Master D's Obsession

Juliette hummed softly as she seriously brushed her long, wavy brown hair, making sure to tie it neatly. She glanced at her phone near her jewelry box and saw several message notifications from her close friends. Intending to check all those messages after breakfast, Juliette rose from her vanity chair and left her bedroom.

A bright morning in a city like New York is the best way for anyone to start their day enthusiastically, including Juliette. Juliette considered taking the bus if only her stepfather, Anthony, would allow it. Unfortunately, the reputation of her new family was very important, and Juliette had to restrain herself and not make her new family dislike her even more.

For the first time, feeling light-hearted, Juliette descended the stairs. She continued to the dining room, where everyone was already seated. Juliette cleared her throat softly and hid the smile that had adorned her face since she woke up.

She couldn't show that today was her happy day-her birthday-to everyone, not when Juliette was sure her stepfamily had more important things than her birthday. At least she still had friends who cared deeply for her. Her mother? Juliette couldn't hope for much since, as the new lady of the De Lavigne household, Meryl Addison had to prioritize her new family over her biological daughter.

Juliette had accepted this situation since she first set foot in the De Lavigne family mansion at the age of ten and had grown accustomed to being treated as an outsider, especially by her stepbrother, Robbin. However, his treatment changed when they entered their teenage years. As the heir to a family with significant influence in the world, Robbin was required to behave like a noble and wouldn't associate with someone like her.

Especially after Robbin entered the entertainment world and became a popular actor, it created a distance between them. Sometimes, he would visit her room and give her surprise gifts that made Juliette happy. Sometimes, he would suddenly pick her up from school, making all the girls at her school scream excitedly. Those were just memories now because the distance between them returned as they grew older.

They were back to being strangers who didn't know each other, much like in their childhood, although Juliette often caught Robbin glancing at her during meals. Despite this, Juliette missed their interactions, as they were still siblings, and Anthony wanted them to get along.

"Good morning," Juliette greeted as she entered the dining room.

Everyone was already seated and busy chewing their breakfast. No one responded to her greeting or acknowledged her presence. In addition to Anthony's immediate family, the mansion also housed several other De Lavigne family members, and out of all of them, only Daisy, the daughter of William De Lavigne and his wife, Adalyn, had conversations with Juliette, along with Robbin, her mother, and Anthony.

A soft sigh escaped Juliette's lips. This treatment shouldn't ruin her mood. She had to remember that today was her birthday, and she officially turned twenty-three, signifying her adulthood and the fulfillment of her agreement with her mother.

Juliette planned to rent an apartment near the studio where she worked as a designer, a plan she had discussed since she was nineteen. She couldn't wait to make it happen.

Juliette walked to an empty chair beside Robbin, who looked handsome in his blazer and white shirt. He was busy sipping coffee from his cup and reading the news on his phone, but when he heard the chair pulled out and Juliette sitting down, he set his cup down and turned to her.

"Happy birthday, sis."

A smile slowly bloomed on Juliette's face, as the once-cold man who hadn't accepted her was now open and even remembered her birthday.

"Thank you, Robbin. So, will you give me a present?" Juliette asked excitedly, then turned to the servant who placed a glass of orange juice on the table. Juliette lifted the glass to her lips with a grateful smile but paused when she heard Robbin's response.

"I will give it to you tonight. I heard Meryl is throwing a small party to celebrate your birthday." Robbin confirmed his words by nodding toward Meryl, who was busy serving her husband.

Juliette rolled her eyes and asked, "Are you not busy today?"

"No. I will meet with my agency to discuss a contract. I have an offer for a new movie."

"Really? Wow! You're amazing, Robbin!"

Robbin chuckled softly and put his phone back in his blazer pocket. "Aren't you going to ask what role I'll play?"

Juliette drank her orange juice while shaking her head slightly. "Let it be a surprise."

Robbin nodded briefly and started eating his untouched breakfast. "So, what will you do to celebrate your birthday, Jule?"

"Robbin, did you tell Juliette about my plans?" Meryl suddenly asked from the seat across them, her eyes narrowing sharply.

Anthony laughed and gently rubbed his wife's shoulder. "It's alright, my dear. You know we haven't seen Robbin join us for a long time. Besides, you intended to tell Juliette after breakfast." Meryl pouted at her husband's words but chose to give in.

"Happy birthday, Jule," Daisy said from her seat.

Some other family members glanced briefly at her with disdainful looks before acting as if she wasn't there. Without making a sound, Juliette smiled and mouthed, 'Thank you, D.' Daisy nodded before resuming her breakfast.

