Chapter 5: The Necklace
1090 Words
Emily’s POV
My hand trembled as I picked up the necklace.
No… it couldn’t be.
The thin silver chain slipped through my fingers like water, but the tiny teardrop-shaped locket was unmistakable. I had seen it on Sophia’s neck nearly every day since her last birthday.
What in the world was it doing here?
My stomach twisted as panic raced through me. Was she here? Had this mad man found her?
Or worse.
Before I could process it, a low, calm voice sliced through the silence.
“What are you doing here?”
I immediately froze.
The necklace nearly slipped from my fingers again. My heart leapt to my throat as I turned.
Dario stood at the doorway, tall and broad, his presence filling the entire room. His icy eyes locked on me, unreadable, dangerous.
“I..” My voice broke. I forced myself to breathe. “I was just… looking around. I kinda got lost.”
He stepped inside slowly, shutting the door behind him with a loud thud. The sound echoed in my ears like a prison gate slamming shut.
“Lost?” His lips curved faintly, but the humor didn’t reach his eyes. “In my house? In our house?”
I swallowed, my fingers curling tightly around the necklace, hiding it in the folds of my dress. “It’s… big. Too many hallways. I guess I took the wrong turn.”
His gaze lingered on me far too long, sharp and dissecting, like he could see straight through me.
Finally, he smirked. “Next time, call for someone. Because in this house, Emily, curiosity…” He leaned closer until his breath skimmed my ear. “…is dangerous.”
My blood ran cold.
He pulled back, expression smooth again. “Come. It’s already late. You haven’t eaten.”
I blinked. “Eaten?”
“Yes. Dinner.” His hand brushed lightly against the small of my back, slowly guiding me out of the room.
His touch was gentle, but the pressure he applied was firm enough to tell me I didn’t have a choice.
The dining room was as breathtaking as the rest of the, it felt more like a palace than a home. A long mahogany table stretched across the room, covered with white linen, silver cutlery, and crystal glasses that sparkled beneath the chandelier. The table was large enough to seat twenty, yet only two places were set..
Dario pulled out a chair for me. His eyes flickered with amusement at my hesitation.
“Sit,” he said softly, but the command in his tone was unmistakable.
I lowered myself onto the chair. He sat across from me, his posture perfect, like a handsome king on his throne.
Moments later, his servants appeared silently, carrying silver trays with plates of roasted lamb, fresh vegetables, and bowls of steaming soup were placed before us. The aroma filled the room, but my stomach was in knots.
Dario picked up his knife and fork with a smirk on his face . “Eat.”
I forced myself to lift my spoon, though my hands still trembled. The necklace pressed against my palm beneath the table.
“Do you always eat like this?” I asked, my voice breaking the heavy silence.
His eyes lifted from his plate, amused. “Like what?”
“In silence. At an oversized table that could fit twenty people.”
His smirk widened. “Why? Would you prefer an audience?”
I flushed and looked down. “That’s not what I meant.”
“I rarely entertain people,” he said smoothly. “My world doesn’t allow for frivolities like dinner parties.”
“Your world,” I echoed softly.
His knife clinked against the plate as he set it down. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. “You’re curious about me.. Interesting.”
I stiffened. “I… I was just making conversation.”
He tilted his head, studying me. “Really.. Careful, Emily. Conversation can be as dangerous as well as curiosity.”
My appetite immediately vanished and I pushed food around my plate, trying not to let my shaking hand give me away.
“You don’t trust me,” he said suddenly.
My head snapped up. His gaze was locked on me again, sharp and unrelenting.
“I…” My throat closed as I stared at him as though he was mad. “Should I? Do you want me to be?”
He chuckled darkly, sitting back. “You’re learning quickly.”
The silence that stretched between us was thick and suffocating. The only sound was the clink of cutlery against porcelain as he resumed eating. I barely touched my food, as my thoughts kept racing too fast to focus.
When he finished, he dabbed his lips with a napkin and stood. “Come. I’ll show you to our room.”
The word our made my heart pound.
“Our room?”
“Of course.. why? Were you plan to sleep outside?”
I rose slowly, still clutching the necklace in my fist.
***
The bedroom was just as grand as the rest of the mansion, with white and gold walls, a towering canopy bed, and glass doors leading to a balcony. I barely had time to take it in before Dario turned to me.
“You seem… unsettled.”
“I’m fine,” I harshly whispered.
He stepped closer. “You’re a terrible liar.”
“I’m not lying,” I said quickly.
“Then look at me.”
I forced myself to meet his gaze. His icy blue eyes caught mine like chains, and for a moment I couldn’t breathe.
“There it is again,” he murmured.
“What?”
“Fear. You’re scared of me.”
My chest tightened. “Shouldn’t I be? You placed a ring on my finger the first night we met”
His smirk returned, slow and dangerous. “Maybe.” His fingers brushed my cheek, light as silk. “But you’re my wife now, Emily. You don’t need to fear me… not unless you give me a reason to.”
His words lingered in the air, sharp as a blade as he slowly unbuttoned his shirt.
When he finally lay back on the bed, closing his eyes, I turned away and slipped the necklace beneath the pillow.
My heart raced as I lay beside him, wide awake.
Sophia.
The necklace burned against me like a warning.
Whatever this house and its owner was hiding, I had to find out.
- Writer
