- 3.
Г
We arrived at the Ethan family mansion. I was led to a guest room. Passing my old room, I glimpsed inside. It was unrecognizable. My desk by the window was now a vanity. My beloved lily–of–the–valley was gone, replaced by roses, my least favorite flower. Even the décor was different. It screamed that the room had a new occupant. No, it never belonged to me in the first place. I’d forgotten. I was just a stray taken in by the Ethans. I should be grateful for any shelter.
Ethan noticed my glance, mistaking it for resentment. He frowned. “The room was empty after you left. Chloe’s staying there for now.” I nodded. “Let Chloe have it. I don’t
く
mind where I stay.” I kept my head down. My
old room was across from Ethan’s. I didn’t
21 W W T
want to see him every time I left my room.
In the guest room, a maid brought in an array of dresses. I used to enjoy pretty clothes, but now, the sight of them made my skin crawl. In rehab, we were forced to wear such dresses, but with insects crawling inside. They would crawl over us, the sensation both painful and itchy. It was a lesson: girls shouldn’t dress provocatively to tempt men. Only then would we be “cured.”
I begged for a long–sleeved, high–necked black dress. Only in clothes like that did I feel safe. Opening the door, I saw Ethan leaning
Join the booket
Г
against the railing, his expression unreadable.
Seeing my outfit, he scowled. “Wearing black? Are you here for a funeral? Are you trying to embarrass the family?” He reached out. I flinched, stepping back. “Don’t hit me!” I was so terrified I almost tumbled down the stairs. Ethan caught me, his eyes filled with bewilderment and exasperation. “When did I say I was going to hit you?” He had only meant to fix my hair.
