Chapter 7

Chapter 7: A new home, or so it seems.

Emilia's eyes fluttered open, her mind foggy and her head pounding like a drum roll. She tried to remember how she got there, but her memories were hazy. A striking pain shot through her temples and she recalled the events leading up to the moment- waking up in the hospital, a kind-faced nurse smiling down at her, and a mysterious woman calling her sister. Then there was the man she had saved from an assassination attempt. With a startle she opened her eyes to find a doctor, with a kind face and a stethoscope around his neck, he was checking her vitals. He smiled reassuringly "You're safe miss, just calm down". Emilia's eyes narrowed, trying to place him. "Who are you? Where am I?"

The butler, Mr John who had been standing nearby watching the girl closely, stepped forward his eyes gleaming with respect as he spoke. "You're in house of the prestigious Blackwood family, miss". Emilia's head spun, and she held it slightly. Why did the name sound familiar? She thought back to the man she saved, could it be him? Just as she was about to ask questions, Marcus Blackwood himself walked into the room, his presence commanding attention. Two maids carrying gold trays trailed closely behind. Mr. John bowed his head, "Sir, I didn't expect you to trouble yourself." Marcus expression was stoic, "Do I your need permission to enter a room in my house, John."

The butler looked down shamefaced. Marcus approached the bed, his eyes fixed on Emilia's pale face. "How is she doctor?" The doctor stood up and faced Mr. Marcus. "She needs rest and nourishment sir. A few days and she will be back to full health." With a nod, Marcus dismissed every other person present in the room, leaving Emilia alone with him. She felt a surge of apprehension, unsure what to expect from this enigmatic stranger.

Marcus's expression softened as he gazed at Emilia. "How are you feeling?" he asked in a calm, gentle tone, a stark contrast to the authoritative voice he used with the butler.

Emilia's response was barely audible, her voice weak and shaky. "I...I'm okay, I think."

Marcus's eyes filled with sympathy as he looked at the fragile girl who had saved his life. For years, people had tried to take his life, but this young girl had done the opposite. She had risked her own life to save his. He felt a deep sense of gratitude and obligation towards her.

Marcus made a silent promise to himself: he would repay this girl for her kindness. He never owed anyone a favor, but Emilia's selfless act had changed that. He would make sure to return her kindness, no matter what it took.

Emilia, meanwhile, wondered what was going through Marcus's mind. His serious expression made her feel uneasy, and she couldn't help but wonder if he was deciding what to do with her. She felt a surge of fear, her heart racing with anticipation.

As the silence between them stretched, Emilia's anxiety grew. She tried to read Marcus's face, but his expression remained inscrutable. What was he thinking? Would he help her, or would he discard her like a used pawn? Emilia's eyes locked onto Marcus's, searching for answers, but his gaze was unreadable.

Marcus's gentle voice broke the silence. "What's your name, miss?"

Emilia's mind went blank. She didn't know what to say. She didn't even know her own name or who her family was. The realization hit her like a ton of bricks, leaving her feeling confused and disoriented.

But then, a memory flashed in her mind - the young lady who had called her "sister" and repeatedly said her name was Emilia. With a surge of hope, Emilia grasped onto that memory.

"M-my name is Emilia," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. "I...I don't know my family."

Marcus's expression softened further, his eyes filled with compassion. He assumed she was an orphan, and his sympathy for her deepened. He couldn't imagine what she must have gone through, not knowing her own identity or having a family to care for her.

Emilia's gaze dropped, shame and uncertainty washing over her. But Marcus's gentle tone reassured her. "Don't worry, Emilia. You're safe now. You're under my protection."

Emilia's eyes snapped up, searching for answers in Marcus's face. What did he mean by "protection"? And why was he being so kind to her, a stranger? But Marcus's expression remained warm and genuine, putting her at ease.

Before she could question him, Marcus snapped his fingers, and the maids re-entered the room, lining up beside the gold trays. With a synchronized movement, they lifted the silk cloths, revealing the contents beneath.

On one tray, a beautifully wrapped box sat elegantly, adorned with intricate patterns and a delicate bow. The maid carefully opened the box, revealing a stunning, exquisite peach dress, neatly packed inside. The dress was a limited edition design from Esterlion Fashion Empire, the most renowned clothing line in the world.

Emilia's eyes widened as she gazed at the dress, her heart racing with excitement.

The second maid then lifted the cloth from the other tray, revealing another box, this time a jewelry box. As the maid opened it, Emilia gasped in wonder. A diamond-cut necklace with a sapphire red diamond, shaped like a teardrop, lay nestled in the box, accompanied by matching earrings. The jewelry was breathtakingly beautiful, and Emilia felt an instant connection to it, as if drawn to its radiance.

The maids stepped back, allowing Emilia to admire the gifts. Marcus smiled, pleased with himself. "I thought you might like those," he said, his voice low and gentle. "The dress is for you to wear to dinner tonight, and the jewelry...well, I thought it suited you."

Emilia's gaze lingered on the gifts, her mind racing with wonder. But as she looked up at Marcus, her expression turned skeptical. Why would a stranger, a man she had just met, gift her such exquisite things? She couldn't shake off the feeling that there had to be a condition attached, a hidden motive behind his generosity. Nothing good came easily, and Emilia's past experiences had taught her to be cautious.

"Thank you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper, "but why? Why would you give me these beautiful things?"

Marcus's smile faltered for a moment, and he seemed to consider his response. "Let's just say I'm grateful for your...timely intervention," he said, his eyes glinting with a hint of something Emilia couldn't quite decipher. "And I believe you deserve a little kindness. No conditions, no expectations. Just a gesture of goodwill."

Emilia searched his face, trying to read between the lines, but Marcus's expression remained enigmatic. She couldn't help but wonder what lay beneath his words, what secrets he might be hiding.

Marcus glanced at his wristwatch, his expression turning apologetic. "I'm afraid I've taken up too much of your time, Emilia. I have matters to attend to."

He gently tapped her head, his touch sending a shiver down her spine. "Don't worry, you're in safe hands. The maids will get you ready for the dinner party by 6 pm. Just relax and enjoy yourself."

With that, he stood up, his movements fluid and graceful. The maids followed him out of the room, leaving Emilia alone once more.

She sat on the bed, her mind reeling with confusion. Marcus seemed kind and genuinely interested in her well-being, but a nagging feeling persisted - something was off about him. Emilia couldn't quite put her finger on it, but she couldn't shake off the sense of unease that lingered long after he left the room.

She looked around the opulent space, feeling like a pawn in a game she didn't understand. The beautiful dress and jewelry seemed like a fairytale, but Emilia's instincts whispered caution. She was trapped in a world of luxury, with a man who seemed to hold all the cards. And she couldn't help but wonder what lay beneath Marcus's charming facade.