Chapter 3

Chapter Three

Emilia pov

Isabella! 

That name kept ringing in my ears, what she said about her and Lucas, she called me a toy. The ride to Lucas' penthouse was calm and quiet as we did not talk much with each other. 

I kept my eyes facing the window as I watched the car go by. We arrived in the most expensive neighborhood in the city where the rent cost an arm and a leg to get.

As we slowly rode into the apartment complex, I was in awe of the design. This was twice the size of my own apartment. The car stopped, and I could see the large amount of guards that were all around.

The car door was opened by the security team and I got down from the car still looking around. Lucas got down from the car also and walked into the apartment.

“Welcome back” a young man greeted but Lucas did not respond as he walked past him. 

“Rude!” I said to myself, giving the guy an awkward smile, I quickly followed Lucas into the elevator that took us up to the penthouse. 

When we got to the house I was awestruck again. I felt like piece of garbage, standing inside this house.

Just then I heard his voice, “Edward, to my study!“ Lucas said and he matched inside as the guy who followed us, trailed behind him.

I kept looking around the living room, the beautiful furnishings, the spectacular decor and a perfect view of the city.

“Good day ma!” I heard a voice, I turned to see a girl my age in a maid outfit.

“Hey! I’m Emilia” I responded back to her greetings with a smile.

“I'm Jesse, I'm going to be at your service while you stay here.” She said professionally, “If you would follow me, I would show you to your bedroom.” She turned to her heels and began walking into the house. I just followed, looking at every piece of decoration as we move through. 

She opened a door wide and stepped in, “Miss Emilia, this would be your living quarters.” Jesse said to me. My mouth opened in surprise again, the room was bigger than my apartment. I walked into the modestly decorated room which was well cleaned.

“I hope you find everything to your liking. Your bags would be delivered soon and dinner would be brought up.” Jesse said to me 

“Thank you, Jesse I appreciate it!” I said to her, she bows and walks out

As Jesse closed the door behind her, I exhaled deeply, trying to make sense of everything. I was standing in this beautiful room that was far beyond what I’d ever imagined for myself, and yet, I felt so out of place. My mind kept replaying Isabella’s words, the venom in her voice when she called me Lucas’s “toy.” I couldn’t shake it off—it stung more than I wanted to admit.

I wandered around the room, running my fingers over the furnishings, wondering how I had ended up here. What was I doing in Lucas’s world, one filled with luxury, power, and secrets I barely understood? It felt surreal, like I was playing a part in a life that wasn’t mine.

A soft knock at the door broke my thoughts. I turned to see Jesse poking her head in.

“Miss Emilia, Mr. Lucas requests your presence in the dining room for dinner,” she said with a polite smile. “Shall I guide you there?”

I nodded, suddenly feeling nervous. “Yes, thank you.”

As I followed Jesse down the hallway, I couldn’t help but admire the artwork lining the walls, each piece seemingly worth a fortune. It was like walking through a museum, and yet, I couldn’t forget why I was here—or rather, who I was here with. Lucas. The thought of sitting across from him at dinner made my heart race with a mixture of excitement and fear.

When we reached the dining room, I was greeted by the sight of a long, elegantly set table, with Lucas already seated at the head, scrolling through his phone. He looked up as I entered, his gaze piercing as usual, making me feel instantly self-conscious.

“Emilia,” he said, gesturing to the chair across from him. “Sit.”

I nodded and took my seat, glancing at the beautifully plated dishes in front of us. The aroma was intoxicating, and my stomach growled, reminding me that I hadn’t eaten all day. But the tension in the room was palpable, making it hard to focus on the food.

Lucas seemed to sense my discomfort and leaned back, studying me with that unreadable expression of his.

“Isabella… she upset you,” he said finally, his voice calm but laced with an edge.

I hesitated, not sure how much to reveal. “She… said some things that were hard to hear.”

He smirked, the hint of a dark amusement flashing in his eyes. “Isabella’s words are poison, Emilia. She’s used to manipulating people, but I didn’t bring you here to be her plaything.”

I swallowed, unsure how to respond. “Then… why did you bring me here, Lucas? What am I to you?”

For a brief moment, a flicker of something vulnerable crossed his face, but it vanished as quickly as it came. He leaned forward, his eyes holding mine in an intense gaze.

“You’re here to be protected from begin killed due to the mess your boss had cause, Emilia. And that should be enough,” he said, his voice softer now but no less commanding.

The way he looked at me made my breath hitch, as if he could see past every wall I’d ever put up. I wanted to understand him, to see beyond his cold exterior, but I wasn’t sure if he’d ever let me in.

Our conversation was interrupted as the waitstaff began serving the food. Silence filled the room again as we ate, each bite a reminder of the world Lucas belonged to—one that was far from my own.

After dinner, Lucas stood up, nodding at me. “Get some rest, Emilia. We have a busy day tomorrow.”

I blinked, surprised. “What’s happening tomorrow?”

He smirked, a glint of mystery in his eyes. “You’ll find out.”

Without another word, he turned and strode out of the dining room, leaving me alone with a million unanswered questions.

As I made my way back to my room, my mind raced, trying to piece together the puzzle that was Lucas. Despite everything, I couldn’t deny the pull I felt toward him—an attraction that terrified me as much as it thrilled me.

Back in my room, I changed into the comfortable clothes Jesse had laid out for me and curled up on the massive bed. Thoughts of Lucas, of Isabella’s venomous words, and of the strange world I now found myself swirled in my head.

Eventually, exhaustion took over, and I drif

ted off, knowing that whatever awaited me tomorrow would be anything but ordinary.