Ruin (The Rhodes 1)

“What are you doing in my quarters, Madam Rhodes?” His tone is calmer than Mother’s voice earlier, but there’s an edge to it that only those who know Father can recognise.

“N-nothing,” Grandmother’s trembling fingers stiffen around the cane.

“Tell him the truth or I will, Madam Rhodes.” Mother’s arms tighten further around my shoulders.

Grandmother shakes her head, but that doesn’t stop Mother from addressing Father, “Oh, Arthur! She tried to suffocate Aaron t

o death. If I didn’t come in time, our baby...” Mother chokes on her words, more tears fall unchecked.

Father’s neutral expression doesn’t change.

Not even a twitch of his finger.

“Insolent!” Grandmother lifts her cane and brings it down, but before it connects with Mother’s bare legs, Father catches and twists it, forcing Grandmother to let go.

“Madam Rhodes,” he says in a low voice. The serious angry tone. Grandmother flinches backwards as he speaks, “I thought I told you not to interfere with my family. I will give you a second chance because you are the woman who gave birth to me. If this happens again, you will no longer be welcome in the estate.”

He hands her back the cane. Grandmother gulps, eyes wide still.

“Goodnight, Mother.” Father smiles, watching Grandmother limp out of my room.

He edges close to the bed. His intense black eyes consider me with a look I can’t categorise in his usual seriousness, anger, or indifference.

“Are you well?” he asks.

I nod. He nods back. And just like that, his gaze switches to Mother— serious this time. “What did I say about crying in front of others?”

Her arms unwrap from my shoulders, and she wipes her cheeks with the back of her hand. “I’m sorry.”

“Come.” Father’s harsh voice takes over. “We have a long night ahead of us.”

Mother sighs and kisses my forehead. “Close the door with keys and sleep tight, baby.”

“There’s no need for keys,” Father says. “She will not risk my wrath.”

Should I ask them why Grandmother hates me so much?

Better not, Father isn’t in his best mood.

With one last kiss to my forehead, Mother stands and follows Father out.

My hand fiddles with the pillow that almost finished my life.

Is it that normal for a Grandmother to suffocate her grandchild?

Where’s Aunt Ariel’s voice when I need it?

I’m sure Uncle Alexander knows. He’s Madam Rhodes’ son too. Unlike my father, I can reach out to him. He doesn’t judge me. He just listens.

I jump out of bed and head to his chambers.

Uncle Alexander understands.

. . . . .

Present,

My eyes pop open.