Xavier couldn't hold back a chuckle as the bathroom door slammed shut behind Rebecca. Her reaction had been both amusing and telling. Despite her resistance, he noticed the shift in her—something subtle but undeniable. The defiant fire in her was still there, yet now mingled with hesitation and uncertainty.
Inside the bathroom, Rebecca sat quietly on the closed toilet seat, her mind flooded with embarrassment and regret. She covered her face with both hands as the memory of their kiss replayed. Why had she kissed him back? Why hadn't she stopped him sooner?
She sighed heavily and tilted her head against the tiled wall behind her. To the outside world—especially to her family—she probably looked like she was living in luxury, faring well, maybe even thriving. But the truth? The truth was that she was a prisoner in a golden cage. No chains, no bars... but bound by fear and that contract she had read too carefully. Everything had been laid out in black and white. Her choices were limited, and every decision felt like walking a tightrope above flames.
Outside, Xavier dressed casually in a loose shirt and grey joggers, rolling the sleeves up as he tested the new phone he had just set up. He had asked Raymond to pick it up, not out of kindness, but because he didn't want to completely isolate Rebecca. He wasn't foolish—he knew cutting her off from her family might cause more trouble than it was worth. Still, he wasn't going to take risks. Every contact and interaction would be monitored, and he made sure the phone had his numbers already saved.
He was fiddling with the settings when he heard the bathroom door creak open again. Glancing up, he caught sight of Rebecca stepping out slowly, her head slightly lowered.
"Come here," he said, his voice calm but firm.
Reluctantly, she approached him. Her steps were hesitant, like a gazelle stepping toward a lion's den. Her fingers clenched the hem of her shirt nervously as she stopped in front of him.
Xavier handed her the phone. "This will be your new line. Both of my contacts are stored inside. You can call your family, but you will not—under any circumstance—mention what's going on here. If you try anything... if you run... you're putting yourself and your family at serious risk."
His words were ice, deliberate, and cold. Rebecca nodded stiffly, understanding the weight behind every syllable.
Then he motioned to the bed where two outfits had been placed. One was a short, flared dress, the other a nightgown. Both were far more revealing than she was comfortable with.
"Try them on," he said without looking at her. "See if they fit."
She hesitated, instinctively turning back toward the bathroom, but Xavier reached out and gently pulled her back. She stumbled slightly, and her back landed softly against his chest. Her breath caught as the closeness startled her. He didn't say a word—just stayed still for a second, and she could feel the tension radiating from his body. Then came a groan from deep in his throat—subtle, but unmistakable. Rebecca's cheeks flamed red.
"Xavier, please," she whispered, unsure whether she was asking him to let her go or trying to find words to end the strange moment between them.
He leaned down slightly, his breath grazing her ear. "Don't worry. I'll behave," he murmured. "But you'd better keep to what you said earlier. Because I won't forget it. Once we're back home… you'll wear something for me—in the dark."
His words made her skin flush with confusion and nerves, and then, just as suddenly, he stepped back, chuckling quietly to himself as if amused by her reaction.
Later that day, Xavier decided to show her around the mansion. It was massive—far beyond anything she had imagined. With fifteen rooms, two entertainment lounges, a personal Jacuzzi, and an enormous garden that seemed to stretch endlessly, it was more of a private resort than a home. The swimming pool glistened just before the entrance to the garden, where the wind carried the scent of blooming flowers.
"Just play along," Xavier said under his breath as they walked side-by-side. "All eyes are watching."
She nodded silently. "Yes… sir."
The garden breeze was soothing. Rebecca found herself drawn to the swing tucked under a large tree, surrounded by lavender and peonies. She sat down slowly, and Xavier began pushing it gently. For the first time in a long while, she let herself smile. The air, the setting—it all felt surreal. She almost forgot she was living under constant supervision. The swing moved back and forth, and for a few moments, she was just a girl again. Carefree. Light. Almost... happy.
But the moment didn't last long.
"Aren't you tired of the swing?" Xavier asked loudly, his voice laced with playful sarcasm. "We could just make out, you know."
Rebecca stiffened, catching sight of Vallerie in the distance—watching, listening. Of course. He was doing it for a reaction.
Understanding his motive, Rebecca forced herself to stand. She walked up to him, wrapping her arms lightly around his neck, her heart thudding from both fear and adrenaline.
"Of course, darling," she said sweetly, trying not to stumble over her words. Then—without giving herself time to hesitate—she leaned up and kissed him. Right there, in front of Vallerie.
The moment passed in a blur. Rebecca's cheeks turned crimson as she stepped back, shocked by her own boldness. Xavier, however, only smirked.
"Good girl," he murmured under his breath.