Chapter 3 An Evening At The Estate

I ended the call with Ryder, feeling a mix of emotions. My phone buzzed with an incoming text from Ryder.

"Tomorrow's event details:

Time: 8 PM

Location: The Grand Ballroom

Attire: Formal

Arrival: 7:30 PM sharp

Be ready."

I took a deep breath, resting back on my chair, Rachel walked into my office, concern etched on her face."Em, are you okay? You look pale."

"I'm fine," I reassured her. "Just nervous about tomorrow." Rachel nodded. "You'll do great. Just remember, it's all an act."

I forced a smile. That night, I hardly slept, my mind racing with thoughts of Ryder and our impending public appearance. The Next Morning, Ryder's staff arrived promptly at 9 AM to assist with my relocation. I watched as they efficiently packed my belongings. As I handed over my keys, a pang of sadness hit me.

Was I losing myself in this arrangement? Upon arriving at Ryder's estate, I was struck by its grandeur. The opulent decor and manicured lawns overwhelmed me. Ryder greeted me formally, his expression unreadable."Welcome to your new home, Emily."

I nodded, still taking in my surroundings.

Ryder handed me a small, intricately designed box

."A gift," he said. "For tomorrow night."

I opened the box, revealing a stunning diamond necklace. "Mr Blackwood, it's beautiful," I said, eyeing the piece of jewelry in my hand. why is he gifting me things already? Ryder's gaze softened slightly. "Wear it tomorrow. It will complement your dress."

For a moment, I saw a glimmer of kindness in his eyes, but it vanished as quickly as it appeared.

"Shall we review tomorrow's schedule?" Ryder asked, his tone back to business. I nodded, steeling myself for the evening ahead.

" Tomorrow, I'll introduce you as my fiancée," he started. "There'll be a lot of high society men and women and mostly especially, my business partners, so ensure that you are on your best behavior." He said, in a rather admonishing tune. I furrowed my brows, " I'm not a child, Mr Blackwood. Don't treat me like one." I stated, anger cussing through me. Just because i agreed to this arrangement doesn't give him the right to talk to me like that.

"Right, I'll keep that in mind." He grunted.

"Look, if you want this to work, you better act the part." I said, my heart beating fast against my skin as I walked up to him. " I'm not one of those girls that throw themselves at you. I only agreed to this because of my sister's health" I added, looking him dead in the eye.

Slightly bending his head to the side, a small smile appeared on his lips, while he stared at me like I was some clown. "We'll see about that," he said and turned around.

I hated him already, I rolled my eyes at his back.

"Emily," he called standing at the doorway "a few reminders," he said, his eyes scanning me." Smile, but not too much. Laugh, but not too loudly. And under no circumstances, speak about our arrangement."

I swallowed, feeling a mix of nerves and annoyance. What the hell is wrong with him?!

Walking back up to me, he handed me a small card. "Your script for the evening. Memorize it."

I scanned the card, "what is this? A movie?" He ignored me, looking for a reaction on my face. My heart sank but I masked my emotions like I always did. "This is a lot to remember," I protested, glancing through the notes on the card.

Ryder's expression turned cold. "You'll manage. The staffs will show you to your room." He turned and started walking, pausing halfway and spoke " In here, you are nobody to me. Don't stick your nose in my business and stay out of my way. Then we'll be fine." He said, in a cold voice and walked out.

I bit my lower lips to restrict myself from screaming. "Breathe Emily, just breathe." I said, calming myself down.

"Miss?" A bulky looking Man.....boy?, called from my side.

"Yeah?" I eyed him. Damn! he was tall.

"I'm James, if you need anything let me know but for now, allow me to show you your room."

I'm sure he saw the hesitation on my face, when he smiled. It looked weird.

"I'm not going to kill You, so just follow me." He said.

"How old are you?" I asked, "sorry I can't help it, you look so young yet...." I drilled off, mentally face palming myself, just great Emily.

He smiled again. "I get that a lot, I'm 23,"

"Ohh, aren't you supposed to be in like college or what?"

"No, I finished school quite fast, so here I am." He shrugged.

"Here you are" I nodded, looking up at him.

"This way miss," he said, dragging my suitcase with him.

"Oh, please just call me Emily. I sound old when you say miss."

He just smiled in response and walked into an Elevator.

Well I'll be dammed. The house has an elevator in it. For someone who works so much, Mr Blackwood sure is lazy to take the stairs. I stood in silence as the elevator dinged and opened up. The house was absolutely massive,I followed James, down the hallway and we turned left.

"This will be your wing, anything you want is right here. And across to the right is Mr Blackwood's wing, I'm sure he's giving you a lecture of boundaries." James said, pointing over at the other end of the hallway.

I rolled my eyes, "He is an asshole,"

"Yeah he gets like that sometimes."

We stopped in front of a door, and James pulled out a set of keys and pushed one in the key whole and turned it.

"This will be your room miss." He said, opening the door,

"James, what did I say about names." I said, giving him the look.

"Oh right, I'm sorry..... Em... Emily." He stuttered,

I side stepped him and walked into the room. My eyes widened in disbelief, The room was enormous! It was literally my whole apartment. I walked in, the room enveloped me in its soft, golden glow, like a warm whisper on a summer evening. Creamy hues danced across the walls, complemented by the rich, dark wood accents that lined the floor and furniture. Plush carpets, woven with delicate patterns, cushioned my footsteps, while the subtle scent of fresh flowers wafted through the air. The furniture, a masterful blend of elegance and comfort, invited relaxation. Velvet drapes, adorned with intricate embroidery, framed the windows, filtering the sunlight and casting delicate shadows on the walls.A stunning crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, its facets reflecting the soft light and casting tiny rainbows across the room. The overall effect was one of understated opulence, a serene sanctuary that cradled me in its beauty.

"It's beautiful, isn't it." James asked from behind.

I nodded, words couldn't form in my throat. I walked to the sliding glass doors and and opened it walking out to the private balcony, it was offering breathtaking views of the estate's gardens, pool, and surrounding landscape. A comfortable seating area and delicate ironwork railing made it the perfect spot to enjoy a morning coffee or evening cocktail. There was a soft scent of flowers below that the air carried across.

"It's Amazing." I whispered.

"I'm glad you like it." James said, "I'll leave you to settle in, dinner is by 7pm It can either be brought to you or you can come down for it so I can introduce you to the rest of the staffs."

"I'll be down." I smiled, turning to him.

"Great, see you soon Emily." He said and walked out of the room, closing the door behind him leaving me alone in my very own castle.

I fluffed down on the bed, it is so soft! I guess this arrangement wouldn't be so bad.

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