Chapter Twenty

Maria grabs onto her artist as he lays her into her bed. Her tears have since dried, but her emotions are still fresh. Once she feels the soft satin sheets, she finally loosens her grip off Emeren.

"Maria, why didn't you tell me that you are pregnant?" Emeren asks. His question makes the young rose look away. She only found out a few days ago. It started when her mark would pulsate. That is a tell-tale sign that you are pregnant.

"I don't know, my love. I didn't want you to leave me and our babe. I promise that I was going to tell you," Maria explains. She continues rambling until Emeren's sweet chuckle stops her. She is about to ask why he is chuckling, but then he explains.

"My love. You are everything to me. I am happy to know that we will have a child. I am only upset at your mother for telling me first," Maria sighs at the mention of her mother. The woman has gone through the worst. So her actions are understandable. But she didn't have to be so cruel about the situation.

Now, the imperfect family is crumbling apart.

"How did you know about my mother and Emerenzian's relationship?" Emeren responds to her question with a shrug.

"I didn't. But their reactions confirmed my assumptions. Both of them were too close, and I put the pieces together," Emeren answers. But now Maria is curious about her older sister's relationship with his father.

"And what about my sister's relationship with your father? You seem so mad about the revelation," Maria asks. Emeren chuckles and shakes his head.

"I already knew about their love. I helped them, of course. And in return, Marisabelle helped me so that I can be with you. She also made me promise to protect you," Emeren's admission shocks Maria. She never knew that her older sister saw her infatuation with the artist. But thanks to her, they are together.

She has to thank the fair lady.

Both she and Emeren share a sweet kiss before he returns to the farm. Maria knows that the next morning will be awkward. But she is willing to forgive her mother's behavior.

Mariaisabella is a very resilient woman. She went out of her way to protect her kin from their horrid father. Maria knows about her mother's abuse and how the healing bruises affected her. Even though the mother would comfort her, Maria knew that she was hurting.

Maria loves her mother. And even though Mariaisabella is not currently happy about her child, she is only looking out for her-

Maria's bedroom door slams open as both Tatianna and Strozo storm inside. Her screams ring through her chambers but are clouded by the thundering storm outside. The now putrid man grabs the frail girl and allows his mistress to tie her arms and legs.

Maria's mind starts racing as they forcefully drag her out of the room. Her sobs are met with the maid's screams for her to be quiet. When Maria refuses to do so, the wench slaps her until she keeps quiet.

The poor girl is forced into an open carriage that stinks of manure. She shivers as the cold water drenches her very being. Maria rapidly looks around and sees her mother and sisters tied and pretending to sleep. Mary is on her left while Mariaisabella and Mariaisabelle are on the opposite side.

Maria also notices that she is the only person whose hands are tied in front of her. So, she uses this to her advantage.

With no time to lose, Maria uses her fingers to untie the little girl. She flinches as the horses begin moving the carriage, making it harder for her to untie the knots. The little girl helps her older sister by wriggling her fingers.

By now, Mariaisabelle and Mariaisabella are silently watching in anticipation as Maria unties Mary.

For what feels like an eternity, Mary's hands get free. Relief flushes through the little rose as her younger sister begins untying her own feet free. Mary is about to help untie the rose, but Stronzo turns his head and sees Mary is free.

"RUN, MARY!! GO NOW!!" Mariaisabella screams. The little girl jumps out of the moving carriage and runs into the dark road ahead. Both Stronzo and Tatianna curse as one of the Cattivo women escapes from their grasp.

Mariaisabelle and Maria flinch and silently sob as they watch Mariaisabella receive beatings from their callous father. Their silent pleas are met with laughter as the abuse continues. This goes on for another six minutes until their mother is painted with scratches and bruises. With one final spit to her face, they leave the woman to suffer.

Maria cries as they all return to the castle. They refuse to take breaks as they force the Cattivo women to share a bucket as a latrine. All of them are fed with rotting fruit and meat.

Even though the rain had stopped, the smell of danger lingers.

Maria knows that there's something worst coming.