DISCLAIMER: Abuse is mentioned and implied, but not graphically shown. Viewer discretion still advised.
—-
JALEN
They can't know what I've been through. No one can.
Why can't you understand that you are mine?!
You don't need art. You don't need any bland tastes. You just need me.
Redo this hair, it's a mess!
You will do what I ask of you!
He truly... couldn't have meant that... could he..?
I rubbed my cheek, feeling my bruised cheek still sting a bit.
I winced at the pain before I remembered... yeah... he hit me. He did... but... why?
My heart achingly throbbed as I questioned last night's events.
"Ugh... what am I, dumb?" I asked myself as I grabbed a bit of foundation from the drawer and put it on, covering the bruise like magic.
"They won't worry about it..."
I remembered Kace and Annie's concerned looks the most that night, and I only began to feel worse as I recalled their genuine horror...
Maybe I shouldn't have silenced them... but they did promise to not say a word to my family.
As I walked down, Annie spun around with some plates of food and presented them to the family. She gave me an enthusiastic wave, but it felt... rather forced.
I frowned and continued to walk down the stairs. As I turned back, I noticed Kace bump into Annie, and them muttering awkward apologies to each other.
They then turned away without another word.
Was something going on?
Hmm. Maybe not... who am I kidding.
"Good morning. How are you today, Lady Jalen?" Annie asked as she placed a napkin over my legs, earning a confused glare from my grandmother.
Oh, geez. I should really order them to call me by my real name around my family... but... at least someone can acknowledge the name I want to go by...
Minte surely didn't... and neither did my family...
I sunk my fork into a small wad of scrambled eggs and shoveled it into my mouth.
I groaned to myself as I saw them glance over at me repeatedly from the kitchen.
"Geez... why..." I mumbled as I put my head down.
"L-Lady Jalen!" Kace stuttered, rushing over and picking my head up. "Your posture at the table is a bit subpar right now... maybe try sitting like this?"
I saw him flash a smile, which faded as I turned to him.
I really wanted him to know what had gone on... but I didn't know if I could admit it.
As much as I wanted to stay down here with the family... nobody noticed that I had makeup on, and the butlers were glaring at me so much, it just made me want to run and hide.
And, like a coward, I did just that, leaving the rest of my breakfast behind and slamming the door to my room.
Shuffling under my covers, I tried to get to my happy place again... but it was too difficult to even muster.
YOU ARE READING
It's only a phase, isn't it? | 18+ | +MAIN FOCUS+
Romance(COVER DESIGN IS TEMPORARY) When Julianna's relatives visit for the first time in years, their butlers, Kace and Annie, tag along too, and make a deal to serve her for as long as they stay. They refer to her as "Lady Julianna" until they are insiste...
