Chapitre 40: Magdalene's Secret
WARNING: PHYSICAL ABUSE AND SEXUAL CONTENT
The Bruswards House
~Edward's Bedroom ~
Edward's bedroom was an imposing space, filled with cold elegance. Gothic statues adorned one side, sculpted in the intricate, solemn style of Catholic iconography. They stood against the wall like guardians of the room, their forms draped in shadows cast by a massive chandelier hanging from the center of the ceiling. The chandelier's light refracted against the polished surface of the statues, giving them an ethereal glow, while the large window nearby let in just enough moonlight to add a silver sheen to the scene. Across from the statues, a plush velvet armchair sat beside a long mahogany table covered with papers, books, and a half-empty decanter of wine.
In the center of the room was an opulent marble bathtub, surrounded by black and gold tiles. Edward was submerged in the warm water, his muscular torso exposed as he leaned back, staring at the shimmering chandelier above. The water reflected the golden light, and beads of it trickled down his chest, blending with the sweat of his pleasure. He let out a soft moan, his breath heavy, as his mind drifted into a haze and was overwhelmed by what was below in the water Sipping from a glass of deep red wine, he savored the moment until—
Riiiing.
The shrill sound of the telephone broke the stillness, snapping Edward out of his reverie. His eyes flicked toward the ringing device. Startled, he lost grip on his glass, and it fell, shattering on the floor. Cursing under his breath, Edward stood up from the bathtub, water cascading down his naked body, each step slippery on the sleek tiles beneath him. His footsteps echoed as he crossed the room, dripping water with every step, and reached the telephone on the table.
As Edward spoke, Eliza emerged from the water behind him. She had been hiding in the bathtub, her wet hair clinging to her pale skin, her bare chest partly obscured by her dripping locks covering her breasts. She licked her index finger in satisfaction when she was giving Edward some pleasure in the water, watching Edward intently as he spoke on the phone, her lips curling into a playful smile. Leaning back, she crossed her legs in a sensual pose, her eyes not leaving him.
"What? Impossible!" Edward bellowed, slamming his fist on the table. His voice was sharp with rage. "That little bastard... he's ruined everything."
The voice on the other end of the line was calm, but the news was anything but. "She may be dead, but they're still investigating us. Be cautious, Edward. The Royal Family is watching closely. They'll do whatever it takes to bring us down."
Edward gritted his teeth, his chest heaving as he clenched his fists. "I'll deal with it. I have my ways," he muttered, his voice laced with bitter resolve. "I'll inform the Khardes and Vorenforth families. We won't fall alone."
Ending the call with a slam of the phone, Edward turned back toward the bathtub, wiping his wet face with the back of his hand, anger burning in his eyes. He approached Eliza, his jaw tight as he processed the threat looming over him.
Eliza noticed Edward's darkening mood and leaned forward in the bathtub, her elbows resting on the edge as she dipped her fingers into the water, stirring it playfully with her leg. "What happened?" she asked softly, her voice laced with curiosity as her eyes followed Edward's movements.
Edward's jaw tightened, and his eyes flared with frustration. "It's personal," he muttered, running a hand through his wet hair. "Dominic. He's ruining everything."
In a sudden burst of anger, Edward stomped his foot on the tile, snatching a glass of wine from the table. With a swift motion, he hurled it at one of the Gothic statues, shattering the glass into a hundred pieces as it collided with the cold stone.
Eliza turned her head slightly, scoffing under her breath. "Dominic again... always protecting Evangeline," she remarked, her voice tinged with annoyance.
Edward stepped back into the bathtub, sinking into the water with a huff, the warmth doing little to soothe his temper. "Exactly. But not for long," he growled. "I'll teach him a lesson he won't forget."
Eliza raised an eyebrow and swam closer to him, the water swirling around her as she moved. "Were you planning on killing her?" she asked with a mischievous chuckle, brushing her wet hand against his cheek.
Edward gave a slow, deliberate nod, his eyes narrowing as her touch softened his temper just enough. Eliza smiled knowingly, leaning closer to him. "I saw her at the Rosebland tea party," she said, tracing her fingers along his jaw. "She's quite the beauty, I must admit. And Richard was there too."
