GENESIS
He was gone before I woke up. I didn't even get to kiss him like he had told me.
I sighed, propping myself against the headboard. My pencil and book rested on my thighs as I skimmed through the rule he had given me yesterday.
To say I wasn't surprised would be a lie. But I had to do as he said.
After one more look at the book, I climbed off the bed and made my way to the bathroom.
What am I going to do today?
It was Monday. He was probably at work. Daisy would be in school.
I was alone.
I shed my clothes and stepped into the shower stall. The moment the water hit my head, I shivered, even though it was hot.
I closed my eyes—but the second I did, I was back there. That cold, musty room.
My eyes snapped open, chest rising and falling too fast. I shut off the shower and stepped out, gripping the sink. Slowly, I lifted my gaze to the mirror. My own reflection stared back.
How do I get over this fear?
I quickly dressed and tidied the room before heading downstairs.
One of the maids was coming up the stairs. She noticed me and stepped aside politely.
"Good morning, ma'am," she greeted.
I nodded with a small smile.
"Breakfast is served," she informed me. I nodded again and followed her to the dining room.
The table was set for one.
I sighed, staring at the food. I didn't feel like eating. Instead, I gazed out the window, watching the world outside. Loneliness pressed down on me.
The dining doors opened.
Richard walked in.
He stopped a few feet away, his gaze sweeping over me, expression unreadable. In his usual matter-of-fact tone, he said,
"Your tutor is here."
I blinked.
My what?
I must have heard him wrong. But no—he stood there, waiting for a reaction.
A tutor? For me?
I gripped the edge of the table, stomach twisting. I had never had a tutor before. Why now?
Richard didn't elaborate.
"The lessons will be held in the study. Everything you need has already been set up."
Mr. Calloway stepped forward, smile polite. Hands clasped neatly in front of him, dark hair, mid-thirties, sharp but handsome features. There was a flicker of curiosity in his eyes.
"This is Mr. Calloway," Richard said. "He'll be teaching you."
I hesitated, then placed my hand in his outstretched one. Firm. Warm. And just like that, it was gone.
Richard gestured toward the door. I followed, clutching my book and pencil.
In the sitting room, he stood near the window. His gaze met mine. Intense. Curious. Something more.
"Take a seat, Genesis," he said, calm but firm.
I obeyed, stiff and anxious. My eyes traced the neat rows of books, pencils, and the whiteboard behind him.
He followed my gaze, then looked back.
"Genesis, tell me, what would you like to learn first?"