After the rather boring breakfast, Juliette returned to her room to prepare for work. She remembered to open the messages sent by all her friends. Reading them one by one made Juliette's mood even better. She opened the last message from one of her friends at the studio, frowning slightly as she read it.

"It's your birthday today, let's celebrate with a party! -Amber"

Juliette winced and scratched her head. Didn't her mother want to throw a party for her birthday tonight? Juliette replied to Amber with that thought, informing her friend about her mother's plan. Juliette was grateful that at least she wasn't completely forgotten by her mother.

There was a knock on the door, and shortly after, it opened to reveal the woman she had just been thinking about. Meryl walked into the room with her graceful and classy appearance, fitting her role as the lady and wife of the De Lavigne family.

"Mom? What's up?"

Meryl stopped near the ottoman and sat down, looking at her daughter with a difficult-to-describe expression. "You know I'm throwing a party for you, right?"

"Yes, Robbin told me." Meryl nodded briefly and signaled to the servant standing by the door.

The servant disappeared momentarily before returning with a box in her hands. She entered the room and handed the box to Meryl before returning to her place. Meryl caressed the box's surface before opening it, then showed its contents to Juliette.

"A mask?" Juliette murmured, confused.

Meryl nodded and stood up, taking a few steps towards Juliette and fitting the specially ordered mask on her face.

After finishing, Meryl examined Juliette's face. She said, "Yes, I initially planned a regular party for you, but the entire De Lavigne family wanted a masquerade party. They thought it would be more festive. You know I can't do anything about it. They are superior, even though we are part of this family."

"I know."

Meryl smiled and stroked Juliette's head, who had grown into a beautiful woman with a kind and polite demeanor. "I'm proud of you, Ette. I haven't said this to you much since we moved into this house, but you are my only daughter. I don't regret giving birth to you, baby girl."

"Mom..." Juliette murmured emotionally and spontaneously hugged the woman she had called mother since she could speak. "I love you, mom..."

"I love you too, Ette. Happy birthday," Meryl murmured in a choked voice. "I'm sure your father is proud to see you grow up. He's probably smiling from heaven, watching you right now."

"Do you miss Dad?"

Meryl played with a strand of Juliette's hair deliberately left loose to frame her pretty face. "Of course, your father was my true love. Nothing can compare to my love for him, not even my love for Anthony."

"I know." Juliette smiled broadly, showing her teeth.

Meryl kissed Juliette's forehead and continued, "Your dress will arrive this afternoon. You can invite your friends to liven up the party."

"Thank you, mom."

Meryl nodded before leaving the room while Juliette busied herself, admiring the mask her mother had given her. After admiring the mask's design, Juliette put it back in the box. She informed her friends about the masquerade party that night. It was a sudden announcement, but most of her friends were fashion-savvy, so it wasn't a problem.

Juliette placed the box with her mother's gift on the vanity table and left the room. Today, she would go to work with full enthusiasm.

...

Juliette bit her lip hard, trying to keep herself conscious after downing several glasses of alcohol provided at the bar in the corner of the room. The masquerade ball, which started as classy and elegant, turned into a disaster when all the uptight adults left, leaving only those around her age, both men and women. Although the masks were still on their faces, the ballroom atmosphere changed to that of a nightclub with loud music and guests dancing wildly on the dance floor.

Luckily, the masquerade was held in a hotel that could accommodate the guests, so those who attended didn't have to worry about travelling far back to their residences, tired and drunk.

She began to feel the effects of alcohol as her vision blurred, and a light, happy feeling took over. Juliette undoubtedly became the centre of attention as she danced in the middle of the dance floor. She was the event's star, and her appearance captivated everyone, but she didn't care.

Juliette danced so freely with her friends, laughing and shouting in satisfaction. Even guests from the elite circles went crazy due to the alcohol. But in her drunken state, Juliette felt a strange sensation, as if she was being watched. Her neck hair stood on end, and her back felt hot.

Juliette looked to the right and left, searching for the source of the unsettling feeling. When she glanced toward the bar, her hazel eyes met with a pair of dark eyes belonging to a man staring at her intensely. Occasionally, the man sipped alcohol from the crystal glass in his hand. Juliette, with a courage she never had before, walked to a part of the dance floor where the man could see her fully.

Blame the alcohol because if she were sober, Juliette wouldn't be dancing so provocatively, showing off her curves and assets to a stranger. Juliette imagined Robbin's reaction if he saw this; her stepbrother would scream hysterically and call her stupid for trying to seduce an unknown man.

