30

CHAPTER THIRTY
GABRIELLE
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The doctor arrived almost immediately, he was an elderly man whom I've seen quite a few times in the mansion.
He gave some ointment and medicines to help with the pain, he advised not to do any kind of work with it, at least for the next few weeks.
I still couldn't believe that Lucian had easily let me off after I had pointed that gun at him.
Or maybe he was saving the punishment for later, the thought made me shuddered. I was already battered and bruised enough, my body wouldn't be able to take any more of his torture.
I slowly walked towards the dresser and opened it. My eyes fell on the brilliant ring. I took hold of it with shaky fingers.
Maybe it was my fault that he always hurt me, if I surrender instead of fighting him, would it be any different?
No, I had no other option than to fight. If I stopped, I would be betraying Derek. It sat well with my conscience in knowing that I had been given no option each time.
I blinked back the sharp sting of tears as I slipped the band around my finger.
I allowed myself to look into the mirror then, I didn't look the same. I looked HIS.
There were imprints of his fingers on my chin where he gripped so tightly, my lips were bruised and swollen, there almost wasn't any part of my body that didn't bear his mark.
An unwelcoming thought occurred to me, since he wanted my body so much, maybe I could find a way to use it against him. Searching for clues about Derek's whereabouts would be much easier if I could manage to gain Lucian's trust.
The uncertainties and fears were also beginning to form in my mind, Lucian probably didn't trust anyone but himself, and even if I succeeded in gaining his trust, what would happen when he figured out that I had been misleading him all along?
' By that time, you must already be out of this place' A voice in my head whispered.

I successfully managed to get dressed with one hand, trying as much to cover the bruises in the places the gown couldn't cover, it would be too embarrassing if everyone else got to see them. Now, I really regretted ever cutting my hair, it would have helped.
I left the room, closing the door behind me. I was feeling hungry, if I wanted to achieve anything, it definitely wouldn't be on an empty stomach.
I walked past Anya, we exchanged pleasantries, I was about to start speaking about what we had planned when she gave me the eye look, I had to look around to see if there was anyone approaching, there was none.
I guess she was cautious. It was my foolishness to even start to speak so openly about it, especially now that Lucian was around.
I still haven't figured a way to get a cellphone, if I got it from anyone around and Lucian finds out about it, it would raise his suspicions.
Unless, I would have to ask him for it, what if he refuses?
I found my way inside the dining room to see Loretta having breakfast, she didn't look up from her meal to even spare me a glance.
"I will also get something for you, what would you like?." Geoffrey smiled warmly which I somehow managed to return.

"Can you send it upstairs to my room? "

"Of course ma'am, I'll do it right away!"
"Thank you." I started to leave, but a voice stopped me.
"You don't have to leave because of me, I will go." Loretta stood to her feet and started to gather the plates she had used.
I was first surprised that she was talking to me, and then by her statement. Curiosity got the best of me.
"I'm not sending you away, and I'm also not leaving because of you, why would you think such?."
She stared at me for some seconds as though weighing the truth of my words.
"You married Lucian, this is your house, you don't have to pretend that you like it that I'm here." She scoffed.
I was again surprised and felt the need to clarify.
Studying her features closely, I didn't see the slightest resemblance between her and Lucian, it was hard to believe that they were siblings.
Whereas Lucian possessed a dark intimidating aura around him, she looked like almost every teenager with bouncy brown hair and coffee-colored eyes.
I didn't know anything about her to judge if I liked her presence here or not but I most certainly didn't mind.
"This is your house, I don't mind your presence, you seem to be the one who has a grudge against me. Do you mind telling me at least why?"
At my words, she sat back in her chair.
"My mother said you are bound to hate me so I should be on my best behavior to please you because she would never accept me back if you decide I should leave." She spoke and her eyes widened as though she shouldn't have said those words aloud.
Her mother?
I had once heard that Lucian's mother died a long time back, I was confused about this.
At least now I could understand her dislike for me.
"And a really good job you did of pleasing me, don't you think."
She flushed crimson and I found myself smiling.
I never thought about relating with anyone close to Lucian, but I think I was going to like her.
" I thought you would be an evil wife and I would have to lick your foot for you to be happy." Again, her eyes widened and she clasped a hand over her mouth.
"Oops, maybe I shouldn't have said that."
I chuckled softly, I could also see the relief in her eyes.
"I am not that kind of a person, you thought wrong."
She smiled broadly, seeming to be very much relaxed now than before.
"You're nice and so pretty, I can surely see why Lucian was always so crazy over you!"
The smile on my face froze, I was sure that she meant no harm but I think I could accept the compliment.
Geoffrey reappeared then with a large tray of meals I would never be able to finish, not even half of it.
"Should I still send it upstairs? "
"There's no need for that, I will stay here."
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I had breakfast quickly, I already confirmed from Fred that Lucian was busy in his office.
I was still thinking deeply about the idea of making him trust me.
I walked past his bedroom, I've never seen inside before, it had always been locked. For some reason, I always find it so intimidating.
It had to be locked, but still, I tried to turn the knob, I was shocked when it gave way and the door slipped open. My first thought was that perhaps he was inside. Everything in me screamed to flee, I felt as though monsters will emerge to rip me to pieces, which was why I was surprised when I boldly took a peek to see a well-furnished modern bedroom.
A quick scan told me he was nowhere around.
Maybe he had forgotten to lock the door today?
I didn't believe how I could ever get so lucky! I took a quick scan around me before venturing into the room, closing the door as quietly as I could.
The room was totally what I hadn't been expecting, the walls were creamy with black stripes, his giant bed covered almost one-fourth of the large room, I wondered why anyone would need so much space, it was purely masculine and smelled exactly like him.
My eyes caught on the cupboard beside the bed. That was where I was going to start from.
I tried it quite a few times only to discover that it was locked, I sighed my frustration as I hurried towards his wardrobe. It contained expensive suits and shoes, all of the same color.
Black.
I didn't find anything else of importance, I was starting to grow desperate, he could walk in at any time and I still haven't found anything.
From the corner of my eyes, I saw something and whipped my head towards it.
On the down portion of the wardrobe was a key.
My heart pounded hopefully, maybe I would be able to open those locked cupboards with it, and then I would find something about Derek's whereabouts.
Just as my fingers curved around it, the sound of the door pushing open was followed by footsteps.
I spun instantly in alarm only to be met by a pair of familiar cold eyes.