Part 10. Hope
The seasons changed by so quickly that before long the time came for Wynnie's twentieth birthday. She remained where Oswell wanted as usual- in his room. By this point she became used to this feeling of isolation. It must have been at least two years since she'd seen anyone aside from him on a regular basis, let alone spoke to another living soul for more than an hour. Everywhere she went there he was, always beside her. Never did he wish for her to be away from his side. He tried explaining to her that this all could only benefit her and would be for her own good. She didn't believe him for one minute.
'He's selfish, only wanting what can never be possible. I swear, if he tries anything or thinks he can sway my decision today, he will be sadly mistaken. I can't stand him after what all had happened, starting with the camping trip.'
Her mind wondered back to when both her and Marcus were supposed to go on their trip years prior. Oswell had other plans, discovering what the two were both doing behind his back. He caught them in bed together on the same day the trip had been scheduled. Nothing other than sheer anger burned behind that cold man's gaze, dragging her out of the doctor's bed while silencing his counterpart with a mere look that put the devil to shame. All Marcus could do was sit there naked, permitting this undesirable course of action. He commanded her to get dressed before the two went on their way. From that day onward, things only took a turn for the worse.
Albert tried keeping ties with her but both he and Marcus had been ordered to refrain all contact. She could only visit with Elias and Ada on separate occasions, once per month. This more than disheartened Wynnie only causing her to mostly become distant and shut down around Oswell. The conversations with Elias and Ada were required to be brief, often lasting for no longer than an hours time.
She stood up from the bed soon after the door opened walking over to who always came, every day. He didn't have to work often anymore since the company's unexpected boom in growth three years prior which meant more time spent with her, unfortunately. There were plenty of workers to choose from. Most of the men worked for him without question, prepared to die if that was required. Sad to see how anyone would do anything if it meant getting paid. The thought came to her of how much pleasure he probably got from this, from watching all below him squirm if they didn't do exactly what he desired.
"Come along my dear, I have a very special treat prepared for you. After all, it isn't every day someone so beautiful turns this age."
A brief sigh escaped from tense lips as she had no option other than to oblige. She locked her arm into his outstretched one, allowing him to lead her to the empty dining room. She missed meeting with Frankie in here almost every day.
'I can't even remember the last time we spoke. He and I had such good times together.'
"Well? Aren't you going to make a wish?"
He must have already sang to her. The chocolate cake with elegant yellow and white writing sat before her, twenty burning candles flickering dimly. The usual words "Happy Birthday Wynnie" were written, same as the last birthday and every other one she ever had from him.
She just slowly shook her head then stood up, stifling back tears for a moment with a trembling hand covering her mouth until it all came out at once, sobs carrying throughout the hollow room.
"I can't do this anymore! I'm leaving!"
She practically screamed at him while running past the double kitchen doors, pulling on the main entrances frantically, in vain. They were always locked unless Oswell decided otherwise. Still she kept trying, sliding down onto her knees as he casually strode over, expression remaining that same calm, callous mask.
"I'll allow you to settle down until you are able to properly behave and conduct yourself in an orderly fashion. I will be waiting for you in the garden outside of my room. Perhaps fresh air will improve your mood, my dear."
That was all he said before walking away leaving her feeling broken and weak. She felt numb at first, nothing while laying there, curled into a ball. All of a sudden anger overtook her and she just snapped, running to his precious garden. She violently opened each door after running up two sets of staircases, prepared to have her way no matter the cost.
She scowled upon finding him casually sitting in a chair, reading as though nothing were wrong. He called the solarium his "garden" which was connected to his chambers, only separated by intricately designed double doors which appeared to be glass but actually were compromised of much stronger materials. She barged in, angrily flinging them open.
"I'm leaving I said and that's final. I don't want to be here any longer and by law you have no right-"
A hand connected against her cheek, slapping with such force it caused her to stumble back. He stood now with book still in one hand then placed the object carefully onto the chair towering over his obsession. He lifted her up, grabbing both buttocks firmly while she remained stunned and in disbelief. His arms let go, body falling on its back against the soft bed. Her hand instinctively clutched on the red handprint, the satin daffodil yellow dress exposing most of her legs. A slit ran up the right legs side, almost to her crotch and had a plunging V-neck, showing off a petite cleavage. Diamond strapped heels adorned her feet along with a diamond bracelet he'd bought for her last year.
