CHAPTER 17: Not Special

Henry stayed true to his words. The next day, someone came in. It was an elderly lady who told me to address her as Grandma. She would be in charge of teaching me every crocheting and sewing technique in the book.

Different equipment was bought, and a room was arranged where we would spend our lesson periods.

"Mr. Henry really adores you. Which husband can buy all these expensive equipment if the wife likes them in this day and age?" Grandma said.

I simply stood by as I let the equipment operators station them in an orderly manner. As for Grandma's words, I chose to ignore them. Henry showed people what he wanted them to see; the outside world would never find anything amiss with his character.

Grandma happily laughed as she held my hand, leading me to a certain machine. "This is an electric sewing machine; it's far more advanced than those other sewing machines. I have always wanted to use it! What an honor," she said.

"Grandma, go ahead and use it," I gently said. It would be better if she took it away too.

"What are you talking about? I am here to teach, not fulfill my fantasies. Come, let's start on today's lesson," Grandma said after everything was properly arranged.

I told Demilia to ask the chef to prepare tea, some snacks, and food for the elderly; I knew the lesson would take a very long time.

"Look at you, so attentive! No wonder you were able to marry into such a big family. Come, sit," Grandma commented.

I bet she would be surprised, or not, if she knew why I married into such a family. I sat down beside her, and she started her lesson.

In the twinkling of an eye, it was already midday, and refreshments were brought. We drank tea and had some snacks in between small talk.

"You seem to already know everything about sewing and crocheting?" Grandma noted.

I smiled. "Of course I know how to do such things; it's all I did growing up," I said.

"During my time, that's what most women did; now all of them are in big offices. This practice is almost dead," Grandma said as she sighed in nostalgia.

"My son can't seem to find a wife. If I had known you before..." Grandma said with another sigh.

I guess my father would also agree if he had more money and status than my sister's husband, I thought.

Sometimes I wondered whether my life's main purpose was marriage. If I could personally choose, I would become selfish and ignore everyone in my life.

I could choose freedom; I could choose to be free like a bird, sailing on the lakes and rivers of the world, but that wasn't possible. I simply couldn't bring myself to do that.

In the evening, I requested Grandma to eat some simple dinner, but she hurriedly refused, saying her daughter was coming home.Her grandchildren would be present too; she needed to cook for them. I couldn't urge her further, so I escorted her out.

Grandma was good at what age did I learn some new techniques that I wasn't aware of. My mood was calm at this very moment.

Henry didn't come back that night, but he called, telling me that he had to travel abroad for about three days. He then asked me how I liked his gift. I thanked him and wished him a safe journey before the call was disconnected.

I happily smiled and chuckled as I prepared for bed. It felt like a heavy burden had just been lifted off my chest. I prayed that he would stay wherever he had gone forever.

When I saw those comments from Henry's fangirls, saying I stole their national prince, I simply shook my head. How I wish they knew who he really was; even then, I never wished any lady to go through what I was going through.

Grandma continued to teach me everything she knew in those days. 

"You seem more vibrant and happy these days, just like my mischievous grandchildren," Grandma laughed as she commented.

"Really?" I asked.

"Yes, however, that's also good. At your age, you are supposed to be happy and merry," she added.

I suddenly remembered that my 20th birthday was coming up. Mum usually baked cakes for me on every birthday; however, on this very one, she wouldn't be around.

As Grandma continued to teach me, I suddenly felt something on my shoulder. When I turned to see what it was, I first saw the wedding ring on the finger and knew that Henry was back. I suddenly stiffened.

"I see you are enjoying the lesson. Did you miss me?" Henry asked.

"Grandma, how is my wife doing?" Henry inquired.

"You're back! This boy, you chose a very good wife; she cares about others and learns well!" Grandma smiled as she said.

"Well, she is the best wife in the world," Henry said.

I stayed silent during the entire conversation; one was genuine in her words, while the other was as fake as his smile.

"Let me leave you young people alone," Grandma said as she left the room and closed the door behind her.

Henry then surveyed the room and inspected the equipment. "You are really talented, Shiba. I am so lucky to have you as a wife," Henry said as he removed his coat.

I swallowed back my retort and just fiddled with the thread as I tried to insert it into the sewing machine.

"Why does it seem that you were smiling brightly before I entered the room, but now you suddenly seem dull?" Henry asked.

"Shibaaaa, why are you so draining? Hm, just be mature. Alright, I am sorry about what I did that night. I was angry at Barron for looking at you. See, I really have feelings for you," Henry said as he scooted beside me and held my thighs tightly, turning me in the chair to face him.

I could only stop my actions as I looked towards him. What was he playing at now? I wasn't an airhead like his fangirls; I could think critically. I knew this man wasn't okay; he might have been mentally ill or something. No normal person acted like Henry, at least among the normal people I had been around.

I really wanted to ask him if he was okay or needed help, but I knew he might become offended and inflict pain on me.

I then felt his hands slide inside my skirt as he lifted it up. "Let me show you my love," I heard him say. It seemed as though he was talking to someone else; the longing in his voice couldn't be hidden. I also knew that it surely wasn't meant for me. Could he have been thinking about his first love?

Henry then proceeded to hold my face and press it against his groin area as he rubbed himself on me.

"I will teach you something new today," Henry said as he undid his pants.

He then rubbed himself against my lips as he commanded me to open my mouth.

Immense anger overshadowed me after knowing his intentions. This man just saw me as a stand-in, something to use for his desires. He inflicted pain on me, and I immediately refused to obey his orders. I wasn't going to follow his demands!

If he wanted to beat me up again, then let him; that would be better than being used as a tool.

"Oh? Finally grew a backbone?" Henry slowly chuckled as he said it. I knew that was his sign of anger; surprisingly, I didn't care.

Henry immediately slapped me hard, causing me to fall off the chair. He then proceeded to lift me by my hair. "I said, open your mouth," he slowly commanded.

I tightly sealed my mouth in protest. I heard Henry lightly laugh before he punched me in the face while still holding my hair. "Still not complying?" he asked.

I had already chosen the worst; he could kill me if he wanted. I wasn't going to be a slut he used in any way he desired.

Henry then let me go, and my face hit the ground. I then saw him immediately step on my face hard. I think I heard my jawbone crack.

"I think now you can open your mouth," Henry said before picking me up and pressing me against the wall. I didn't have any more energy to protest, and I only felt pain in my entire face.

Henry then held my face and forcefully inserted himself into my mouth. I felt more pain shoot into my throat and jaw. I attempted to bite, but I discovered that my jaw simply couldn't comply.

Henry tightly held the back of my head as he used my mouth just as he did to my private area, in a brutal and cruel way.

"I told you, you are not special; nothing about you is interesting. Get that into your mind. Never protest against anything I tell you," Henry said as he continued his actions.

I had lost count of how many times I fainted. It was in this mansion that I first fainted. Even in poverty and hunger, I had never experienced this level of agony.