The Designer's Daughter

Chapter 9: Discovering a New World

After breakfast, Nathan practically dragged Lucia down the hallways of the mansion, his excitement contagious.

“You’re going to love the library!” he said, leading her through a set of tall wooden doors.

Lucia stepped inside, and her breath caught in her throat.

The room was enormous—taller than any building she had ever been in. Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves lined the walls, filled with hundreds, maybe thousands, of books. A large window let in golden sunlight, casting a warm glow over the space. There were comfortable chairs, a fireplace, and even a grand desk in the corner.

Lucia slowly walked inside, her fingers brushing over the spines of the books. Some looked new, while others were worn and faded. She had always loved books, though she never had many chances to read. Annabelle never let her near one, claiming it was a waste of time.

But here… here she could read as much as she wanted.

Nathan plopped onto a couch and stretched his arms behind his head. “Father says you’re really smart,” he said. “Do you like reading?”

Lucia nodded, still staring in awe at the shelves. “I always wanted to.”

Nathan grinned. “Then you can have all the time in the world now.”

She turned to him, something inside her softening. He was different from the people she had known before. There was no cruelty in his eyes, no hidden agenda. He was just… happy to have a sister.

Lucia pulled a book from the shelf and sat beside him, opening it slowly.

For the first time in years, she felt something new.

Hope.

—

Later that evening, Lucia wandered the halls alone, trying to familiarize herself with the mansion. She passed rooms with elegant paintings, long hallways filled with gold-trimmed mirrors, and large windows that overlooked the garden.

It was beautiful. But also… overwhelming.

She felt like an outsider in her own life, like she didn’t truly belong in a world so different from the one she had known.

Lost in thought, she didn’t notice William standing at the end of the hall.

“You’re exploring,” he observed with a small smile.

Lucia tensed. “I didn’t mean to—”

“You don’t have to explain,” he said gently. “This is your home now.”

Lucia shifted on her feet, unsure how to respond. Home. That word still felt unfamiliar.

William studied her carefully. “I know this is a big change for you.”

Lucia lowered her gaze. “I just don’t know where I fit in here.”

William exhaled slowly. “You’ve spent your whole life surviving, Lucia. No one ever gave you a place where you could just be yourself.” He stepped closer, his voice soft. “But you don’t have to fight anymore. You don’t have to prove yourself. You already belong.”

Lucia swallowed hard. No one had ever said that to her before.

William gave her a reassuring look. “Take your time. No one is going to take this away from you.”

Lucia looked up at him, her heart uncertain but… lighter.

Maybe, just maybe, she could start believing that this life was real.

That she truly had a place here.

—

To Be Continued...