Juliette smiled and bit her lip again. This time, she closed her eyes and let the music guide her movements, attracting the mysterious man and other men who began to approach her. Was this the moment for Juliette to lose her virginity?

Before Juliette could answer the question, she felt a pair of arms possessively wrap around her waist. Warm breath brushed her face, and light kisses kissed her exposed neck and shoulders.

Juliette continued to move her hips, enveloped by the masculine scent of the man, making her even more drunk and lost.

She didn't know what happened next. Juliette remembered being led away from the dance floor and ballroom. She only became aware when they entered the elevator because she saw her reflection in the metal door. Her appearance was dishevelled. The man's hands had messed up her hair, and her knee-length black dress had ridden up several inches. But what kept Juliette's gaze was the large, broad back covering part of her reflection.

Juliette gasped when her butt was squeezed, and the man whispered in a low, hoarse voice. She didn't recognize the voice because of the alcohol, but it aroused her entire body. She trembled, especially when the man's large, rough fingers touched her exposed skin.

When they left the elevator, Juliette's mind was empty again, partly because of the man's expert kisses. She vaguely heard a beep and the sound of a door. Then Juliette squealed when she was lifted and carried through the hotel room.

The man only put her down when they were beside the bed. Juliette groaned and blinked, trying to clear her blurry vision. Her head spun slightly, and she felt even more lightheaded when the man handed her a glass of alcohol. Still, this lightness was different from her drunkenness.

Did she unintentionally consume drugs? It could happen because she had seen elite parties using drugs as the night wore on.

Juliette shook her head and tried to stand up straight, but with a gentle push from the man's hands on her shoulders, she fell to her knees on the floor. She didn't understand what was happening.

The man whispered, "You know I've been waiting for this long. I won't waste this opportunity to claim you. You're mine." Juliette didn't know when the man stripped off her clothes.

Juliette groaned as her jaw was firmly grasped, forcing her to look up. The man's smirk made her entire body tremble. Juliette felt him remove her underwear before stepping back, creating a distance between them. She didn't know what was being done to her at that moment. Her mind was blank, filled only with freedom and passion.

She moaned and muttered incoherent words, then tried to rise before falling back to her knees in the same spot. Juliette decided to crawl towards the man. His touch, the electric feeling she experienced, and the passion that took over her body made Juliette act even wilder.

The combination of alcohol and drugs is not good for anyone. Juliette didn't even realize the man was recording and photographing her freely because she had only one thing on her mind.

When she reached the man, Juliette unbuckled his belt around his solid waist. She saw his face still covered by a black mask, but Juliette didn't care because what captivated her was the clear passion in his dark eyes.

Juliette didn't know what happened next. She felt her body lifted and thrown onto the bed. Juliette focused only on the man's touch. She didn't realize what happened next until she felt her lower body filled. The man entered her with one thrust.

Juliette didn't comprehend everything happening to her. She only heard moans of pleasure and the man's growls. She felt her body respond and shake.

Then Juliette didn't know how she reached this point, with her hands and feet chained and her mouth gagged while the man pounded her repeatedly. Juliette's mind was hazy, but simultaneously, she felt alive with each movement and thrust from the man.

Finally, Juliette couldn't hold on any longer and closed her eyes, losing consciousness.

The man stepped back and withdrew from his beloved, his prisoner for himself alone. He knew Juliette wouldn't remember what happened when she woke up the next day. He grabbed his robe and opened his phone, looking at the various photos and videos he took, then photographed Juliette's body again. A cruel grin slowly appeared on his lips. He wasn't okay with Juliette not remembering that night.

Because he would ensure that Juliette would always remember him and this night.

...

The next morning, when Juliette woke up with a throbbing headache and nausea, she found herself alone in a hotel room. There was no memory of last night's events. Everything was dark and hazy. She last remembered dancing on the dance floor for a mysterious man. Juliette widened her eyes and threw off the blanket covering her body. She could only gasp in shock, realizing she was naked and her body was adorned with kiss marks, some bites, and bruises.

Slowly, her eyes blurred with tears, hoping that all these terrible things were just a dream. But when Juliette moved her legs and winced from the pain in her lower body, she had to swallow the bitter reality. Especially when she turned to the nightstand and saw a piece of paper with a short message from the man who had slept with her. Juliette grabbed the paper with trembling hands and read the message there.

"It was a wonderful night with you, and remember, from now on, you are mine."

