r

athless as my skin crawled with shame I couldn't name, and my half torn veil hanging off my shoulder. "Come," the woman whispered, placing her hand slightly on my back. "Let's get you inside, Mrs. Graves." "Thank you," I murmured, finding it hard to return her smile, and the new name–Mrs. Graves settled like a rock in my stomach. I gathered my wedding dress in both hands, avoiding tripping over the layers of stairs as I climbed. My legs ached with every step I took. It sent a sharp pulse of pain through my calves. A breathless hush swept over me as we reached the top, and the double doors opened. The inside looked like a different kind of cruelty. Foyers drenched in icy marble. The light bounced off the chandeliers cold, painting the walls with ash and bones. The staircase was curved like a snake from the centre, disappearing into the number of floors. We walked in silence through the hall, and the only sound was the sound of feet muffled by the thick velvet rugs. The staff brushed past without making eye contact. Well, some of them looked but it didn't last a second. "This will be your room Mrs. Graves," the woman announced as she pushed open a door at the end of the east wing. I stepped inside, taking in the large room. It was very beautiful, but it seemed like a hotel suite built for someone who was just coming for a visit A large bed sat in the centre of the room, covered in a silk sheet that was trimmed with black, and heavy curtains framed the tall windows. I watched as my belongings were being brought upstairs from one of the large windows overlooking the gate. The staff moved in and out quickly–placing boxes, unfolding dresses and arranging them without a word. Then, they left one by one until it was only me and the elderly woman. "What is your name?" I asked as she made her way to one of the many closets, unpacking fresh linens. "You may call me Leah Ma'am," she replied with a soft spark in her tone, her back staying turned to me. "Well, Leah..., would you please help me out of this dress?," I asked, tugging lightly at the zipper of the dress. "Of course," Leah said as she finished resetting the bed in cashmere blend sheets. She helped me peel myself out of the dress, and the relief came fast with a sigh. I was left with just my under linen, feeling lighter. "Thank you," I said softly, meaning it more than she would ever know. "Sure, ma'am." The humiliation Saxon had displayed still lingered. It's funny how he'd cornered me inside an elevator like I belonged to him. And now, I was just the rejected bride to him. Rick's voice echoed in my mind. "Do it for the sake of family." Was that the purpose of my survival? To repay