The Monster Who Saved Me

ng the hallways, my presence tolerated only because I was serving a final, crucial purpose. The staff, who had once treated me with

uitcase in my room. The door was open. One of the younger maids, who ha

glass of water, plea

om. "Miss Chloe is waiting for her tea," she said, her tone

s a clear sign of my demotion. I was no longer a per

the kitchen, instructing the cook on her preferred brand of importe

false sweetness. "Are you getting in the way of the staff? Y

r," I said, my voice even. I refuse

rlier. "You must be more attentive to my sister. Even though she's leaving soon,

ed. "Yes, Miss Chloe. I

as gracious and me as a demanding burden. I watched her, a cold knot tight

rson walked in. "What

s. "Oh, Mother, it's nothing. I was just reminding the staff to be patient wit

my voice coming out s

g to help you, and you are acting ungrateful. This is exactly the kind of behavior that wor

k what happened. She just took Chloe's side, as alway

r's back. I saw the cold, calculated pleasure in her eyes. There was

se anymore. I sank onto my bed, the silence of the room pressing in on me. I felt a profound sense of helplessness, a deep, weary

way. She leaned against the frame, arms crossed

taunt. "You should be honored. Marrying into the Bl

ears. It was the smile of a predator who had successfully cornered her prey. She was o