FRAMED BY DESTINY

A PLACE OF HER OWN

Elara walked quietly with Mrs Victoria by her side. Soon they reached a door Mrs Victoria pushed the door opened and they entered into the room When Elara entered she was amazed, the walls were painted a soft cream giving the room a warm and peaceful feeling. A king sized bed sat neatly against the wall, covered with sheets and fluffy pillows. Everything about the room was so beautiful.

"This is your room I hope you like it" Mrs Victoria said warmly. I had the maids prepare it this morning. it's... beautiful Ma'am, Elara turned to face her.

I'm glad you like it "

A silence settled between them.Elara lowered her eyes.

"Mum........"

Mrs Victoria smiled at the moment she heard the word. Yes Dear?

There's something I want to ask"

"Anything"

Elara bit her lower lip. "I don't think I should stay here"

Mrs Victoria frowned slightly, What do you mean?

"I mean this room"

She looked around again before continuing. It is too big..too beautiful..and honestly I don't deserve it"

Mrs Victoria smiled Faded. "Lara..

I will be more comfortable staying in one of the Maids rooms

What??

"I've always shared small spaces. I don't need all of this.

Mrs Victoria stared at Elara with disbelief

My dear you are not a maid

I know, Elara said.

"You are family"

Elara smiled. I appreciate everything you have done for me.Truly. But I don't want anyone to feel uncomfortable because of me

Mrs Victoria immediately understood who she was referring to "Alexander" she sighed quietly.

You saw the way he ignored you

"No... it's not just him"

I don't want to become a burden

Mrs Victoria walked closer and gently held both of Elara's hand " You could never be a burden to me".

Tears gathered in Elara's eyes

"You remind me so much of my mother I miss her"

I know, Mrs Victoria pulled her into a hug

And as long as I am alive you will never face life alone

"Thank you...."

Mrs Victoria gently stroked her hair before pulling away. If staying in the maids quarters will make you feel comfortable then I won't force you

Elara smiled gratefully

Thank you...

Mrs Victoria pressed the intercom beside the bed " Please send Bella Upstairs" Yes ma'am a voice answered.

A few minutes later there was a soft knock

"Come in"

The door opened revealing a young woman who looked to be in her early twenties.

She wore a simple maid's uniform but the bright smile on her face immediately caught Elara's attention

You called for me ma'am?

"Yes Bella"

Bella stepped inside respectfully

This is Elara

Bella smiled.

So you are miss Elara. Elara smiled politely, Just call me Lara. Bella nodded happily. It's nice to finally meet you Mrs Victoria looked between them "Lara would like to stay in one of the maids room so she will be staying with you. Bella looked surprised, My room?

Elara quickly explained, I will feel more comfortable there. Bella exchanged a quick glance with Mrs Victoria before smiling. "Very well then let's go Miss Elara

As they walked through the long hallway Bella glanced at her. " Can I ask you something"

Of course, "Are you really comfortable staying there"

Yes" Elara smiled.

You know you could have had that beautiful room

"I don't need luxury to be happy"

Bella looked at her for a moment before laughing softly. You are different" is that a bad thing

No, Bella smiled. She stepped in front of a wooden door. This is it she pushed the door open. the room was modest.

A double bed a wardrobe a study table a bookshelf with only a few books, it wasn't grand but it felt...... comfortable. Elara smiled immediately"I love it" Bella looked shocked, You do??

I really do

"It's so simple"

"Exactly"

Bella laughed.

I have never seen anyone who rejected a luxury bedroom for this.

Elara sat on the bed, " It's feels... peaceful". Bella places the suitcase beside the wardrobe. I think we re going to be good friends

I think so too"

Bella sat beside her. So..., she folded her legs. "Tell me about yourself". Elara smiled shyly, There is not much to tell

"I don't believe that" The two girls spent the next hour talking. They laughed over embarrassing childhood stories. Bella spoke about how she had started working for the Kingsleys since when she was eighteen.

They have treated me well, Bella said.

"Mum is kind"

"She really is"

"But...." Bella hesitated.

Elara noticed, What is it?

Bella lowered her voice, "Just be careful around Mr Alexander"

Elara looked confused.

"Why?"

Bella sighed, He is not a bad person....but he doesn't let people get close. She paused And when he is angry....she shook her head, "Everybody keeps their distance".

Elara looked at her hands

'I noticed'

Bella smiled softly, "Don't worry" she gently squeezed Elara's hand "You have me now" Elara looked at her

For the first time since arriving at the Kingsley mansion , She felt like she has found a Elder Sister she never had.

NEXT MORNING

The first rays of sunlight slipped through the curtains casting a glow across Elara's small room

She stretched before sitting up a small smile forming on her lips

"Today will be a good day" she whispered to herself.

After taking a quick shower and getting dressed in a simple cream blouse and blue jeans she tied her long hair into a neat ponytail.

