For a moment, my anger and frustration melted away, replaced by a strange sense of tenderness. I felt a pang in my chest, a feeling I couldn't quite explain.
But I pushed it aside, keeping my gaze fixed at the window. "Everything I do, Emilia, is to keep you safe," I said quietly, "and I promise to keep you safe, no matter what."
***********
Mia's eyes snapped open as the alarm clock sounded, jolting her awake. She jerked up from the bed, surprised to find herself in the luxurious bedroom. She looked around, trying to remember how she got there. The limo, the argument, Jonathan's words... it all came flooding back.
But why was she wearing a nightie? She could have sworn she was still in the velvet dress. A gasp escaped her lips as she realized someone must have changed her. Jonathan? The thought sent a shiver down her spine.
Just then, Joann walked in, greeting her with a warm smile. "Good morning, Miss Emilia!"
Mia's eyes locked onto the maid, her mind racing with questions. But before she could ask, the maid seemed to read her thoughts.
"And no, Sir Blacksmith didn't change you, Miss," the maid said with a knowing glint in her eye. "I did."
Mia's face flushed with relief, but also a hint of disappointment. She couldn't help but wonder what would have happened if Jonathan had been the one to change her.
"Thank you, Joann," Mia said, trying to sound calm despite her racing thoughts. "I appreciate your help."
Joann nodded and began to help Mia out of bed. "Breakfast will be served shortly, Miss. Shall I help you get ready?"
Mia nodded, still feeling a bit dazed. As Joann helped her into the bathroom, Mia caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Her hair was tangled, and her eyes looked puffy from lack of sleep. She looked like she had been through a storm.
And then there was the nightie. It was soft and silky, but it wasn't hers, she doesn't wear such nightie, She wondered if Jonathan had chosen it for her, and the thought sent another shiver down her spine.
"Joann," Mia said, trying to sound casual, "where's Jonathan?"
Joann's expression turned neutral, but Mia detected a hint of a smile. "I believe he's in his study, Miss. Working on some business matters."
Mia nodded, then in a swift move, she walked out of her room, ignoring Joann's calls as she headed to the one place she was never supposed to be in - the study room. Just as she was a few steps away from the study room, she paused, her determination faltered for a moment. What did she even want to say to Jonathan? She was angry, hella angry, but her mind was a jumble of emotions, and she couldn't form a clear idea, And what are the odds that Jonathan would just ignore her?, like he always do."
But then, her eyes landed on the CCTV camera mounted near the door. A sly smile spread across her face as she realized Jonathan was probably watching her right now. With a defiant glint in her eye, she raised her middle finger at the camera, as if daring Jonathan to keep ignoring her.
"You started this ignoring game, let's see how long your sanity lasts when I begin mine," she said, her voice audible enough for Jonathan to hear, her words laced with venom.
With that, she turned on her heel and walked away.Jonathan's eyes narrowed as he watched her walk away on the CCTV, his grip on his pen tightening.
Mia smiled to herself, a plan forming in her mind. She would show Jonathan that she wouldn't be ignored, and she would start by giving him a taste of his own medicine.
Mia entered her room, closing the door behind her, and began to pace back and forth. Her mind was racing with ideas.
Joann entered the room, looking concerned. "Miss Emilia, what's going on? You know you're not supposed to go to the study room."
Mia stopped pacing and turned to Joann, a sly grin spreading across her face. "I know, Joann. But I'm taking matters into my own hands. I'm tired of being ignored, I need you to do something for me, but first I need to shower" mia said realising she's only wearing a bathroom robe.
Mia headed to the bathroom, her mind still racing with ideas. She quickly showered and changed into a fresh baggy outfit, feeling more determined than ever.
As Mia descended the stairs, she expected a quiet breakfast, but her eyes widened in surprise to find Jonathan already seated at the dining table, his eyes fixed on her. For a moment, she forgot to breathe, her heart racing.
But she quickly masked her surprise with a look of annoyance, striding confidently into the room. She deliberately ignored Jonathan's presence, instead, warmly greeting Sir Gary with a friendly hug.
"Good morning, Sir Gary! I'm so glad to see you!" Mia exclaimed, her voice dripping with sincerity.
Sir Gary, taken aback by the sudden display of affection, patted her back awkwardly. "Ah, good morning, Mia. Lovely to see you."
Mia took her seat, her eyes never meeting Jonathan's, as if he was invisible. Joann entered the room, carrying a tray with Mia's breakfast, and set it down in front of her.
"Thank you, Joann. You're a lifesaver," Mia said, digging into her oatmeal with a renewed sense of determination.
The tension in the room was palpable, with Jonathan's eyes fixed on Mia, his expression unreadable. Sir Gary, sensing the awkwardness, tried to make small talk, but Mia's deliberate ignoring of Jonathan made it clear that she was not interested in playing nice.
Joann, sensing the tension, kept a safe distance, refilling coffee cups and clearing dishes without making eye contact with anyone. The air was thick with unspoken words.
Finally, Mia broke the silence, her voice laced with a hint of sarcasm. "Erm, Sir Gary, isn't it, I don't know, weird for a 19-year-old to be locked up in a luxurious penthouse with no TV, no outdoorsy, and most importantly,", she said as she turned her gaze to Jonathan, her eyes narrowing as she emphasized the last part, her voice dripping with accusation, "No phones".
Sir Gary's eyes darted to Jonathan, who remained stoic, before responding. "Ah, well, miss, you are correct, it is weird. But, considering the circumstances, perhaps it's not so unusual, Miss Emilia"
"Fuck circumstances" Mia snapped, her voice rising. "I just need my phone," she said, her lower lip jutting out in a pout, "any phone, Sir Gary, any kind."
Sir Gary froze with the coffee pot in hand, his eyes fixed on Mia as she whine and pout. Jonathan, seemingly unfazed, took a sip of his coffee before setting the cup down and standing up, his eyes locked intently on Mia. For a moment, they locked gazes, the air thick with tension, before Jonathan turned and walked out of the dining room, leaving Mia seething with frustration and anger.
Mia groaned, her hands clenched into fists, and glared at Sir Gary, who still stood frozen, the coffee pot still clutched in his hand. She turned and stormed out of the room, her footsteps echoing down the hallway as she retreated to the sanctuary of her bedroom.
Sir Gary finally broke out of his trance, setting the coffee pot down on the sideboard with a quiet clink. He let out a deep sigh, his eyes darting between the door Mia had exited and the one Jonathan had walked out of.
"I'll clear the table, Sir," JoAnn said, easing the tension as she began packing and clearing.