Chapter nine

The rays of sunlight peeked through the curtains of her window and the soft chirps of birds could be heard.

Leila enjoyed her sleep so much that she wouldn't have woken up if she didn't hear the knock of her door. She slipped into a pair of comfortable flip-flops.

Her brown hair basically looked like a birds nest because she hadn't tied it into a bun.

Who would be by my door so early

She grabbed the doorknob and twisted it allowing herself to see the person standing at the other side of the door.

"Morning madam, I hope you slept well." the lady before her beamed.

She seemed nicer than the lady that was here the previous night. Unlike the chubby woman she saw, this particular lady was tall and slim just like Leila was. The only difference was that Leila was taller by probably and inch. Leila stood at the height of 5'9.

"I slept well. Thank you for your concern." she replied politely.

"Any problem." she added.

"It's time for breakfast madam."

"Breakfast? Isn't that too early?"

"It's 9am madam"

"Oh, I be downstairs shortly. And please refer to me as Leila. I'm not that old." she said with a beautiful smile.

The lady nodded and excused herself politely.

I didn't get her name

It was nine already? Maybe the fact that she slept early made her feel like it wasn't mine at all.

She took out her toiletries and walked into the bathroom.

She lazily took of her pajamas and discarded them in the laundry basket she saw.

Leila walked up to the mirror and stared at herself.

Her hair was scattered going in all directions, her eyes were a bit puffy and her whole face brought out a tired expression.

Using her long fingers, she traced the freckles littered on her chest and brought them up to her hair to comb it out.

She let out a shaky breathe and began brushing her teeth. In all honesty, she wanted to hurry and go downstairs. The Hunger was eating her up.

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What do I wear?

A dress is too formal

A long sleeve is definitely not for this weather.

A pair of shorts and a white T-shirt; the perfect option.

Leila walked down the stairs and straight to the dinning area. She peeped to check if Stephano was sitting there and yes he was along with Samantha and Nikolai.

"Stop peeping and come over here." his voice boomed causing her to shriek. Her face was beet red from embarrassment as she walked briskly to the table.

"I hope you are well rested?" he asked her as she took he seat.

"I did. Thank you for asking." she responded while staring down at her lap.

"So we're going to pretend like I'm not here." Nikolai stated which caused Leila to snicker a bit as she rose her head.

"Good morning." Leila said directing her greetings to both Samantha and Nikolai.

She received a warm smile from them both as a response.

"Leila, serve yourself and meet mr in my study when you're done." Stephano said and got up.

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Without even being told, one could easily tell who this office belonged to.

The furnitures were finely polished dark oak wood just like most of the house furniture and his curtains were a dark shade of grey which covered his windows only letting a peek of sunlight inside.

His walls were painted white and grey and his office was well arranged.

Leila sat opposite him on a comfortable chair facing his desk. Nikolai stood by the door while Samantha sat beside her.

"I know you're curious as to why you are here." Stephano began which caused Leila to shift uncomfortably in her seat.

Samantha sensed her nervousness and lightly squeezed her right hand which didn't help. Not even the slightest bit.

"I'm just going to explain certain rules to you and feel free to tell me if you're uncomfortable with any." he continued and Leila meekly nodded.

The list was longer than expected and it went on and on. Stephano and Samantha would glance at her once in a while to see any tinge of discomfort on her face but they saw none.

"Finally, you aren't allowed to leave the house without my permission. Are we clear? " he said finally and Leila nodded.

"I'd appreciate it if you spoke up." Stephano urged

"W-we're clear." she murmured

Pleased that she understood the rules and didn't complain about any, Stephano permitted her to leave while he spoke to Samantha and Nikolai.

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