Page 66 of The Caged Girl

“You’ll be visiting the wives today at the pool for a luncheon, and Mrs. Rothschild wanted to say goodbye to you before they leave.” I looked at them through the mirror.

“Is her husband leaving? Declan?” I questioned.

“Yes. Of course, he is,” Kandi said.

“Declan and Sage Rothschild paid one million dollars for their all-inclusive stay here,” Taylor added while filling my lips in with a nude shade.

“And for their custom baby…” Kandi shot Taylor a look of disdain.

“They are now paying three million dollars.” Taylor continued to gossip as if we were simply a group of friends having coffee.

“Mr. Ivory asked that we remind you to let the ladies know about their retail and souvenir options. The window for purchasing a live child is now closed until their next visit, but they can still buy custom wigs, skincare items exclusively made at La Gabbia, and a few other items.”

Kandi fastened a short blonde wig on my head. Brushing the sides down with my fingers, I fluffed the bangs. “I love it,” I said without hesitation. I actually did. It felt more like me. Like the girl I had to become at the Ivory estate in Charlotte when all this changed my life.

I left Kandi and Taylor to head to the pool. My white gown was draped over my shoulders as I glided down the hallway with the platform shoes.

Pausing for a moment, I looked at the images. More were missing. I knew that the girls had been moved to the other hall into black-and-white photos. That meant they were slaughtered. Intently looking through the photos of beautiful young women, I froze and dragged my finger against one.

It was the girl from the cage. The girl that… She was smiling proudly in the image.

“Excuse me, Mrs. Ivory.” Sarah startled me and took the frame down.

“There was a removal request. Jane has to be moved to the other wall…the wall of the angels.” Sarah smiled at me. “She truly served La Gabbia well,” she added before prying the image of the young girl from the frame.

My heart didn’t ache. I didn’t feel sad. I didn’t feel…

“I don’t feel,” I said with my hand against my chest.

Sarah looked at me curiously. “You’re a lucky one, then.” She smiled before leaving with the photo of Jane.

* * *

“Welcome to the farewell ladies brunch!” a man wearing an all-white uniform, stark blonde hair, and piercing green eyes said.

All the doves were donning the same short, white dresses, slicked-back buns, and eye makeup that made the green of their eyes stand out in harmony.

It was all so beautiful. Hundreds of fresh white and pale pink peonies decorated the long tables that were set across a clear acrylic floor to cover the pool.

“Mrs. Ivory!” he called out with a large smile on his face. All eyes darted over at me as the ladies stood and clapped.

The doves and man instantly bowed as I made my way to the head of the table.

I clasped my hands together to stop them from shaking. I wasn’t prepared for this kind of positive attention nor respect.

“Welcome to La Gabbia’s farewell brunch. My husband and I are so very honored you chose to spend your vacation with us. We cannot wait for you all to come back soon. I know many of you had shopping on your mind, and if you were unable to finish it, please notify your assigned dove and she will make sure you are able to place any orders. I know our skincare is the best in the world, along with the custom lipstick.” I brushed my fingers across the fresh peonies, knowing the skincare had Alister’s semen blended into it. The lipstick was blended with blood and whatever else Alister desired. I shuddered thinking of his wall art composed of lips.

“Alister and I truly appreciate your presence. We know the real world is challenging. It’s hard to carve out time for your marriage or yourselves, and that is why La Gabbia exists. La Gabbia is where your dreams and fantasies can come true. It’s the sliver of the world where the word ‘no’ does not exist. Now, please enjoy your meals and then we will finish any last-minute shopping before we say our farewells.” I sank into my chair and stared down at the salad in front of me. Lifting the drink, I swirled the blush-pink liquid before taking a sip.

The clamoring and clattering of all the wives chatting happily as they noshed on the delicacies constantly being served after spending however much time their vacation was booked for was fascinating to me. Did they know while they were sunbathing that their husbands were slicing young women up and raping their corpses? Did they know they were playing out their fantasies with bondage and toys before putting their suits back on? Did they know the children they were adding to their families were crying for their mothers?

Did they care? Maybe. Did they feel? Absolutely not. I took a bite of the chocolate cake in front of me before sitting back and sliding on the pair of sunglasses that were in my purse.

The blazing island sun was beating down on my shoulders and the ocean in front of us looked stunning.

It was truly stunning. I pinched my forearm as I felt darkness and evil grow inside me. I was enjoying this life in some way. I was better than everyone around me. And for once in my life, I was untouchable.

“Mrs. Ivory, when you’re all finished, I just wanted you to know that Mrs. Rothschild would like a private word with you, if possible.” A girl that had to be Sage’s assigned dove tapped me gently.

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