In the days that followed, Cedric's treatment of me improved significantly.
He sent me clothes and bags as though they cost nothing. He was polite and calm, even inviting me out for drinks and leisure.
"It's probably because his sadistic tendencies outweigh his masochistic ones," Daphne remarked. "Plus, your face has undeniable appeal.
"But nothing good lasts forever. Men always crave new thrills. Don't be foolish, Rosemary."
"I won't," I replied, frowning slightly. "But he still won't let me into his study. He doesn't fully trust me. I need to find another way."
Daphne said nothing.
Neither did I.
She glanced at me slowly, as though about to speak, but I cut her off.
"I know what you're going to say."
For men, there's no greater satisfaction than securing a woman's loyalty. Seducing him, feigning to be utterly moved and devoted, and giving him everything—that would win his complete trust.
But—
"I'm afraid I'd vomit from the disgust."
"Then there's nothing to be done," Daphne said, shrugging, though her furrowed brows betrayed her concern.
---
I had only taken a two-week leave from school.
I couldn't afford to wait out Cedric's slow, calculated tactics of soft control.
That night, when Cedric returned, I was sitting by the window, hugging my knees and dozing off.
The cold wind swept in, carrying his voice, cool and distant.
"Who let Miss sit here? What if she catches a cold?"
I opened my eyes and tried to stand, leaning on my arms. My voice was weak and listless.
"I wanted to sit here. Don't blame anyone else."
"Not in a good mood?"
"No."
I shook my head. "I just... I want to go back to school."
Ever since Cedric declared his feelings for me, he had forbidden me from returning to my studies.
"You don't need school. Just behave, and I'll give you anything you want."
He only ever considered his own desires, never stopping to think about what I would do without an education or skills to support myself if I ever left the Ravenswood estate.
—This wasn't love.
It was nothing more than his low, foolish possessiveness.
Cedric's expression darkened when he heard my words. He stared at me intently.
"I told you, you don't need to study or have a degree."
"But I have nothing right now," I said, feigning anxiety. "No degree, no skills, no money. If I ever leave the Ravenswood estate, I wouldn't even know how to beg for food... Mr. Ravenswood, I'm truly scared."
Cedric looked at me, his voice light as a feather: "You have my kindness toward you."
My fingers curled slightly as I avoided his gaze.
"I can feel your kindness," I said. "But there's nothing around me that truly belongs to me. Aside from your fleeting promises, I have nothing."
"My promises aren't enough?" he asked, his tone icy.
I blinked slowly, hesitating for a long time before replying:
"When you first brought me to the Ravenswood estate, you held my hand and said you'd treat me well. But..."
I left the sentence unfinished.
Cedric's face darkened further, yet there was an unexpected flicker of emotion in his gaze.
When Cedric first brought me to the Ravenswood estate, he never imagined he'd derive pleasure from tormenting me. He certainly never thought my cries and pleas for mercy would excite him.
At the beginning, his attitude toward me was that of a normal guardian.
He gently patted my head, soothing my nerves, and told me:
"I'll treat both of you well. The Ravenswood estate is your home now."
At that time, I timidly looked up and met his clear, bright eyes, momentarily dazed.
I genuinely believed that after so many twists and turns, I had finally found a home.
But past illusions have turned to smoke. Now, all I want is to destroy the demon in front of me.
