Chapter 55
Anathea woke up feeling parched.
The heat coursing through her body made her feel like a fish stranded onshore, gasping for water. Every inch of her body ached as
if it had been taken apart and put back together again.
She struggled to open her eyes, and when she realized Gregory was no longer there, the tension inside her loosened just a little.
As she propped herself up, the blanket slid down to her waist. That was when she noticed there wasn’t a single unmarked spot
her body.
She didn’t care. Her gaze fell on the nightstand to find a check for three million there, down to the last cent. There wasn’t a penny
more. It was as if he was telling her that was exactly what she was worth.
Anathea curled her lips slightly. At the very least, Gregory kept his word.
To him, three million was nothing. It was just like every check he’d ever given her before–nothing more than a payment after he
used her to satisfy himself.
Still, Anathea took the check without hesitation. For the sake of Fiona’s surgery, a little dignity that no one cared about was
nothing
But there were tears in the corners of her eyes. Maybe it was because she wasn’t feeling well.
The p
penthouse suite was enormous. It was Gregory’s private suite at Aetherbrook.
Every piece of furniture was from a world–renowned brand, and every decorative item was a rare antique. Even the vase that had fallen off the table and shattered last night had been an antique porcelain worth over eight figures. Everything there was the epitome of luxury.
Anathea glanced at the check in her hand. This was probably the cheapest thing in this entire suite. Gregory had never been generous with her. She’d long since gotten used to it.
Anathea let out a weary, hollow smille. She could stay here and rest since Gregory wasn’t around, but she had no desire to.
So, she tucked the check away and tried to get out of bed. The moment her feet touched the floor, she lost control and collapsed.
“Ouch…”
Her lower back slammed against the bed frame. It wasn’t particularly hard, but the pain still made her frown. Gregory had been ruthless, even more than last time.
When the things Gregory had tossed onto the floor came into view, Anathea froze.
There was a blindfold, a multi–tailed whip, shackles, a spreader bar, a silver gag, and several other items she couldn’t even name.
Memories from the previous night surged back.
7/2
+15 Donus
Gregory had used every single one of them on her, over and over again. With the blindfold covering her eyes, every sensation had
been amplified countless times.
When the multi–tailed whip had struck her skin, it was like an electric current racing across her body. Every hair stood on end,
her scalp tingling. Her hands had been cuffed to the bar, her legs suspended, leaving her with nowhere to brace herself. Her only option had been to wrap them around his waist.
Anathea raised a hand to cover her face, forcing the memories out of her mind.
Just then, the doorbell rang. “Room service.”
Anathea quickly wrapped a bath towel around herself and made her way to the door, still unsteady.
“Ms. Jacobson, here are your clothes.” The staff member handed her a bag. Inside was a brand–new dress, along with undergarments.
Anathea hesitated for a moment before reaching out to take it. “Thank you.”
“Would you like to have breakfast at the buffet, or would you prefer it brought to your room?” the staff member asked thoughtfully.
“Bring it here.” Anathea barely had any strength left. She would probably collapse before even making it to the restaurant.
“Understood.”
Not long after, the staff wheeled in a cart with breakfast. It was beautifully plated, each dish looking tempting at a glance.
But Anathea had no appetite. She ate a bit of oatmeal before setting the bowl back down.
