Chapter Four:
Liza was startled awake by a sudden burst of light as the curtains were pulled open. She blinked, momentarily , and saw a maid standing by the window, bathing the room in morning sunlight. Another maid placed a tray of breakfast on her bed, offering a quick nod before both maids retreated without a word.
Still groggy, Liza sat up and glanced at the tray, where a bowl of fruits, pastries, and a glass of fresh juice was placed for her. She ate slowly, the rich flavors only a small comfort in this unfamiliar place. Her mind drifted back to the cloudy memory from the night before. Had Theo really been there, or had it all been a strange, weird dream?
Once she finished, she noticed a selection of dresses hanging by the wardrobe. Each one was specifically crafted, clearly designer, with fabrics softer than anything she'd ever worn. She chose a simple yet elegant dress, its fabric more luxurious than anything she'd owned, and slipped into it. She glanced at herself in the mirror, feeling out of place but determined to keep a brave face.
Taking a deep breath, Liza left her room and made her way downstairs, her footsteps echoing through the grand hall. She felt small in the elegance of the mansion, but she held her head high, reminding herself that she wouldn't let this place consume her.
As she entered the living area, her eyes fell on Theo, standing near the large windows. He was dressed sexily in a tailored designer suit, his dark hair slicked back. The morning light caught on his sharp features, giving him an air of elegance mixed with danger.
Theo's eyes shifted to her the moment she stepped into the room, and his lips curled into a smirk, one that held an edge of something hungry and possessive. He took in her appearance, his gaze trailing from her dress to her face with an intensity that made her stomach twist.
"Good morning, Phoenixia," he greeted smoothly, his voice dripping with that sexy aura.
She took a steadying breath, meeting his gaze. "It's Liza," she corrected, her voice firm.
His smirk deepened. "I know what I said."
There was a brief silence, thick with tension. Theo stepped closer, his eyes never leaving hers. "I trust you're getting comfortable here," he said, his tone almost mocking. "I have plans for you, and I'd prefer if you adjusted sooner rather than later."
Liza narrowed her eyes, forcing herself not to look away. "I didn't ask to be here. Whatever you want from me, I'm not interested."
Theo's smirk faltered just slightly, but his eyes glinted with a hint of amusement. "You have spirit. I like that," he said, a note of approval in his voice. "But you'll learn that what I want, I get."
Liza's stubbornness didn't waver, though her heart raced under his piercing gaze. She had no idea what he was planning or why he insisted on calling her Phoenixia, but she knew she couldn't let him see any sign of weakness.
Theo gestured toward the dining room. "Join me," he said, his tone leaving no room for refusal.