Chapter 23

Later that night, I’m allowed to return to Ivan’s bedroom. I assume that the guests have all gone home now. As for the hired servants, I’m not so sure. Maybe they’ll stay a little late to clean up or at least, I really hope so. I don’t want to be the one to take care of the mess tomorrow morning. I get into Ivan’s bedroom and freeze by the door. My eyes have fallen upon his desk and it’s like I’m getting assaulted all over again. I remember how it felt to be slammed against the harsh wood and overpowered. It’s the worst experience to go through and unfortunately for me, I’ve experienced it more than once since I came into this mansion. I think Ivan has done worse to me but somehow, his abuse doesn’t feel as traumatizing as the one from that stranger. I can’t understand why and this realization is making me feel worse about myself. I must be sick to see anything good in him. Next to the desk, there’s the spot where I saw him punch his father’s best friend repeatedly. I imagine him using