The Barter (Sierra and Xavier) novel Chapter 2

Chapter 2.

I wake up with a sneeze building up in my throat. Letting it out, I smudge my nose with the back of my hand to look around.

Where the hell was I?

It was a small room with the only light entering was from a little ventilating window at the top. The room was crammed with used stuff and I could see spiderwebs hanging on the walls.

Probably a store room or an attic.

Just great.

I press my palms to get up when I see that I am lying on a crud mattress that hasn't seen the face of a detergent or light in years. I pat it to only find dust particles sprawling in the air.

I cough. Covering my mouth to get up.

Gosh. It even stinks here. Did some rat sneak in and die somewhere here?

I was still collecting my thoughts when the old rustic door was pushed open and I was welcomed with the face of an old woman.

Throwing a black and white dress on the mattress. She groans in disgust. Covering her mouth.

"Gosh. You are really filthy. Just get changed and get down to work. "

Filthy?

Work?

What was she saying?

"May...may I know who you are? I don't think I know you. "

She rolls her eyes at me as if talking to a subordinate. Placing her hands on her waist, she moves closer to me. Her tone was blunt.

"Listen you little bitch. If you think this 'I am so innocent' facade is going to work here? You are mistaken."

"Everyone here hates you with the deepest of passion, including our master. "

"You disgusting little thing have our Luna's blood on your hands and look at you standing here with so much pride. "

"But don't worry..."

She scoffs to smirk and I blankly stare at her.

"Our master will make sure to break that backbone of yours, along with that pride."

"He loved Luna Beatrice more than his life, and he will make sure to hate you, till your last fuc*ing breath. "

"You can never be her! So don't you once think you will even get food here....let alone respect. "

The hatred in her voice made the room seem even smaller, but I have learned the hard way to not care about what others think of you.. Closing my eyes. I try to control my heavy breaths.

Relax. I have to relax.

I can't let everyone's words get to me.

I am not a murderer. I didn't kill their Luna. I don't want to replace anyone.

"You are mistaken. I-"

"Enough! Get your pathetic ass moving. I don't have all day. Change your clothes and report to the kitchen. "

"You work as a maid this day hence."

With this being said, she turned around and left. Leaving me alone in the now silent room.

I stare at the closed door, blankly.

Maid?

I turn around to look at the black pencil skirt and white blouse. And a strange knot twists in my stomach. Did he really expect me to work as a worker here?

He married me. No matter he acknowledged it or not. I was his wife.

How can he expect me to work as a servant?