Chapter 4 Encounter

Emily looked surprised at the man's words but didn't dare to ask. Seeing Emily's silence, the man walked away. After a while, Emily walked into her new room. She was stunned when she saw a large room with a luxurious interior. It starkly contrasted the rest of the building Emily had seen. Not only is the design elegant but so is the entire content.

"This room looks more like a five-star hotel," Emily muttered in surprise.

She walked around and found that the room walls were lined with ample wardrobes filled with luxury items ranging from bags, shoes, clothes, make-up kits, perfumes, jewellery and who knows what else. "Who is the fool who throws money at all these insignificant extravagances?"

Not long after, there was a knock on her bedroom door. A young girl dressed as a maid holding a food tray stepped in.

"I came to deliver food, Miss," said the girl as she put the tray on the small table near the sofa. Then, the girl said, "Mrs Martha ordered you to be prepared."

"Preparing for what?" implored Emily.

"Mr Harrison wants to meet you at dinner tonight." Slowly the girl pointed at the items along the wall. "You can use all the things in this room, a change of clothes over there, shoes and bags over there."

Emily could only nod, listening to the girl's explanation. She felt awkward dealing with others after being cooped up alone for a week. There was no communication with Emily, either in person or via cell phone. She never saw her bag containing her cell phone, wallet, and other essential items. Maybe it was confiscated on purpose so Emily couldn't seek help.

"Is there anything you want to ask?"

Emily stared doubtfully, then asked, "Who owns this house?"

Instead of answering, the maid left Emily with unanswered questions. Her curiosity grew even more, thinking about the actual owner of this house. However, instead of being prepared like the girl's advice, Emily chose to sit daydreaming on the room's balcony.

It was already evening, but Emily still didn't move from there. Suddenly she felt a tap on the shoulder. Emily was so shocked and almost screamed. She turned her head quickly and found a gentle-looking middle-aged woman. The woman gave an amiable smile.

"You still aren't prepared yet, Miss" The woman looked slightly worried at the thought that Emily might be late for dinner. "It's almost time for dinner now, and you must come down soon. Why aren't you ready yet?"

"Who are you?" Emily asked carefully.

The woman smiled kindly, then answered politely, "I'm Martha, the head housekeeper here, Miss."

Emily nodded slightly. Inwardly she was relieved to meet this kind and motherly figure.

"Then let me help you get ready." Martha walked over to the wardrobe, opened it, and started choosing clothes for Emily.

Of the many clothes that Martha chose, none of them Emily liked. Everything is too posh and open. Very inappropriate for her.

Finally, Emily came closer and asked hesitantly, "Can I make my choice, Ma'am?"

Martha nodded. "Please choose the one you like."

Emily's eyes traced the rows of evening gowns. She can't understand why dress up if you're only going to meet the house owner. Finally, Emily saw an adorable white dress. The simplest clothes she found among the rows of clothes. Emily immediately made a choice and took it.

Martha was quite surprised to see Emily's choice. Mr Finn's favourite dress.

"Sweet dress, Miss. Beautiful and simple like you," said Martha. "Do you need my help to dress up?"

Emily shook her head slowly. "I'll get ready myself, Ma'am."

Emily felt there was no need to dress up and grumbled. I'm not some slut willing to tease the older man who owns this house!

Ten minutes later, Emily looked at herself in the mirror. She feels her look is enough without the make-up or hairdo.

As she exited the room, Emily was a little nervous about the person she would meet. What is the figure of the owner of this house? Was it a pot-bellied bald older man or a scary-looking man with a hunched body and a hideous stare? Various terrible images haunt Emily's mind.

Emily steeled herself as she descended the stairs and headed for the dining room. He must be prepared for the nightmare that awaits her.

At the dinner table, Finn waited impatiently. This man is not used to waiting. When he heard the sound of closing footsteps, Finn immediately looked at Emily. At that moment, Finn gasped.

Emily's fair appearance took Finn by surprise. He wasn't used to seeing looks this natural. The sweet white dress perfectly wrapped Emily's tiny body, covering her ankles to the limit. The high-necked, sleeveless dress exposed Emily's pure white skin.

Finn examined Emily's face, who stood stiffly before him and talked to himself. Why did she choose this dress? The last dress that woman wore before leaving me.

"Sit down!" Finn's tone was far from friendly.

Emily sat up with her head still bowed. The girl had no intention of looking up or speaking to Finn sitting on her right.

"How long will you look at that table?" Finn asked coldly. He was getting impatient to see Emily silent. "All these dishes are getting cold."

Finn wanted to finish dinner quickly and then go to bed. He could have eaten dinner alone without inviting the girl, but Finn couldn't bear to ignore Emily too. Sooner or later, he will have to face their encounter.

However, Emily still did not dare to look up. He just sat uneasily and kept silent. A second later, Finn's hand reached out to Emily and lifted the girl's chin. Like it or not, Emily had to stare at Finn.

"I don't like being ignored," Finn said coolly. "When I talk to you, look at me and answer my questions."

Finn's sudden touch made Emily startle and dare not move.

Seeing Emily still, Finn continued again, "If I ask you to talk, look at me and respond to my questions."

Slowly, Emily turns her head. That time, she was surprised. There was no old, balding, fat man like she had imagined.

***