The Designer's Daughter

Chapter 8: Adjusting to a New Life

Lucia woke up to the soft glow of sunlight streaming through the large windows of her new room. The bed beneath her was warm and comfortable, nothing like the hard, lumpy mattress she had slept on at Annabelle’s house.

For a moment, she just lay there, staring at the ceiling, trying to convince herself that this wasn’t a dream.

She was no longer on the streets. No longer trapped under Annabelle’s control.

She had a father. A brother. A home.

A soft knock on the door made her sit up.

“Lucia? Are you awake?”

Nathan.

“Yeah, come in,” she called.

The door swung open, and Nathan walked in, grinning as usual. He was dressed in a crisp white shirt and dark trousers, looking effortlessly put together.

“Good morning, sleepyhead!” he teased. “Father said we’re having breakfast together. He wants you to come down.”

Lucia hesitated. She wasn’t used to eating meals with others. Back at Annabelle’s, she had always been given scraps—if she was given anything at all. Sitting at a table with fine dishes, expensive food, and proper manners felt overwhelming.

Nathan must have noticed her hesitation because his grin softened. “It’s okay. I’ll be with you.”

Something about his words made her feel a little braver.

She took a deep breath and nodded. “Okay.”

—

Lucia followed Nathan down the grand staircase, her fingers trailing along the polished wooden railing. The mansion still felt too big, too elegant, like she was walking through a place she didn’t belong.

When they entered the dining room, William was already seated at the head of the long table. The table was covered in a feast—warm bread, fresh fruit, eggs, meats, and more food than Lucia had ever seen in one place.

William looked up and smiled. “Good morning, Lucia.”

Lucia sat down slowly, feeling stiff under his gaze. “Morning,” she mumbled.

Nathan plopped into the seat beside her, already reaching for the food. “You have to try these!” he said, stuffing a piece of buttered bread into his mouth.

William chuckled. “Nathan, slow down.”

Nathan swallowed and grinned. “What? I’m just helping Lucia feel at home.”

Lucia glanced at the food in front of her. Was this really okay? Could she just… eat?

She hesitantly picked up a piece of bread, half-expecting someone to snatch it away. But no one did.

She took a small bite. Then another. It was good. Warm, soft, buttery—the kind of bread she used to sell but never got to taste.

William watched her carefully. “Lucia… is there anything you need? Anything I can do to help you adjust?”

Lucia swallowed her bite and hesitated before asking, “Can I… have some books?”

William looked surprised for a moment, then smiled. “Of course. I’ll have the library opened for you.”

Nathan beamed. “Oh! We have tons of books! You’ll love it.”

Lucia felt a warmth in her chest. No one had ever cared about what she wanted before.

Maybe… this really could be a fresh start.

—

To Be Continued...