The elderly woman remained silent for several moments before finally nodding. "Go. Don't dawdle—return before dinner."
I escorted Isabella from the conservatory, conducting a tour of the manor grounds.
Throughout our walk, she maintained a steady stream of admiring exclamations.
"This library is absolutely magnificent!"
"That fireplace must be worth a fortune!"
"Noelle, you're incredibly fortunate!"
I responded absently, my thoughts elsewhere.
When we reached the greenhouse, Isabella suddenly halted and drew me to a secluded bench.
"Noelle," her voice took on a serious tone, "are you... truly all right?"
"What do you mean?" I looked at her with confusion.
"I mean..." she hesitated, "living with Kholod—have you adjusted to it?"
"Well enough." I preferred not to elaborate.
"I heard..." she dropped her voice conspiratorially, "I heard something happened to Lorenzo."
My entire body went rigid.
"What... what happened to him?"
"Oh, darling." Isabella sighed heavily. "From what I understand, he suffered several broken ribs and a fractured hand. All because..."
She gazed at me with pointed significance.
"Because of what?" I pressed urgently.
"Because he tried to rescue you." Isabella gripped my hands tightly. "Noelle, I know perfectly well there was nothing between you and Lorenzo, but Kholod sees things differently. He was furious, which is why he..."
"I see." I interrupted, my voice trembling slightly.
"Noelle, you must be extraordinarily careful." Isabella's eyes filled with genuine worry. "A man of Kholod's stature and temperament... you absolutely cannot risk provoking his anger again. I'm desperately concerned for your safety."
"I haven't provoked him." I protested weakly.
"Of course you haven't, darling." She patted my hands soothingly. "But sometimes, even when you've done absolutely nothing, these men will imagine slights. It's their nature—they're intensely possessive creatures."
She leaned closer, her voice dropping to barely a whisper. "Noelle, you must learn compliance. I know it's difficult, but for your family's sake, and to make your own existence more bearable, you need to be accommodating. Please?"
I gazed into her sincere eyes, feeling genuinely moved. In this moment, she seemed to be the only person who truly cared about my well-being.
"I understand. Thank you, Isabella."
"We're friends, after all!" She brightened considerably. "Oh, regarding your wardrobe... while what you're wearing is lovely, it doesn't quite reflect your current position. Perhaps I could help you select some pieces? I know several exceptional designer ateliers..."
"That's not necessary." I declined politely. "Kholod has already provided extensively for me."
"Wonderful, then." She nodded approvingly. "Still, Noelle, you really should consider evolving your style. Men are such visual creatures—you want Kholod to feel that you're making an effort for him. That's how you earn better treatment."
I remained silent, simply nodding in acknowledgment.
