Title: Bound by Blood, Broken by Pride
*Chapter 6: Fractures and Faces*
The morning sun filtered through the kitchen window, casting golden hues on the tiled floor. I moved with practiced ease, setting the breakfast table with care. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the scent of buttered toast and scrambled eggs.
Master Ekene and his fiancée, Nancy, descended the staircase, their footsteps light against the wooden steps.
"Good morning, Chioma," Ekene greeted, pulling out a chair for Nancy.
"Good morning, sir. Good morning, ma'am," I replied, placing the last plate on the table.
As they settled in, Ekene glanced around. "Where's Charles? He should join us for breakfast."
"He's still in his room upstairs," I informed him.
"Please, could you call him? We'd like to eat together."
"Of course, sir."
I ascended the stairs, the soft creak of each step echoing in the quiet hallway. Reaching Charles's door, I knocked gently.
"Come in," his voice called out, muffled.
Pushing the door open, I stepped inside. Charles lay sprawled on his bed, clad only in a singlet and shorts, his eyes fixed on the ceiling.
"Good morning, sir," I greeted.
He remained silent.
"Master Ekene requests your presence at the breakfast table," I conveyed.
As I turned to leave, his voice halted me. "Wait."
I paused, facing him.
"Where are my clothes from last night?"
"I washed them, sir," I replied.
He sat up abruptly, his eyes narrowing. "Who removed them?"
A knot formed in my stomach. "I did, sir. You returned home intoxicated, and Mr. Richard asked me to assist you. I only wanted to make you comfortable."
His expression darkened. "You touched me?"
"Sir, I - "
Before I could finish, he slapped me, the force sending me reeling. "You're filthy," he spat. "How dare you?"
Tears welled up as he struck me again, each blow more painful than the last. He grabbed his belt, lashing it across my back. I cried out, the pain searing.
Downstairs, Ekene and Nancy heard the commotion. They rushed upstairs, bursting into the room.
"Charles! What's going on?" Ekene demanded.
Charles turned to them, his face contorted with anger. "She tried to steal from me last night. I caught her in the act."
Nancy looked at me, concern etched on her face. "Chioma, is that true?"
I remained silent, fear gripping me.
Ekene's gaze shifted between us. "Go to your room, Chioma."
I nodded, retreating from the room, the sting of the belt still fresh.
Back in the dinna table, Nancy approached Ekene. "Is that how your brother treats the staff?"
Ekene sighed, rubbing his temples. "He's... complicated."
Later that day, Sir Frederick and his wife returned home. I greeted them at the door, attempting to mask the bruises on my face.
"Chioma, what happened?" Lady Frederick asked, concern evident.
"I fell, ma'am," I lied.
"Be more careful," she advised.
Inside, Ekene welcomed them warmly. "I hope you enjoyed your trip."
"It was refreshing," Sir Frederick replied.
"I brought Nancy home yesterday. She was eager to meet you, but unfortunately, you weren't around. She left earlier today."
ma Rita smiled. "I look forward to meeting her."
"I've decided to settle down with her," Ekene announced.
Sir Frederick beamed. "That's wonderful news. We'll start preparations soon."
Meanwhile, Charles met with Queen Preshido. Seated with Richard at a café, he noticed her across the room. She sent her boys to call him over.
"Someone wants to see you," they informed him.
Curious, Charles"Do I know you?" he asked.
She smiled. "You don't remember me, but I remember you."
They chatted, reminiscing about past encounters. She mentioned her father spoke highly of his father, and they decided to catch up over drinks.
After their meeting, Charles returned to Richard, who was visibly upset.
"You left me there," Richard complained.
"I had to catch up with my beautiful enemy," Charles explained.
They laughed it off, and Charles took the driver's seat, heading home.
At home, Charles greeted his parents warmly.
"How was your trip?" he inquired.
Sir Frederick clapped Charles lightly on the shoulder. "Refreshing," he said with a tired smile. "But it's always good to be back home."
ma Rita gave Richard a surprised glance. "Richard! What a pleasant surprise. You're looking good. It's been a while."
Richard bowed slightly, grinning. "Thank you, ma. It's good to see you too."
Charles joined the light laughter that followed, but his eyes flicked toward the staircase briefly - where I had disappeared to earlier, face bruised and silent. His gaze darkened for a moment, but he quickly masked it with a smile.
"And where is Ekene?" Charles asked, glancing toward the hallway.
"He's resting," ma Rita answered. "Told me he's taking the day off. I think he needed it."
As conversation continued, Charles excused himself. "I'll be upstairs. Just need to shower and get some rest."
"Alright," his mother said. "Don't stay locked in that room all day."
They all sat in the living room for a few minutes, catching up with Richard.
***
Upstairs, Charles closed his door and leaned against it. His thoughts raced back to the slap, the belt, my face. He rubbed his hands together, uneasy.
"She touched me," he muttered to himself, but his voice lacked conviction now.
ready for chapter 7