She could care less about what gifts she received, what expensive clothes were bought or how he requested her hair to be styled. All she wanted was to be free from this life.
"Is it because I'm not doing what you want that you hate me? Perhaps it's the color of my skin why I'm treated as a lesser being?"
"Don't start with me, girl. This has nothing do to with your race. You know what your purpose is and yet you continuously deny me of my right to fulfill something so simple. You shall submit to my will today. I expect to have an heir by next Spring, no matter how many attempts it takes."
He placed himself between unwilling legs, kicking wildly as he pinned her down, hastily pulling cream colored panties off.
"Damn you monster! Get off of me!"
She tried with all her might to push him away but all tries were futile. His strength easily overpowered her as he pulled his bottoms down, fully intending to violate the struggling young woman. Before he had the chance, a crushing sound could be heard along with the feeling of something wet spraying her face and chest. He grunted for a moment then fell lifelessly to the side, his body rolling onto the floor beside the bed. A rather large hole had been plunged through his chests center, killing the cold-hearted man almost instantaneously. A bloodied hand dripped wet slippery fluid in between her legs, stunned eyes opening to see Albert at her side. Her mouth gaped open as Elias rushed into the room just then, equally as surprised.
"Albert! What the hell have you done?! Wynnie, are you okay?"
She slowly nodded at Elias who stood behind Albert, gesturing for both to get up.
"It had to be done. He would have assaulted her."
"Uhh, all right, thanks for helping her but we need to pack our shit as fast as we can then get the hell out of here. Call it a sixth sense, I rushed here cause I thought something seemed off with you today; just felt it somehow. It is more my responsibility to be your protector but I'll let it slide this time, albeit, I'm not certain that killing him right away was the smartest decision.
Anyway, I'll go ask Ada and Frankie if they want to come with us. You two can both ask who you want. I suggest you do so in the least suspicious way and hurry the hell up. There's not much time until someone catches on."
"I neutralized the guards in the main security office. Their next shift doesn't begin for another hour. I will inquire of Heath if he wishes to join us, there is a slight possibility."
Wynnie shook her head then took a deep breath, asking a question of her own.
"I don't understand why you had to kill him...Along with many other things. What I want to know most is why were you so cruel one day then kind the next?"
"That hadn't been me during those times. I would never abuse you Wynnie, try to understand."
"You're telling me it was a clone?"
"Unfortunately one of five. This company has these beings stationed in various countries. Not only of myself, but others as well. For all we know, there may even be clones of you, Wynnie."
"Hey, anything could be possible but I suggest you get cleaned up and we do what needs to be done. I know where there's a hummer that we can use to escape with. We should meet back up in the front dining room when we finish."
Albert nodded along with Wynnie, both men helping the stunned woman to her feet.
"I think I'll try to talk with Dr. Marcus after I clean up. He could want to come with us too..."
The two men gave each other unsure looks returning their focus back to her.
"Wynnie, that may not be such a good idea. We have no idea what his true intentions are. I guess after we meet back up we could all go together and try to convince him in a last ditch effort. Are we all in agreement?"
Wynnie gave a small nod while Albert sighed then responded with an irritated "fine". Clearly he wasn't happy about this but they had no choice other than to move forward together.
All save for Wynnie returned to their rooms, hurriedly packing. She had to shower first then put that same dress back on in order to prevent raising suspicion. Lucky for her no blood had sprayed onto the dress since most of her chest had been exposed.
She calmly walked past two guards who stood outside of Oswell's room, apparently still oblivious to the recent events. She clasped both hands together in her front to keep from shaking which thankfully worked to her advantage until arriving in her room, allowing herself to unravel.
After shutting the door she heard guards footsteps who must have been making their rounds then fell back against the bed trying to breathe as deeply as possible. She'd start packing in just a moment after taking some time to compose herself. If they pulled this stunt off it would be a miracle.