Page 132 of Auctioned

Our games aren’t over.

They never will be.

26

OPHELIA

How dare he.

How.

Dare.

He.

I slam a drawer in the guest bathroom’s vanity for what seems like the millionth time today.

“Nothing. Nothing useful in any of these fucking rooms,” I scream into the void. Into the empty house. I always thought that high ceilings were gorgeous. Not anymore. Not when my despair bounces off them. “Nothing!”

Clean, plush towels are neatly stacked on the shelves attached to the wall. There are shampoos, conditioners, and soaps for both men and women in the fancy shower. First-aid kit, ointments, and creams are in the drawer I just closed.

No bobby pins. No pins at all.

Same goes for the kitchen. For the end tables and vases around the living room. Everything is so freaking clean. So spotless.

Back when Sage and I were roommates, a bobby pin would magically appear anywhere around our apartment. She even used it as a bookmark once.

Here, there are none.

James lives alone, and, surprise, surprise, he doesn’t use bobby pins. It’s as if he doesn’t live here at all.

There are no pens scattered around the place. Nothing I can break and turn into a makeshift key.

“Wait…” Over the hours I’ve been alone in here, I’ve become way too comfortable talking to myself.

Which doesn’t matter. I have an idea where to look, at last.

The staff might have dropped something valuable around here. The men keep their hair short, but there are plenty of women.

Yes, they haven’t been here in over a week. Also, yes, they live in the staff quarters, outside of the mansion.

The chances one of them lost or left a bobby pin lying around here are slim to none.

“Argh!” Another scream at the mirror. At myself for being stupid and trusting him.

He promised I’d enjoy it.

There’s nothing enjoyable about losing my mind. About this loneliness. This frustration.

My reflection mocks me, telling me what a liar I am.

I am enjoying this.

I’m enjoying my stay here, period.

I don’t have black circles under my eyes. I look healthy. Rejuvenated. Slightly unhinged with my eyebrows knitted and my lips pinched, but I look good.

I’m the most refreshed that I’ve felt in years.

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