The Designer's Daughter

Chapter 11: A New Beginning

The morning light streamed through the tall windows as Lucia and Nathan sat across from William in his study. Lucia fidgeted slightly, unsure of what this meeting was about. Nathan, on the other hand, lounged in his chair without a care in the world.

“I’ve made a decision,” William began, his gaze shifting between them. “I’m enrolling both of you in school.”

Lucia’s heart skipped a beat. School?

Nathan groaned. “Come on, Father. School is boring.”

William gave him a sharp look. “Education is important, Nathan. And Lucia needs the same opportunities as you.”

Lucia hesitated, unsure of how to respond. She had never been allowed to go to school before. Annabelle had always told her she wasn’t worth the trouble, that she was only good for selling bread. The idea of sitting in a classroom, learning, felt almost unreal.

She bit her lip. “Actually… I already registered for something.”

William raised an eyebrow. “Oh?”

Lucia took a deep breath. “Before you found me, I registered to become an actress.”

Nathan perked up. “Wait—you’re an actress? That’s so cool!”

William studied her carefully. “You want to act?”

Lucia nodded. “Yes. It’s something I’ve always wanted. I thought… maybe if I worked hard enough, I could change my life.”

William leaned back in his chair, considering her words. Then, to her surprise, he nodded. “If that’s what you want, then I won’t stop you.”

Lucia’s eyes widened. “Really?”

William gave her a small smile. “I want you to be happy, Lucia. And if acting is your passion, then I’ll support you.”

She felt warmth spread through her chest. No one had ever supported her dreams before.

“Actually,” William continued, “since you’re serious about this, would you like to use the mansion for rehearsals on Saturdays? You could invite the people you rehearse with.”

Lucia’s breath caught. “You’d let me do that?”

William nodded. “As long as it doesn’t interfere with your studies.”

Lucia couldn’t believe what she was hearing. She had spent years being told she was nothing, and now, here was someone offering her a future—a real future.

Nathan grinned. “This is going to be awesome! My sister, the famous actress!”

Lucia laughed, shaking her head. She wasn’t famous yet, but for the first time, she felt like she was on the right path.

A new school. A new home. A real chance at her dreams.

For the first time, she felt like she truly had a future.

—

To Be Continued...