Chapter 4 Dinner

As I lay on the bed, I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. The room was stunning, but the circumstances surrounding my presence here were far from ideal.

Ryder's words echoed in my mind: "In here, you are nobody to me. Don't stick your nose in my business and stay out of my way." I shuddered at the memory of his cold tone. But as I gazed around the room, I realized that this could be an opportunity. A chance to start anew, to leave my past behind. I sighed, knowing I had to focus on the task at hand, Impressing Ryder's business partners and maintaining this charade.

Sighing I got up from the extra soft bed and began unpacking, placing few of my personal stuffs in the room, As I unpacked my belongings, I noticed the few items Rachel has packed too, like My favorite coffee mug, a framed photo of Sarah, and a bouquet of fresh flowers all brought a smile to my face. I spent the afternoon arranging my clothes, books, and personal items, slowly making the space feel more mine.

I was just adding the finishing touches to the room when a soft knock on the door interrupted my train of thoughts.

"Come in." I called out.

A young girl if about 19 walked into the room,

"Miss, I was told to come and let you know that dinner is ready." She said, in the softest voice.

"Let me shower, I'll come right down."

She smiled and exited the room. Looking at my phone it was 6pm already, I rushed into the bathroom, willing myself not to get distracted by the beauty of it, I have any other day to explore, I told myself, hurting out of the shower. Dressed in my most comfortable night wear, I made my way downstairs, following the sound of laughter and chatter. James greeted me with a warm smile and introduced me to the staff. There was Maria, the stylist; Thomas, the chef; and Emma, the housekeeper.

The girl that came to my room just sat at the table staring at me, probably judging me.

"um....this is my daughter, Elizabeth." Emma said, following my thoughts, " she's on a break from college"

"oh, that's nice," I smiled.

They welcomed me with open arms, and for a moment, I felt like part of the family. Dinner was a lively affair, with conversation flowing easily. But I couldn't shake off the feeling that Ryder was watching me, even though he wasn't present.

Guilt ate at the back of my mind, here I was smiling and having dinner while my baby sister was in the hospital barely breathing. I made a mental note to speak to Ryder tomorrow so I can speak with her doctor and have the surgery scheduled but right now I needed to sleep.

As the evening drew to a close, I excused myself to retire to my room. As I reached the door, I heard footsteps behind me.

"Emily," James called out. I turned to see him approaching me with a concerned expression. "Ryder wants to see you in his study. He says it's urgent."

My heart sank.

What does he want again?

I followed James to Ryder's study, my heart racing with anticipation. The study was a sprawling space with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and a massive mahogany desk. Ryder sat behind the desk, his eyes fixed on me as I entered.

"Thank you, James," he dismissed his assistant. James nodded and left, closing the door behind him. Ryder's gaze lingered on me, his expression unreadable.

"Emily, I trust you're settling in well?" he asked, his tone neutral. I nodded, feeling a sense of trepidation.

"Yes, thank you. The room is beautiful."

Ryder leaned back in his chair, stippling his fingers. "I've received some concerns from my business partners," he said, his voice measured. "They're curious about our relationship."

My heart skipped a beat. "What do you want me to do?" I asked, trying to sound calm.

Ryder leaned forward, his eyes locking onto mine."I want you to convince them that our engagement is genuine."

I swallowed hard. "How?"

Ryder's gaze narrowed. "Just follow my lead tomorrow, and try not to argue with me in front of them."

I rolled my eyes, "you really think I didn't get the message earlier? I scoffed.

"Just a gently reminder," he said, his gaze still on me.

Something about the way he looked at me made my insides jump.

Clearing my throat, I hugged the robe around me tighter "I need to go to bed, if you would excuse me mr Blackwood."

I turned to leave

"Ryder" he said, stopping me in my tracks. "What?" I faced him.

"Tomorrow you'll call me Ryder, not Mr Blackwood, that's too formal.

"Got it," I nodded and turned back around to leave.

"Emily." He called again,

Seems like he is out for me tonight, I rolled my eyes and sighed "what again?"

"Don't forget to wear the necklace I gave you tomorrow."

I nodded and left the room that was becoming increasingly hot.

I hurried back to my room, closing the door behind me, my face was red from embarrassment.

What was that about?

I rushed to my bathroom pouring cold water over my face until I cooled down. I went back to my room, hitting the bed.

My phone rang just as my eyes were about closing

"Hey Em, how is it going?" Rachel's voice carried over the phone.

" I'm good, just about to head to bed. Did you go to the hospital today?"

"Yeah I did, Sarah asked of you. Told her you went on a business trip."

Closing my eyes I sighed, " I'll come by next week, we have to schedule her surgery with the doctors."

There was a pause at the end of the phone "'Em.. really are you okay?" Rachel asked again.

I smiled even though o know she could see me. "I'm good, I just need to get used to the whole situation. This is a very big change for me."

"Alright then I'll call you in the morning."

"Sure."

"Good night."

My eyes were already closing before the phone left my ear. It's been a very long day