Morning Aftermath

Lila’s POV

Sunlight streamed through the thin curtains and hit my face, pulling me out of a restless sleep. Every part of my body felt sore, especially my jaw and knees. Memories from last night flooded back immediately. Theo’s rough grip, the way he used my mouth while Sebastian stood just outside the door. I sat up slowly, rubbing my temples. Shame washed over me like cold water. How could I let this happen? I was supposed to be a journalist, not someone’s secret toy.

I forced myself to get dressed in simple work clothes, jeans and a loose shirt that wouldn’t show any marks. My hands shook a little as I buttoned up. “You can do this, Lila,” I whispered to my reflection in the small mirror. “Just act normal. No one can know.”

Downstairs, the smell of fresh coffee and eggs filled the kitchen. The Vale family and staff were already gathered around the big wooden table. I took a deep breath and walked in, trying to keep my steps steady.

“Good morning, everyone,” I said, aiming for a cheerful tone.

Sebastian looked up from his plate, his eyes softening when they met mine. “Morning, Lila. You slept well, I hope? You seemed a bit tired last night when I checked on you.”

His voice was warm, unusually attentive. He poured me a cup of coffee without asking and slid it across the table. “Here. Strong and black, just how you like it from yesterday.”

I avoided his gaze, focusing on the steam rising from the mug. “Thanks, Sebastian. Yeah, I was just… wrapped up in my notes.” My cheeks felt hot. I could still feel the ghost of Theo’s touch on my lips.

Theo sat across from me, a smirk playing on his face as he took a bite of toast. “You look a little worn out this morning, Lila. Long night?” His eyes held mine for a second too long, full of wicked amusement.

I gripped my fork tighter. “Just adjusting to the early mornings on the vineyard. Nothing I can’t handle.”

Elena, the kind older woman who helped with meals, sat next to me. She placed a gentle hand on my arm for a moment. “Here, dear. Have some eggs. You need your strength for the chores today.” Her voice was soft, and when I glanced at her, she gave me a small, knowing smile. It felt like quiet support, like she sensed something was off but wouldn’t push.

“Thank you, Elena,” I replied, managing a weak smile back. “You’re always looking out for everyone.”

“Of course,” she said, lowering her voice a bit while the others talked. “If you ever need to chat, I’m around. Vineyards can be… intense places.”

Theo chuckled from across the table. “Intense is right. Pass the salt, would you, Lila?”

I handed it over without looking at him directly. Sebastian watched the exchange, his brow slightly furrowed. “Theo, ease up. Lila is our guest and helping with real work. We appreciate her being here.”

Theo shrugged, still smirking. “Just making conversation, Dad. Right, Lila?”

“Yeah,” I muttered, pushing food around my plate. “Conversation.”

Breakfast dragged on with small talk about the weather and upcoming harvest plans. Sebastian kept glancing my way, asking questions like, “How’s the article coming along? Anything interesting from the old records yet?”

“It’s going okay,” I answered, keeping it vague. “Lots to learn about the history here.” Inside, my mind screamed. If only he knew what his son had done last night.

After we finished eating, I helped clear the dishes. Elena pulled me aside in the kitchen while the men stepped out. “You seem distracted, child. Everything alright? Theo giving you trouble?”

I hesitated, then shook my head. “It’s nothing I can’t manage. Thank you, though. It means a lot.”

She nodded, squeezing my hand. “Just remember, you’re stronger than you think. Now go on with those chores.”

The morning sun felt warm on my skin as I headed out to the vineyard rows. My body protested with every bend and lift, but I pushed through, tying vines and clearing small weeds. The work helped clear my head a little. During a short break, I slipped behind an old shed and pulled out the ledger page I’d hidden. The numbers stared back at me big transfers from years ago, all linked to the Vale family accounts. What had my grandmother been involved in? It looked like more than simple wages. Maybe payments for silence or some kind of partnership?

I tucked it away safely and pulled out my phone to make quick notes. “Focus on the article,” I told myself. But as I started typing, my fingers wandered. Instead of vineyard techniques, I wrote about Sebastian’s strong hands guiding mine yesterday, the low rumble of his voice when he explained the grapes. The way his attention made me feel seen. Safe, even. “Stop it, Lila,” I whispered, deleting a line. This was dangerous territory.

A text buzzed on my phone. It was from Theo. “Last night was fun. Don’t forget who you answer to now.”

My stomach twisted. This was my chance. I hit record on the voice memo app quickly, then typed a reply to keep him talking. “What do you want from me, Theo? This has to stop.”

His response came fast. “It stops when I say. Meet me later if you know what’s good for you. Or should I share our video with dear old Dad?”

I kept the recording going, capturing the threatening words. My first small act of resistance. The file saved safely on my phone, hidden in a locked folder. It wasn’t much, but it felt like something. Proof. Maybe I could use it one day.

Julian walked by carrying tools, his easy smile breaking the tension. “Hey, Lila! Looking good out here. Need a hand with that row?”

I straightened up, brushing dirt from my jeans. “Sure, Julian. These vines are trickier than they look.”

He grinned and stepped closer, showing me a better way to secure a loose branch. “There, like that. You’ve got natural talent. Most city girls wouldn’t last a day out here.”

“Thanks,” I said with a light laugh. “Flattery will get you everywhere. Or at least help me not embarrass myself.”

He chuckled. “Seriously though, if you want a break later, I know a quiet spot with the best view of the hills. No pressure, just… company.”

His light flirting felt normal, nice even. A tiny breath of fresh air in this mess. “Maybe sometime. Right now, I need to finish these notes.”

“Anytime,” he replied, winking before heading off.

Back in my room during a short midday break, I tried again to draft proper article notes. The laptop screen glowed as I typed. “The Blackthorn Estates vineyard represents generations of tradition…” But my mind drifted. I found myself describing Sebastian’s hands again, rough from work yet gentle when he touched my shoulder yesterday. His voice, deep and steady, like it could calm any storm. I deleted the lines quickly, cheeks burning. “This is not what the article needs,” I scolded myself.

Another text came through. This time, it was a screenshot from the video Theo had taken. My face was clear in it, on my knees. The message followed right after: “Tool shed after lunch. Don’t make me wait, or everyone sees this.”

My hands went cold. The soreness from last night flared up again as fear mixed with dread. I stared at the phone, heart pounding. Theo wasn’t going to let up. And with Sophia back, arguing with Sebastian about “the girl” last night, things felt even more dangerous.

I deleted the screenshot but kept the earlier recording safe. What choice did I have? If I didn’t go, he might ruin everything.