Chapter 4: Under the Same Roof
789 Words
Emily woke slowly, the softness beneath her making her forget where she was for a moment. The bed felt too comfortable, the silence too perfect. There was no traffic noise, no loud neighbors, no alarm clock ringing from her tiny apartment.
Then it hit her.
She sat up quickly, looking around the elegant bedroom. The tall curtains, the polished furniture, the soft carpet under her feet — it was all real. She was in Alexander’s mansion. No, their mansion.
A gentle knock sounded on the door.
“Come in,” she said, still adjusting to the unfamiliar calm.
The same middle-aged woman from earlier stepped in with a warm smile. “Good morning, Mrs. Reed. I’m Mrs. Collins, the housekeeper. I hope you slept well.”
Emily nodded. “Yes… thank you.”
“Mr. Reed asked me to inform you that breakfast is ready whenever you’re comfortable.”
Emily hesitated. “He’s already awake?”
“Mr. Reed is usually up early,” Mrs. Collins replied.
Of course he was. He seemed like the type who never wasted a minute.
After freshening up, Emily followed Mrs. Collins downstairs. The dining room was large, with a long polished table. Sunlight streamed through the windows, making everything glow.
Alexander sat at the far end, reading something on his tablet. He looked up as she entered.
“Good morning,” he said calmly.
“Good morning,” she replied, taking a seat across from him.
A staff member placed plates in front of them. Emily stared at the variety — fresh fruits, pastries, eggs, and coffee. It was more food than she usually saw in a week.
“You should eat,” Alexander said, noticing her hesitation.
She picked up her fork slowly. “I’m just not used to this.”
“You will be,” he replied.
They ate in silence for a few minutes. Emily felt awkward, unsure what to say. The quiet wasn’t uncomfortable exactly, but it reminded her how little they knew each other.
Alexander broke the silence. “Your father’s surgery will begin in an hour.”
Her hand paused mid-air. “Really?”
“Yes. My assistant will update you once it’s finished.”
Relief washed over her. “Thank you.”
He nodded slightly, then continued eating.
After breakfast, he stood. “I have meetings today. You can explore the house if you like. Mrs. Collins will assist you.”
Emily nodded. “Okay.”
He paused, as if remembering something. “This evening, we’ll have dinner together. We need to discuss the announcement.”
“The announcement,” she repeated.
“Yes. The media will find out soon. It’s better if we control the narrative.”
Her stomach tightened. “Media? As in… news?”
“Correct.”
Emily suddenly felt nervous again. This life came with attention she had never imagined.
When he left, the mansion felt even larger. Emily walked through the halls slowly, admiring paintings and elegant decorations. Everything looked expensive, delicate.
She stopped in front of a large window overlooking the garden. The greenery was perfectly maintained, with a small fountain at the center.
“You can go outside if you like,” Mrs. Collins said gently.
Emily smiled. “I’d love that.”
She stepped into the garden, breathing in the fresh air. It was peaceful. For the first time since everything happened, she allowed herself to relax.
Her phone buzzed.
Her heart raced as she saw the hospital number.
“Hello?” she answered quickly.
“Miss Carter, the surgery was successful,” the nurse said warmly. “Your father is stable.”
Emily’s eyes filled with tears. “Thank you… thank you so much.”
She ended the call, overwhelmed with relief. Without thinking, she wiped her tears and laughed softly. The weight she had been carrying finally lifted.
Later that evening, she returned inside. The staff had prepared dinner. Alexander entered shortly after, looking just as composed as always.
“Your father?” he asked.
“The surgery was successful,” she replied, smiling.
“Good,” he said simply, but she noticed the faint softening in his tone.
They sat across from each other again. Tonight, the silence felt different — lighter.
“Tomorrow,” Alexander began, “we’ll attend a small business dinner. It will be your first public appearance as my wife.”
Emily’s smile faded slightly. “Tomorrow already?”
“Yes.”
She took a deep breath. “I guess I should start getting used to this.”
“You will,” he said.
As dinner ended, Emily realized something. She wasn’t just living in his house.
She was stepping into his world — and there was no turning back.
- Writer
