So for the next seven days, she had to play her part perfectly—to remain the mute café owner trapped in the gilded cage Kevin had built for her.
Venice climbed back into bed, curling up with her little dog. Exhaustion finally pulled her under.
She didn't know how long she slept before a sharp noise downstairs jolted her awake.
When she opened her eyes, she saw a familiar silhouette standing at the doorway.
Stefanie.
The woman who had just been announced as Kevin's fiancée was now barking orders at the servants, pointing imperiously toward Venice's room.
"Move my things in here," Stefanie said with a proud tilt of her chin.
When she noticed Venice standing by the staircase, Stefanie sauntered over, her lips curving into a delicate smile.
"I'll be taking this room," she said sweetly.
Venice's gaze turned cold. She raised her hands and signed calmly, [There are plenty of guest rooms here. Pick another one.]
Stefanie leaned closer until her breath brushed against Venice's ear, her voice a silken whisper laced with venom.
"What's the problem? You're just Kevin's housekeeper, aren't you? A servant doesn't live in the master bedroom."
Her smile widened. "I'm Kevin's godsister—and his fiancée. You're a mute café girl. What right do you have to compete with me?"
Before Venice could even respond, Stefanie suddenly let out a shrill scream and tumbled backward down the stairs.
Thud!
Her forehead slammed against the railing, swelling instantly.
"Venice!"
Kevin burst in from outside, his eyes cold and sharp.
"Didn't you promise me you'd get along with Stefanie? You couldn't even last a day before causing trouble?"
Venice immediately began signing, [It wasn't me.]
But Kevin didn't even glance at her hands. His attention was entirely on the trembling woman in his arms.
"Kevin..." Stefanie whimpered pitifully, tears spilling down her cheeks. "Didn't you say Miss Robles was just your housekeeper? I only asked her to tidy up and make space for me. Was that so wrong?"
Her voice cracked. "Maybe I should just leave... Miss Robles seems so angry. I'm scared..."
Kevin tightened his hold around her, soothing her gently. "Don't be afraid. I'm here. I'll handle it."
Then he turned to Venice, his expression hard as steel. "When you make a mistake, you take your punishment. Take her to the cold storage."