Chapter 7: Silence in the Bathroom (Part 2)

Eyes opening without any obstruction, sunlight streamed through the Silk Curtain, casting a slightly dazzling glow on Anna’s face.

Her body felt impossibly light, as if a heavy shackle had been removed.

Anna sat up, but her hand instinctively reached to the side of her neck.

That was where Ophelia had kissed—or rather, bitten—her last night.

There was no sting, no discomfort at all.

Anna got out of bed with light movements.

Ophelia was still sound asleep beside her.

Passing by the edge of Ophelia’s bed, Anna suddenly felt the urge to seize the moment and kiss her. Unconsciously, she leaned close to Ophelia’s face.

The movement startled her, and her heart pounded like a drum.

She fled hurriedly into the bathroom, hastily slipping off her nightgown, wanting to cool her mind with a shower.

But when she saw the Red Mark on her neck reflected in the Mirror, her heart beat even faster.

That small, flower-like Red Mark was proof of Ophelia’s possession of her.

It silently reminded her of exactly whose property she was.

Anna let out a soft sigh.

Ophelia had kissed too high up; even a Collar Shirt wouldn’t cover the Red Mark.

It was all her fault.

She had just wanted to kiss back.

But luckily, it was at her nape; no one would notice such marks on her neck.

Thinking this, Anna finally relaxed.

Her Bangs were a bit too long, almost covering her eyes… Should she trim them?

Anna took a delicate pair of Scissors from the storage box in front of the Mirror and carefully began trimming her hair.

She didn’t dare be careless—cautiously moving the Scissors over her forehead, afraid that even a slight tremble would ruin her eyes.

Suddenly, a pair of hands slipped around her sides and wrapped over her chest.

Those arms mischievously rubbed up and down, as if teasing, yet seeming indifferent.

Anna felt a tickle in her chest.

The heat from their overlapping skin seeped into her soul, making her lose all focus on trimming her hair.

Yet she didn’t dare put down her hands.

The hands encircling her chest slowly slid upward, moving along her ribcage like piano keys being played, stretching all the way to her collarbone.

Anna’s body trembled with every tap of Ophelia’s fingers, but she dared not move an inch, stifling a whimper like a Deer caught by a Hunter.

“Anna… So early in the morning, you already want to kiss me?”

A warm breath on her shoulder told her who it was without turning around—it had to be Ophelia.

Only she would do this.

Only she would toy with her as if holding a precious object in the palm of her hand.

She was like a cruel, mischievous Hunter, used to playing with her prey.

Anna was a trapped Deer, pitiful and helpless.

The Deer couldn’t escape and could only endure the Hunter’s touch.

One day, the Deer would get used to it, even become addicted to the Hunter’s caresses, then bow her head, offering loyalty to the Owner who hunted her.

But what could the Deer do? Trapped in the Trap, she could only bow and silently endure.

“Answer me, Anna.”

With a crisp slap, a burning pain blossomed across her chest.

Anna’s body jerked as if struck by electricity, yet the hands wrapped around her chest turned into shackles.

They climbed higher, gripping Anna’s jawline, trying to pull her deeper into the mire.

Their bodies pressed tightly together, and something soft pressed against her spine, making her itch.

But the itch lasted only moments before a hand clamped down on her throat, plunging her into suffocating fear.

Instinctively, she grabbed the Round Corner of the Dressing Table, but another hand pressed down her nape along her spine.

With a thud, Anna’s face was pinned tightly against the cold Dressing Table.

Her eyes stared closely into the Mirror’s surface as the hand pressing her nape gently stroked her hair.

Like a little girl caressing her beloved plush toy.

Anna shuddered.

The hand choking her suddenly loosened, and air rushed into her lungs.

Her chest heaved violently, the thrill of survival bursting within her heart.

She no longer cared about anything else.

“Feeling better?”

Ophelia chuckled lightly.

Slap—two petals trembled wildly beneath the palm.

Then, like rain falling on lotus petals, her two white “lotuses” blushed pink.

The skin burned painfully, yet Anna couldn’t even scream.

The hand that had held her nape now pressed firmly against her cheek.

“Why aren’t you saying anything, Anna?” Ophelia’s face drew close.

She gently wiped the tear caused by pain from the corner of Anna’s eye, then placed a soft kiss there.

Like a dragonfly touching water, like raindrops kissing lotus petals.

Warmth lingered at Anna’s eyes, contrasting sharply with the burning pain on her back.

She felt as if standing on a boundary line—hell to the left, heaven to the right.

Just like her feelings for Ophelia—she no longer knew if it was love or hate.

If it was love, it was too painful and humiliating.

If it was hate, it was too sweet and affectionate.

Anna felt her soul shattered in a whirlpool of love and hate.

And Ophelia was gathering those shattered pieces, reshaping a brand-new Anna according to her own will.

When Ophelia withdrew her hands, Anna’s entire body went limp on the floor.

She watched Ophelia click her tongue, then coldly turn on the faucet and start washing her hands without a care.

It all happened right before Anna’s eyes, and she watched clearly without even bothering to move a finger.

“Aren’t you going to take a bath?”

Ophelia grabbed Anna’s arm and forcefully pulled her to her feet.

“Mm…”

Anna weakly responded, trembling as she leaned against the wall, walking toward the Bathtub.

Her eyes were filled with exhaustion.

She numbly sat in the Bathtub, quietly watching the water slowly rise and submerge her body, from ankle to knee, from knee to chest.

She just watched, motionless—like a Magic Puppet that had lost all power.

A warm, gentle touch came from behind.

Without turning, Anna was certain it was Ophelia’s fingers.

Then, smooth and delicate Silk Towel fell onto her back.

Ophelia was… going to wipe her back again?

Anna neither resisted nor dodged, letting Ophelia’s fingers brush over her spine through the layer of Silk Curtain.

“So many Wound Scars, Anna.”

Ophelia’s fingertips lingered over the varying shades of scars.

Anna didn’t respond, only murmuring to herself.

“Why are you wiping my back…? You’re supposed to be the Owner, right?”

Anna’s voice was nearly cold, causing Ophelia’s movements to hesitate.

“Because…” But just for a moment, Anna clearly sensed Ophelia’s hesitation and evasion.

“This is faster, more efficient. I’m still waiting for you to make milk for me.”

Ophelia said coldly.

Anna curled her lips without replying.

She submerged her face beneath the water, blowing bubbles softly.

“Oh.” She mumbled unclearly underwater.