2. The torturous duke

Chloe was startled for a moment, Hearing their words. She might not hear their last conversations, she knows the first part only. And it did not take her a second to guess the last half of it.

They were discussing whom to replace Anastasia!

Disgusted and distraught, Chloe wanted to deny this ruthless decision angrily, yet she chose to be polite to her master. "I can't do this master. Please forgive me." She muttered and 'spat~' A loud slap fell on her face from Anastasia.

"How dare you decline Papa's order!?" She yelled at her.

Anastasia wanted to slap her a few more but stopped by Snyder. "Come on Anastasia. She can make a decision for herself of course."

He turned to Chloe and his eyes darkened. His eyes landed on this girl since the first day she appeared in the manor. The true epitome of beauty he has ever seen. Her curves and delicate moves. She is far away to become a maid.

He even offered her once to be his bed warmer and she chose to slap him hard. This is the secret he is baring in his heart like a poison he has gulped. Now, he has found a way to make her regret her decision.

"Chloe, you have chosen your words. But, I am sure you did not think much before you have spoken, did you?"

Chloe looked up and he smirked. "Did you think of your mother? I have heard that she is fighting for her life. Aren't you in need of money for her?" He raised his brow and Chloe gulped hard.

When she looked into his eyes, she could see the cruel truth of her life. His dark eyes are filled with hatred. He is taking his revenge for the slap!

Chloe swallowed a mouth full of saliva. "I..." But, nothing came out of her mouth to defend herself. She is really in need of money. A huge amount for her mother's treatment.

"If you don't wanna lose your mother, agree to this, Chloe Isabelle." Snyder sneered at her, making her stomach twist.

She desperately wants to choose her dignity. However, her fate has brought her to the place, where she was left with no option. No matter what, she needs money for her mother.

Chloe's head lowered before Snyder. "I agree with your decision, master." Her broken heart and inclusive soul has given up. Finally, she chose to sell herself by shattering her dignity into shreds.

"Good for you," Rodger spoke. "Start her training, Snyder. I want the perfect result in a week." He waved his hand, dismissing the little meeting.

********

'Is this the end of my life? At the age of twenty-one? When it's time for me to find someone who will love my flaws and thoughts. Creating a bunch of pleasant memories in my mind and making my dream come true of a little family, I have to leave it all behind to become a forged princess, for someone who is known as ruthless as a demon and crueller than the devil. My all dreams were shattered by one order of the master.'

Chloe looked in the mirror, seeing through herself.

Dark eyes big and clear. The face was flawless and the dark circles were gone. Long straight hair was leisurely hanging behind and very light makeup.

The elegance that was radiating out of her was so enchanting.

She should be happy, right? Becoming a noble lady? She can't be. She has been dressed up to be slaughtered by these nobles.

Chloe never thought she would be forced to take the place of her mistress and send to the royal family of Iquarayon. Someone, who is infamous for his cruel ways.

'The torturous duke' - that is what he called.

At this point, being sentenced to death for no reason would sound pleasant to her ears.

Chloe sighed at her fate. A year ago, she thought she has overcome her terrible past, but she wasn't aware of the horrifying future ahead.

A year ago, when Chloe entered this manor as a maid, her family was the happiest. Not Because she earned the title of a noble maid but because her leaving finally free them from a burden.

Chloe has always been a sin for her family. The misbegotten child of Margot Clowne. Never gotten married, her mother used to live with her brother's family, where she was tortured and named along with her daughter.

Chloe's aunt and cousin's only motive was to kick them out of the house.

And that determined their minds more after a sinful accident Chloe faced in her life. Even though none of it was her fault, she was forced to take the blame. Just when she accepted that one accident could be her forever support, she lost it again and that shredded her into pieces.

For a long time, she wanted to run away, leaving everything behind. But, tied between her responsibilities.

Her biological mother was diagnosed with a deadly disease. And her medical expenses always kept Chloe On her toes. She used to do all the house chores for the Clownes so that her uncle doesn't stop her mother's medical expenses. And also part times outside the home.

So little but a hope that was.

However, her uncle, Jerard suddenly faced a heavy loss in business and decided to sell her off at a huge price.

Chloe could not convince herself anymore and run away from home. Her luck took her side for the time being and luckily she got selected to become the Royal maid. She earned money for a year and bare her mother's medical fees.

What about now? How would she take care of her mother if she is not here? What would happen to her mother after her death?

Chloe does not think she would be able to return with life from the imperial castle. Lies of the master and young Mistress have risked her life. Chloe could sense death knocking on the door.

Even her friends are unaware of this situation. Specially, Melissa. For others, Chloe has been fired Because of an unforgivable mistake of cursing Anastasia's favourite dog.

For the last week, she has been kept in the firm house away from the manor, where no one was allowed to enter but a few people. She has been trained hard there ...

"Stop wasting time here." A voice startled Chloe and she was pulled out of her deep thought.

It was the head lady of the manor, Lady Dahlia. She is the lady who taught her the etiquette of nobles. "Master Rodger is waiting for you."

The rules of royals are too complicated for Chloe, yet, she is bound to oblige.

And having no other choice, Slowly and silently, Chloe came out of the room and followed Lady Dahlia out of the mansion.

Outside, the huge black Rolls Royce was parked and Snyder was waiting for her. As soon as she reached the car, she felt a deep gaze on her. It was from Snyder.

Chloe kept her head low and went inside the car when she was ordered to. Rodger was already inside. Sitting beside him, she felt awkward and hesitated, when,

"You are now one of my daughters, returned from abroad. Be pleased and think about your mother before messing this up." Rodger's tone was cold and her heart froze at the threat.

Chloe was shaken from inside but nodded respectfully, "Yes, sir."

She looked out through the window and watched the mansion going far away from her vision. A sigh came out of her mouth, that only spoke of uncertainty of her fate ...