CHAPTER 34: CHAPTER 34

Rhea immediately pushed Zeenare off before he could even finish what he was saying.

"What a joke. What was I even expecting?" she spat out, her eyes bloodshot red, her brows arched up.

"Is this how you go deceiving girls just to get into their pants? At least you’ve done it with me before, so why don’t you find another target?"

"Rhea, listen to me."

"Go fuck yourself. I don’t care about whatever messed-up idea you have, but GET LOST!" Rhea’s chest heaved as her breath came out in hurried gasps, her voice shaking, revealing the pain and disbelief within her.

"I’m not listening to anything else you have to say, and I don’t want to see you anywhere near me."

"So get out!" She pointed to the door, then lay on the bed and pressed the duvet over her body.

As Rhea moved her gaze away from him, Zeenare moved to the door, then walked out.

For the days that followed, Zeenare never stepped into the room.

With every tray of food that was given to Rhea came a crash on the wall with a broken plate and cup, and clattering cutlery.

Rhea didn’t take anything that was offered to her, not even water.

She cried day and night; each day made her feel more vulnerable and less herself.

Othimise moved through the hallway as he made his way into Zeenare’s room after two knocks.

Zeenare, his eyes on his books, asked after noticing his hesitation, "What can I help you with?"

"Sir, the madam is not eating anything, and she’s getting frail each passing day," Othimise informed him. "Please, it would be wise to go visit her."

Zeenare’s attention fell on Othimise, his lips sealed, the pen in his hand tapping on his temple.

I don’t want her to be agitated and feel worse about herself. Is it wise to meet with her?

A sigh escaped his lips.

"Okay, you can leave now. I’ll handle it." He turned back to his work as Othimise left.

Zeenare walked through the floor-to-ceiling balcony, which was on the other side of the mansion, opposite the lush forest.

His gaze fell on the dancing trees, their rustling leaves playing in his ears. The soft rushing sounds of the ocean waves from the shore met his hearing.

He closed his eyes as he took in the fresh air and warm sun.

Rhea would love this. But right now she’s... not happy.

When those thoughts echoed in his mind, dark shadows cast over his face. Zeenare clenched his hands tight within his pockets.

Zeenare’s pace increased as he made his way to Rhea.

"Rhea. Are you awake?" Zeenare asked from the other side of the door, his voice hoarse. "Please, I beg of you to eat something, not for me or anything else, but for yourself."

Rhea slightly jolted at the call of her name. Buried under the duvet, she listened, not saying anything.

He pressed his head against the door, a heavy exhale leaking from him. "I believe you truly don’t want to give your life away. So please eat something."

She removed the cover from her head, staring at the door. Her eyes were puffy, her cheeks had a rosy tint, her lips were pale, and her hair was unkempt.

"And the weather is nice; you can go out if you want." He waited for a bit, but nothing came back.

She glanced at the closed curtains, slid the cover off, and gracefully walked towards the window.

"I hope you get well soon. And when you feel like talking, I’m here. Just tell Othimise, and I’ll be at your feet."

Rhea slid open the curtains, staring into the vast space of the island. The sky was blue and the sea was glistening.

Should I use this opportunity to run away? I can’t stay here like this. She glanced at the door after hearing Zeenare’s retreating steps.

And it actually seems he won’t let me go.

Rhea walked to the pull bell beside her bed and pulled it.

In less than a second, different beautiful girls elegantly walked inside with Othimise behind them.

Each of the girls was carrying a tray with clothes, jewelry, food, and her medicine.

Othimise clapped once, and Rhea was taken to the bathroom.

What is this? Couldn’t you people find better dresses? Am I trying to seduce someone?

She searched through the clothes, looking for the most decent one.

Within an hour, Rhea had bathed, eaten, and tediously taken the medicine.

"The Master will be—"

"I’m not going to him," Rhea interrupted him. "I’d prefer a walk outside."

