Chapter 49: My Punishment
Lucien was already seated at the dinner table when Reiner and I walked in. For some reason, the atmosphere was stifling, and I found it hard to breath. Lucien seemed stressed and very on edge today.
“Natalia. Sit down,” Lucien instructed firmly, and I followed his command immediately. Lucien clearly did not have a good day. Reiner stood at a respectable distance next to the wall and pretended that he ceased to exist.
“Umm...welcome back, Lucien,” I whispered in the sweetest voice that I could manage given the circumstances.
“I’ve decided that you should end your internship early,” Lucien informed me casually as he picked at his dinner. Well, I don’t have an appetite either.
“Is that necessary? I’ve been picking up various new skills and experiences...” I tried to explain.
“With Edward?” Lucien jumped in to complete my sentence for me. Well, that was not what I was going to say. Lucien is angry, really angry. I didn’t dare say anything more.
“From now on, you will stay home. You won’t go anywhere without my permission and when you do, Reiner will accompany you everywhere,” Lucien stated his new policy, stressing on every single word to drive the message home.
“Lucien, I have to study and find a job...” I protested weakly. I can’t just stay home. My adult life has just started...
“That’s the thing. You don’t. You don’t have to learn anything. You don’t have to be able to do anything. You don’t need to work. No matter what work you do, you will never earn anything to make a difference to our wealth. Just stay out of trouble. Stay home!” Lucien almost shouted as he finished his mini-speech.