Chapter 006

As I made what seemed like the hundredth adjustment to the hem of her dress, I urged Mia to remember to smile. Unable to believe she was about to go into the opulent world of the Rowlands, she stood in front of the mirror, staring at her reflection with wide eyes.

With wonder in her voice, Mia muttered, "I can't believe this is my life now."

I let out a sigh, thinking I could somehow ease her burden. It was unfair. Mia was only a young child, caught up in the mayhem I had voluntarily entered.

My hand touched her shoulder. "I understand, but Mia, you're strong. Additionally, you'll leave a lasting impression.

Her mouth quivered a little. "I don’t know if I can do this…"

I gave her a little, reassuring grin and nodded. "You've completed it already. You simply aren't aware of it yet."

I observed that Mia appeared to get taller with each step as we made our way down the grand staircase of the Rowling estate, her posture becoming somewhat more erect. She was undoubtedly anxious, yet a quiet confidence was growing within her. The mansion was a flurry of activity as we entered the large entryway. The spacious hallways reverberated with the sounds of faraway conversations and the elegant movements of the staff.

Mia's blue eyes widened with anticipation as she gazed up at me. "This place is... beautiful."

I answered quietly, "I know," but I couldn't help but feel guilty. Even if the mansion was beautiful, it couldn't make up for what had happened or would happen. Because of me and the sacrifice I made, we are here. And Mia was still unaware of its full scope.

The chef and a few employees gave us a hearty welcome as we made our way to the kitchen. As they started talking, asking her about her day and putting her at ease, Mia's countenance brightened. Mia responded with an irresistible charm and showed no signs of shyness.

A middle-aged woman with gentle eyes said, "You must be Mia," one of the staff members. "I’ve heard so much about you."

Mia reddened. "I didn’t think anyone would know who I was."

"We certainly do. The woman grinned and added, "We've been waiting for you." "It’s a pleasure to finally meet you."

Mia returned the smile, her cheeks flushed at the praise. I couldn't help but observe, experiencing an odd mix of pride and grief. Mia was very lively and innocent. She was unaware of the kind of life she was about to enter or what I was giving up for her.

Another employee remarked, "Your sister is a wonderful young lady," as she placed a tray of refreshments down.

I gave a small smile while continuing to stare at Mia, who was now laughing with the crew. Her presence brought light and warmth to the otherwise impersonal and chilly surroundings.

Then I sensed it. The change in the atmosphere. A faint strain.

When I looked up, he was there.

Rowling, Mike.

His look was impenetrable as he stood in the kitchen doorway, watching Mia. His fascination was evident from the way his gaze followed her every motion. With his arms folded across his chest, he leaned against the doorframe and observed the sight in front of him.

With the weight of the situation bearing down on me, I took a deep breath. I was reminded for the first time in what seemed like forever how much control Mike had over every aspect of my life. Even though he was silent, his imposing presence made his silence appear more powerful than any words.

Mia appeared preoccupied with her conversation with the staff and failed to notice him right away. However, I did. And I couldn't help but worry a little.

"Mike," I forced myself to say, sounding much more composed than I actually was. "This is Mia."

Mike's lips formed a tight line as his eyes shifted from Mia to me. He appeared to be considering approaching her for a brief minute before uncrossing his arms and entering the room.

When Mia heard his footsteps, she turned and grinned broadly at him. "Hi," she said, her cheeks flushed from the attention, her voice a bit too eager. "I’m Mia."

Mike looked at her for a second, his eyes softening slightly, and then he nodded slightly. "Mike," he said in a short voice. "It’s nice to meet you."

A strange pause occurred, and neither of them acknowledged the tension that hung between them. It was slight yet unmistakable, like a thread straining between them. Mike's eyes passed over her briefly and lingered a bit longer than was required. It was more than merely a host or a random person's attention. Something that unnerved me.

At last, Mike replied, "I see you’ve made yourself at home," in a tone that was neutral but had a hint of something I couldn't quite identify.

With an unwavering smile, Mia nodded. "Everyone’s been so nice."

Mike's eyes narrowed a little, and I could sense how intently he was looking at me again. It seemed as though everything around us vanished for a brief instant. The home and the servants vanished into the distance. I felt my stomach turn just from the weight of his gaze.

"Good," he replied softly, with a touch of something icy undertone in his voice. "I’ll leave you to it, then."

With deliberate steps, he turned and left. The tension between us was something Mia appeared to have missed entirely. She grinned back at me, clearly enjoying the cordial greeting she had gotten.

"Have you noticed that? "Mike is... nice," she said in a positive tone.

I nodded, but my thoughts were elsewhere. I wasn't comfortable with Mike's mannerisms or his keen attention to Mia. Normally, he was so aloof and unattached. Now, though? Something flickered now, something I couldn't quite make out.

After Mia had moved into her new room that evening, I couldn't get rid of the uneasy feeling I had. I gazed out at the expansive estate from the window. The surroundings appeared serene, and the sky was dark, but I was anything but.

The sound of footsteps then reached my ears. A door opens.

Mike.

He was approaching the stairway when I turned, just in time. For a brief moment, his eyes locked with mine, and it felt like an electrical shock went through us both. Before continuing up the steps and out of sight, he paused, his eyes lingering just a bit too long.

I was at a loss for what to think.

What was going on between Mike and Mia was unknown to me.

Whatever it was, though, it was enough to have my heart pounding and my mind racing.

And I heard it, the smallest sound, as I was ready to turn away from the window. A voice, then a door opening. Mia's voice was heard.

She wasn't alone, though.