Sebastian

The woman was not as naïve as I had imagined. At the very least, she possessed something I call a brain. She asked me for food, and I obliged; after all, she had earned it. I would be lying if I said I wasn't impressed by her trick.

Her legs trembled, and I could see whip wounds on them as she climbed the railing. Blood was still flowing from some of the wounds.

She was thin and seemed malnourished. But I had no idea what overcame me when I caught her in my shirt with wet hair. It felt hot, and a desire to kiss her or hold her in my arms rose within me.

This woman was a big red flag for me. I wasn't sure why I had just bought her. I needed to get rid of her and regain my sanity. I turned off the shower and stopped my train of thought.

After putting on my clothes, I peeked out from behind the curtains and a glass frame (a partition between the bed area and the living area of the room). She was stuffing herself with food and looked like a hamster. Crumbs were stuck to her face.

A smile crept across my lips, but I quickly shook it off and replaced it with a scowl. I had no idea why, but this woman was making me weak, and I was not going to give in to these feelings.

I hurried under the cover of a soft king-size bed to get some sleep. But in the middle of the night, I was awakened by the same nightmare I had been having for years.

Pant. Pant.

I gulped down water from a jug on the side table, trying to catch my breath.

A few moments later, I felt more stable and attempted to take another nap, but it seemed impossible-someone had pierced through my thoughts.

"Fucking damn it!" I cursed under my breath when I realized my mission had failed because my thoughts were preoccupied with a specific creature who was sharing my suite at the time.

Frustrated with myself, I decided to look at her. I climbed out of bed and found her sleeping peacefully near the fireplace.

The blood from her leg wounds had dried up over time, but the marks remained visible. I took ointment from the first aid box and carefully applied it to her wounds.

I was cautious, so I didn't wake her from her beauty sleep. The last thing I wanted was for her to get up and witness my actions. She looked angelic while sleeping, and for a brief moment, I was struck by her beauty.

"chuckle...If you are my angel, it's too late to approach your devil...I've been waiting for you a long time and am exhausted. And I don't want an angel right now-you'll be where you belong," I mumbled to myself as I tossed the tube beside her before retiring for the night. Hopefully, my nightmares wouldn't bother me again.

The following morning, I completed my daily routine and emerged from my closet wearing a brand-new black suit. I needed to attend a special occasion at home.

I was feeling much better despite getting only four hours of sleep, but that had become a habit.

She was still sleeping by the fireplace. I shook my head helplessly at her carelessness and exited my suite shortly after finishing breakfast.

When I walked out of the suite, Daniel immediately followed me. I stopped him midway to the elevator and gave him instructions about the woman. He nodded obediently and remained behind to follow them.

I couldn't waste time on her; I had more important things to do. I finally boarded my private jet and made my way home. People might consider it hell, but it was my home-a place where I learned every lesson and tactic.

After some time, the jet landed at my private airport, and I turned toward the castle with Denial's team. As I passed through the castle's main door, I saw everyone dressed in black.

I turned towards the ballroom. In the center, a half-open casket was placed. Everyone around it bid farewell to the deceased. I watched Alexis' expression from the corner of my eye.

His eyes were cold, and he did not seem bothered. His gaze met mine, and he gave me a curt nod of respect. I approached the casket and kissed her hand before placing a bouquet of white flowers beside her.

"Congratulations on your new life, Sofie," I whispered in her right ear before leaving the ballroom. Alexis immediately followed me, and we both continued along the path of my studies.

"Is everything ready?" I took a seat behind the table in my swivel chair and inquired professionally about the situation. He took a step closer, knowing exactly what I meant.

"Yes, Master," he replied obediently and sternly. He looked at me as if he had a hundred questions buried inside him, eager to ask, but his tongue betrayed him at the last minute.

"And I bought a slave last night from Vincent. I want to know everything about her: her name, age, and place of birth. Daniel will bring her to the training center and keep her with the others," I dictated. He stared at me as if I had sprouted horns on my head. I could understand him; I had never purchased a slave before. He must have been shocked.

"Be careful with the burial," I added, realizing he was too stunned to respond immediately. I didn't care what anyone thought of me, but this woman was bound to cause mayhem.

"Y-yes, Master," he finally replied, regaining control of his emotions. He bowed his head, turned on his heels, and left my study. He had a lot on his plate, and today was a particularly busy day.

I closed my eyes and rested my head on the headrest for a nap, but after a few moments, I abruptly shook my head as my thoughts returned to that woman.

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