Chapter four-The party

_Emilia's POV_

I stood in front of the mirror, staring at my reflection. Maria, the maid, had helped me get ready for the party, styling my hair and applying makeup to my face.

I looked... different. More polished, more refined. But underneath the surface, I was still the same person. Scared, uncertain, and trapped.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. I had to get through this night, no matter what.

As I turned to leave, I caught sight of the necklace glinting in the light. Marco's token, his reminder of the debt my father owed him.

I felt a surge of anger, but I pushed it down. I had to play along, for now.

I made my way downstairs, where Marco was waiting for me. He looked... stunning, dressed in a tailored tuxedo that accentuated his broad shoulders and chiseled features.

"Emilia, you look beautiful," he said, his eyes roving over me.

I felt a flush rise to my cheeks, but I tried to play it cool. "Thanks," I said, trying to sound nonchalant.

Marco offered me his arm, and I took it, feeling a surge of trepidation. What was I getting myself into?

As we entered the ballroom, I was struck by the sheer scale of the party. There were hundreds of people, all dressed in formal attire, laughing and chatting and sipping champagne.

Marco led me through the crowds, introducing me to various people along the way. I tried to keep track of the names and faces, but it was impossible.

As the night wore on, I began to feel more and more overwhelmed. The music was loud, the lights were flashing, and the people were... intense.

I felt like I was drowning, suffocating under the pressure.

And then, I saw him. A tall, dark-haired man standing across the room, watching me with an intensity that made my skin crawl.

Who was he? And what did he want?

As I met his gaze, I felt a shiver run down my spine. I was in trouble, and I didn't know how to get out.

Marco noticed my distraction and followed my gaze. His eyes narrowed, and his jaw clenched.

"Ah, Emilia, I see you've met my... associate," he said, his voice low and smooth.

The man's eyes never left mine, and I felt a surge of fear. What did he want from me?

"Who is he?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

Marco's smile grew wider. "That, Emilia, is Viktor. He's... a business partner of mine."

I didn't believe him. There was something about Viktor that didn't add up.

As the night wore on, I found myself drawn to Viktor again and again. He was... mesmerizing, with eyes that seemed to see right through me.

But I knew I had to be careful. Viktor was a mystery, and I didn't know what he was capable of.

As the party began to wind down, Marco leaned in close. "Emilia, I think it's time for us to leave," he whispered.

I nodded, feeling a surge of relief. I was ready to get out of there, to escape the intensity of the party.

But as we turned to leave, Viktor's eyes locked onto mine. And I knew that I wasn't going anywhere. Not yet, at least.

_Emilia's POV_

As we left the party, I couldn't shake off the feeling that Viktor's eyes had left on me. It was as if he could see right through me, to the secrets I kept hidden.

Marco noticed my distraction and placed a reassuring hand on my arm. "Don't worry about Viktor, Emilia," he said. "He's just a business associate. Nothing to concern yourself with."

I nodded, trying to believe him. But I couldn't shake off the feeling that there was more to Viktor than met the eye.

As we arrived back at the estate, I was greeted by Maria, who was waiting up for me. "How was the party, Miss Rossini?" she asked, helping me out of my coat.

"It was... interesting," I replied, trying to process everything that had happened.

Maria nodded sympathetically. "I'm sure it's a lot to take in," she said. "But don't worry, you'll get used to it. The De Lucas are... complicated people."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What do you mean?" I asked.

Maria hesitated, glancing around nervously. "I shouldn't have said that," she said quickly. "Forget I mentioned it, Miss Rossini."

But I couldn't forget. Maria's words had sparked something in me, a curiosity about the De Lucas and their secrets.

As I got ready for bed, my mind was racing with questions. What secrets was Maria hiding? And what did the De Lucas have to do with my family?

I knew I had to dig deeper, to uncover the truth about my family's past and their connection to the De Lucas.

As I drifted off to sleep, I made a promise to myself. I would uncover the secrets, no matter what it took.

The next morning, I woke up feeling determined. I was going to start digging, to uncover the truth about my family and the De Lucas.

I started by snooping around the estate, looking for any clues or hints that might lead me to the truth. I searched through the library, the study, and even the kitchen, but I couldn't find anything.

Just as I was about to give up, I stumbled upon a hidden room deep in the basement. It was small, with walls lined with old photographs and dusty files.

I began to sift through the files, my heart racing with excitement. And then, I saw it. A file with my family's name on it.

I opened it, my hands shaking with anticipation. And what I saw took my breath away.

It was a letter, written by my father. And it revealed a secret that would change everything.

"Dear Emilia," the letter read. "I'm sorry I never told you the truth. Your mother and I, we were involved with the De Lucas a long time ago. We were part of their... organization, for lack of a better term. But we got out, Emilia. We escaped. Or so we thought."

I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. What organization? And what did my parents have to do with the De Lucas?

I kept reading, my heart racing with every word.

"The De Lucas, Emilia, they're not just any family. They're... powerful. And they'll stop at nothing to get what they want. That's why we had to leave, Emilia. That's why we had to hide."

I felt a chill run down my spine. What had my parents gotten themselves into? And what did it have to do with me?

As I finished reading the letter, I heard a noise behind me. I turned to see Marco standing in the doorway, a look of... concern on his face.

"Emilia, what are you doing?" he asked, his voice low and smooth.

I felt a surge of fear, but I tried to stay calm. "I was just... looking for something," I said, trying to sound nonchalant.

Marco's eyes narrowed. "What were you looking for, Emilia?" he asked, his voice firm.

I hesitated, unsure of what to say. But then, I remembered the letter. And I knew I had to confront Marco.

"I was looking for the truth," I said, my voice steady. "About my family, and their connection to the De Lucas."

Marco's expression changed, his eyes glinting with... amusement.

"Ah, Emilia," he said, his voice low and smooth. "You're so curious. I like that about you."