The Monster at My Feet novel Chapter 23

His nerves had been pulled taut for hours, leaving him in a state of chaotic anxiety.

Especially today. He had actually gotten closer to her.

So close that he was still obsessively analyzing the memory of her scent.

Standing by the window, Caspian stared at the rose until his breathing finally leveled out and his body temperature dropped back to normal.

The new sedatives seemed to be doing their job.

As his consciousness grew hazy, he climbed into bed. For the first time in his life, he didn't draw the curtains.

Leaving them open usually triggered violent panic attacks.

But tonight, the glass directly faced her window.

Maybe...

Maybe what?

His mind was already slipping. His fingers curled around the damp paper towel she had used, pressing it against his lips as he curled into a tight ball and drifted off.

-

When Sylvie came downstairs the next morning, Lawrence and Helena were already dressed to leave.

"Morning, Dad. Morning, Helena," she greeted them with a sickeningly sweet smile.

Lawrence was still pleased with her performance at the banquet and gave her an approving nod.

"We're heading to the airport to pick up Lydia, then swinging by the hospital to get Luke. You’ll have to get to school yourself."

The sheer thought of seeing her precious daughter lifted Helena's foul mood, and she actually managed a fake smile.

"Sylvie, when you see Lydia at school, try not to feel too insecure. You’re obviously not in her league, but as long as you know your place and stay quiet, there will always be a spot for you in the Lawson family. Understand?"

Sylvie blinked innocently and watched the couple walk out the door.

Lydia Lawson?

Oh, she knew all about her.

Sylvie's memories dated back to when she was barely a toddler.

She had seen Lydia once before.

It was outside her mother's hospital room. A young Helena had been holding a one-year-old Lydia, staring through the glass with dead, calculating eyes.

Martha's eyes practically bulged out of her skull. She lunged forward and snatched the bowl away.

It was completely empty.

Before the housekeeper could start screaming, Sylvie's eyes widened in matching shock.

She stumbled backward, retreating exactly to the spot perfectly framed by the kitchen security camera. She tilted her head, staring at the woman. "Martha, why did you drink all of Helena's expensive soup?"

Martha froze.

Her brain short-circuited trying to process what Sylvie had just said.

Sylvie took another step back, her face a mask of deep concern.

"How could you do that? You need to make another bowl right now. If Helena finds out you stole from her, she'll be furious."

Martha let out a hysterical laugh. "Are you a lunatic? You literally just drank it! What the hell are you talking about?"

Sylvie looked like she was on the verge of tears. "How would I ever dare drink something so expensive? Martha, you can't frame me like this!

"You're so mean! I know you steal things from the pantry all the time, but trying to pin this on me is too far. If you keep lying, I'm going to tell Dad!"