cursed by the forbidden -dark romance

Chapter 2

The dress was snug around my chest, clinging more than I'd expected, and the hem barely reached mid-thigh. I glanced at my reflection in the mirror. The uniform didn't leave much to the imagination. I felt exposed, too vulnerable. My fingers traced the tight fit around my waist, but I could do nothing to change it. It was exactly what it was-designed to fit too perfectly, to make me feel out of place in my own skin.

I slipped my feet into the black slides. They were simple but uncomfortable, the straps digging into the sides of my feet as I shifted my weight. My long, curly hair fell over my shoulders in soft waves, untouched, still fresh as if it had been styled just moments ago.

I stood still for a moment, staring at the reflection in the mirror. The uniform felt like a constant reminder of my helplessness. Everything about it made me feel exposed, like a doll to be put on display rather than someone with any power over her own fate.

I slowly made my way toward the door, my fingers trembling as they brushed the handle. I was ready to tell the maids how the uniform didn't fit-how it hugged me too tightly and left me feeling exposed-but before I could speak, they grabbed my arm.

"Wait-what are you doing?" I protested, but they didn't answer.

Their hands were firm as they tugged me down the hall, my feet stumbling to keep up. The hallway blurred past us, and before I knew it, they dragged me down a flight of stairs and into a kitchen that was alive with chaos.

The heat hit me first, thick and stifling, followed by the sound of clanging pots and knives slicing through vegetables. Maids moved quickly, shouting orders as they worked. I barely had time to take it all in before one of them shoved a cutting board and knife into my hands.

"Cut the potatoes. Stop standing there being useless," she snapped, already turning her back to me.

I blinked, feeling the weight of the knife in my hand as my eyes darted around the room. The other women all had their hair tied back, neat and tucked away, while mine hung loose, my curls falling past my shoulders. I felt out of place, like I didn't belong.

Taking a deep breath, I set the cutting board down and picked up one of the peeled potatoes. I started cutting slowly, but my eyes kept drifting to the knife in my hand. Could I use it to defend myself? To escape?

The thought barely had time to form before the maid beside me shoved my arm, knocking the knife from my grip. It clattered against the counter, and she snatched it up immediately.

"Don't get any dumb ideas," she said harshly, slicing through the potatoes with practiced speed.

I bit my tongue, swallowing down the anger bubbling in my chest. I didn't sign up for this. I didn't even know where I was or why I was here. But instead of answers, all I got were orders and sharp words.

Before I could even process it, another maid bumped into me.

"You're in the way," she hissed, barely sparing me a glance.

I turned to glare at her, but she was already gone, disappearing back into the chaos of the kitchen. My stomach twisted, and I realized just how hungry I was.

Then, without warning, a plate of food was shoved into my hands.

"Take this," one of the maids said, her tone clipped as she pointed toward the exit.

I stared down at the plate, my stomach growling. A piece of bread sat on the edge, soft and golden, and I couldn't help myself. I grabbed it and took a bite as I pushed through the kitchen doors.

The hallway outside was quiet, a sharp contrast to the noise I'd just left behind. My footsteps echoed as I walked, picking at the food, savoring each bite like it was my last.