Juliette threw the paper as if it were a dangerous virus. Her face turned pale before she quickly shook her head. No. No. The man was bluffing and trying to scare her. They had only had a one-night stand. Nothing more.

Juliette tried to think positively. After all, they didn't know each other, right? Even if the man knew she was Juliette De Lavigne, it didn't mean she knew him. The man had not attended the main event and only showed up when the wild party started. With that thought, Juliette wrapped herself in a blanket to cover her naked body, then reached for her scattered clothes. Juliette tried to find the underwear she had worn last night but couldn't find it anywhere.

Trying not to think negatively, Juliette put on her clothes and heels and ran out of the room. She didn't bother asking the receptionist who stayed in that room, knowing that the information would be confidential and the receptionist wouldn't disclose it.

Juliette decided to forget what had happened and stood in front of the hotel, waiting for a taxi. After she was inside the cab and it left the hotel area, Juliette breathed a sigh of relief and tried hard to remember the events of last night.

Nothing.

She couldn't remember anything clearly. Juliette ruffled her long hair in frustration before closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. She needed to stay calm; nothing would happen. Once the day ended, it would all be forgotten. Juliette believed the man would forget their one-night stand, and the message she read was just a ploy to make her feel embarrassed. She tried to keep thinking positively. At least, from that one-night stand, Juliette was no longer a virgin, right?

Regret gnawed at her. It had always been Juliette's dream to give her first night to the man she loved, not a stranger. But what could she do? Juliette couldn't do much.

She took a breath and glanced at the digital clock on the car's dashboard. There was still an hour before breakfast, giving Juliette enough time to clean up and change clothes. She knew that if she arrived late or appeared improperly dressed, other De Lavigne family members would criticize her.

Juliette sighed deeply and straightened her back as the taxi turned into the luxurious De Lavigne estate. She passed through two grand black gates guarded by several guards in black suits with earphones in their left ears. She knew the taxi would be stopped for inspection, so Juliette rolled down the back window and waved at the head guard.

Juliette got out when the car stopped at the mansion's circular driveway, which had a large fountain in the centre. Luckily, her phone was with her so she could pay for the taxi electronically. After getting out, Juliette was immediately greeted by her mother, who stood at the mansion door with folded arms and a sharp gaze.

Juliette took a deep breath and gave her mother a stiff smile. "Hi, Mom," she greeted awkwardly.

"No time. I'll lecture you later. Now clean yourself up and change your clothes," Meryl ordered firmly.

"Alright." Without another word, Juliette ran into the mansion and up the stairs, hoping she wouldn't encounter any stepfamily members in this state.

Once in her room, Juliette could finally breathe a sigh of relief. She hadn't encountered any De Lavigne family members or seen any servants or guards in the mansion's corridors. This was good because Juliette could reach her room unnoticed-except by her mother.

Juliette went straight to the bathroom and cleaned her body. Her face was still covered in makeup from the night before, and her body was still dirty. Then, she entered the walk-in closet connected to the bathroom. Juliette chose a simple, modest dress and put it on.

When she looked presentable, Juliette glanced at the wall clock and saw only five minutes left before breakfast. After putting on flat shoes, Juliette left her room, mentally and emotionally preparing herself for the next hour.

...

Nothing significant happened during breakfast. As with yesterday, those seated at the table treated Juliette as if she weren't there, each absorbed in their matters. Juliette didn't mind this, but one thing caught her attention-her stepbrother, Robbin.

The man seemed displeased with something, putting him in a bad mood early in the morning. Robbin didn't touch his breakfast and was busy typing on his phone. Juliette wanted to ask him about it but decided against it, thinking it might be related to the contract he mentioned the day before.

After the breakfast plates were cleared from the table, Juliette realized there might be vital information to discuss. She sighed softly and concealed her irritation by sipping her tea. Not being a part of the De Lavigne family, Juliette had no desire to be embroiled in the drama of a conglomerate family. Still, she couldn't avoid the situation no matter what she did.

Juliette tightened her grip on the teacup as Anthony cleared his throat and asked, "How are you, Juliette? Why didn't you come home after the party ended?" Chaos filled her thoughts instantly. Did he know? Juliette bit her lip, feeling the teacup grow hotter in her hands.

"No need to worry, darling. I saw her come home. Everything is fine," Meryl responded with a tender tone, smiling at Anthony.

Juliette noted how Anthony nodded, accepting Meryl's explanation without further questioning. However, the scrutinizing gazes from other members of the De Lavigne family, though unspoken, conveyed sharp and judgmental looks directed at her.

