Chapter 391 She Can Keep Her Composure
"Miss, I've brought your meal." The maid's voice echoed at the door.
"Is it just you?" Adeline asked.
"Just me," the maid replied.
Adeline stood up and walked over to the door, opening it.
The maid held a tray with a steak, some pieces of cake, and a glass of juice.
"Mr. Tillman said you might not have much of an appetite, so I didn't prepare too much," she explained.
"Come in," Adeline gestured, stepping aside to let her in.
After setting the food on the table, the maid turned and left the room.
Adeline had originally planned to chat with the maid.
But then she remembered, it was only the first day.
Testing the maid now might be too eager.
It could very well backhre.
As impatient as she was, Adeline knew she couldn't afford to waste her energy.
So, she simply thanked the maid and closed the door, sitting down to eat.
The steak was cooked perfectly, tender and juicy, but Adeline found it tasteless.
She ate not out of hunger, but to keep her
strength up.
The Mendoza family, Harrison-they must be looking for her.
Even if it was just for them, she had to keep going.
After delivering the meal, the maid went directly to another room.
The room's decor was a sharp contrast to the rest of the house-dark and oppressive, with heavy curtains that blocked out the sunlight.
By the window stood a long desk, and at it sat Benjamin.
"Has the food been delivered to her?" he asked.
"Yes," the maid replied. "But... it seems she didn't really like it."
Benjamin thought for a moment before responding, "Perhaps she prefers Orianto food. Did you get the chef I asked for?"
"He'll be here tomorrow."
"Good." Benjamin nodded. "Remember, confiscate her communication devices. No contact with the outside world."
"Understood."
Benjamin lit a cigarette, then paused, suddenly remembering something. "Did she say anything to you?"
The maid wasn't sure why he asked but answered honestly, "She thanked me, then said nothing more."
Benjamin laughed softly.
"She's got patience."
The maid didn't quite understand but didn't dare say anything.
"Alright, you can go now."
"Yes."
After the maid left, Benjamin picked up a photo frame from the desk.
Inside was a picture of Whitney, dressed in a white dress, holding a large bouquet of roses, her face lit with a sweet smile.
"Whitney, we're going to be so happy here,"
Benjamin murmured. "I won't ever let you leave me again."
A tear fell silently, landing on the photograph.
Adeline slept uneasily that night, plagued by nightmares.
One moment she was trapped in this house forever, the next Harrison was trying to rescue, her, only to be killed by Benjamin.
She also dreamt of Gracie holding her picture, crying.
She woke up feeling the weight of it all.
Her eyes fluttered open, and she saw the light streaming in through the gap in the curtains.
Glancing at the wall clock, it was just after seven in the morning.
She had only gotten about four hours of sleep, having gone to bed past three.
But now, she didn't feel sleepy at all.
She sat up on the bed, walked to the window, and pulled the curtains open.
The morning sunlight flooded the room.
Her mood lifted slightly.
No matter what, sunlight always brought hope.
Turning around, she noticed the photos on the windowsill.
There were several photos of Benjamin and Whitney in her room as well.
One was on the nightstand, another on the desk, and there were more on the bookshelf.
She spotted one more on the windowsill.
Adeline picked up the photo.
It seemed to have been taken on
someone's birthday. Whitney was smearing cream on Benjamin's face, and though he was trying to avoid it, he couldn't help but smile at her with an indulgent look.
Adeline suddenly realized-Benjamin had brought her here to play the role of a stand-in for him and Whitney.
At least, when she looked at the photos, she could feel the beauty of their love.
But then, remembering Benjamin's plan to use her as a substitute, her thoughts quickly soured.
The room had its own bathroom, stocked with brand-new toiletries.
After freshening up, Adeline walked to the wardrobe and opened it.
It was filled with women's clothes-mostly white dresses.
She remembered seeing Whitney in several photos, wearing white dresses.
It seemed Whitney had a thing for white dresses.
Adeline felt no ill will toward the deceased, but the thought of being a stand-in made her uncomfortable. So, she avoided the white dresses and picked out a simple casual outfit instead.
After changing, she walked to the door.
The door hadn't been locked from the outside.
She easily opened it.
As soon as she stepped out of the room, a maid approached her.
"Miss, you're awake," she said with a smile.
"What would you like for breakfast? The chef good at Orianto food is already here."
"Anything," Adeline replied. "As long as it's filling.",
"Understood. I'll have him prepare it. Do you need anything else?"
"I'd like to go outside for a walk."
The maid smiled. "Mr. Tillman said you can walk in the yard, but you're not allowed to leave the gates. There are guards at the entrance."
Adeline rolled her eyes.
The yard was large but barren, and she could see the end in one glance. There was nothing worth walking around for.
But the maid was only following orders, so Adeline didn't want to make it hard for her.
She nodded and headed downstairs.
At least she could get some fresh air.
The morning air was still crisp. Adeline walked slowly around the yard.
A chill breeze swept by, and she pulled her coat tighter around her.
She thought of Harrison again.
If he were here, she knew he would wrap his arms around her if she felt cold.
His embrace was always warm.
No matter how cold it got, as long as he was by her side, she wouldn't feel cold.
Just then, a hurried footstep echoed behind her.
Before she could turn around, a coat was draped over her shoulders.
"It's cold outside." Benjamin's voice came from behind her. "Why aren't you wearing more?"
The moment she heard his voice, Adeline felt irritation well up inside her.
Without a word, she spun around and threw the coat he'd given her straight at his face.
"Stay away from me," she snapped.
Despite her hostility, Benjamin didn't get angry.
"I'm just worried you'll catch a cold," he said calmly.
"If you're so worried about me," Adeline said coldly, "then send me back. As long as you're near me, 'll always feel cold."
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