Total pages in book: 154
Estimated words: 142764 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 714(@200wpm)___ 571(@250wpm)___ 476(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 142764 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 714(@200wpm)___ 571(@250wpm)___ 476(@300wpm)
He continues talking like I'm actually participating in the conversation. "Don't worry about anything. I'll make the arrangements for her. Right now, I need you to worry about taking care of yourself. If anything happens to you…”
I zone out for a while, stuck in the deep, dark confines of my mind, hiding from the pain, anger, and sadness. I've lost everything. Mom. Drew. Jackie. I have nothing left and no one left to live for. What’s the point anymore?
A sudden jolt pulls me from my reverie, and I blink and return to the present, realizing that I’m suddenly in a car. When did he put me in a car? Disoriented, I shift in the seat and peer out the window. A huge mansion looms outside. This is definitely not home.
"This isn't where I live," I whisper.
"It is now. I'm sorry, Bel, I know this is a lot of change all at once," he speaks softly from beside me. "I can't protect you if you are off on your own. You'll have to stay at the family estate from now on so I can keep an eye on you. I don’t trust anyone right now."
I wave at the freaking mansion beyond the window. "This doesn’t even make sense. You don't even live here. You live at The Mill."
He lets out a slow breath from his nose. "Not anymore. When our grandfather died, I had no option but to step into line as the next heir. My place is here, managing the family affairs. I'll still finish school and do Mill functions, but from now on, I live here. And so do you."
His bossy, domineering tone has returned, but I don't have the strength to fight him. Not today at least.
He exits the car and jogs around to open my door. Gently, as if I’m made of glass, he helps me stand. My legs are jelly, and my knees threaten to buckle beneath my weight. I feel weak, so weak, but I can’t be. I can’t be weak. The pain in my head has subsided, probably from the pain meds they loaded me with before they removed my IV. If only they had a medication that could ease my heartache…
I hold his forearm but don't lean into him. "Just so you know, I can walk on my own.”
“Sure, says the one walking like a newborn fawn.” I grimace and glance at his face to find him smiling at me. It’s a genuine smile, the kind you give someone you care about.
It’s a lie. He doesn’t care about me. This is all about his image and using me. That’s all this is, all it has to be. He helps me up the steps and to the front door. The sprawling mansion is modern, with glass everywhere. Massive black double doors open when Sebastian swipes his hand in front of some sensor near the handle. He leads me into an open foyer with shining marble floors and cathedral ceilings. A chandelier that looks made out of a million diamonds glitters above us. Ahead is a double staircase, and rooms lead off in every direction on the main floor. I can’t even be bothered to comment on how over the top and ridiculous this all is. Who the hell lives like this?
“I know it’s different from what you’re used to and that it will take some time to adjust to it, but just know there is nothing you cannot have, Bel. I refuse to let you go without.”
I don’t respond. What is there to say? This is no longer my life. I’m merely a puppet in this play, and someone else is pulling the strings. With more patience than I ever imagined Sebastian having, he guides me up the stairs and down a long hallway. It’s decorated in rich florals, expensive fabrics, and precious-looking knickknacks.
The damn hallway alone is bigger than my mom's house.
For one moment, I wonder where everyone is. Does he not have anyone either? In all the time I was messing around with Drew, I never thought to ask questions about his friends. Then again, why would I do that? It’s not like we were really ever together.
Sebastian stops at a door near the end of the hall and grabs the silver knob, turning it and pushing it open in one swoop.
Escorting me into the bedroom, he helps me sit on the edge of the massive king-size bed in the center of the room between two huge windows. I barely give the room a glance, but from what I can see, it’s decorated in stately grays and mauves. It's a pretty room, but right now, I don't give a shit about any of that.
It's like I felt too much all at once, and my emotional center has shut down. I’ve short-circuited my brain, which is a good thing since he turns to me and presses a piece of paper into my hand. I recognize my mom's handwriting scribbled on the front of the white envelope. What is this? Sadness suffocates me, and suddenly, I don’t want Sebastian to leave.