The mention of Richard made Edward scoff. "Richard?" he repeated with disdain, his lip curling. "What's his relationship with Evangeline? Oh, right… her bodyguard. I almost forgot." His eyes darkened, recalling the rumors. "I've heard they share the same bed. Typical. Karma for Dominic, but it's still not enough," he sneered, the thought of their rumored closeness fueling his hatred.
"Richard's nothing," Edward added, brushing off the topic with a wave of his hand. "He worked with me and my father years ago, but he's irrelevant—unless, of course, he decides to do something stupid. As long as he keeps his head down, he's safe. Otherwise…" Edward's voice trailed off ominously as he caressed Eliza's neck, his fingers lingering before grasping her chin.
"All I want," he continued with a wicked chuckle, "is to bring Dominic down, along with that entire Sarogath family." His laugh echoed in the steamy air as he pulled Eliza closer, his lips pressing firmly against hers in a heated kiss.
Eliza's eyes flicked toward the clock on the wall, noting the late hour. She broke the kiss just long enough to whisper, "Time's running out, darling. I should be leaving now… I have some important things to take care of. I'll see you later," Eliza said, starting to pull away from Edward.
But Edward wasn't ready to let her go. He gently pulled her close again, his breath warm against her ear as his hands settled on her waist. "Stay a little longer," he whispered, his voice smooth and enticing. His lips grazed her neck, and Eliza smiled, unable to resist his charm.
She gave in to his request, wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling him into a slow, passionate kiss. Her fingers tangled in his hair as his hands roamed down her thighs, holding her waist firmly. He adjusted her position on his lap her body now seated on his thighs, facing him. Their breaths deepened as the intensity between them grew while she was sitting close to his groin area then he held her close and kissed her deeply.
With a soft gasp, Eliza felt him thrusted his sceptre of manhood inside of her their movements in sync as she began to ride him. The water rippled gently around them, her soft moans mixing with his as she leaned forward to kiss him again. Edward leaned back, his hands caressing her back and sliding lower, urging her on. Her fingers gripped his skin, leaving light marks as the tension built between them as she was riding him and they kissed as Edward went deeper as he grabbed her butt grunting with pleasure.
As the moment reached its peak, Edward pulled her closer, his one hand grip tightening on her arm. A shudder passed through him as he ejaculates semen inside of her, the sensation overwhelming him. Eliza groaned softly, holding onto his shoulders, her body trembling as she felt the warmth between them and the warm fluid. The sensation lingered, the fluid flowing down her inner thighs as they both sighed in satisfaction.
Edward, still catching his breath, nibbled gently on her ear while he was still inside of her to relax a bit before pushing her away slightly, his chest rising and falling heavily. Eliza smiled at him, giving him a soft kiss on the lips before standing and stepping out of the bathtub. She moved gracefully toward the bathroom to rinse off, leaving Edward in the lingering warmth of their shared moment.
After showering and dressing, Eliza found Edward standing outside the bathtub, now wrapped in a loose bathrobe that exposed his toned chest. His skin gleamed slightly in the dim light, each muscle defined beneath the soft fabric. He held a sachet of contraceptives in one hand and a glass of water in the other. Edward's face, though strikingly handsome with his chiseled jawline and sharp features, held an allure that few could resist. Yet, despite his undeniable beauty, there was always a lingering comparison to Dominic. Dominic's looks were more refined—his beauty superior, effortlessly captivating anyone in his presence. Edward, while attractive, could never quite match the effortless elegance of Dominic due to his lifestyle and influence he looks dangerously good
Eliza walked over, accepting the pills and water from Edward with a smile. He returned the smile, his lips curling into an expression of satisfaction, the soft glow of his face almost hiding the intensity behind his eyes. She leaned in and kissed him on the cheek before slipping her panties into his hand. Edward brought the fabric to his nose, inhaling deeply with an air of contentment as she walked away.
As she left the room, she spotted a bodyguard heading toward Edward. Her thoughts immediately turned to Dominic, frustration bubbling within her. "I need to write him a letter, if I ever see him again… He's too busy, always protecting that spoiled princess. Ugh." She stomped her foot lightly in annoyance, holding her head in exasperation.
