g driveway lined with perfectly manicured hedges. Everything looked exa

ection, a stark contrast

entrance. Benito didn't get out. He

is thumbs flying across the screen. "There

f. The heavy thud of it cl

ned before she reached it. Martha, the head housekeeper, stood there.

didn't hug her. Martha, who had practically raised her

he said. "I'm just

telle... she turned your suite into her

. Her room. H

am I st

Madam said the guest room at the end

seasonal staff used to stay. The r

er voice was hollow

sneakers squeaking on the marble. The house was si

ture was covered in sheets. She didn't care. She w

She stood in front of the mirror. Her ribs were visible

bar of harsh soap. She scrubbed. She scrubbed until her skin turned angry red. She wanted to wash off t

ater run over the scar that ran diagonally across her shoulder blade. A souvenir fro

earlier had a broken lock, was followed by heavy footsteps. Befor

around, clutching a t

The lock on the door was broken-she had notice

e. He was staring at her exposed shoul

ed. Not with pit

king a step back. "Your

left t

ed, her voice crackin

to a sneer. "Don't flatter yourself. I didn't want to see anyt

's exactly what you deserve. In a place like that,

Her voice shook. "I was attac

Or were you trying to please some '

The sheer injustice, the vil

amic soap dish from the s

against the doorframe with a loud crack. S

widening. "You're crazy!

t. The force of it shook the wall, sending a

e towel slipping from her grip.

a monster. He thoug

in the mirror again. It

e expected didn't come. Instead, a co

monster, she wo

he water back on. Cold, t