•Leiara•
I rest back on the couch as a maid tends to my wounds. With carefulness, she disinfects the bruises on my elbows before putting a plaster over them.
Then she moves to my knees and does the same.
I simply stay quiet and let her do her thing. But I can't help but stare at her, a bit melancholic.
Remembering what Willa said about getting the maids on her side left me a bit hurt. It might seem a bit stupid, but I somehow thought they'd side with me and support me, not her.
But still, I can't question them. How can I? When I can't even establish my place properly in this house?
Willa's presence shakes my authority here and it already seems she's winning.
No one respects me. Not the maids now, not Willa and not even Colson.
"Ouch!" I flinch softly when I feel her hand touch my sprained ankle, shooting pain through my nerves.
While it isn't really critical, the sprain on my ankle from the fall is quite bad. My right ankle has turned red and swollen.
The maid gently rubs a pack of ice over it as she massages it. Then she rubs some ointment over it.
"It's not really critical. I think with little care, it'll heal soon."
She rises to leave but I hold her back.
"Please, try harder," I say.
I don't mean to sound pushy nor am I paying her back for ditching me so quickly, no. It's just that there will be a function, tomorrow at most since Colson is now back.
His business trip was to secure a deal in which many companies invested. My dad's company is among those who did, so now that he is back, there will be a function where everyone involved will be gathered.
I have to be there too. As his wife of course. So I can't allow a sprain to hinder me. I've already screwed up as it is, I won't screw up a second time.
"Massage it more, please. I want it healed the soonest."
"Yes, ma'am."
She squats and resumes massaging it with the ice.
I would call over the doctor to come check on this so I can be in my best tomorrow for the function, but then Colson will think I'm trying to draw attention to myself again.
He will think I'm making a mountain out of a mole. To avoid such, it's better I heal with this treatment.
With a soft groan, I slouch down a little.
I need to remain updated.
I'm not sure if the function will really hold tomorrow, but if it will, I need to start preparing. And I need to work.
And for that, I need—
My brows wrinkle when I remember that my gadgets are still with Willa.
Without my laptop or tablet, I have no means to know what's going on in the company.
I need to get it back.
I let the maid work a little longer on my ankle before dismissing her.
Then slowly, trying not to make my limps so obvious, I go up to Willa's room. And I knock.
She asks who it is, but I don't answer. And my silence alone tells her it's me.
She opens up not too long after and as always, a proud smile is on her face.
"And to what do I hold this visit from our esteemed madam?" She asks with sarcasm.
"Give me back my stuff," I say, unready to entertain her jokes.
Her smile fades and her face turns stern.
"Huh? Do you have proof they're with me?"
She hisses and attempts to shut the door, but I push the door back.
"Don't play innocent. You and I know you took it. I need them for work, don't cause me to fall behind. Plus, you know how strict Helen is with her business. You don't wanna get on her bad side."
As a partner to the iHNT company, I play an important role. Even Willa knows this.
She rolls her eyes in displeasure and walks back into the room without shutting the door.
After a while, she comes out with my laptop, phone and alarm clock.
She pushes them onto me roughly. I don't complain and take them. Then she shuts the door loud and rough.
I go back downstairs with slow and careful strides, and sit on a couch.
As I go through things on my laptop, the maids offer me something to eat and drink but I turn them down.
My stomach still isn't open for food yet.
After updating myself with the company works and schedules, I close my laptop and rise.
I need a bath so I can eat and get all my pending work done.
I go up to my room. As I reach, I hesitate at the door. Since Colson could be in, I don't want to just barge in and incur his anger.
Softly, I knock.
He doesn't reply. I knew he wouldn't. The knock was just to alert him that I will be coming inside.
I twist the doorknob to go in but the door doesn't budge.
Did he lock the door?
I try again just for clarity and the door is indeed locked from the inside.
He's being particularly mean today.
Although the room is both of ours, Colson rarely sleeps in there. He rarely even goes in there. He prefers sleeping in the other rooms and only shows up one or two times to get some things.
I thought he wouldn't even smell the room today and rest in with Willa. But not only did he go in, he even locked me out.
Sigh!
I exhale aloud, a bit frustrated.
I'm still just in my night dress which is bad. My body has a weak constitution and can't even stay long in the cold.
With no clothes to change into, I might get sick.
With a few more soft knocks, I try to get him to open up. But silence is my only response.
I go back downstairs and plop down on the couch.
Time flies by. I start getting cold. For a solution, I ask a maid to make a very hot tea to warm up my body.
After that, I go in ahead to ask for a light meal which they bring in not too long.
I eat, then I continue working from the couch on my laptop.
I pretty much spent the whole day in the living room till night came, while Willa occasionally flexed her presence.
I would still remain there but then I see Colson finally leave the room. He seems to head toward Willa's room.
I take this as my chance to go into the room to bathe and change clothes.
Since it is already night, I change into pajamas instead.
Colson will probably be spending the night with Willa, so I can just retire for the night.
As I dry my hair with a towel, I hear the door click open. I pause, then turn to the door to see who it is.
Occupying the door post are Colson and Willa. Willa has a scheming smile on her face while Colson glares at me.
I wonder what they want since they simply stand there saying nothing. But before long, Colson's harsh command comes.
"Vacate the room."
My ears tingle in response, clearly in disbelief. I can't believe that's what I hear, so I ask.
"What?"
His face tightens with irritation.
"Do not make me repeat myself," he seethes.
I glance to Willa and her smile only widens.
She must've reported what happened to Colson, about how I dragged her out. And now she's using him to kick me out of my room.
But I've said it before, I will not be giving up this room for any reason.
"I'm sorry," I say softly. "But that won't be happening."
My heart pulsates nervously. It is the first time I'm protesting blatantly.
Willa's smile fades as she turns her head to glance at Colson, silently questioning what he plans to do next at my audacious response.
But slowly, Colson's tight face loosens into a smirk. The eeriness behind it is so clear.
"Is that so?" He questions.
I stare at him in confusion. His smile makes me nervous. He's always prone to get angry easily, so this reply of mine should've angered him.
But if he isn't, then what is he going to do? I fear for that.
Colson, however, simply turns and shuts the door. He bolts it, then locks it with the key and takes out the key.
He twirls the key briefly in my face as if dangling a bone in front of a dog.
I say nothing, because obviously, I still don't know what he plans to do. And Willa doesn't seem to either.
"Since you won't leave, make sure to watch and listen attentively."
He grabs Willa's wrist, pulls her forward and throws her to the bed.
Willa is momentarily surprised but then a knowing smile creeps up her face.
My heart, in turn, drops heavily as if it has been crushed under a rock. My breath turns heavy and my hands quiver as the knowing thought of what they are about to do fills me up.
Colson strips down the hands of Willa's night dress, exposing her shoulder and cleavages. Then his hand slides down and grabs one of her thighs.
My lips shake, eyes trembling.
I'm full with disbelief even though it is all happening in front of my eyes. I just can't accept that the both of them, Colson, would disrespect me to this extent.
My legs weaken and wobble, body heavy with pain. And soon, I crash down to my bruised knees when he crashes his lips on hers.