Chapter 2

My punishment season ended when Margaret received a phone call. 

I had never been thankful for Juliet like I did at the moment. Margaret had withdrawn her hold on the whip, she quickly collected the device from Juliet and walked away.

I knew better than to stay sprawled on the floor despite the bruises and soreness that were excruciating as ever. I sauntered to the kitchen in an attempt to make lunch.

I looked around the sparkling tidy environment. I loved cooking, cutting, chopping ingredients into chunks was the best part of my day. The counter was wiped clean, rugs and kitchen equipment and tools neatly set up. 

Juliet littered the kitchen whenever she was in. It was my job to keep everything in check. We might not be high-class business owners but we had enough to take care of the family and for a maid as well. I had made the mistake of suggesting Margaret hire someone so I could rest but it ended in me having scars all over my body and Margaret yelling at me all day.

I got to work. Getting the tomatoes from the refrigerator, I got ahold of the chopping-board and knife. I had no idea what I was preparing but I cut the tomatoes in half and went ahead for the onions. 

I was almost done with the onions when Juliet barged in inanimate. 

“Get ready,” she proclaimed. I looked vaguely at her.

When she noticed my expression she rolled her eyes and explained in an annoying voice. “We are having dinner with Mr.Ian and his son. Daddy called mom few minutes ago and informed her of the good news. They’re very respectable, and his son will likely take interest in me. After all, I’m prettier and smarter. I heard girls drool at the sight—” 

I stopped listening, too ingulfed in my thoughts to care. I understood why Juliet would be enthusiastic to welcome noble families as such. She got to seat on the table with them, and fawn over their expensive attires and lucullan lifestyles. On numerous occasions, I served. Margaret either introduced me as a maid or skipped that part.

My stomach cried out at the thought of dinner. I haven’t eaten anything since yesterday’s lunch. Margaret made sure I learned my lesson, part of which included that I had absolutely no right to eat except left overs. 

“Witch!” Juliet snarled irritatingly. 

A laugh almost escaped me. Juliet was one of those that liked to talk about stuff all the time—show off—and would get mad when they weren’t listened to. 

“I wouldn’t waste my time talking to you, I have to get ready for the meeting with Allen,” she dreamingly said. 

I had no idea who Allen was, inquiring about him would only lead to humiliation.

Just when I thought she was done and would likely retire to her room, Juliet walked briskly until she was few feet away from me. “Do you know why he would chat me and not you?” 

I dared not to answer. You see, Juliet thought I was envious of her. That was why she rubbed it on my face whenever she could. 

“Witch!” she was getting mad at my lack of response. I stepped back afraid of what was coming next. We all knew boys preferred her to me, she had fancy dresses and elegance. I was merely a stack of bones, thin over the years and dressed awfully. 

“Allen is a business tycoon. Former CEO of Ian Tech Industry—a blooming business in the world.” She waved her latest iPhone in my face. I gulped hard and anticipated her next move. 

“You wouldn’t know because you don’t own a cell-phone. Witch.” She tapped her phone against my chest hard. I was breathing heavy, and tightened my grip on the counter. 

I wasn’t permitted to own a cell phone. Margaret decided I wasn’t worthy of it. The first time my phone was seized by her during junior high, I spent the following year weeping in my room.

I couldn’t contact my best friends—Indiana and Grace. 

“Don’t disgrace mom. Also do whatever you can to stay out of sight. You wouldn’t want to get in trouble would you?” she flipped her curly blonde hair. 

She walked away not before warning me. “Keep your creepy eyes off Allen.” 

Juliet always targeted the upper class business men. Whenever father would invite his friends for dinner, Juliet stuck around displaying her charms. Once one of the men was staring intently at me, I had no idea why he was interested in me. Turned out, he was only staring due to a huge gash in my worn-out shirts. 

Juliet misunderstood and claimed I was seducing him. I starved for three whole days and was forced to kneel and beg for Juliet’s forgiveness. 

In the distance, I could hear Juliet squealing no doubt at a

new dress that was bought specially for the dinner. 

“Cheryl,” Margaret called out. My legs were about to give out in anticipation. Margaret rarely called for me solely if I was in trouble, otherwise she would send Juliet. 

I managed to walk without my legs giving out. Margaret was seated on the sofa with both legs rested on the center table. Juliet was standing smiling at a beautiful dark-pink dress that still had a tag. 

“You called for me.” I announced my presence. My heart was pounding uncontrollably, my legs nearly gave out the more I advanced.

“Rat.” 

I flinched at the tone of her voice. 

“I assume Juliet had informed you of our honorable guests.” 

I nodded quickly.

“Good,” she remarked satisfied.

“I will like you to stay in your best behavior. Only serve when you’re told to, don’t stick around. Go away as soon as you were done with your service.” 

My eyes were casted down—looking at Margaret would only evoke punishments and disobedience. 

“Now, go and prepare dinner.”

Just when I was about to head to the kitchen, the doorbell rang. 

Who could that be?