Chapter 3 Behind Closed Doors

The morning sun filtered weakly through the worn curtains, casting a pale glow over the household that was alive with restless energy. The entire house was preparing for the grand event-Priscilla's big day. Priscilla, the eldest of Maureen's children, was the center of attention, draped in silks and jewels, her four younger siblings bustling around her, each adorned in their best garments.

There was Joseph, the boisterous eldest brother with an air of protective pride; Lila, the mischievous middle sister with a sparkling smile; Jonah, the quiet but sharp youngest brother; and little Sara, the baby of the family, clinging to Maureen's skirts.

Everyone was glowing.

Everyone except Elaine.

She stood by the staircase with a pile of freshly washed laundry clinging to her chest. Her fingers were red and wrinkled from scrubbing. Her eyes, rimmed with exhaustion from the previous night, remained downcast. Her back still stung, her bruises warm under the light cotton of her blouse.

Elaine had silently hoped she would be allowed to attend the event, even if just as a shadow. But that was crushed the moment Maureen's cold voice rang out across the room.

"Where do you think you're going? Did you think you'd follow us there? With what? Your disobedience or your ungrateful attitude?" She spat.

Elaine froze.

"Ungrateful girl!" Maureen's sharp voice cut through the room like a whip. She towered over Elaine, eyes blazing with fury. "You think you deserve to go? You've done nothing but slack around, neglecting your chores! Do you know how many chores you left undone, Who do you expect to do them for you?"

Elaine's heart sank. She knew better than to argue.

Maureen continued, her voice dripping with disdain. "Priscilla is the jewel of this house. The event is for her, and for her alone. You? You don't deserve such things."

Stephan stood nearby, the same cold gaze fixed on Elaine. Though the family was preparing for the celebration, the tension in the room was thick as storm clouds.

Elaine stood still for a moment, then silently nodded and turned away.

She spent the next hour in a mechanical haze – scrubbing, mopping, sweeping. The perfume from Maureen and the girls lingered in the air like a cruel reminder of where she wasn't. She could hear the clatter of heels, the honk of the waiting carriage, Stephan laughing with Joseph outside.

Then silence.

They had all gone.

The day wore on, and Elaine was left to her endless chores-cooking, washing, cleaning-the grime and sweat mixing into the cold air. The storm outside mirrored the turmoil within her, dark clouds breaking open with relentless rain.

The house was finally quiet. The kind of stillness that came like a reward to suffering.

Finally, exhaustion took her. She lay down on the cold floor, her body aching, the bruises from yesterday's merciless beating burning under her clothes.

Elaine dragged herself to her small room, her legs barely carrying her. She dropped on the mat, curled into herself, and closed her eyes.

Sleep took her before she could think. But peace did not last long.

Suddenly, the door creaked open. Stephan returned earlier than expected, slipping inside silently.

Elaine opened her eyes to find him leaning over her, his large hand gently brushing a damp strand of hair from her face. His touch was soft, but his eyes-those dark, hungry eyes-were anything but gentle.

"Elaine," he murmured, voice low and smooth like velvet coated with poison. "You should not be left alone like this."

Elaine sat up quickly, instinct pulling her to her feet. "I'll be fine," she whispered, her voice weak.

Before she could move, Stephan's hand shot out, grabbing her wrist with a strength that made her wince. He pulled her back toward him, closing the door behind them with a sharp click. The bolt slid into place.

Her heart thundered in her chest as she faced him. His gaze was intense, unfathomable, filled with an unspoken hunger that sent chills down her spine.

"What... what are you doing?" she asked, voice trembling.

Stephan's lips curled into a sinister smile. "You don't understand, Elaine. You've made me wait long enough. It's time I have what's mine."

Before she could protest, his hand darted to the front of her dress, fingers tearing the delicate fabric with a harsh rip. The dress split open, revealing more of her trembling body than she dared to show.

Panicking, Elaine tried to step back, but Stephan closed the space between them in an instant. He pinned her against the wall, his body towering over hers. His grip on her arm tightened painfully, twisting it behind her back.

The cold stone wall pressed into her skin, bruising her ribs as his breath warmed her neck.

"Why do you fight me so?" he whispered harshly, his voice dripping with dark desire. "I've wanted you for so long. You belong to me."

Tears pricked at Elaine's eyes. She struggled to break free, her small frame no match for his strength.

"I don't belong to you!" she gasped, trying to wrench her arm free.

Stephan's face dropped close to hers, eyes burning with obsession. "You will, Elaine. You have no choice."

He leaned in, attempting to claim her lips in a brutal kiss. She twisted away, clawing at his chest, fighting desperately to maintain what little control she had left.

Her dress had torn further in the struggle, exposing more skin, making her even more vulnerable. She desperately tried to cover herself, but the fear in her eyes betrayed her.

A scream built in her throat, raw and frantic, but Stephan's grip silenced it. He held her tight, squeezing her arm, his fingers digging into her flesh.

Summoning every ounce of courage, Elaine lashed out, kicking him fiercely between the legs. Stephan stumbled back, his face contorted in pain and shock.

Seizing the moment, Elaine bolted for the door-only to find it locked tight. She rattled the handle, panic rising as she glanced back.

Stephan stood there, a cruel smile spreading across his lips. "Where do you think you're going?" he taunted, his eyes glinting with malicious triumph as he reached out again for her wrist.

Elaine's heart pounded, trapped and helpless as the shadows deepened around them.

Her scream echoed into the darkened room, a desperate plea for escape-while outside, the rain continued its relentless fall.