Chapter 4. My New Bedroom

*Julliane *

"This will be your new room from now on, Julie."

Mister Dankworth opened one of the rooms on the upper floor of the Magnolia Manor. When he pushed the door open, I was taken aback by the sight before me. The room was stunning.

I stepped inside slowly, my eyes scanning the soft off-white wallpaper with its delicate floral patterns. A single brass bed stood by the window, dressed in pastel-pink sheets with ruffled edges that gave it a dainty, almost doll-like charm. A built-in closet stood neatly to the left, and in the corner, a vanity with pink accents and a mirror framed with carved roses caught the light from the tall windows. Everything about the room felt like a page from a fairy tale.

Mister Dankworth gave me a warm smile.

“This room would have been my daughter's, if I'd ever had one. But fate had other plans. Now that you're part of our family, Julie, this room is yours."

I smiled up at him, still a little stunned. "It's beautiful, Mister Dankworth."

He chuckled gently.

“Please, if 'Dad' feels strange to you for now, just call me Uncle. You're part of this family, Julie, and that's what matters."

"Thank you so much... Uncle," I replied, my voice soft.

Behind us, my mother entered the room, her arms crossed as she slowly surveyed the space. Her voice broke the tender moment.

"Oh my, how lucky you are, Julliane. This must be the first time you've ever had a room this spacious and luxurious." She gave a sharp little laugh. "And to think, you were hesitating to come with me. Look at you now."

There was a bite of sarcasm in her voice that made my face flush with embarrassment. I glanced at Mister Dankworth, unsure of what to say.

But he merely smiled and reached out to tap my mother's shoulder. "Darling, your daughter deserves the best. Just like you do. We're one family now, and I'm happy she likes the room."

He looked at me kindly, and my mother's expression shifted as she clung to his arm.

"Come on, Primo. Weren't you going to show me around the rest of the villa?"

He nodded, then turned back to me. "Julie, if you need anything, just call for Carmen or Sophia downstairs. They're the live-in housekeepers, and they'd be happy to help you unpack." His eyes move to my luggage which I haven't opened yet.

I shook my head quickly. "Oh no, Uncle, that's okay. I don't have much. I can manage on my own. But thank you."

As they left, my mother gave me one last look, sharp and unreadable. A silent message passed in her eyes. You owe me. Then she turned and followed Mister Dankworth out, heels clicking softly down the hallway.

I sat down on the edge of the bed, taking in the soft scent of lavender that seemed to linger in the air. It was beautiful, and it had everything I could ever need. But despite the comfort around me, there was still an emptiness in my chest I couldn't shake. I sighed.

"So, you and your mother don't get along, huh?"

I looked up, startled. Leaning against the doorframe was the tall figure of Mister Dankworth’s oldest son. Lance? I mentioned his name inside my head. He had a strong build, sharp features, and a gaze that made it feel like he could read your every thought. He was even more intimidating up close.

"You think you'll be able to blend into this family when you can't even get along with your own mother?" he asked, arms crossed over his chest. "I've been listening since we left the airport. She talked about you the whole ride here but it was nothing that could be brag about."

I frowned, unsure of what to say, or what he wanted from me.

"Tell me, Julie," he continued, stepping a little closer, "are you one of those problem kids? Is that why she can't stand you? Because honestly, your mother seems like a decent person. I haven't seen my dad this happy in years. Maybe the problem isn't her but it's you."

His words stung more than I wanted to admit. His dark eyes seemed to look right through me, and for a moment, I struggled to find my voice.

"I'm glad you think she's sweet, Lance," I said finally, steadying my tone. I found it hard to even mention his name.

“If you and Darren treat her kindly, that's enough to make me happy. She might look like the perfect woman on the outside, but... she's not like that with me."

He tilted his head, as if studying me for signs of deceit.

"Oh, really? And what about you, Juliane? Are you going to be sweet here? Because I am different from my brother who is friendly, even with strangers. But me? I don't trust easily. You won't fool me."

There was something cold in his voice, something that sent a chill down my spine. But I met his gaze, even though my hands were shaking slightly.

"I'll do my best not to disappoint my mother... or Mister Dankworth. Whether or not you're friendly, I'll still respect you and your family. You welcomed me into your home, and I won't forget that."

I walked over to the window and drew back the curtains. The view was breathtaking, rolling gardens and distant hills under a soft golden sky. The breeze that flowed in was cool and clean, washing away some of the tension in my chest.

I could feel Lance's gaze on my back, unmoving. I hadn't heard him leave, which meant he was still watching me. It give me little shivers at the back of my neck and my heart beating rapidly, for reasons that I can't figure out why.

Mustering my courage I turned back to him with a gentle smile. "Do you need anything else from me, Lance?"

His eyes widened slightly, as though my calmness and the sweet smile on my lips surprised him. For a moment, he just stared, his eyes flicking from my face to my lips, and then, without a word, he turned and walked away.

I stood by the window for a moment longer, watching the breeze ripple through the trees. I knew this new life wouldn't be easy. But I also knew I wasn't the scared little girl my mother used to control. Not anymore. However, I am not sure how to deal with him, Lance.