"Very well," Anthony continued in a lighter tone, "All the gifts from last night's party have been placed in your room by the staff, so take some time to open them later."

"Alright, I understand," Juliette replied with a slight nod, striving to keep her voice polite and neutral, though anxiety still churned within her.

Anthony smiled, seemingly satisfied with Juliette's response, before turning his attention to his son, who sat broodingly in his chair. "Robbin. You haven't canceled your commitment, have you?"

Robbin looked up and met his father's gaze with an annoyed expression, though it quickly morphed into his signature smile. "Of course not, Father. I've informed my manager and agency about the plan. Coincidentally, the filming location is at the same place."

"Good," Anthony nodded approvingly. "Make sure you maintain professionalism, Robbin. This isn't just about us; it's also about our family's reputation."

Robbin rolled his eyes briefly before nodding obediently. "I know, Father. I won't disappoint you."

What does Robbin mean by that? Juliette wondered. Anthony fixed a keen gaze on Robbin and said, "Alright. I'll ask Charles to prepare the jet for you."

"Thank you, Father," Robbin replied, his tone flat as if accepting an unavoidable command.

People began to stand and leave the dining room one by one, eventually leaving Juliette and Robbin alone. Juliette, with growing curiosity, waited until everyone had left. Only she and Robbin remained, the sudden quiet between them feeling strange. Juliette gazed at Robbin, and her eyebrows knitted in confusion.

"So? What was Anthony talking about?" Juliette asked, unable to suppress her curiosity. She tried to keep her tone calm, though an unmistakable urgency lingered beneath it.

Robbin sighed deeply, looking like someone who had just been handed a heavy burden. He ran his fingers through his dark brown hair. His head bowed slightly as if trying to avoid Juliette's probing eyes.

"Father has given me a task," Robbin said, his voice tinged with reluctance. Juliette could see the discomfort on his face, only intensifying her curiosity.

"Okay, and?" Juliette pressed, her tone reflecting a mounting frustration. She couldn't fully grasp why Robbin seemed so distressed.

Robbin rolled his eyes, seeming weary of Juliette's insistent tone. However, a wry smile appeared on his face as he noticed her puzzled expression. "I have to go to Canada," he finally said, his voice softening with a hint of amused exasperation.

"There's an issue at the branch there, and Father has appointed me as the interim leader. He says this is the first step for me to take over his position as the company's main director."

"Isn't that what you've always wanted?" Juliette asked, needing help understanding. The De Lavigne family had an outstanding reputation among the elite and the general public. They were one of those families whose wealth had existed for generations, often called old money.

The De Lavigne family was also known to control much of the world's economy and was considered one of the wealthiest families. In addition to their assets and properties, they owned several companies under the umbrella of a core company called The Lavigne Sachs Group, Inc., a major corporation headquartered in Manhattan, New York. While having branches in various business sectors, the company's core businesses were banking and insurance, including property and life insurance.

If you asked Juliette how much wealth the De Lavigne family had, she wouldn't know, as she had never bothered to find out. It was enough to estimate that her salary for decades wouldn't come close to matching their wealth. As Anthony's only son and heir, Robbin was groomed from a young age to take on his father's role eventually. Robbin himself was a genius with an IQ above average. Juliette had also heard about his desire to follow in his father's footsteps, so it was a surprise when Robbin became a model and film actor, which was so far removed from his background.

Juliette was undoubtedly proud of her stepbrother's achievements. Although their relationship didn't start well, Robbin had now become a true brother to her.

"Isn't that a good thing? I heard you say earlier that the company's location coincides with the filming location for the movie you'll act in. So, what's the problem?"

"I have to go to Canada for quite a while." Juliette nodded, starting to understand.

"And by quite a while, I mean five years. After filming ends, I plan to return to school and pursue a doctorate there. Because of Father's sudden decision, I must stay longer."

"Oh wow." Juliette could hardly comment upon hearing Robbin's explanation. She knew her stepbrother was a genius, but could he handle doing three important things at once?

"Are you sure you won't get exhausted? You could continue your studies later after everything else is finished."

Robbin smiled and ruffled Juliette's hair briefly, a habit he had that always made Juliette frown. "I can manage it. Thanks for worrying, Julie. I'll miss my talkative little sister."

"Hey! I'm not talkative!" Robbin chuckled softly at Juliette's protesting words. "So, when are you leaving?"

