Humiliation wasn’t something I acknowledged.It didn’t serve me in any way.
Yet, that’s all I felt after having to use the bedpan after breakfast.The fire in my face as Marta cleaned me up wouldn’t leave, and I swore on my life that I would make Hestian pay for the degradation.
Marta patted my hip gently as she straightened my pants, a small show of compassion and understanding, then went to get rid of my waste.
My face was still hot when Hestian entered a while later.
“I assure you the food is clean,” he said, taking his seat.
When I didn’t respond, he changed topics.
“I’ve given your concern consideration and believe I have a solution that will give us both peace of mind.A prenup stating you will not be entitled to any assets if we divorce with the exception of a single account that will be yours alone.Prior to the wedding, I will transfer ten million dollars to that account.Another deposit of equal amount will be made for each live son you birth.And should you pass while wed to me, which I sincerely hope does not happen, the funds will not go to me or our children, but a designated beneficiary of your choice.”
I stopped imagining gouging his eyes out and pretended to think it over.
“That’s a small piece of a very large picture.Once I’m pregnant, how will my life change?Will I be expected to eat differently?Take special supplements?Will I have a voice in my attending physician and general healthcare or will that be dictated by your preferences?
“Once the child is born, what role will I have in their lives?
“You say you want to marry me for an heir, but I’m not simple enough to believe that will be my only obligation.Will I be allowed to fill my time as I please?Work outside the home if I choose?Socialize as I choose?Or will I be limited to pre-approved activities?
“Will intercourse be limited to attempted pregnancies or an expected obligation?If expected routinely, how routinely?Since monogamy is a word that tends only to be used for wives and not husbands, are you willing to be tested routinely?
“I can’t take any offer seriously without specifics—my freedoms, obligations, compensation for meeting those obligations, and penalties for either of us not meeting the set requirements.”
He was quiet for several seconds.
“I will meet with my lawyer later today and draft a marriage contract for your review.”
“Be thorough,” I said.“I’m tired of being tied to the bed.”
A hint of annoyance flashed in his eyes as he stood to leave.He wanted intelligence, but only if it came with a side of subservience.One I had.The other I didn’t.
Time passed.And the monotony of doing nothing eroded my fear, which was dangerous.I started thinking of trying to get out of the cuffs again.I’d warned Hestian I didn’t like them.Would he see it as an attempt to escape?Defiance?
Would he even see it, or would I be dealing with Javier, who hadn’t made an appearance since that first time?Did I want to find out?
Marta came and went a second time, taking the untouched food with her.
I wasn’t okay.The need to do something was clawing at me.My thoughts were all over the place, bouncing between wondering where Konni was and what I would do if he didn’t come soon.
Time wasn’t my friend.The longer I lay there, the more I realized help might not be coming.
Hestian’s sudden appearance in the doorway pulled me out of my spiraling thoughts.Not showing my surprise, I studied him as closely as he was studying me.
Something had changed.He looked stressed.But I couldn’t pinpoint why.His hair was still neatly combed.His tailored suit was still impeccably wrinkle-free.My gaze shifted to the grip on his cane.Usually, it was in one hand, off to the side.He was holding it like he did when he sat.In front of him, both hands on the silver head, gripping it, but not tightly.
Was that his tell?
My gaze met his.
“Did the lawyer have issues with the contract?”I asked.
“Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to meet with him in person as I’d hoped.I will have to trouble you with my hospitality for a while longer.Unless, of course, you’re willing to strike a verbal agreement.”
“You wouldn’t be interested in me if I were that gullible, would you?”
He sighed.“No, I would not.”
