Chapter 4: One Night That Changed Everything
728 Words
The sweet juice slid down Amelia's throat.
She smiled politely at the elderly maid before placing the empty glass back on the tray.
"Thank you."
The maid lowered her head, unable to meet Amelia's eyes.
"I'm... sorry, Miss."
Before Amelia could ask what she meant, the maid hurried away.
A strange feeling settled in Amelia's heart.
Then she ignored it.
Perhaps the old woman was simply tired.
Across the ballroom...
Aurora watched Amelia finish every drop.
The corners of her lips lifted into a satisfied smile.
"It's done."
She whispered to herself.
"No one can stop what's coming."
Meanwhile...
Alexander's eyes never left Amelia.
He noticed the slight change in her expression.
She blinked several times.
Then gently rubbed her temple.
Her face had become unusually pale.
Rachel noticed it too.
"Sir, she doesn't look well."
Alexander frowned.
"No."
"She doesn't."
A few minutes later...
The music grew louder.
Guests laughed and danced.
Waiters moved between tables carrying expensive wine.
But Amelia felt as though the room was spinning.
Her breathing became uneven.
Her vision blurred.
She grabbed the edge of a nearby table to steady herself.
"What's happening..."
She whispered.
Her body suddenly felt unbearably hot.
Her heartbeat echoed loudly inside her ears.
Boom.
Boom.
Boom.
She tried taking a deep breath.
It didn't help.
Instead...
The dizziness worsened.
She stumbled forward.
A waiter caught her before she fell.
"Miss Amelia, are you alright?"
"I'm..."
She couldn't finish the sentence.
Aurora quickly rushed over, her face filled with fake concern.
"Sister!"
She held Amelia's arm gently.
"You're burning up."
William looked annoyed.
"What nonsense is this now?"
Sophia's eyes widened.
She hurried over and touched Amelia's forehead.
Her expression immediately changed.
"She's burning with fever."
Aurora shook her head sadly.
"Mother, she must have exhausted herself preparing today's party."
Then she turned to the guests with an apologetic smile.
"I'm sorry, everyone."
"My sister isn't feeling well."
The guests nodded sympathetically.
"What a hardworking girl."
"She should get some rest."
Aurora looked at the head maid.
"Please take Amelia to the guest room upstairs."
"I'll join you in a moment."
"Yes, Miss."
The head maid supported Amelia as they walked toward the grand staircase.
Alexander quietly watched them disappear.
Something felt terribly wrong.
Very wrong.
He couldn't explain why.
But his instincts had never failed him.
Not once.
Meanwhile...
On the second floor...
The head maid helped Amelia into one of the luxurious guest rooms.
"Rest here for a while, Miss."
Amelia nodded weakly.
"Thank you..."
The door closed.
She tried standing.
Her legs immediately gave way.
She collapsed onto the bed.
"No..."
Her breathing became faster.
Her skin felt like it was on fire.
She reached for the bedside phone.
Before her fingers could touch it—
Click.
The bedroom door opened.
Aurora walked inside.
She quietly locked the door behind her.
Amelia forced herself to sit up.
"Aurora..."
Aurora smiled sweetly.
"How are you feeling, dear sister?"
Amelia frowned.
"My body..."
"It feels strange."
Aurora slowly walked toward the bed.
Then...
Her smile disappeared.
Replaced by something cold.
Something cruel.
"You know..."
"I've waited a very long time for tonight."
Amelia's eyes widened.
"What... do you mean?"
Aurora leaned close to her ear.
"You finally drank it."
Boom.
Amelia froze.
Her blood ran cold.
"The juice..."
Aurora nodded.
"Exactly."
"You drugged me?"
Aurora laughed softly.
"I prefer the word... prepared."
Amelia struggled to get off the bed.
"You..."
Before she could stand—
Her knees buckled.
She fell back onto the mattress.
Completely powerless.
Aurora looked down at her with satisfaction.
"By tomorrow morning..."
"You'll be the shame of the Sterling family."
"What... have you done?"
Amelia whispered.
Aurora's smile widened.
"I've arranged a very special guest for you."
Knock.
Knock.
Knock.
Three slow knocks echoed from outside the bedroom door.
Aurora glanced toward it and smiled.
"Right on time."
She looked back at Amelia.
"Sweet dreams... dear sister."
Then she unlocked the door and slipped out through another hidden exit connected to the adjoining room.
Amelia tried to scream.
Tried to move.
Tried to reach the door.
But the drug had already taken over.
Her vision became darker.
The bedroom door slowly opened.
A tall figure stepped inside.
His face hidden by the dim light.
The door clicked shut behind him.
Amelia's heart pounded in terror.
Who... had entered her room?
To be continued...
- Writer
