocket. “Tell me the truth,” I said. “Why are you really doing this? Why the rush to marry me off to Ludwig? What are you hiding?”

Ludwig told me the reason before but I didn't bother to record, now I had to do so. Knowing Ludwig, he definitely isn't going to get drunk in front of me again so this is my only chance.