Nisha's thoughts were filled with the word Grace said as they were headed back home. The words kept repeating itself, and she became more furious and disgusted each time she remembered it.
Maddox had abused her sexually, emotionally, psychologically and in any way possible, she was irritated with the thought that this man was her fated mate.
She had never thought that she would meet her fated mate in this manner, she couldn't bring herself to accept him and her hatred for him kept increasing.
She had only done his bid and smile with him because she dreaded going through torture again, and it seemed her plan worked out well. Not knowing that he was gradually falling for her and didn't take interest into torturing her.
Nisha was confused because a man who claims to love her would have sacrificed for her when she almost died, but he didn't care. That made her hate him the more.
They got back home and went upstairs, Maddox was happy and disheartened at the same time. He was happy because she was his fated mate and was disheartened because she didn't love him and was not happy to hear the news.
“You seem disheartened, I know I've hurt you in so many ways, and I apologize for that, Nisha. What can I do to make you consider me?” Maddox asked.
Nisha got furious and tears rolled down her cheeks, she picked up a book and threw it at him so hard.
“You tortured me and sexually abused me, you took my virginity and didn't take it easy on me. You made innocent me go through pain and never considered my hurt feelings when you shamed me anywhere.” Nisha cried out loud and shouted at the top of her voice.
“How on earth do you expect me to love a monster like you! How do you expect me to believe you're not after something only you would gain from, uhn! Nisha screamed and went out of the room.
.................
Caleb went to his favorite spot again, hoping he would meet Isabelle. Fortunately, he met her and was glad to see her again.
Isabelle had a honey brown curly hair which was full, her eyelashes were long and attractive. Her eyes were sky blue and her lips were gorgeously pink. Caleb admired every part of her, from her physical appearance to her character.
“You're here again!.” Isabelle said, excited.
“I was bound to come here anyway, I, my sister and mate frequently visited this place when we were together.” Caleb smiled.
“You're no longer together?” Isabelle asked out of curiosity.
“It's a long story and cannot be told today.” Caleb said.
“I understand.” Isabelle said.
“By the way, I thought mermaids live in the sea, as it assures safety. Why are you living in a river when you can easily be in danger.”
“Oh! Yes, you're right, but our clan lives in a special river that's as deep and wide as the sea. The river is just a cover image, no one would expect that mermaids live in this river.” Isabelle explained.
“Wow. That's cool.” Caleb said.
“Would you like to come with me to my world?” Isabelle asked.
“But I can't stay underwater for long.” Caleb said.
“It's alright, I can just make you breathe underwater right now.” Isabelle chuckled.
Caleb agreed and Isabelle made him capable to breathe underwater temporarily and they both dived into the water. Caleb was amazed to see fishes of different colors and species, which made the sea look beautiful.
They dived deeper and got to Isabelle's home. He sat and watched as Isabelle did a welcome gesture.
“You're free to look around." Isabelle said.
Caleb stood up and looked around the beautiful house, it was spacious and decorated with coral reefs, there were about six clams which contained a picture each of her and her family. It was a beautiful sight to behold.
He swam around and something caught his eye, it was a portrait. He swam back to the portrait and to his utmost surprise, the mermaid in the portrait looked just like Nisha, the only thing that looked different was her hair, eye color, confident look and a large tail.
Her hair color was black and long, while her eye color was dark too. He was confused, and then he asked Isabelle who that was.
“Oh! She? She's the Great Queen Mermaid, I admire her and her ways so, I made a portrait to keep her picture.” Isabelle explained.
“Wow!”
....................
Nisha went to the sitting room's balcony as she knew that Maddox and his friends rarely went there, the gentle breeze blew her hair lightly and she felt better. Then, a maid approached her and offered her tea.
“Are you new? I've never seen your face.” Nisha asked.
“Yes, I am. Here's tea to calm yourself, Nisha.” She said.
Nisha scrutinized her, she looked like she was 20. She was definitely twenty.
“Do you know me?” Nisha asked.
“Yes, you're a princess of the Sunshine Clan.” She said.
“So you know I'm a slave here, and you serve me tea?” Nisha asked in surprise.
“Yes. You looked furious and disturbed, so I made green tea, it'll calm you down.” She said.
“Thank you so much, I really appreciate this.” Nisha thanked her.
“You're welcome.” She said.
“What's your name?” Nisha asked.
“I'm Susan and I'm twenty.” Susan added.
“So, why are you here as a maid at this young age. Were you forced?” Nisha asked.
“No, I wasn't. My family was murdered recently when the Sunrise Clan attacked, there was no way to cater for myself as I was already an orphan, so I asked to work here.” Susan explained.
“Oh my goodness. I'm so sorry, but how is that you don't resent me!” Nisha asked in surprise.
“I admire you a lot and I like how strong you are. I've heard stories of how you've endured a lot, and I want to be as strong as you are.” Susan said.
“Oh my, I'm touched. Thanks for believing in me, Susan.” Nisha said.
“I'll always root for you, so I urge you to keep doing the right thing.” Susan added.
“Thank you so much for this encouragement, Susan.” Nisha said.
When it was night, Maddox asked Nisha the same question again, as he could not get her off his mind.
“Why do you keep asking this question? If you think there's hope that I will consider you, forget it!” Nisha said abruptly, not fearing the consequences of talking to him that way.
“I believe that things can turn around for good, Nisha. Maybe you want me to be a better man or show my best attitude, I'll do it.” Maddox said.
“The only thing you can do for me is to set me free! I miss my family!” Nisha shouted and went to bed.
The next day, Maddox woke Nisha up and urged her to dress up, which she did. They went out, and it took them an hour to get to where he intended to take her to. It was a beautiful garden with birds singing happily and ducks swimming around the calm stream. The breeze was calming and the surrounding aura was good, one could go there to meditate and won't regret it.
The grass was green and see had fallen on them, there was a big apple tree in the middle that looked so delicious. Nisha was stunned at the simple beauty the garden beheld.
“I brought you here in the morning, so you could see the beauty I've seen in this place.” Maddox said.
“It's a really nice place. How do you know this place?” Nisha asked.
“When my parents were alive, we usually come here to spend time together as one family. And we are the only ones who know about this place.” Maddox replied.
“May their soul rest in peace.” Nisha said with sincerity and soberness.
“My mom do sing with her beautiful voice and the little birds would gather around the branches to listen to her, and this was where my father asked my mother to be his legal mate.” Maddox said.
“Wow…" Nisha smiled.
“Nisha, I'm a tough and stern guy, but it doesn't mean I don't have a good, soft side. I'm not saying I would change my tough personality for you because it's already a part of me and that has made me progress so far without being killed. But I'm letting you know things about me as you don't really know things about me.” Maddox said.
Maddox and Nisha talked heartily for a while, and it seemed like her hatred for him had reduced. After a while, they left the garden and then Maddox takes her through an underground path she had never seen before. Then they got to a door and he stopped.
“Open this door when I leave and follow the path it leads you to.” Maddox said and left.