Bab 3: Confined her for life!
Four years later, somewhere at the University of State of Y...
The room was enveloped in a serene silence, each detail capturing a perfect picture. A girl stood before a large window, sunlight cascading over her fair skin like pure milk. She possessed a tall, slim figure that embodied the dreams of many. Her lips were naturally pink, her eyes a soft shade of grey, resembling a princess. But there was an evident sorrow in her eyes. As if she wasn't just looking outside but was also looking for something in that crowd. Something like hope.
Kai, who had been observing her, couldn't resist asking, "What are you looking at, Emma?"
"Those kids," Emma replied softly.
Curious, Kai glanced outside, struggling to comprehend her thoughts. "Why?"
Emma gazed at the families below, children laughing and playing together, and felt a lump in her throat.
With solemn eyes fixed on the scene, she asked, "Do you think they will remain this happy all their lives?"
Kai's brow furrowed in confusion. "I don't know, and honestly, I don't care. Why does it matter to you?"
Emma chuckled lightly at his response. As she watched the children, she slowly answered, "Just wishing for their happiness."
Though Kai had more questions, he held back upon seeing her melancholic expression. Deep down, he sensed the answers to his unasked questions. The world often assumed that the wealthy lived without sorrow, their lives envied by all. Yet, when Kai looked at Emma, all he saw was her hidden anguish.
Amid their contemplation, a ringing phone shattered the silence. Emma turned to the noise and saw her cell phone on the table, ringing persistently. Without moving, she shot a glance at Kai, who promptly answered and activated the speakerphone.
"Emma? Where are you? I returned, and you were nowhere to be found! Where are you, baby?" impatiently inquired Dylan Torress, Emma's brother.
Uncomfortably chuckling, Kai responded, "Um... hello, Mr. Torress. Emma went to the washroom."
Dylan paused momentarily. "Oh, Kai, it's you."
"Yes, Mr. Torress."
"I'll wait. Let Emma speak with me," insisted Dylan, determined not to leave until hearing his sister's voice.
Standing a little away from Kai, Emma sighed deeply, scratching her forehead as she approached her phone and answered her brother. "Yes, brother, I'm here."
"Ah, good to hear from you. I was getting worried," Dylan said.
Glancing at her watch, Emma bit her lower lip, scratching her forehead as she apologized, "Sorry, I'm late."
"It's alright. Are you still at Kai's place?" Dylan inquired.
"Yes, brother," Emma confirmed.
Dylan hummed in response. "Alright. I'll come pick you up."
"NO!" Emma almost shouted.
"..."
"..."
Dylan questioned, "Why not?"
"I'm on my way back. Don't worry about it. I'll see you at dinner, brother," Emma said, ending the call abruptly.
Listening to the conversation, Kai couldn't help but smirk. "Do you really think you can keep fooling your family with this old story?"
Emma shrugged casually. "As long as they trust you, everything will be fine."
Sighing, Kai remarked, "And what about when my classes end, and you still have two years until graduation?"
Emma fell silent. For a year, she had deceived her family. Since her father forbade her from leaving the palace after her mother's death, lying became her only means of survival. Kai became her perfect accomplice in this elaborate facade.
"Classes start soon," Kai reminded her.
"I'll be late," Emma informed him.
"I'll cover for you," Kai assured her.
Hearing his response, Emma grinned mischievously. "What would I do without you, senior?"
Kai smiled gently at her. Rising from his chair, he affectionately tousled her hair and replied, "You'll never have to worry about that. I'm always here for you."
Emma nodded gratefully. "I know."
Returning home, Emma found her father and brother in the living room adorned in her favorite colors, light purple and white. Everything exuded regal elegance.
Not prepared for questions, she quickly greeted them and attempted to leave when her father halted her.
"Hold on," Ottis ordered.
Tense, Emma turned to face her father, who sat as the authoritative figure in the room, her brother beside him, watching her with sympathy.
"Why are you late?" Ottis inquired sternly.
Emma swallowed hard, mustering an uneasy smile as she replied meekly, "I lost track of time. We ended up watching a movie."
"A movie?" Ottis's voice grew stern. "You go out to study, not to goof around."
"Dad, it wasn't like that. I just needed some fresh air," Emma explained.
"Did I give you permission for that?" Ottis asked apathetically.
"Dad, it's fine," Dylan interjected. Feeling for his sister, he reasoned, "She was with Kai. It's safe for her to walk around the estate."
"Dylan, I've told you before not to meddle with her irresponsibility, otherwise don't know who will be her next sacrifice, might be you." Ottis asserted.
Emma lowered her gaze to the floor. She knew this confrontation was inevitable. Since her mother's death, her father had changed drastically, becoming overprotective and emotionally distant. Sometimes she doesn't even feel protected but more like just being punished for her whole life. But from time to time she reminds herself of her father's love.
Biting her lip, Emma remained silent for a moment. Realizing arguing would be futile, she replied obediently, "I'm sorry, Dad. It won't happen again."
"Hmm. Now go to your room. No dinner for you tonight," Ottis commanded.
Without protest, Emma nodded submissively. "I'm sorry, Dad. I didn't mean to worry you. I'll go to my room."
With that, Emma left promptly.
Once Emma departed, Ottis rose to leave as well.
"Dad?" Dylan called out.
Turning back, Ottis's tone softened slightly. "Yes?"
"Emma must feel suffocated being cooped up at home all the time. How about I take her with me on the next business trip?" Dylan proposed.
"There's no need. She's not leaving this estate ever," Ottis declared before departing.
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