Othimise gave her a slight nod, then turned to a younger man. "The Aluna will—"

"No! I’d appreciate it if I’m alone." Her tone was stripped of any emotion.

"Yes. I understand."

As Rhea walked out of the room, each step was elegant, the dress swaying beautifully.

Rhea was dressed in a pleated, beige maxi dress held up by thick, braided ropes that crisscrossed over her chest and back. It flowed loosely from the waist to the floor, and the back was left open, held only by the rope design.

Rhea scanned the premises with every turn she made, her eyes scrutinizing every little detail she saw.

This place is bigger than I noticed the last time I was here.

As Rhea stepped outside, the wind was the first thing that welcomed her, followed by the strong ocean scent, then the chirping of birds and the crashing waves.

Wow! This place is beautiful. And big. And so green. But how do I escape from here?

The courtyard was grand and massive. It had three different levels of stairs, and each had its own decor and unique space. Each set of stairs was lower than the last, leading to the ocean.

Rhea trailed around the compound, then the entire courtyard, but found no gate leading outside.

What is this? No gate? Then where was that gate we used that day? Or is it towards the side of the ocean?

Throughout the entire day, Rhea found no gate leading outside.

Oh my God, I’m tired. This is more stressful than I envisioned it.

She thought, sitting on the stone seat in the yard, panting like she had run a marathon.

This place is fucking enormous. Why the fuck would one person be staying here?

Rhea’s eyes flickered toward the building, when her gaze met Zeenare’s, who was staring intently at her from a window.

Rhea held his gaze for a while, then turned to the entrance, walking into the building.

For how long has he been there?

Rhea coughed, clearing her throat, and increased her pace towards the door, away from Zeenare’s watching eyes.

"Master, according to what you said, the madam was looking for a way out."

"Not far from her personality." Zeenare turned towards Othimise.

"Keep a closer tab on her. Give her anything she wants, but nothing concerning the outside world should be involved."

"Understood."

"Also, if she asks about me, come to me immediately no matter who I am with or what I’m doing."

"Yes, sir."

Rhea, what will you do now that you know you can’t find the way out?

Rhea jumped on the bed the moment she reached inside, staring at the chandelier.

Strangely, there’s no way out of this place. So how am I going to leave?

She walked to the window, staring into the dark night that had covered the sky.

The entire mansion was now glowing with gold lights.

Since I can’t escape on my own, how do I go about this?

I can’t threaten him with death, since he knows I actually don’t want to die.

Which she definitely does.

Her gaze moved back to the room, resting on the chair Zeenare sat on days ago.

His words flooded her mind.

What did he say about my health last time? Yes, a curse.

Let’s see what he has to say; maybe then I’ll be able to find a way out.

Rhea’s face turned serious as different thoughts flooded her mind.

Heading to the door, her lips curled up in a grin.

"Anyone there?" she began. "Tell Zeenare I want to see him right away."

"Yes, on it." A male voice echoed from the door.

But how did we get in if there’s no way to go out?

"Sir," Othimise called, "I was informed the madam asks for you." His voice echoed from the door.

Hmm, that was quick. She’s actually trying her best to find a way to leave.

Zeenare chuckled out loud.

"So cute." He said under his breath.

"Okay, you are dismissed." Zeenare replied.

"But Master it’s about the time you sock in the pull." Othimise informed cautiously warning in his voice.

"You don’t need to worry about that. She comes first." Zeenare said in a dismissive tone.

I can’t wait to see the drama that’s going to unfold.

As Zeenare stepped into the room, Rhea was already seated, waiting for him.

A tissue was by her side.

Zeenare glided to the opposite chair across the medium-sized table.

With a shaky voice, Rhea started, "I thought about what you told me last time about a... curse." She said, her voice breaking as tears streamed down her face.

"I think you are right." She added.

"How so?" Zeenare simply asked, his arms crossed over his chest.

"My heart is beating backward and my brain is speaking, so I think the curse is acting out." She muttered, forcing out tears. "Can you tell me more about this curse, please? I don’t want to die."