Hector Nightwood was the most despicable man she had ever met. Estelle was convinced that he was not human but the embodiment of a devil. After swallowing the antidote, she lost consciousness. Her blood boiled even more when she opened her eyes again and found herself in an unfamiliar room. Frustrated, she instinctively ran her fingers through her blond hair.
No, the man had not chained her hands or feet. Instead, he had placed a strange bracelet around her wrist. It was clearly not an ordinary bracelet. No matter how hard Estelle tried, it did not move even slightly. It had to serve some kind of purpose. Meanwhile, the door and windows of the room were tightly locked. One thing was clear, he was trying to imprison her.
Suddenly, footsteps echoed outside the bedroom door. Estelle's heart began to race. However, the footsteps are too light to belong to Hector. Estelle did not waste the opportunity. She got up and swiftly positioned herself behind the door. This was her chance to run.
The door opened fully, revealing a maid pushing a trolley filled with breakfast.
"Good morning, Mi–mmph!"
Estelle's left hand clamped over the maid's mouth, while her right hand pressed a knife, which she had taken from beside the plate, against the maid's throat.
"Hmmph! Hmmph!!" The maid struggled desperately to break free but failed. Her fear grew when she felt a sharp sting spreading across her neck. The knife, which had only been pressed there moments before, had sliced her skin.
"Be quiet," Estelle hissed as she shut the door with her foot. "If you cooperate, I will let you go."
The maid nodded frantically. Estelle slowly let go of the woman's mouth, but the knife was still ready to keep her in check.
"Take off your clothes," Estelle ordered.
The maid had no choice but to obey. She removed everything except her undergarments. Fortunately, Estelle and the maid had nearly identical body types. Even their blonde hair looked the same.
Once the maid was undressed, it was Estelle's turn to change.
"Put this on, then lie on the bed," Estelle commanded as she handed over her nightgown.
The maid hesitated, fear evident in her eyes. "B-but, Miss…"
"Shut up and hurry!" Estelle snapped sharply.
The maid's small body trembled, but she complied. Meanwhile, Estelle quickly put on the maid's uniform. Once their disguises were complete, Estelle dragged the maid onto the bed.
The maid lay there trembling, her face pale. "Miss, I am scared."
Estelle ignored her and pulled the blanket over the maid's body.
"You just need to stay quiet. Do not leave until Hector comes in."
Too scared to fight back, the maid clenched her lips. Then Estelle adjusted her bangs to partially conceal her eyes as she looked at herself in the mirror. To give the impression that she had eaten, she threw the food in the closet.
Once her disguise was flawless, Estelle calmly exited the room while pushing the now empty trolley. As for the poison and the bracelet, she would ask her friend for help after she escaped the Nightwood estate. For now, her priority was getting away from Hector Nightwood.
***
"How is my Little Lioness?" Hector asked as he walked through the corridor of the Nightwood residence.
Mattheo smiled knowingly. "According to the maid, Miss Estelle finished all of her food."
Hector laughed softly. He knew exactly what kind of woman Estelle was. It was impossible for her to accept what he gave her. Of course, he had already prepared for the possibility of her escape.
He took out his phone and smirked when his suspicion was confirmed. The bracelet he had given Estelle was a tracking device. Naturally, he already knew she was hiding in the servants' quarters. Realizing this, Hector changed his direction. He wanted to play with his Little Lioness first.
"Master? Are you not going back to your room? Mattheo asked, confused.
"There is something I need to retrieve from the servants' quarters," Hector replied casually.
Mattheo nodded in understanding and followed him. The servants' quarters quickly became tense with Hector's sudden arrival. Some servants looked terrified, while others gazed at him with admiration.
Hector ignored them all. He walked down the corridor and opened one of the rooms. It was not locked, so he suspected nothing … until he stepped inside.
Behind the door, Estelle was already waiting with a flower vase in her hands. Without hesitation, she threw it at Hector's head.
"Master!" Mattheo shouted in panic.
Before Mattheo could intervene, the vase shattered. Hector managed to protect his head with his left arm, but the fragments cut into his wrist.
Seeing her attempt fail, Estelle clicked her tongue in frustration and turned to run. Hector immediately grabbed the back of her collar, yanking her backward until she fell.
"Where do you think you are going?" Hector whispered into her ear. "What should I do to stop you from running away from me?"
Estelle laughed bitterly and spat straight into his face. Everyone present froze in horror. She was insane! Did she not realize that her behavior toward Hector could cost her life?!
"A bastard like you deserves to die!"
Hector's smile widened. He ignored the wound on his hand. With a single movement, he lifted Estelle over his shoulder and carried her away. Leaving behind a crowd who were shocked and terrified.
"We are leaving, Mattheo."
Estelle's small fists pounded uselessly against his back, but Hector ignored them. He even started to enjoy her curses, as if they were a lovely song. He smiled smugly and put her back in her golden cage.
***
"Let me go! Let me go! Aaah!"
Without warning, Hector threw her onto the bed. He removed his coat and loosened his tie before heading into the bathroom without a word.
Estelle immediately scanned the room, searching for an escape route. It is certain that the door was locked. The room was dark and somber, dominated by black and gray tones. It was spacious, modern, and minimalist.
She suspected she had been placed in the master bedroom, Hector's room. But that was impossible, right? Who would place someone who had just attempted murder in their own bedroom?
But Estelle forgot that the man she was dealing with was Hector Nightwood.
When he returned, he approached her. Water trickled down his cheeks. His hand was bandaged, and his masculine scent filled the air.
"So, how should I discipline you, my Little Lioness?" he asked.
He came closer and closer until he sat at the edge of the bed. His strong hand lifted a strand of Estelle's blonde hair and pressed a passionate kiss against it.
"You did not want to stay in the previous room, so I brought you to mine," Hector whispered. "From now on, we will be sharing a bed."
Estelle clenched her fists, forcing herself to remain calm despite his words, which felt like an insult. Hector only chuckled as he pulled her onto his lap. Their size difference made it effortless for him to control her movements.
Her eyes widened as she realized where she was sitting.
"My Little Lioness," Hector murmured as he cupped her face. "Tell me, what should I do with you? What punishment suits a naughty girl like you?"
Estelle slapped his hand away and glared at him. Hector responded with a low laugh.
"Don't look at me like that. You are only making me more excited," he whispered, playing with her hair.
"Shut up!" she hissed.
Hector gave a suspicious smile instead of stopping. Before Estelle could say anything else, she felt something hard pressing against her core. When she looked down, her face flushed crimson.
"What the hell?!"
"Isn't it time to pay the price for the antidote?" Hector replied calmly. "Why do you not get acquainted with what is down there? 'He' will decide your punishment."
Estelle's body stiffened. She had never done anything like this with a man. Despite her fierce demeanor, she was completely inexperienced.
Panicking, she tried to get off his lap, but Hector pulled her back into his embrace. His breathing was heavy, and she knew he was aroused.
"So," Hector's voice turned husky, "let us begin your punishment, my Little Lioness. Two mistakes must be paid for accordingly."
***