A few days later, Juliette could carry out her plan after hearing that Leo was free. It all started with one of Robbin’s requests. He asked Juliette to cook their dinner. Of course, Juliette complied, not only because she didn’t refuse Robbin’s requests and could leave her prison-like room but also because this allowed her to execute her plan quickly.
That evening, Juliette prepared dinner. She cooked Robbin’s favorite dishes but didn’t forget the dessert-a tiramisu cake she made with great care. Juliette’s whole body trembled with fear, and her heart raced as she inserted the item she had bought from the pharmacy into the tiramisu. Once everything was finished, Juliette looked nervously at the cake, hoping her plan would work.
‘Just this one time.’
After ensuring the food was safe and warm and instructed the waiting staff to set the table, Juliette hurried back to her room to clean up and change clothes.
She hesitated about putting on makeup, but then she realized-what for? As if she were waiting for a lover to come home. She had to remember that the man with her was the one who had ruined her life-her stepbrother-while the man waiting for her in New York was her real lover.
With that thought, Juliette put on the outfit prepared for her by the staff-under Robbin’s orders-a beautiful black evening dress that gave an elegant impression. Juliette bit her lower lip, tempted to complete the look, but resisted. She quickly dressed and let her long, wavy hair fall naturally. Once ready, she left her room and walked down the hallway toward the stairs that connected the first and second floors.
Juliette had just reached the top of the stairs, preparing to descend, when the front door opened, and Robbin stepped inside in a tailored, expensive suit made just for him. She wondered where Robbin had been all day, but Juliette had no intention of asking. She didn’t want Robbin to think she cared more than a sister should care for a brother.
Taking a deep breath, Juliette descended the stairs, moving toward the ground floor where Robbin stood waiting. His dark eyes were locked on her, never looking away, making Juliette’s heart race even faster. That look … she knew it all too well. Robbin had often given her the same look since she discovered his true identity-Master D.
As Robbin’s dominating presence overwhelmed her courage, Juliette stopped before him. Her breath caught when Robbin closed the distance between them, kissing her on the cheek and forehead before wrapping his arms around her waist and whispering, “You look so beautiful, kitten.” Then Robbin pulled back slightly and added, “I still can’t believe you’re standing in front of me.”
Juliette gave a faint smile. “I’m curious about the dinner you made for me.”
“You’ll find out soon,” Juliette answered nonchalantly. “So, what’s the celebration tonight? You asked me to cook for you.” Not that she wasn’t grateful-she could leave her prison-like room, she added in her mind.
“We’re celebrating our togetherness, because tomorrow we’re getting married,” Robbin said casually, as if what he had just said wasn’t a bombshell for Juliette.
Hearing those words, Juliette’s whole body tensed, and she slowly raised one hand. She could see her hand trembling as she caressed Robbin’s stubbled cheek. “Why so soon?” Juliette whispered in disbelief.
“Because I want to make sure you’re mine,” Robbin said arrogantly, with a triumphant grin.
“Let’s have dinner and savor each other’s presence. What do you think?”
“Is that why you were gone all day? Preparing our wedding?” Juliette couldn’t stop herself from satisfying her curiosity.
Robbin shot Juliette a sharp look. “Of course. Besides, this way I won’t have to lock you up anymore, and I can tell the whole world that you’re mine.”
‘This is so bad.’
“Do you want to eat dessert? I made tiramisu for you. Your favorite,” Juliette said, watching Robbin, who seemed to be in a good mood. He smiled at Juliette and acted affectionately toward her. Juliette might have been charmed by him if not for his past actions or the bombshell he had dropped an hour ago.
“Of course. I know your tiramisu is the best,” Robbin replied with a wide grin as if everything between them was excellent.
Juliette nodded and muttered a ‘thank you’ in response to his compliment before standing and walking to the fridge. Her hands shook as she looked at the tiramisu she had made, and she almost dropped the cake to the floor when she lifted the two plates with pre-sliced pieces.
Juliette closed her eyes for a moment, silently apologizing to Robbin. Then she walked to the dining table, where Robbin was waiting. She placed the plate meant for Robbin in front of him before sitting down and putting her slice of cake on the table.
“Why do you look pale?” Robbin asked when he noticed Juliette’s face.
