Chapter 5 Forbidden Room

When Amira woke up the next morning in her nightgown, a frown appeared on her face as she remembered how Andrea had locked her in her room with no way out.

She got up and made her way around the room, taking note of doors she had never opened before. When she opened it, she found herself staring at a brand-new wardrobe that she had never worn before.

As she looked them over, she was taken aback to see that everything fit her perfectly-different patterns, her favourite colours, even her pants was the right size.

"What's in the name? How could he know my exact size?" she muttered. Did he forbid her from packing her belongings for that reason?

She observed that the clothing was extravagant and came in a variety of styles; some were form-fitting and skimpy, while others were elegant and comfortable.

She hurried out of the closet when she heard noise coming from her room and saw the maid Andrea had given her.

"Mrs. Martini, good morning." Amira felt strange and uneasy when Brenda greeted her with a bow of respect, considering that Brenda was either her age or even older. So why the bow?

Disregarding her, Amira enquired, "How did you get in? Did it not lock?

"Yes, it was; Mr. Martini gave the key to me." Brenda, still appearing shy, replied courteously.

Shaking her head, Amira walked past her and opened the bathroom door.

Then there was a knock again, which Brenda answered. Amira was left confused as three maids entered the room wearing gentle smiles.

"May I be of help to you?" She enquired.

"Our boss instructed us to come help you take a bath." They all said at once.

Amira's eyebrows shot up at them when they said that.

"How come I'm unable to bathe myself? Do I appear childlike to you?" She asked, enraged. Why couldn't Andrea ever seem to want her own space?

A personal maid first, and then a group of women to bathe her? She questioned whether she was paralysed to the extent that showering presented a challenge for her or if she was disabled.

"I apologise if this comes as a shock to you, but they're here per order to prepare you a bath and give you a proper body massage." Brenda whispered in addition.

"So tell your boss that I'm not a child and I can take care of myself," She answered as calmly as she could without coming across as impolite. The women exchanged terrified looks with one another; they knew that if they said no to Andrea, he would harm them badly, as they had seen several times.

Amira couldn't believe how terrified they were. All she wanted to do was take a solo bath.

"Please tell him that I don't want you to prepare my bath; I like that hat." Amira sighed wearily, determined to keep her privacy no matter what.

Amira was even more shocked when the maids looked at each other and then went to their knees. She was at a loss for words or actions. Was Andrea really that violent?

"Let us stay here, please at least. We'll respect your privacy, Mistress. If our boss finds out that we didn't follow his instructions, he will discipline us." When one of them pleaded, Amira winced at the word "mistress."

Even though her father was rich and employed housekeepers, she wasn't used to that kind of formality; Claudia, on the other hand, was.

"All right, you can stay, but I'll take care of everything. Please get up; this makes me uncomfortable to watch."

They both got up to thank her, and they stood there for a while as Brenda kept a careful eye on them to make sure nothing seemed out of place.

Following her bath, Brenda got Amira dressed in a lacy gown that she agreed to wear without any more arguments, and she styled her own hair to accentuate her natural beauty.

She looked all over for her phone and realised she had forgotten to bring it with her. She decided not to call anyone she knew anymore.

"Mrs. Martini, come with me; breakfast is ready. The boss's order." With a soft mumble, Brenda avoided giving Amira a direct look. Amira nodded, uneasy about the way she addressed her.

"Please address me as Amira. It sickens me when you refer to me as Mrs. Martini." Walking out of the room, she muttered the last part silently, allowing Amira to lead the way as Brenda followed behind. Amira realised then that she had never found the dining hall and had not explored the area correctly.

"Would you please take me there?" She couldn't resist asking, squeezing her stomach in desperation and attempting to stop its loud growl.

With a shy giggle, Brenda led the way to the hall by walking ahead of her.

Amira's mouth started to water at the sight of the incredibly long table loaded with various delicacies. Her stomach rumbled even more as she moved to take a seat at the table. Then Amira didn't notice either, but Brenda gave her a little bow and left her standing there.

