The Return to the Mansion

Charlotte

Two months had passed since my last attempt to escape, since Vanessa had made it clear that I was under constant surveillance. Those months in the hospital were an endless cycle of monotony, examinations, and oppressive vigilance. Each passing day, my mind weakened a little more, crushed by the weight of the situation. But at the same time, the flame of resistance within me became more discreet, almost imperceptible, yet never entirely extinguished.

I knew I had to survive, that the game of submission I was playing was the only thing maintaining the peace. So, I obeyed, smiling when necessary, fulfilling my role as Richard and Vanessa wanted. My body was tired, but my children were healthy, and I knew I needed to protect them above all else.

Finally, after months of confinement, I was released from the hospital. The news came without fanfare, just a nurse informing me that Richard had arranged everything for my return to the mansion. When I heard those words, a chill ran down my spine. I didn’t know what awaited me upon my return, but one thing was certain: the mansion would never be the same.

Richard came to pick me up personally. He seemed pleased, with a calculated smile on his face, as if he knew he had achieved what he wanted. The car that would take us back was already waiting outside the hospital, and in silence, I climbed into the back seat, trying to prepare myself for what was to come.

The drive to the mansion was silent and tense. Richard didn’t try to talk, and I limited myself to looking out the window, watching the trees and houses blur past. My stomach churned with anticipation of what I would find upon my return. I knew Vanessa’s presence in the mansion had changed everything, but still, the shock of what I was about to see caught me off guard.

When we finally arrived, the large mansion doors opened, revealing the house that had once been mine but now seemed darker and more oppressive than ever. The first thing I noticed was the movement of the staff. They seemed more tense, hurried, and at the same time, indifferent to my presence. As if I were a secondary figure.

Upon entering the house, I was greeted by a strange, almost hostile atmosphere. The entrance hall, once decorated with the sobriety that characterized Marta’s style, now displayed touches that clearly belonged to Vanessa. Fresh flowers, rearranged furniture, and a soft perfume that permeated the air—a constant reminder of her presence.

But the real shock came when I reached the living room. There was Vanessa, sitting on the velvet sofa, with a posture that exuded authority. She was surrounded by some of the staff, all listening attentively to her instructions. She commanded the house with the ease of someone who had taken control long ago. The place where I once felt safe was now unrecognizable.

She saw me enter, and a triumphant smile spread across her face. "Ah, Charlotte," she said, in a sweet voice that didn’t match the cruel gleam in her eyes. "It’s so good to have you back. I hope you’re feeling better. We’ve made a few changes around here. I think you’ll like them."

I could barely breathe. Seeing Vanessa commanding the house, taking the place that, in a way, should have been mine, was a painful blow. But I couldn’t let her see how much it affected me. I needed to keep control, even if it meant swallowing my pride and hiding the anger boiling inside me.

"Thank you, Vanessa," I murmured, trying to sound neutral. "I’m feeling better."

She stood up, her slim, elegant figure moving with the confidence of a queen in her domain. "I’m glad to hear that. Richard and I were so worried about you. But now that you’re back, everything will return to normal… or rather, the new normal."

There was something in the way she said "new normal" that made me uneasy. She was making it clear that things would never be as they were before, that she was in control, and I needed to accept it.

Richard, who was right behind me, placed his hand on my shoulder, squeezing lightly, a gesture that could be interpreted as support but was, in reality, more of a way to reaffirm his power over me. "Vanessa has done a wonderful job while you were away," he said, in a tone that left no room for contestation. "I hope you feel comfortable here, Charlotte."

I knew I had no choice but to nod and move on. But inside, I was devastated. The mansion, which had once been my refuge, was now Vanessa’s domain, and I was merely a spectator in my own life.

As I climbed the stairs to the bedroom, where I knew I would spend the next few weeks until the twins were born, I realized that the battle for my freedom, for my identity, was far from over. In fact, it was only just beginning, and the adversary was stronger than I had ever imagined.

But no matter how much Richard and Vanessa tried to subjugate me, I knew I couldn’t give up. There was something inside me that still resisted, something they couldn’t control. And as long as that small flame continued to burn, I would keep fighting.

When I entered the bedroom, I looked into the mirror and saw a different woman than the one who had been taken to the hospital months ago. I was stronger, more determined, and I knew that somehow, I would find a way to survive this. One thing was certain: no matter how long it took, I would reclaim what was mine.