Page 47 of The Caged Girl

I clenched my fists as I stormed out and looked down at the black-and-white-checkered foyer. It was new. It used to be all black marble.

“Greetings, Miss Rao.” A faint voice startled me. I hadn’t been called by my maiden name in years. It was Marisha, the beautiful woman with long, dark hair and golden skin that matched my own.

“Mr. Ivory has requested you bathe and dress for your special dinner tonight with him. I will be assisting you.” She reached her hand out to me and smiled.

“The floors…” I stared down at the black and white.

“Yes. Aren’t they beautiful? You inspired them. Mr. Ivory is mostly a fan of all black, but he said that the purity you emit made him want to tie in the doves and nightingales with his design.” Marisha wiggled her fingers at me. I placed my hand in hers and together, we walked to Alister’s stunning all-black bathroom. There was no light beyond a few candlesticks flickering in gold candelabras.

I was numb. I stripped out of the tight dress and watched as Marisha filled the dark tub with water.

Sliding into it, I was surrounded by steam.

Marisha ripped peony flowers and sprinkled them into the tub. “Peonies have so many health benefits, did you know that, Miss Rao?” Marisha placed the remaining peonies into a vase, and then moved the candelabra closer. Sitting on the velvet stool, she poured a milky white substance from a glass bottle into the water.

“What is that?”

Marisha dipped her hand into the water before brushing it against my face.

“Peonies can aid in inflammation reduction, increase fertility, assist with mood disorders…”

Taking a small loofah, she began washing my body, pouring more of the liquid onto it.

“Tonight is going to change everything, Demi. I hope you know how lucky you are.” Marisha began scrubbing my hair and massaging my scalp.

“He wants your hair to be worn black again.” It had been a very long time since my hair had been worn without an itchy wig or being bleached blonde. The bright, blonde had become my new identity in some sick way. It was comforting, especially after seeing what darkness represented at La Gabbia.

“Okay.” I closed my eyes and let her take over. Because tonight was the night… I was going to kill Alister Ivory and end it all.

CHAPTERTWENTY-SIX

I stoodin front of the golden arch mirror, staring at myself. My hair was shiny black and long—Marisha had put in extensions and had clipped in black feathers on the sides of my hair. My eyes were lined in thick black eyeliner, with my lips painted a deep red.

“You look gorgeous. I can see why he chose you to be…” She sighed and clasped her hands together.

“Chose me to be, what?” I brushed my hands against the black tulle dress. It reminded me of a ballerina’s outfit.

It felt strange wearing anything but the all-white I had been trained to survive in.

“The favorite girl, of course. Tonight is the ceremony.”

My heart dropped as I flung around and grabbed Marisha’s arms. “No, what do you mean, Alister chose me to be the favorite girl? What does that mean here?”

Marisha looped her arms into mine. “It’s your wedding day, silly.” She shuddered as I fell back into the mirror.

“No…I can’t marry him. I…” I gasped for air as panic rose inside me.

“I must confess, Demi. I always thought he’d have chosen me. We’ve worked closely together for so long.” Marisha handed me a cup full of pills. “Here.”

“How is it feeling?” She looked down at my crotch.

Heat flooded my cheeks as I looked at her. “If I’m getting married in a few minutes, then doesn’t that mean tonight is my…wedding night?” I grimaced at the thought of having sex with Alister Ivory, especially considering my body was still in pain.

“Yes.” Marisha turned away. “The pills are painkillers. Just take them, and it’ll be okay.”

“He likes…well, you’ll see soon enough.” She paused. “I’ll need to go get dressed now, too. The ceremony is starting soon.”

I looked at myself in the mirror. This was such a peculiar outfit to wear for what was apparently my wedding day.

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