CHAPTER 2

Birds chirped and wind rustled the leaves which showed that the day had dawned. The first rays of dawn filtered through the dark grey curtains and lit up a sliver of the room. I saw Genevieve as the light shone on her directly. Her body was battered and bruised from last nights torture, everywhere except her face and neck.

She still stayed chained to the bed. In her awkward position sleep evaded her throughout the night but in the darkness her tears finally flowed, for she knew that the only time her true emotions could show was in the dark while Robert slept.

The dark satin sheets rustled and I heard a groan. The curtains were pulled back and bright light engulfed the room removing any trace of darkness. Robert walked over to his wife and unchained her but she didn't get up. Instead she slumped to the floor tired and barely conscious. He squatted down to her level and used his fingers to move strands of her hair from her face.

"Good morning Genny. How was your night?"

She visibly gulped but answered anyway giving him a depressed smile.

"It was all right, Robert. Thank you for allowing me to apologize properly."

He sighed. Robert pointed to the specks of dried blood on the floor as he stood up.

"It's okay. As long as that is taken care of, we're good. Now clean up and put on clothes that would cover you up. Be downstairs in an hour for breakfast. You know how dad gets when we're late."

She nodded and tried to stand. Almost falling because of the pain, Robert caught and steadied her on her feet . He held her carefully like he did some years back genuinely. A kiss touched Genevieve's lips and it looked like she was fighting the urge to vomit. She stood straight and kissed him back. She was playing him. After some seconds he pulled back smiling.

"You know I love you right?"

She looked him in the eyes, held his check and answered.

"I do and I love you too Robert. Nothing will ever change that."

He stared at her then frowned when he looked up and down her body. His face visibly changed into one of disbelief.

"I'm sorry. I went too far again, didn't I? Forgive me."

Before she could utter any words he stormed out of the room. Gen seemed to let out the breath that she held and rested on her knees. She quickly rushed to the bathroom to vomit.

Once she was done, she slid onto the black tiled floor. She cleaned her mouth repeatedly as if trying to remove the memory of kissing her dear husband.

After some time she finally ran a bath. By the steam that came out of the tub, it looked extremely hot. Some lotions and scents were poured into the bath before she sank into it. The water slowly turned a light shade of red as she soaked. Slowly her head started to go under. I do nothing. I've seen this happen more times than I could count. 10 seconds. 20 seconds. Bubbles came up to the surface. 30 seconds.

She came up gasping for air then sobbed her heart out.

She couldn't do it. She never could.

After all, how could she leave her twins with this monster?

●●●●●

Finding the right outfit to cover up her wounds and scars and also applying makeup to look presentable to the rest of the family took 30 minutes . Genevieve came down the spiral staircase. She walked over to a sky blue door. The door opened up to the blue room. The blue room was a large lounge room. Blue upholstery rounds the room. It stood out against the white of the walls.

She took a deep breath and opened the door. A silver chandelier dangled in the middle of the room right above the glass table holding pastries. A woman sat with a book to her face but once she heard the door open she dropped it.

"You're early. That's good darling"

A woman in her 60s speaks to her. Although she had crows feet at her eyes and wrinkles on her forehead, she smiled pleasantly at Gen. She was wearing a black long sleeved chiffon gown that ended just below her knee. White stilettos were on her feet complimenting the pearls she wore on her ears, wrist and neck. Her brown hair though long is kept tamed by beautiful pins and jewels.

This woman exuded elegance and the look of wisdom. This woman was Ernestine Carrier. The mother of the Carrier household.

"You look lovely today Genevieve. Any special occasion?."

Gen had on a green chiffon gown that went all the way to her feet. She let her hair run wild but paired the look with gold and emerald jewelry on her ears and wrist. Her shoes were hidden though.

She looked at her gown and at that of Ernestine before her face contorted in fear before she spoke.

"I…. I was supposed to have a book launch today but I'll change. I'll wear a different dress. I apologize mother."

Ernestine smiled before waving her like she was swatting away a fly.

"oh pish posh girl. There's no need to apologize. You look as stylish as I do. It doesn't matter that we somewhat match."

A sigh escaped Gen's lips, grateful that the woman was in a good mood.

"Thank you mother."

She went to a chair opposite Ernestine and sat down crossing her legs. Her phone chimed signaling an alarm I guess. I checked my watch. 7:00am. They sat in silence while they waited for the other family members to come down for breakfast.

7:22am

The door to the blue room opened up and in walked Robert and George Carrier. A man that always got what he wanted, gave to the public and had low tolerance for anyone. He had on a white polo shirt and black slacks. His face was stern and rigid. If he was younger and smiled more, he and Robert could be twins.

Robert wore the same thing but with a light green polo shirt. George spoke in a gruff tone.

"Morning. Sorry I'm late. Had important business to attend to with Rob."

Ernestine stood up and walked towards him.

"It's alright. We've been catching up, haven't we Genevieve?."

Genevieve's back straightened on hearing her name. They hadn't spoken about anything before the men came in but she knew she had to agree with her mother-in-law.

"Yes mother."

I heard a clap and Robert spoke.

"All right. Let's go eat. Busy day today."

One by one they all left and headed for the dining room opposite the blue room.

Like always there was a huge chandelier and lots of light pouring in from the ceiling high windows. There were 10 seats. One for each member of the Carrier family. They all took their seats.

George at the head of the table, Ernestine on his right, Robert on his left and Gen sat beside her husband. George rang a small bell on the table and the food came in. The help served them and put on display an array of delicious food. Their food was plated and as they ate they spoke about trivial things. Gen didn't say much through breakfast.

They finished and each left to their own day. Gen to her book launch, Robert and George to golfing with potential clients and Ernestine to see her friends.

The house was empty apart from the help cleaning up and the shadow in the attic that watched their every move.