Chapter Four
1015 Words
The morning sun barely crept through the small c***k in the curtains when Emma was jolted awake by a sharp sting across her cheek.
“Get up!” Eleanor’s cold voice thundered as Emma shot upright, holding her face.
Her cheek burned, and tears pricked her eyes as she stared at Eleanor, who stood looming over her.
“Do you think you can sleep in while the rest of us are preparing for Amelia’s return?” Eleanor spat, her disdain evident. “Get out of bed and do something useful for once!”
Emma’s voice trembled as she whispered, “I’m sorry…”
“Sorry?” Eleanor scoffed, grabbing the edge of the blanket and yanking it off Emma. “Sorry doesn’t help anyone, you useless girl.” She turned on her heel and stormed out of the room, leaving the door wide open.
Emma sat frozen for a moment, cradling her burning cheek. A lone tear slid down her face, followed by another, until they streamed freely. She quickly wiped them away and stood, her movements sluggish.
As she stepped out of the room, still sniffling, she nearly collided with Abigail, who had been passing by.
“Emma?” Abigail’s soft voice was filled with concern. Her eyes immediately fell to Emma’s reddened cheek. “What happened to your face?”
“It’s nothing,” Emma murmured, turning her face away.
But Abigail wasn’t one to be fooled. She gently reached out, stopping Emma. “Did Mother do this to you?” Her tone was sharper now, laced with anger.
Emma didn’t respond, but the silence was answer enough. Abigail’s jaw tightened. Without another word, she turned on her heel and marched toward Eleanor’s room.
Emma panicked and called after her, “Abigail, please, don’t!”
But Abigail was already gone.
---
In Eleanor’s room, Abigail stormed in without knocking.
“Mother!” she snapped, startling Eleanor, who was adjusting a vase of fresh flowers on her dresser.
Eleanor looked up with a frown. “What is it now, Abigail?”
“How could you hit her?” Abigail demanded, her voice trembling with anger. “Emma hasn’t done anything to deserve this treatment!”
“She’s a maid, Abigail,” Eleanor replied dismissively. “She works for us. If she’s not doing her job properly, I have every right to discipline her.”
“Discipline?” Abigail’s voice cracked. “She’s human, Mother! You don’t treat people this way, no matter their station. Emma has done nothing but work tirelessly since she came here, and yet you treat her like she’s beneath you.”
Eleanor’s expression hardened. “You’d do well to remember your place too, Abigail. This family has endured enough. I won’t have you defending some stray girl over your own blood.”
“She’s not a stray,” Abigail said quietly but firmly. “And I won’t stand by and let you bully her.”
Before Eleanor could respond, Abigail turned and walked out, slamming the door behind her.
---
Abigail found Emma sitting on the edge of the couch in the sitting room, her hands twisting nervously in her lap.
“I’m sorry,” Emma began as Abigail approached.
“Don’t you dare apologize,” Abigail said, kneeling in front of her. “None of this is your fault.” She reached for a cloth soaked in cold water and gently pressed it against Emma’s cheek.
Emma winced but allowed the soothing touch. “I don’t understand why she hates me so much,” Emma whispered, her voice trembling. “I’ve only been here a few weeks… I try my best.”
Abigail sighed, her heart aching for the girl in front of her. “It’s not you, Emma. She’s just… complicated.”
Emma nodded, though the explanation did little to ease the hurt.
---
The room grew silent, but the peace was soon interrupted by the sound of heavy footsteps approaching. Abigail glanced up just as the doors swung open, revealing a tall, striking man. His sharp jawline, tousled dark hair, and piercing eyes gave him an air of effortless charm.
“Liam,” Abigail greeted, standing up.
Liam Hemsworth, a close family friend and a billionaire in his own right, stepped into the room with an air of authority. His tailored suit fit him perfectly, exuding power and sophistication.
“I heard the news,” he said, his deep voice filling the room. “Amelia has been found?”
“Yes,” Abigail confirmed, motioning for him to sit.
But Liam’s gaze shifted, landing on Emma. He froze, his sharp features softening as he took her in—the delicate curve of her face, her tear-streaked cheeks, and the quiet strength in her posture.
Emma felt his eyes on her and looked up, meeting his gaze. Her breath caught. There was something in the way he looked at her—curiosity, intrigue, and a spark she couldn’t place.
“Who’s this?” Liam asked, his tone unusually gentle.
Abigail smiled knowingly. “This is Emma. She’s new here.”
Emma shifted uncomfortably under his scrutiny. “It’s nice to meet you,” she murmured, looking down.
Liam’s lips twitched into a faint smile. “The pleasure is mine.”
Abigail noticed the exchange and couldn’t help but smirk. “Liam, focus. Yes, Amelia’s whereabouts have been discovered. The boys are leaving soon to bring her home.”
“Good,” Liam said distractedly, his eyes still on Emma.
Emma, feeling the intensity of his gaze, stood abruptly. “I should… I should get back to work.” She hurried out of the room, her cheeks flushed.
Liam watched her go, a small frown tugging at his lips. “She’s… different,” he murmured to himself.
Abigail raised an eyebrow. “Careful, Liam. Mother doesn’t take kindly to people noticing Emma.”
Liam chuckled softly, but his eyes remained on the door Emma had disappeared through. “Noted,” he said. But deep down, he knew this wouldn’t be the last time he crossed paths with her.
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- Writer
