Whisper - Chapter 14: Chapter 14

You Are the One I Care About – 2
She cast a provocative glance over her shoulder, but I didn't bother to meet it. Her childish attempts to hurt me were becoming more pathetic by the minute.
Let them play their childish games. In just over a week, I would be gone.
At dinner, the silent battle continued. Ethan and Cassandra sat together on one side of the table, while I dined alone on the other.
Martha Jenkins, the loyal housekeeper, served a series of dishes – raw venison, rare lamb, bloody steak, raw liver – all red and bloody. The metallic smell filled the dining room.
I frowned at the spread before me. "Martha, why are all the dishes like this today?"
Martha looked uncomfortable, her eyes darting between me and Ethan. Before she could answer, Ethan's cold voice cut in.
"These are Cassandra's favorites. She likes her meat raw."
Cassandra smiled smugly, cutting into a piece of bloody steak with exaggerated pleasure. She made a show of savoring the first bite, her eyes locked on mine.
I looked at the bloody feast, then at Cassandra's smug expression. My lips curled in a mocking smile.
"Likes raw meat? More like trying to remind me I've been ' replaced, right?" I said, referring pointedly to his betrayal.
Ethan's fork clattered against his plate. His face darkened with anger.
"Olivia! What nonsense are you spouting?"
I fixed my gaze on the conspicuous hickey on his neck, a glaring mark left by Cassandra.
"You know perfectly well if it's nonsense." My voice was calm but cutting.
Furious, Ethan snapped, "Eat if you want. Cassandra's staying here these days ; we'll be eating raw often. If you can't stand it, cook for yourself."
Martha shifted uncomfortably behind us, clearly distressed by the tension. Cassandra's smile grew wider with each barbed exchange.
It was clear he was using even the meals to humiliate me, siding completely with Cassandra to make me uncomfortable.
The tension between us had only worsened after our argument about the watch from Timber
Wolf Timepieces – a gift I'd purchased for Connor that Ethan had somehow discovered.
Yet I felt no urge to explain or apologize. I had done nothing wrong.
With quiet dignity, I set down my utensils and stood up. "I've lost my appetite."
"Running away again?" Cassandra taunted. "You're so predictable, Olivia."
I ignored her, turning to Martha. "I'll eat in my room tonight. Could you please bring me some of your vegetable soup later?"
Martha nodded quickly, relief evident in her eyes at having something helpful to do.
"Of course, Miss Winters. Right away."
Ethan's jaw tightened. "Martha, focus on serving our guests first."
I smiled at the housekeeper. "No rush, Martha. I understand you're busy."
With that, I left the dining room, my head held high. I'd rather order takeout than endure this farce.
Back in my room, I ordered a simple meal from a nearby restaurant. As I waited for the delivery, I gazed out the window at the darkening sky.
Nine more days, I reminded myself. Just nine more days until I could leave this toxic environment behind.
The next morning, I woke early and dressed in a simple blue blouse and tailored pants. I had just finished my breakfast when Martha informed me someone was at the door.
Henry Morris, Connor's assistant, stood in the driveway beside a stunning glacier blue Bentley Continental GT. He was a tall, serious – looking man with efficient movements and a professional demeanor.
"Miss Winters," he greeted me with a respectful nod. "Mr. Rivers asked me to deliver this to you."