LOTTIE’S POV
I woke up with a jolt, my eyes darting around the lavish room, and reality crashed over me like a tidal wave. It wasn’t a dream. I was still here, in this opulent chamber.
Disbelief gnawed at me as I tried to come to terms with the sudden shift in my life’s trajectory. How had everything changed so swiftly and drastically? My heart ached with the weight of uncertainty and the unfamiliarity of my new reality.
Just as I was lost in my thoughts, the door creaked open, and the maids entered the room with warm smiles and greetings. “Good morning, Miss Lottie,” they said in unison, their voices filled with respect and kindness.
I blinked at them, taken aback by their respectful tone.
I was still adjusting to being treated with such respect and care. This was a life I had never imagined, where I was surrounded by people who attended to my needs.
They helped me get ready for the day, much like they had done the day before. The luxurious bath awaited, its waters soothing and inviting. I slipped into it, allowing the water embrace me.
As the maids gently washed and dressed me, I couldn’t help but feel like a stranger to my own life. Everything had changed so swiftly, and I found myself grappling with feelings I had never experienced before.
Despite the uncertainty, the maids treated me with grace and patience, ensuring that I felt comfortable and cared for. I was no longer just a lowly maid, but someone whose presence was valued and respected.
The maids finished their task, and as they left the room, I was once again alone with my thoughts. The reality of my new life settled heavily in my mind.
I flopped back down on the bed as I stared into space, wondering what I was going to do from here.
As the maids finished getting me ready for the day, a soft knock sounded on the door, and a doctor entered the room. He wore a kind smile and exuded an air of professionalism and respect. “Good morning, Miss Lottie,” he greeted me with a nod.
“Good morning,” I replied, my voice still tinged with uncertainty.
“I’m Dr. Harris,” he introduced himself, extending his hand. “I’ve been asked to give you a routine check-up to ensure your well-being.”
I shook his hand, feeling a bit more at ease with his calm demeanor. “Thank you,” I said.
Dr. Harris began the examination, and throughout the process, he maintained a gentle and respectful demeanor. He asked questions about my health and well-being, and I answered as honestly as I could, grateful for his professionalism and sensitivity.
As the examination continued, Dr. Harris assured me, “There’s no need to worry. I’m just making sure you’re in good health.”
I nodded, my eyes never leaving his as he fished into his bags for a document. He wrote a few things down, and picked up his bag, gave a small smile before exiting the room.
As soon as the door closed shut, it opened soon again, and the maids came piling in.
“Miss Lottie, it is time for breakfast,” one of them announced.
Before I could say a word, They gently guided me out of the room, leading the way to the breakfast buffet in the grand dining room. I took hesitant steps, still trying to process what was going on.
They led me through the hallway, and into the large dining room.
As we entered the dining room, I was in awe of its elegance and splendor. Large chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a warm, inviting glow over the room. The walls were adorned with intricate tapestries and beautiful paintings, giving the space an air of sophistication and history.
The long dining table was covered with a pristine white tablecloth, and the place settings were meticulously arranged, each utensil gleaming under the soft light. It was a sight I had never imagined I would be part of, and I felt like an outsider amidst the opulence.
The buffet spread before us was a feast for the senses. A colorful array of fresh fruits, pastries, and delectable dishes filled the table. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and a variety of teas wafted through the air, mingling with the scent of warm, buttery croissants and sweet cinnamon rolls.
The maids gently guided me to a seat at the head of the table, and I tried to collect my thoughts as they served me a plate of food. But everything felt overwhelming—the grandeur of the dining room, the delicious spread before me, and the knowledge that I was now mated to the alpha brothers.
As I looked down at my plate, I saw a variety of dishes, each meticulously prepared with care and attention to detail. It was a meal fit for royalty, and I couldn’t help but feel like an imposter, unsure if I truly belonged in this world.
Feeling overwhelmed by the grandeur of the dining room and the weight of my new reality, I couldn’t bear the stifling atmosphere any longer. The need to be alone, drove me to flee from the room and seek refuge somewhere else.
I ran out of the dining room and into the large hallways, searching for a place of serenity. Soon enough, my eyes caught a glimpse of a garden, just outside a glass door.
I stepped into the serene garden, and the cool breeze brushed against my skin, offering a feeling of comfort. My eyes caught sight of a large, orange tree, and an overwhelming craving for its juicy fruit washed over me.
I reached out to pluck an orange, but before my fingers could touch it, the maids surrounded me, gently taking the fruit from the tree and placing it in my hands. Their actions puzzled me, and I asked with a hint of frustration, “Why won’t you let me do it myself?”
One of the maids, with a gentle smile, replied, “The alphas have ordered us to treat you with the utmost respect and care, Miss Lottie. It is our duty to ensure that you don’t have to lift a finger for anything.”
The revelation irked me, and I felt a wave of anger rising within me. “I don’t want to be treated like some fragile princess,” I exclaimed, my voice quivering with emotion. “I am still me, and I can do things on my own!”
I reached out to pick another orange, but the maids surroundedme once again, taking the orange themselves, and handing it over to me. The frustration and anger bubbled over, and I yelled at them, “Stop treating me like I’m made of glass! I’m not some delicate flower that needs to be protected.”
Without waiting for a response, I turned and ran back to my room, shutting the door behind me.
I sank onto the bed, and tears welled up in my eyes. It felt like I had lost all control over my life, like everything no longer under my control, and I detested this feeling.
As I lay in bed, consumed by my thoughts, evening descended.A soft knock resonated on the door, and I assumed it was the maids bringing dinner. Feeling a pang of hunger, I got out of bed and opened the door, expecting to the maids. But to my surprise, it was the alpha brothers standing there.
I took an involuntary step back, my heart racing at their unexpected presence. Before I could say anything, they entered the room, each holding a tray of food.
Jax spoke first, his voice gentle, “We brought dinner for you, Lottie. You must be hungry after not eating much today.”
Rocco chimed in, “And we also came to check up on you. The doctor mentioned that you are malnourished.”
Fury coursed through my veins, and I couldn’t hold back my anger any longer. “Stop pretending!” I yelled, my voice filled with frustration. “Treating me like a queen won’t change anything. You’re the cause of all my problems!”
I ranted, my words pouring out like a flood. “You think you can just come into my life, claim me as your mate, and expect me to accept everything with open arms? It doesn’t work that way! You’ve turned my life upside down, and I can’t just pretend that everything is fine!”
My chest heaved as I continued, feeling a mix of exhaustion and indignation. “I didn’t ask for any of this. I didn’t ask to be mated to all of you! I didn’t ask for a life of luxury!”
I paused, my breath ragged as I waited for their reaction. I expected them to be angry, to argue back, or maybe even dismiss my feelings. But to my surprise, they nodded in agreement.
“You’re right, Lottie,” Calix said softly, his eyes filled with remorse. “We’ve put you in an impossible position, and we’re sorry for that.”
Rocco added, “We can’t undo what’s been done, but we can try to make things right.”
Jax stepped forward, his voice steady, “We care about you, Lottie. We want to understand you and show you that we can be worthy of your trust.”
Their unexpected agreement caught me off guard, and my anger began to subside, replaced by a mix of confusion and vulnerability. I wanted to remain angry, to hold onto my frustration, but their sincerity disarmed me.
As if to punctuate their words, they gently placed the trays of food on a nearby table and silently left the room. The door closed behind them, and I was left alone with my thoughts once more.
My eyes trailed to the tray of food and I immediately spotted a paper in it. Curiosity piqued, I swiped the paper off the tray and unfolded it. As I read through the contents, my eyes wend wide.
It was an acceptance letter to Barbados college, with my name on it.