“Maybe I’m a little tired from cooking. It’s been a while since I’ve cooked that much,” she responded smoothly.
Robbin nodded and began spooning the cake Juliette had served him into his mouth. “Aren’t you going to ask anything about tomorrow?”
“Why should I ask? I’m sure you’ve already arranged everything.”
“Not even a bit of protest?”
“Why should I protest? If it’s of no use anymore.”
“Good. It seems you’ve started learning, kitten.” Robbin continued eating his cake until it was all gone.
“If you keep acting like this, I might consider releasing that coward as a reward.” Juliette’s whole body shivered at Robbin’s cold tone as he spoke.
“Hmm… tiramisu is indeed my favorite, but yours is my absolute favorite. So delicious.” Robbin glanced at Juliette’s plate, which was still untouched.
“Why aren’t you eating your cake?”
Juliette showed a weary expression and pushed her plate away. “I suddenly lost my appetite.”
Robbin didn’t say anything momentarily, but then he groaned softly. His eyes blinked rapidly, and his expression immediately changed.
“You…” he mumbled weakly.
At once, Juliette stood up and approached Robbin. She stroked his head, moved the empty plate aside, and made him rest on the table. “I’m sorry, Robby. I had no choice but to do this…”
“Did you-?” Robbin murmured, his voice hoarse.
“I… I really wanted to… but I couldn’t… I couldn’t get poison at the pharmacy, could I?” Juliette smiled gently and kissed Robbin’s forehead tenderly.
“Sleep, Robby. Sleep well.” Not long after, Robbin’s eyes closed tightly, and his muscular body went limp, a sign that the sleeping pill had taken effect.
Juliette immediately glanced at the watch on her wrist and hurriedly ran out of the dining room. She didn’t forget to lock the door to ensure that no servant or guard would find their master asleep under the influence of the drug. Juliette went back upstairs and headed to Robbin’s office. Luckily, the room wasn’t locked because he was confident Juliette would never enter. Of course, he thought so because she was usually locked in her room.
Juliette rushed to the desk and searched for her passport. She had seen him pocket her passport before. Juliette was sure Robbin wouldn’t take her to Switzerland without the necessary documents, even though it didn’t mean much since Robbin used a private jet and had considerable power.
For fifteen minutes, Juliette searched for her passport in Robbin’s office. She didn’t have much time, as the drug wouldn’t last forever. Juliette had wanted to give him a lethal dose, but she couldn’t bring herself to do it. She wasn’t as low as Robbin, and she didn’t want to become a murderer. Perhaps she could develop a strong alibi if forced to, but right now? No. She would be seen as the prime suspect in a premeditated murder case, and the De Lavigne family would make her suffer if that happened.
Juliette glanced at her wristwatch and groaned loudly, not finding her passport. She then ran to the main bedroom where Robbin slept and began ransacking the room. It took an hour before she found the passport, hidden in one of Robbin’s walk-in closet drawers. Afterward, Juliette returned to her room, kicked off her heels, and changed into simple flat shoes. Due to her limited time, she didn’t have time to change her clothes.
Juliette grabbed her bag and checked its contents. The euros she had stolen from Robbin’s wallet two days ago were still there. Even if he found out his wallet had been emptied, he wouldn’t protest because he would know she had taken all the money. Wasn’t he suspicious? Juliette had wondered, especially when he casually left his wallet on the nightstand and went to shower in his room.
Juliette shook her head. No. She couldn’t think of strange things right now. She had to move quickly if she wanted to be free. Juliette ran out of the house, passing through the front door that would be her gateway to freedom, and glanced at the parked car. No. She couldn’t steal Robbin’s car. She knew every one of his cars was connected to GPS and could be easily tracked. So, she had to take public transportation to the airport.
But before that, her eyes fell on the tracking bracelet on her wrist. Without hesitation, she smashed it using a large rock she found in the garden, injuring her hand in the process. Afterward, she ran toward the gate, ensuring that the guard on duty was preoccupied and not watching the gate before slipping out.
Only when she reached the busy main road and hailed a taxi did Juliette finally feel a sense of relief? At least, in a few hours, she would be on her way home.
But one question suddenly crossed her mind at that moment.
‘Isn’t all of this a bit too easy?’
…