TThe door creaked open.
"Step-witch wants to see you, Hina," Zarina said, flopping onto the bed beside me like she carried the weight of my life on her shoulders.
"See me? For what?" I groaned, rising, muscles stiff, heart already tight. "What could that bitch possibly want?"
I slammed the door behind me. The echo bounced down the corridor like a warning shot.
Voices and laughter. They paused when they saw me. Silence, sharp and brittle.
"Come here, Hina," Olivia Magita Kent called, eyes scanning, weighing. Judging. I fought the urge to scowl, to throw something, to run.
"What's with that look again?"
"You look… beautiful. Look at your boobs—H or J cup?" Her hands hovered as if measuring, poking. "Answer me. They're huge for your small frame."
I pinched the bridge of my nose. Really? What kind of insane question is that? My chest burned. My face wanted to scream, but I swallowed it down, folding it into my chest, a secret fire I carried alone.
"She seems… grown now. We'll wait until she turns nineteen," Olivia continued, tone calculating, sharp as glass.
"No. No need to wait. She's grown. Send her back to her room," my father said, waving me off like I was nothing.
I walked away. Chill running down my spine. Prepare me for what? I clenched my fists. Whatever their plan, it will fail. It had to.
---
"What did they say?" Zarina asked as soon as I returned.
"I don't know," I whined, dropping onto the bed, shoulders tense. "The bitch was asking if my boobs were H or J. Talking about me being grown. I pray whatever their lunatic plan is doesn't work out."
"Grown? H or J? Are you sure they're not planning to marry you off? Those people are insane. Capable of anything," Zarina said, eyes serious. Watching me. Always watching.
"They wouldn't dare," I said, voice calm but tight, like a cord strung too far. "Not yet. Their madness hasn't reached that level."
She looked down at the books scattered on the floor. Physics. Chemistry. Math. "I thought you were writing maths tomorrow. Why read all three today?"
"Because Seleya made me clean, made me watch her clothes. Exams first, chores second? Never." I shoved my hands into my hair, frustration coiling in my chest.
"Oh, good luck tomorrow—though my smarty-pants won't need it." She came closer, fingers brushing my side, tickling lightly.
"Zari! Stop!" I squealed, trying to pull away..
***
A slim, curvy figure with golden-brown hair and emerald-green eyes leaned against the balcony railing, sipping her drink. Her phone rested on the table, the screen showing a video call. A gorgeous blonde with brown eyes smiled back at her, while a maid stood nearby, head bowed.
"He hit her again? Oh my God, we should sue him for domestic violence! This is unacceptable! After he promised never to touch her, he had the guts to do it again!" Seleya exclaimed, her tone sharp with outrage.
"She deserves it," Chelsea replied calmly, a sly smile tugging at her lips.
"Come on, Chelsea, don't talk like that. She's our friend," Seleya countered, rolling her eyes.
"She didn't care I was her friend when she told me! I can't get a man for myself, while hers hit her all the time like a piñata! And she goes on and on about 'my man, my man, my man,' giving advice as if her life were perfect. Glad he hits her at least reality's hitting her back!" Chelsea laughed harshly, a sound that made Seleya giggle in response.
Seleya smirked, muting the call briefly. "Ophelia, go get me Hina." She unmuted the phone, her eyes glinting with mischief.
"I can't wait to hear her lie about falling on the stairs when her neighbor confirmed he hits her," Chelsea said, making them both break into another round of giggles.
"So, when are we shopping for Caterina's wedding gown? Did she tell you?" Chelsea asked casually, leaning back in her chair.
"No, she didn't. And I also forgot to ask her," Seleya replied, tapping her nails against the table with a hint of impatience.
A few minutes later, the maid Ophelia appeared at the balcony door, bowing her head. "Um, Miss Seleya… Hina has gone to school."
"What? What time is it? How and who lets her out? Go call me Zari, now!" Seleya snapped, her voice sharp, the smirk replaced by urgent agitation.
Ophelia froze for a moment, then hurried to obey, glancing nervously at the phone screen. Seleya's eyes narrowed, already plotting the next move.
Soon, Zarina arrived, bowing her head.
"Chelsea, I'll call you later. I have some scores to settle. Muah," Seleya said, blowing a kiss at the phone.
"Bye, gorgeous! Kisses to you too, my love," Chelsea replied, smiling. Seleya cut the call immediately.
Turning to face Zarina, Seleya's eyes glowed with displeasure. "What is this nonsense I heard? I thought I told you to make sure Hina washed the curtains and did not go to school."
"I'm sorry, ma'am… I forgot," Zarina said softly, keeping her head bowed.
"Oh, you forgot? For forgetting, you will wash the curtains on her behalf. Ophelia, tell the rest of the maids to leave their duties for today. Zari and Hina will do all of it. When Hina gets back from school, she will continue with Zari. Foolish girls! Get the fuck out of my face, you fool," Seleya snapped, her glare forcing Zarina to bow slightly as she stepped aside.
"Ophelia, prepare clean, fresh water for me to bathe," Seleya ordered, her voice sharp, echoing slightly off the walls..
"Add scented oils… and prepare the wax," Seleya continued, pacing slightly as she surveyed the balcony. "I need to be flawless. Raphael will be back today. He hasn't touched me in weeks, and I can already imagine how starved he must be. I must be perfect clean, smooth, irresistible. Not a single flaw. Do you understand?"
"Yes, ma'am," Ophelia replied, hurrying away, her cheeks flushing.