The Designer's Daughter

Chapter 6: A New World

The carriage rolled to a stop in front of a grand estate, its towering gates opening slowly as they approached. Lucia’s breath caught in her throat. She had never seen anything like this before. The mansion before her was enormous, its white marble walls gleaming under the afternoon sun. The gardens stretched far and wide, filled with flowers she had only ever dreamed of.

It felt like something out of a fairy tale.

The carriage door opened, and William stepped out first, then turned to help Lucia down. She hesitated before taking his hand, still wary.

“Welcome home,” William said softly.

Lucia swallowed hard. Home? This place couldn’t be her home. She had spent her entire life on the streets, struggling to survive. She didn’t belong here.

Servants rushed forward as William led her inside. The grand entrance hall was even more breathtaking than the outside—high ceilings, glittering chandeliers, polished floors that reflected everything like a mirror.

Lucia felt out of place immediately. She clutched her dress, suddenly aware of how ragged she looked compared to the elegance around her.

A well-dressed older woman approached them. “Sir, we’ve prepared a room for the young miss, as you requested.”

Lucia stiffened. The young miss? They were treating her like she was someone important.

William nodded. “Thank you, Margaret.” He turned to Lucia. “Come, I’ll show you to your room.”

She followed him hesitantly up the grand staircase, her fingers trailing along the smooth railing. Every step she took made her feel more like she was walking in someone else’s life.

When they reached a large wooden door, William pushed it open.

Lucia’s eyes widened.

The room was enormous, bigger than Annabelle’s entire house. A huge bed with soft white sheets sat in the center, with a vanity, bookshelves, and a wardrobe that looked big enough to fit all the clothes she had ever owned—if she had ever owned any real clothes.

She stepped inside cautiously, half-expecting someone to tell her it was all a mistake.

William watched her, sensing her unease. “You can make this room your own. If there’s anything you need, just ask.”

Lucia turned to him, her green eyes filled with doubt. “Why are you doing this?”

William’s expression softened. “Because I’m your father.”

She swallowed. That word still felt strange. Foreign.

“I know this is a lot,” he continued. “You don’t have to trust me right away. But I want to make up for the years we lost.”

Lucia looked around the room again. It was beautiful. Safe. But was it really hers?

She had spent her life fighting to survive. Now, she was being handed everything.

And she didn’t know how to feel about it.

—

To Be Continued...