She quietly stepped out of her room hoping to explore the mansion before everyone else woke up.

The Hallway was silent.

Only the ticking of a clock could be heard

Elara admired the family portraits hanging on the walls as she walked. Some showed Mrs Victoria with two little boys laughing happily. Another captured a family vacation by the beach.

*They look so happy" she murmured.

She continued walking until she reached the grand staircase. Just as she placed her foots on the first step...

Bam!

She collided with someone. The impact sent her stumbling backwards.

Before she could fall, a firm hand grabbed her wrist.

She looked up.

Alexander.

His sharp eyes met hers. instead of concern, annoyance flashed across his face

"What is wrong with you?" he snapped, immediately letting go of her wrist

"I.... I'm sorry"

Can't you watch where you are going?

"I didn't see you"

"Obviously"

His cold voice echoed through the hallway

Elara lowered her head, "I'm really sorry"

Alexander let out an irritated sigh " You have been here less than twenty-five four hours and you are already causing problems

The word stung

"I said I was sorry"

He folded his arms" Maybe you should keep your eyes open next time"

Without waiting for a reply, he walked past her

Elara stood frozen. She watched him disappear down the hallway before releasing the breath she didn't realise she had been holding

"So this is what Bella meant..."

She forced her self to smile, "It's okay"

But deep inside.... It's wasn't

Few minutes later the aroma of pancakes eggs freshly baked bread and coffee filled the dining room

Mrs Victoria was already seated

Liam walked in shortly after still rubbing sleep from his eyes.

"Morning Mum"

Good morning sweetheart'

He noticed Elara standing awkwardly near the entrance.

Morning Lara

"Morning".

He smiled, Did you sleep well?

"I did"

"Good"

Mrs Victoria noticed the slight sadness in Elara's eyes

Is Everything alright?

Before Elara could answer...

Alexander entered.

The room immediately became quieter. He wore a perfectly tailored black suit with a silver watch around his wrist.

Without looking at anyone he pulled out a chair and sat down.

Morning" Mrs Victoria greeted

Morning Mum" His response was brief

Liam exchanged a quick glance with Elara before smiling at her reassuringly

"Come on Lara"

He pulled out the chair beside him

"Sit" she thanked him softly before sitting down

The maids began serving breakfast

Elara stared at the variety of dishes on the table.

She had never seen so much food prepared for breakfast before.

She carefully picked up her fork and knife trying her best to copy Liam

Unfortunately...

Her fork accidentally scrapped against the porcelain plate

Screech! The sharp sound echoed around the quiet dining room

Embarrassed, Elara quickly apologised

"I'm sorry"

She tried again

Screech!!

Alexander suddenly dropped his fork onto the table.

The loud sound made everybody jump

"Can you stop doing that?" His voice was cold

Elara froze, "I.... I'm trying"

"It doesn't sound like you are trying"

"I'm not used to....

"Then f*****g Learn" He shouted

The room fell silent

Mrs Victoria frowned

"Alexander"

What?

"She's still adjusting"

"So?"

His eyes shifted to Elara " If you are going to sit at this table at least learn basic table manners."

Elara felt every pair of eyes on her Her cheeks burned with embarrassment

I'm sorry, she said

Alexander leaned back in his chair "You keep saying sorry" His voice was low , "But sorry doesn't stop the noise"

Liam finally spoke"Alex that's enough"

Alexander turned towards him, Did I ask for your opinion?

Liam sighed "You are making her uncomfortable"

"And"

Mrs Victoria placed her cup down firmly.

"Aexander Kingsley"

He looked at his mother

What happened to you?? she sounded disappointed

"This is not how I raised you"

Alexander remained expressionless

I have an important meeting, He pushed his chair back

I'm leaving"Without another word, he adjusted his suit jacket and walked out of the dining room

A few seconds later The front door slammed shut

Silence

No one spoke

Elara stared at her untouched breakfast

The food suddenly didn't look appetizing anymore

Mrs Victoria sighed deeply"I'm so sorry Lara"

"You have nothing to apologise for"

My son had no right to speak to you like that"

It's okay, Elara said

No... ,Mrs Victoria reached across the table and gently held Elara's hand

"It is not okay"

Liam nodded in agreement

"He can be a jerk sometimes"

Despite everything, Elara managed a small laugh

Bella entered the dining room carrying a jug of orange juice

she immediately sensed the heavy atmosphere

"What happened"

Liam sighed dramatically "My brother happened"

Bella shook her head knowingly

"I figured"

She poured a glass of juice and placed it in front of Elara

"Don't let him ruin your morning"

Elara looked up at her and smiled faintly

I will try

Mrs Brown squeezed her hand gently

"I promise you things won't always be like this"

Elara nodded

She wanted to believe her

But somewhere deep inside..

She couldn't forget the hatred she had seen in Alexander's eyes

She has done nothing to him

Yet somehow...

It already felt as though he had decided she didn't belong in his home.