Arianna remained motionless for about a minute and only blinked her eye when she was unable to stare at the fixed spot for long.
"Oh, that?" She scratched the back of her nervously. Kenith was a matter she wouldn't want to bring up especially not after the trauma she went through in his hands.
Although she was rescued on time, that was still a traumatic experience that she wouldn't want to experience ever in her life.
Yes, Marcel had pretty much done almost the same thing to her - her opinion was not respected - at least she had sexual feelings for him and the kiss and touching had been consensual.
Also, Arianna did not know Marcel that well but she was sure he wouldn't force himself on her simply because he was jealous. That was the lowest the son of a biscuit - namely Marcel - would go. He would likely spank her if that was the case.
At once Arianna felt a rush of desire when she remembered the spanking scene and she quickly squeezed her eyes close to shut out the feelings. She was revolted, how could her body still respond in this manner after what Marcel did to her.
If there was anyone she should be thinking of, that should be Elijah, not that asshole Marcel. These feelings were not normal anymore. Arianna even began to wonder if she developed Stockholm syndrome.
"Madam, are you okay?"
Arianna heard that voice of concern and opened her eyes at once. She then realized that closing her eyes might have given Cassie the wrong impression that she was in pain.
"No, I'm good," She quickly responded, sitting down on the edge of the bed while rubbing her hands down her arm as if she was cold.
"Do you need anything else or...." Cassie added slowly, "do you need someone by your side to keep you company?"
Arianna glanced up at Cassie, she knew what the young girl was offering but for some reason, her instincts were telling her that this was wrong. She and Cassie had not been that close from the start, not to talk about now there was some distance between them the past few weeks, and Arianna was not the type to open up to people easily.
"No, I'm good," She quickly responded with a nod.
"Alright," Cassie said slowly and Arianna could see a trace of disappointment in her eyes that made her more guilty. Arianna didn't like the look on her face but then, she won't put herself in a tight corner to please others. Everyone had the freedom of privacy and she was not talkative.
Arianna was sure Cassie was about to leave and nearly let out a deep sigh of relief only for the young woman to suddenly said, "About Sir Kenith -"
"I would really not like to talk about that," Arianna cut her off abruptly with a cold tone. The response was like a reflex action because the words left her mouth before she could even think of them.
It wasn't until Cassie gulped down that Arianna realized she must be scowling right now. At once, she relaxed her face and rubbed her temple, "Look I just had one hell of a day and really do need a rest," she said apologetically.
"Sure," Cassie tried to put a smile on her face but she failed at it, "I'll leave you now to have that rest,"
She walked over to the doorknob and grabbed it when Arianna suddenly called her, "Cassie!"
She turned.
Arianna took a deep breath, mustering enough courage to say, "I'm sorry that I couldn't keep my promise to you and I'm sorry that I left you. Can you forgive me, please?" else she wouldn't have a peaceful sleep and would be tormented by the manifestations of her guilt in a dream.
Cassie smiled at her kindly, "It's alright, you were just trying to survive the same way I needed to. Also, I'm the one who should be sorry for putting too much responsibility on you when you're just as unsure and scared as I am," She said.
Arianna felt a suffocating weight leave her chest, Cassie was really nice. She didn't deserve this kind of person and wanted to do something for her in return to make up for her failed promise.
She proposed," Maybe we can talk tomorrow. All girls, just the both of us,"
But thinking about it now, she wondered what they would even discuss. Arianna knew there was nowhere on earth she would open up to someone else the way she did to her best friend, Mimi. Plus the fact Cassie's connection to Kenith made it complicated.
However, when she saw the way Cassie's face brightened up, Arianna knew she would make it work somehow. There should be some things to do to catch fun here, right?
"That would be nice?" Cassie shrugged happily.
"It's a deal then," Arianna was happy that she managed to put a smile on her face.
"Sure," Cassie said before taking her leave.
Arianna fell back on her back, satisfied. On the bright side, that was one less person to feel awkward around here. No matter what, she needed someone to be able to talk to freely else she would die from boredom.
However, unknown to her, the moment Cassie left the room, the smile on her face died off. What remained on her expression was coldness and a venomous fury she was able to contain without letting it show until now.
How dare she pretend to be righteous? Cassie was surprised how she had been able to coordinate herself when all she wanted at that moment was to claw Arianna's eyes out. She hated those eyes! At least if they were out, there was no way she would be able to charm men into dropping her pants for her.
Cassie had been working with the other staff at the kitchen when the news spread like wildfire, "Sir Kenith tried to sleep with their boss' wife,"
It came as a huge shock to her that she had dropped everything she was doing and hurried off to confirm what she heard only to stumble upon the scene of her beloved being taken away as their gaze connected.