"Edward is a pain in the neck", she mused, glancing back briefly. But I'll keep him around—for now. Until I get Dominic back and get Evangeline out of the way". Her steps quickened as she made her way out of the building, heading toward the gate where a vehicle awaited to take her home.
Meanwhile, the bodyguard approached Edward, bowing respectfully. "Master, you have a visitor. She's here."
Edward turned, a smile spreading across his face, his striking features catching the light. "Oh?... Let her come in," he replied smoothly, tucking Eliza's panties into the pocket of his robe. The bodyguard nodded and left.
A few minutes later, Magdalene entered the room, bowing her head as the guard escorted her in. Edward glanced at her with a knowing look, using his fingers to gesture for the guard to leave them alone. With a subtle nod, the guard exited, leaving them in private.
With the Atmosphere now quiet in the bedroom, Edward rubbed his temple with his slender fingers and said "Magdalene... I haven't heard from you in months, ever since you were assigned to Evangeline as her head maid and lady-in-waiting." Edward stood up from his chair, his movements slow and deliberate, his cold eyes fixed on her as he approached. He leaned in, his face dangerously close to hers.
"Are you playing with me?" His voice dropped to a low, menacing tone. "You failed to follow my orders, and now, thanks to Dominic, my plans are falling apart."
Without warning, his hand shot up, gripping her neck tightly. Magdalene gasped, her breath caught as she struggled against his hold. "It's... it's not what you th-think," she stammered, her voice barely audible as her throat constricted.
Edward's expression darkened further, his grip tightening before he finally spoke again. "Do you think you'd be where you are without me? After everything I did for you? I trained you, taught you martial arts, made you my personal bodyguard and assistant—all because you begged me to help you pay off your family's debts. And I did." He released her with a harsh shove, sending her sprawling onto the sofa. She gasped, her body trembling from the sudden release of pressure.
"I even put you in Evangeline's service, and she doesn't know that" he continued, his words dripping with venom. "And this is how you repay me? Ungrateful."
Edward's eyes narrowed as he stood over her, his cold fury intensifying. "Or is it something else? Have you been charmed by Dominic too?" His voice was icy, mocking her as he grabbed her by the hair, yanking her back to her feet. Magdalene groaned in pain, tears welling up in her eyes.
"Don't forget who you are, Magdalene," he whispered harshly. "You are nothing without me. Do your job, or I'll make sure you learn the hard way by helping you in that path"
Her tears began to fall as Edward's cruel words broke through what remained of her composure. He released her roughly, watching as she stood there, shattered, her confidence crushed under the weight of his anger and manipulation.
Flashback: Lepida, 19th 1803
Edward was 17, walking with his bodyguards in tow. His steps were brisk, his hands clasped behind his back as the wind tugged at his ponytail hairstyle. The frustration in his heart was palpable as he gritted his teeth.
"Dominic, Dominic, Dominic. Always him!" he thought bitterly. "I'm just a shadow in the house, like some empty vase. He's to be the next head, not me the elder one. They handed everything to that bastard. Father was just starting to like that unwanted child"
Edward's fists clenched in anger. His thoughts were interrupted when a girl suddenly bumped into him, causing several glass jars of apple jam to fall to the ground, shattering at his feet. The sweet, sticky liquid splattered across his face and clothes.
"I'm sorry... please forgive me," the girl stammered, hurriedly crouching to pick up the shards of glass, avoiding his gaze.
Edward looked down at the mess with disdain. Apple jam had smeared across his cheek. His bodyguards, reacting to the offense, moved to punish the girl, but Edward held up his hand, stopping them. Curiously, he wiped some of the jam from his face and tasted it. To his surprise, the flavor was satisfying.
"Leave her," Edward ordered. The guards stepped back as Edward studied the girl more closely. Despite her worn, tattered clothes, her face held a natural beauty that piqued his interest.
"Young girl, what's your name?" he asked, his tone softening.
"Magdalene," she replied, her voice trembling. "At least, that's what I remember," she added, hurriedly gathering the remaining pieces of her shattered jars and placing them in an old paper bag.
