Total pages in book: 66
Estimated words: 60105 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 301(@200wpm)___ 240(@250wpm)___ 200(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 60105 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 301(@200wpm)___ 240(@250wpm)___ 200(@300wpm)
Hanging from a brass hook was a long, thick strip of dark leather. It was about two feet long and maybe two inches wide, with a wooden handle at one end. My tummy flipped as I realized what it must be. The family strap Mr. Weathers had mentioned in the rules.
I couldn’t tear my eyes away from it. The leather looked well-worn and supple, its surface gleaming dully in the afternoon light. I could almost feel its weight, imagine the sting it would impart when brought down on bare skin. A shiver ran through me, equal parts dread and an unwelcome anticipation I pushed away immediately.
“What’s that?” I heard myself ask, so softly I could barely hear myself. I knew the answer, of course, but some part of me needed to hear it confirmed.
Lila and Lydia exchanged a glance, their expressions a mixture of sympathy and resignation.
“That’s… well, that’s the family strap,” Lila finally said, her voice soft. “Mr. Weathers only uses it for serious offenses.”
Lydia nodded, adding, “It’s not something you want to become acquainted with, believe me. A regular spanking is bad enough, but the strap…” She trailed off, shuddering slightly.
I swallowed hard, unable to look away from the implement. “How… how often does he use it?” I asked, morbid curiosity overriding my better judgment.
“Not very often,” Lila assured me quickly. “Maybe once a month, if that. And only for really serious infractions.”
“Like what?” I pressed, even as part of me screamed to change the subject.
Lydia bit her lip, considering. “Well, last time… I… well, I snuck out to meet a friend in town. Mr. Weathers said it was dangerous and disrespectful.”
I nodded mutely, my mind racing. Would my attempted escape back in the city be considered serious enough to warrant the strap? The thought made my knees weak.
“Come on,” Lila said gently, sensing my discomfort. “Let’s go upstairs and get you settled in your room.”
As we left the living room, I couldn’t help casting one last glance at the strap. It hung there innocuously, but its presence seemed to fill the entire room. A silent warning, a promise of consequences for those who stepped out of line.
I followed Lila and Lydia up the stairs, my legs feeling like lead. The weight of my impending punishment pressed down on me, made all the more real by the sight of that strap.
They led me up the polished wooden staircase to the second floor. The hallway was lined with closed doors, each bearing a small brass nameplate. My heart skipped a beat as I noticed one that read ‘Andrea.’
“This is your room,” Lila said softly, opening the door.
I stepped inside, my eyes widening as I took in my new living space. The room was small but cozy, with pale blue walls and white curtains framing a large window that overlooked the sprawling fields beyond. A narrow bed with a patchwork quilt occupied one corner, while a simple wooden desk and chair sat beneath the window. A tall wardrobe stood against the opposite wall.
“It’s… nice,” I managed.
Lydia moved to the wardrobe, opening its doors to reveal a row of modest dresses in various pastel shades. “These are your new clothes,” she explained. “You’ll need to change into one of these right away.”
I ran my fingers over the soft fabric of a pale yellow dress, my stomach churning. “Do I… do I have to wear these all the time?”
Lila nodded. “Except on Saturdays, if you’ve behaved well. Then you’re allowed to wear pants.”
As I stared at the dresses, a thousand questions bubbled up inside me. “What exactly are we being… I don’t know… trained for?” I asked, turning to face the other girls. “The app mentioned something about becoming… you know… submissive brides?”
Lila and Lydia exchanged a glance, as if they felt hesitant to fill me in.
“That’s right,” Lydia said finally. “We’re here to learn how to be proper wives and homemakers. To serve our future husbands and maintain an orderly household.”
I felt my face grow hot. “But… but what about our own dreams? Our careers?”
Lila placed a gentle hand on my arm. “This is our career now, Andrea. Our purpose. It takes time to accept, but… it can be fulfilling, in its own way.”
I shook my head, struggling to process this information. “How long have you been here? Do you… do you like it?”
“I’ve been here for eight months,” Lila said. “Lydia for almost a year. And… yes, we’ve come to appreciate this life. It’s not always easy, but there’s comfort in knowing your place, in serving others.”
Lydia nodded in agreement. “The hardest part at first is the discipline. Mr. Weathers is strict, but fair. If you obey the rules and show a willing spirit, you’ll be fine.”
I swallowed hard, remembering the strap hanging in the living room. “And… and what if I don’t? What if I can’t adjust to this?”