Robbin stood up and straightened his blazer, replying, "Unfortunately, I'm leaving tonight. I promised Father I'd resolve the issue as soon as possible so I could attend your party before I left."

"Oh."

"Don't be sad, Julie. We can still video call. Besides, I'm not leaving forever." Juliette rolled her eyes at Robbin's comment. She stood up and hugged her brother's tall, muscular frame.

She wanted to cry because the seat beside her would be empty tomorrow, but it didn't matter since she would soon be moving out of the mansion herself. "Remember what I told you?"

Juliette thought momentarily, and then a small, genuine smile appeared on her lips. "I remember."

She hugged her stepbrother again and murmured, "When you look at the sky, you'll see me because I'll always watch over you."

Juliette looked up and gave Robbin a broad grin. "I'll miss you, my super-protective brother."

Robbin laughed and gently released Juliette from the hug. "What can I say? My sister is beautiful, and many guys will be interested in her. I don't want them to take advantage of you."

"I know." Hearing Robbin's words made Juliette recall that she had recently experienced a different night. However, she still didn't fully remember it.

"Ah, Juliette, there you are. I need to talk to you." Meryl's voice suddenly echoed from the dining room doorway, and she stepped inside.

Meryl entered the room, her green eyes observing the close bond between the stepsiblings before giving Robbin a pointed, meaningful look. "Robbin, I thought you were going to meet your manager."

"I was just about to leave." Robbin gently patted Juliette's shoulder twice, smiling warmly on his face, offering support and reassurance. His gentle eyes shone with genuine affection. "Take care of yourself."

"You too, Roby. I'm sorry I can't see you off at the airport," she said, her voice filled with regret. She felt guilty for not being able to accompany her brother, who had always been there for her.

Robbin shook his head, his eyes showing deep understanding. "It's okay," he replied, trying to ease Juliette's guilt.

"Have a safe flight." Juliette decided to say it now because she feared she wouldn't see Robbin before he left. It was better to say it sooner rather than later.

Robbin nodded again before stepping out of the dining room, leaving Juliette and Meryl alone. As the door closed behind Robbin, Meryl moved closer, her green eyes glowing with concern and gentle authority.

"So, what explanation will you give me, my daughter?" she asked, her tone softer than usual but still full of expectation for an honest answer.

Juliette took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. She knew this would be a serious conversation, and she prepared herself for whatever Meryl said.

...

Juliette groaned and quickly walked into her bedroom. She was already late for the studio because she had to have a private conversation with her mother in addition to her talk with Robbin. She hoped the studio wasn't too busy and that there weren't any dress orders she had to complete today.

She walked toward her bag, which was ready to be taken, and turned to leave, but her steps halted when she noticed a medium-sized black box with a red ribbon in front of her sliding door leading to the balcony.

Initially unsure whether to pick up the box, curiosity quickly overpowered her hesitation. Juliette put her bag back in its place and walked toward the sliding door.

Juliette opened the door and looked left and right, ensuring no one was suspiciously hiding on her balcony. After confirming no one was there, she picked up the box and locked the balcony door behind her.

She walked over to the bed, scrutinizing every detail of the box, looking for something that might indicate who had sent it. She shrugged indifferently and placed the box on the bed. Given that the pile of gifts was near the balcony door, it might have fallen when the servants were arranging the gifts in her room. They were open while they were placing the gifts.

Juliette tugged at the red ribbon around the box and lifted the lid. A frown formed on her forehead as she saw a single red rose with a piece of black fabric tied around its stem, a photograph lying face down, and a note.

Juliette reached for the note first and began to read. Her face turned pale instantly as she recognized the handwriting on the paper. It was the same handwriting as the message at the hotel. Juliette read the message and took a deep breath, her body trembling. Was that man planning to torment her?

Juliette took the rose from the box and untied the fabric from its stem. Her breath caught in her throat when she realized the fabric was the underwear she had worn the night before, the underwear she had been searching for that morning because it had disappeared. Juliette felt her hands shaking and carefully reached for the photograph inside the box.

She flipped over the photo and felt her eyes sting with tears at the printed image.

It was a photo of herself kneeling, her eyes looking into the camera lens. Her gaze was dazed. Her body was completely unclothed, and her long hair was gripped by a man's hand.

Below the photo were the words, "I have many more photos like this in my collection," making Juliette feel nauseous.

Hurriedly, Juliette shoved everything back into the box. She reread the message on the paper before placing it back inside the box.

Thank you for last night. I have a special gift for you, my beautiful woman. Happy birthday.

What should Juliette do now?

...