"Your apple jam tastes good. How much are they?" Edward asked, a slight smirk curling on his lips. "And why is a pretty girl like you out here, selling this in the streets?"
"They're five shelkhs each..." Magdalene hesitated, her voice filled with quiet sorrow. "I'm selling them to pay off my parents' debts. They lost everything—their mansion, their fortune—and then... they died, leaving me alone in this world to shoulder what they owed that's why I'm selling this homemade apple jam."
Her hands shook as she clenched her fists, fighting back tears. Edward's gaze shifted between her face and her clenched hands, intrigued by her determination and plight at the same time he gaze moved to her breasts with his perverted mind.
He scoffed slightly, then, without warning, reached out and grabbed her hand. Magdalene flinched but raised her head to meet his gaze.
"If you promise to stay by my side," Edward said with a sly smile, "I'll pay off your parents' debts. You won't need to sell apple jam anymore. I could use an assistant, someone who can support me in... personal matters. And perhaps even a female bodyguard."He didn't know why he had an ounce of compassion towards Magdalene but he didn't care about it not looking much into the matter.
Magdalene's heart raced, her emotions a mix of fear, hope, and uncertainty. She had no one left. The only thing her parents had left her was the recipe for their apple jam. Now, standing before her was this young nobleman offering her a lifeline—even if it meant sacrificing her freedom.
"I've been alone for so long," she thought, staring at him. "Maybe this is my only chance."
Slowly, she nodded and stood up, her voice trembling with resolve. "I'll do whatever you ask, Mr. Edward."
A small chuckle escaped Edward's lips his offer was for ulterior motives. "But first," he continued, "we'll need my father's approval. After that, I'll have you trained in martial arts by my uncle, Benjamin."
Magdalene nodded again, her gaze lifting in curiosity. "May I ask your name?" she asked, her voice quiet but sincere.
"Edward Brusward," he said plainly.
The name sent a shiver down her spine. She had heard of the Bruswards—powerful, feared, and involved in high-stakes business dealings. Seeing her reaction, Edward grabbed her hand again, this time gently.
"Don't be afraid," he said with a reassuring smile. "The Bruswards will be your family too."
Magdalene's heart swelled with a strange mix of fear and gratitude as she realized her life was about to change forever.
Back to the Present
"And because of that," Edward began, his voice laced with venom, "I endured a lot of bullshit from my father. I even got lashes for your sake because he thought I brought a beggar into the family. He only accepted you after a while, and that too because he was too busy teaching Dominic about the business. And now, I give you a simple task, and you fail to complete it?"
Edward released his grip on Magdalene's hair and slapped her hard across the face. She fell to the ground, her blouse loosening as one of the buttons popped off, and her skirt ripped slightly at the side as she landed. Her hand instinctively went to her throbbing cheek, but she avoided his gaze, knowing better than to show defiance.
With trembling limbs, she forced herself to stand and charged at Edward in a desperate attempt at self-defense, but he was quicker. He grabbed her blouse, tearing the remaining buttons from it, leaving her exposed. Another slap followed, and the already torn part of her skirt ripped wider, revealing her thigh as she slipped and fell.
"No matter how strong you think you are, Magdalene," Edward sneered, his voice cold and cruel, "you can't hurt me. That's the truth."
He raised his hand to strike her again but hesitated when his gaze fell on her exposed thigh and chest. Something dark and twisted flickered in his eyes, and his anger melted into a sick satisfaction. His lips curled as he licked them, remembering the first time he took her virginity—a transaction disguised as a favor, a so-called 'debt' she had to repay for him clearing her parents' bills in full.
Magdalene was on the floor frozen, too ashamed and humiliated to move. Edward's gaze lingered on her body, the memories flooding back to him. She wasn't the first woman he had been with—he had grown up surrounded by women, thanks to his family's business dealings. But Magdalene had been different, at least for a time. She was a pawn, someone he could control, someone who existed to satisfy his needs, whether for his personal amusement or for a business arrangement.