Subsequently, Kira appeared, bearing a pair of costly wine bottles that Amira had never seen before.

Unconsciously, Amira started to open the food and grab her cutlery, but Kira intervened in a flash.

"Until your husband comes, you cannot eat." Kira whispered softly, but Amira was enraged because she didn't understand.

"Why do I require his approval in order to eat? Didn't I receive a call for breakfast? I didn't receive a call to wait for him. Kira was shocked and perplexed when Amira let out a loud yell.

What made her so annoyed towards Andrea? Amira was one of those rare exceptions to the rule; she was small but amusing. Every woman would have given her life to be his wife.

"You can eat without asking permission, but wouldn't it have been polite if you waited for your husband?" Andrea cut them off with a chilly demeanour, regaling them. He swapped his long black jacket for one that barely covered his upper body.

Kira gave up and walked away from them. Andrea, who is extremely attractive, annoyed Amira by pulling out a chair next to her and planting a kiss on her forehead, to which she gave off an odd look.

"You're free to eat." Without wanting to hear more, she opened her plate to reveal her favourite dish, which he had whispered coldly.

She is now really bothered by this. Her fave meal was in front of her, and her closet was full of clothes in her favourite colour and style.

Deep in contemplation, Andrea observed her as she gazed at her food. He cleared his throat, breaking the silence she was having in her mind. Amira met his gaze, but she was unable to stay because he appeared very intimidating and displayed no emotion.

She parted her lips, but it took some time for her to speak. Hold got her voice back.

"How did you find out about my favourite food and clothing? How were you aware of everything? To Andrea's amusement, Amira mumbled while attempting to appear as tough as ever.

Why am I needing your approval in order to eat and take a bath? I'm not a child at all. She paused, uncertain how to address him, and she started to find this amusing.

"Andrea." Knowing that was what she wanted to ask, he muttered.

Andrea, please tell me. Why did you pick me? You locked me in my room, but why? How were certain things I liked known to you? What made you wed someone who was twice your age? My sister is more beautiful and mature than I am, so why did you marry me instead of her? Amira asked questions in an attempt to get a quick response.

Boring his icy blue eyes into hers in a way that would scare anyone, Andrea said nothing. Her heart was pounding in Amira; why was he acting strangely this morning?

He said, his expression unwavering, "Time will tell, that you'll be grateful I had you instead," which kind of scared Amira.

There was silence for the remainder of breakfast because Amira could feel his eyes on her. She attempted to stop herself from crying as her eyes began to water.

That's when Andrea got up and walked out without saying anything else, and Amira needed that specific quiet. After eating until she was satisfied, she got up to try and clear the dining table, but Kira and a few other women barged in.

"Madam, please, don't do this; this is our duty." Amira was left perplexed as Kira muttered and took the dishes from her.

She wasn't used to this way of life; she was used to being self-reliant and taking care of herself. She finds all of this to be rather strange and new.

But it's not difficult; I'm just clearing the dishes. Or am I not allowed to do that? Amira posed a mocking question.

Yes, please. This is our task; grant it to us. Our income comes from this; we don't want to lose it because of you, madame. Kira graciously replied, and the other women swept the dining table with haste.

Amira paused and observed the surroundings for a while. forced herself to enquire, "Kira, could you give me a tour of this place? I swear that I won't run this time.

Kira nodded and walked out of the dining hall, Amira walking beside her. She was taking her through the entire mansion. Amira found satisfaction in this small adventure, and she took advantage of the chance to plot her next escape route.

They then returned to the hallway that led to her room, but she got stuck in something. She had the desire to visit a room that Kira had not yet shown her, so she went to the door and attempted to unlock it.

"Please, Madam, don't go there. Stay away from that door. It is strictly off-limits; only Master Andrea is allowed inside. Amira was shocked when Kira gave a loud warning.

Why was it strictly forbidden because of what was in the room? She pondered.