Chapter 4
Rosa's POV
The air in the manor felt heavier than usual. Maybe it was the silence… or the presence of someone important.
I had just finished scrubbing the main hallway when the head maid rushed in.
"You—Rosa, move to the Alpha's chamber immediately. A guest awaits. And don't mess up."
I didn't reply. I just nodded and wiped my hands on the edge of my skirt before heading there. My heart was already beating faster than it should. I didn't know why.
When I got there, the room smelled of wine, cigars, and expensive cologne. Sitting across from Alpha Bryant was an older man in a golden-embroidered robe. His presence was commanding, but something was unsettling about the way he looked at me.
"Serve him some wine," Bryant said without looking at me. His tone was calm, cold—usual.
I bowed and poured from the decanter with trembling hands. As I handed the cup to the man, his fingers brushed against mine… but they didn't stop there.
His hand slid down my arm.
I froze.
"Such smooth skin… You chose well, Bryant," the minister chuckled darkly, his eyes never leaving my body. "What else can she do?"
I felt bile rise in my throat, but I said nothing.
He reached for my waist.
That's when my hands shook—and the wine spilled. Not too much, but enough for the tension in the room to crack wide open.
The next sound I heard wasn't the minister's laughter or my gasp—
It was the thud of Bryant's chair as he stood up.
He didn't say a word. His eyes met mine, sharp like blades. Then he grabbed my wrist—tight.
"Outside," he growled.
I followed, stumbling behind him like a prisoner being dragged to her punishment.
The door shut hard behind us.
"You dare embarrass me in front of my guest?" his voice was low, deadly.
"He—he was touching me," I stammered.
"And you think spilling wine was the right response?" he hissed. "You are mine. You do not react unless I tell you to react. You obey. You keep your head low and your mouth shut."
His grip on my wrist tightened until I winced.
"You think you're still a princess?" he said through clenched teeth. "Let me remind you—you're nothing here. Nothing but a maid I bought. And I own you."
I swallowed hard, my eyes burning. I wanted to scream, to tell him it wasn't fair—but I knew it wouldn't change anything.
He shoved me back against the wall, releasing me finally.
"Get back inside," he ordered. "And this time, smile while you pour the wine."
I nodded, blinking back tears.
As I walked back in to serve the man who just violated my space, I realized something deeper than fear had started to grow inside me.
Hatred.
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