He had always viewed women as disposable, a means to an end, offering nothing in return except brief satisfaction. Except Eliza. His feelings for her were stronger, though he now realized it was a one-sided infatuation. He had once felt something for Magdalene, too, but now, in comparison to Eliza, it felt like mere lust, a passing obsession to the both of them.
Edward's hand dropped, no longer intent on striking her. His anger turned into something else—desire laced with power. He reached out and caressed her cheek, his thumb brushing over the red mark his slap had left.
"I loved you once, Magdalene," he whispered mockingly. "But now... you're just a tool. A means to an end. Don't ever forget that."He said to himself
Magdalene's eyes filled with tears, but she dared not let them fall. She knew better than to show weakness in front of him. Edward's twisted grin widened as he let go of her, stepping back with a self-satisfied smirk.
As these memories flashed through Edward's mind, he chuckled darkly, walking toward Magdalene with a slow, deliberate pace. He grabbed her by the arm and shoved her into the nearby chair, forcing a gasp from her lips. Leaning down, he gripped her chin, tilting her face to meet his gaze, his eyes cold but filled with twisted desire.
"You know, Magdalene," he began, his voice low and menacing, "I could ruin your life in an instant if I wanted to. All it takes is one mistake from you, and everything falls apart. If you don't do your job and get rid of that spoiled mistress of yours, you'll regret it."
He gritted his teeth, the tension in his jaw palpable as his anger blended with lust. Without warning, he kissed her neck, his lips rough against her skin. His breath was hot as he whispered into her ear, his words sending a shiver down her spine. "It's been a while since I've had a taste of you. I miss this body... You owe me more than you'll ever repay. Don't forget—you belong to me."
His hand slid down her exposed thigh, his touch both possessive and cruel. With a single motion, he ripped the remaining buttons from her blouse, baring her to him. His hand moved to cup one of her breasts, squeezing with a mix of dominance and longing. Magdalene squirmed beneath him, her weak attempts to push him away futile against his strength.
Edward's grip tightened, pulling her closer as his other hand wrapped around her waist. He kissed her neck and shoulder, his lips trailing down her skin as he tugged the fabric of her blouse further down, exposing her even more. His fingers ran through her hair, tugging at it lightly as he leaned in, his breath warm against her ear.
"You will follow my orders, Magdalene," he demanded, his voice dark and authoritative. "No more mistakes. Do what I tell you, and maybe... just maybe... I won't have to remind you of your place."
Magdalene's eyes welled up with tears, her body trembling under his control. She felt powerless, knowing any resistance would only provoke more cruelty. Edward's lustful gaze roamed over her as his hands continued their possessive exploration, missing what he once claimed as his own, his satisfaction growing with each passing second then he bit her lower lip softly breathing heavily as he was hungry for pleasure again whispering to her"Take your undies off," Edward ordered, pulling back just enough to watch her reaction, his arms folded with a commanding air. "You know you can't disobey me. You work for me—don't forget that you don't belong to somebody else"
Magdalene's thoughts raced, her heart pounding in her chest as she internally grappled with the situation. "My Lady... I'm sorry. I'll have to endure this to protect you and Dominic." She swallowed hard, trying to hold back the tears threatening to spill over. Despite being trained in martial arts, she knew her skills were nothing compared to the power of a Brusward, especially Edward or even Dominic.
Forcing herself to stand, Magdalene masked her fear and humiliation behind a forced, fragile smile. She had been with Edward long enough to know that he could sense the falseness of her expression, but she also knew that he wouldn't care. To him, her submission was all that mattered.
Slowly, she began to remove her pants, her movements mechanical, betraying the internal conflict raging within her. Edward's eyes glinted with satisfaction as she complied, his smirk widening with each step of her reluctant obedience. Once she was fully exposed, he positioned her on the chair, her back turned to him, her bare skin,butt and genitals vulnerable and on display. The half-open blouse barely clung to her shoulders, leaving her even more exposed to his gaze.
Without warning, Magdalene felt something hard pressing into her from behind, and she bit her lip to suppress the rising mixture of shame and pain. Edward moved against her with slow, deliberate thrusts, taking his time to relish the feeling of control, his breath quickening as he settled into a rhythm.
