Chapter Two:
The car slowed to a halt in front of a luxurious mansion, and Liza could hardly believe her eyes. The grand structure loomed over her, its marble pillars and elegant windows casting long shadows in the evening light. It was nothing like her family's small home. The vastness made her feel as if she were stepping into an entirely different world.
Theo stepped out of the car and gestured for her to follow, his expression unreadable. As she approached the grand entrance, the enormous wooden doors swung open, and almost forty maids appeared, standing in perfect formation. They bowed slightly, their voices a soft murmur in respect
"Welcome, Miss," they greeted.
Liza barely had time to react before she felt strong arms wrap around her from behind. She stiffened as Theo's grip pulled her close, his voice a low murmur in her ear.
"Missed you, Phoenixia," he said, his tone soft but unsettling.
Phoenixia? Liza froze, unfamiliar with the name but feeling oddly affected by it. She tried to turn to look at him, but Theo only tightened his hold for a moment before releasing her. She spun around, her face a mixture of confusion and frustration.
"My name's Liza," she said, feeling a little edge in her voice. "Why are you calling me that?"
Theo's eyes held a flicker of amusement, but he didn't answer. Instead, he brushed past her, gesturing for her to follow him inside. Liza hesitated, part of her wanting to demand answers, but the sheer intimidation of his presence held her silent.
They walked down a long hallway decorated with elegant chandeliers, polished wood floors, and walls lined with portraits of people she didn't recognize. Theo led her to a dining room where a grand table was set for two, the delicate china and polished silverware sparkling in the candlelight.
"Sit," he instructed, his voice calm but commanding.
Liza reluctantly took her seat, her eyes darting around the room. She could feel Theo's gaze on her, watchful, almost studying her reaction to this strange new world.
"Why did you take me from my family?" she finally asked, the frustration breaking through her fear.
Theo regarded her quietly, his expression unreadable. "Because," he said, his tone flat, "your life with them is over. You'll live here now."
The finality in his words made her chest tighten. "But… what do you want from me?" she pressed, hoping for something—anything—that would make sense of all this.
Theo's face softened slightly, though his expression remained distant. "For now, just get used to things here. I'll explain more when the time comes."
Frustrated, Liza looked away, her fists clenched under the table. She didn't know why he insisted on calling her Phoenixia or what he expected her to become in this house, but she knew one thing: she wouldn't just accept it.
She glanced back at Theo, her gaze steady and cold. She didn't know who he thought she was or why he called her by that name, but she wasn't going to let him decide her life without a fight.
.