✔️ SLANDEROUS INTENTIONS | +18

Chapter 21

HELENA

I feel like I am in a dream, floating in a pink bubble.

I thought his mansion was another realm. I thought his room was another world. But this place I'm currently in tops it all; he has a huge library. The books surrounding me feel like planets, each one another world I can dive into.

Noticing how fond I am of books, he brings them alive by speaking like his favorite poets. He showed me his enormous library. Though these books aren't as expensive as the collection in his room that he cherishes — like he does me — they are all hardcover and signed. It should be a crime to hide all this knowledge from the world. At least, he's sharing it with me.

After spending hours in this heaven, feeding myself knowledge with a tinge of thriller books, I check the time. It's already afternoon. The books he reads are commented on by him, like the one I'm currently reading, Perfume: The Story of a Murderer.

I can't help but think how the books he reads reflect him, because the protagonist is a murderer, evil in nature, not caring about the beautiful flowers he erodes while seeking a perfume that is out of this world. Yet, he succeeds in creating the most desirable scent. And for what? For power and manipulation... just like him. Somehow, I can't help but feel like I am his perfume.

Sighing, I get up and leave this palace of knowledge, deciding to go to the kitchen to help Lilly with dinner, if she's already started cooking. He is in his office and rarely comes out—at least, most of the time.

When I enter the kitchen, I see her standing in front of the refrigerator, looking inside. "What are you doing?" I ask from right behind her. She gasps and turns around, startled, her hand flying to her chest. Obviously, she was lost in her own world and didn't hear me approach.

"Jesus! Don't ever do that again," she sighs, before turning back to the fridge with a frown adorning her face. "I've been trying to figure out what to make for dinner, but it looks like I'll have to go grocery shopping." She groans, not wanting to leave.

"Why don't you send Amanda or Stella?" I suggest, leaning coolly against the counter. Since my aunt passed away, she's taken over as head maid of the mansion.

Antonio finally hired two new maids after I requested it, which makes me feel relieved, as not all of the chores are lasting on her shoulders now.

They're both under her command. But one of them can't stand me — she always shoots me death glares when no one else is around. Additionally, I have no idea what her problem is.

Though, I think her problem isn't with me, but with Antonio, but as she doesn't dare cross him, and lashes her frustration on me. Still, I haven't told him about her behavior — I don't want her to play Hangman.

"No, I have to go," she says, shaking her head, pulling me from my thoughts. "The last time I sent them, they were late, and some of the chores didn't get done. I feel like they are wasting more time in order not to do chores." She scowls.

"Do you want me to come with you?" I offer with a smile, and her face lights up instantly. "Really?" she asks, excitement clear in her voice.

"Yeah, let me just tell Antonio real quick," I say with a chuckle, nodding my head. "I'll be right back."

"Okay, I'll wait for you at the front door," she calls after me, squealing with delight, like a little girl, making me laugh.

"All right," I say, leaving the kitchen to head to his office. Antonio's strict about me leaving the mansion without informing him, and every time I go out, one of the security guards has to tag along.