Grabbing a fistful of her hair, he yanked her head back, reveling in her helplessness. Magdalene clenched her fists tightly around the arms of the chair, forcing herself to remain silent as she endured his every movement. The sting of his hand smacking her butt only deepened her sense of despair, but she didn't dare cry out, her body betraying her with small, stifled moans.
Edward's breathing grew heavier, more erratic, as he pulled her closer by the neck from behind, his voice a guttural growl in her ear. "I missed you..." he grunted, the words dripping with a twisted blend of lust and possession.
In a moment of eerie tenderness, Edward released her neck and reached for a lock of her hair, bringing it to his nose and inhaling deeply. His lips curled into a satisfied smile as he took in the scent of her hair oil, savoring every detail, every moment of control. To him, she was a possession—a plaything meant to fulfill his needs, and the power he felt over her only heightened his twisted passion.
As he continued, each thrust more forceful than the last, he reveled in the control he had over her body, feeding off her submission like a predator savoring it's prey. The more she silently endured, the more his desire grew his perverse satisfaction clear in every moment making up for the times he had not touched Magdalene in a while missing their moments.
Eardoznia, Riyue Estate — Lush Café
Dominic sat elegantly across from Oliver at the upscale Lush Café, a delicate porcelain teacup balanced in his hand. The atmosphere was refined, with light classical music playing in the background, a perfect setting for their meeting. Dominic was in full control of the conversation, weaving his words expertly as he explained the intricacies of the fake jewel business, toying with Oliver's emotions to manipulate the situation in his favor.
As he spoke, his tone was calm and measured, but his mind worked like a finely tuned machine, calculating every next move. His plan was unfolding perfectly, and Oliver, though suspicious at times, seemed largely convinced by Dominic's smooth explanations.
"That's impressive, Dominic. You're a man of intelligence, and of course, your wife must be very lucky," Oliver chuckled, pouring more tea into his cup, trying to keep up with Dominic's sophisticated conversation.
Dominic's lips curled into a subtle smile as he raised the teacup to his mouth, his long, dark lashes brushing against his cheeks. A lock of his stawby-blond hair fell across his left eye, only enhancing his ethereal beauty. He blinked slowly, his gaze piercing as he responded, "Of course, she is. I can't wait to return to Verdaselles and see her again."
Oliver froze for a moment, taken aback by the statement. "Wait... I thought he had issues with his wife... or maybe I heard wrong? he mused internally, a nervous laugh escaping him as he cleared his throat. Is his marriage more stable than we thought, or is he just that good at hiding the truth?His marriage is complicated, they could be fighting and settling anytime "Oliver's thoughts raced, trying to piece together Dominic's true motives.
He's up to something... Oliver thought suspiciously, but before he could delve deeper, Dominic's voice cut through his thoughts like a blade.
"Mr. Oliver..." Dominic's voice was soft but carried an undeniable authority. He set his teacup down on the saucer with a soft clink, and his slender fingers, poised and elegant, began tapping rhythmically on the table. He turned his gaze toward Oliver, a faint smirk playing at the corner of his lips. "It's time."
Oliver raised an eyebrow, unsure of where the conversation was heading. "Yes, Mr. Dominic?" he asked cautiously, trying not to betray his growing unease.
Dominic leaned forward ever so slightly, his cold, silver eyes locking onto Oliver's, causing him to flinch. The elegance and charm Dominic exuded were nearly hypnotic, yet there was an unmistakable Lucifer-like edge to his demeanor—seductive and dangerous, all at once. His lashes fluttered as he blinked, the effect only intensifying the tension between them.
"Forgive me for the question," Dominic began, his voice smooth as silk, "but I'm curious about the Capulet family and the business they conduct." His gaze remained fixed, unblinking now, as he tilted his head ever so slightly, the silver strands of his hair catching the light. The question was simple, yet the weight of it hit Oliver like a ton of bricks.
Oliver felt a chill run down his spine. He swallowed hard, feeling the pressure mount under Dominic's intense stare. He knows something... but how much?" "Oliver thought, desperately trying to keep his composure blinking with his silver eyelashes.
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone