章節 17: Order to be followed-
Emma watched him go, a mix of confusion and curiosity on her face. She had never encountered anyone quite like Albie before. She felt a strange mix of irritation and intrigue. This was new, and she wasn't sure if she liked it. Taking a deep breath, Emma moved towards the gate where she saw a car waiting for her. She hurriedly walked to the car and got in.
"Was that—" Kai started to ask as he turned towards her.
"Albie Shroff," Emma interrupted before Kai could finish his question.
"What was he talking about?" Kai's tone was cautious, concern evident in his eyes.
"Rubbish," Emma replied curtly.
Kai glanced at her, not entirely convinced. "Is there something I need to be worried about?"
Emma shook her head. "No, it was just childish talk."
Kai frowned slightly. "Hmm. Anyway, try to stay away from Albie. He knows your father."
"Who doesn't?" Emma chuckled bitterly.
"Well, he knows him personally," Kai warned, his voice serious.
Emma clenched her fists, feeling the weight of her situation press down on her again. She nodded in affirmation. "Anyway, I’m not here to make friends. As long as I can catch some air now and then, I’m happy."
Kai sighed, starting the engine. "Just be careful, Emma. You know how things can get."
Emma looked out the window as the car pulled away from the university. The campus was now a blur of activity as students mingled and made their way home. She wasn't here to make friends, but Albie's persistence was something she hadn't encountered before.
The drive home was silent, filled with Emma's thoughts about the day. She couldn't shake the feeling that her life was about to get more complicated. All she wanted was to keep a low profile, to stay away from unnecessary drama. But suddenly she is feeling a bad premonition out of the situation.
The car drove into the Torres estate, parking in front of the mansion. Kai dropped Emma off before leaving. She swiftly swung her backpack over her shoulder and went inside the main hall. Trying to avoid all eyes on her, she took the stairs to reach her room as quickly as possible when she heard a voice call out to her.
"Miss."
Emma's heartbeat raced. Slowly turning to the maid, she replied, "Yes?"
"You have been called to the study room as soon as you return home."
Emma pursed her lips in tension. Handing her backpack to the maid to bring to her room, she walked towards the study room with a sense of dread. The closer she got, the harder her heart pounded. Holding the door knob, she took a deep breath before knocking on the door.
She was still contemplating what she could have done wrong, or if her father had caught her, when the door opened, revealing her elder brother Dylan. As soon as she saw him, she sighed in relief, knowing she wouldn't be alone in there. Knowing that her brother would protect her. With a weak smile, she greeted Dylan, who responded in kind before walking inside the room. Then she greeted their father, who was sitting behind the desk.
"Good evening, Father."
"..."
Emma knew her father wouldn't respond, nor would he react to her greeting. Standing in front of the desk like a statue, she waited for him to speak, but nothing came. No one in the room spoke for the next ten minutes. Dylan sat on the couch, reading some files, while Ottis continued reading his documents, ignoring Emma as if she were invisible.
Emma was used to this behavior from her father. She knew that in the end, it would be her brother who would talk to her, not him. Her father was there only to ensure she wouldn't dare defy his orders. He was there to remind her of her mistakes.
After another half hour, Dylan finally stood up. Emma's heels and toes were aching, but she wasn't allowed to make any noise. With pursed lips, she kept looking down at her feet.
"Dad?" Dylan called.
"..."
"May I?" he asked again.
Ottis shrugged his hand to dismiss Emma, and Dylan helped her to take a seat.
"Is it hurting?" Dylan softly asked, ensuring their father wouldn't hear his concern.
Emma gave a weak smile and shook her head in denial. She couldn't dare to speak in that room.
Dylan pursed his lips and caressed her hair with regret. Taking a deep breath, he informed her, "There's a party being organized by the Evans, Shroff, and Duke families together, celebrating the return of their heirs. Because it's being organized by all three families, we couldn't decline the invitation. If it was just Evans or Shroff, we could have said no on your behalf. But all three will be there, so you have to attend. No one will take pictures of you, and you're not allowed to keep your cellphone with you. You only need to show your presence to those families for a minute before you leave the party immediately. You aren't allowed to interact with anyone. You aren't allowed to speak unless Dad asks you. Understood?"
Emma nodded silently, the weight of the restrictions pressing heavily on her. Just like before, she was accustomed to all this. Receiving orders, following them without question or answer. In her house, the only thing she was allowed to do was breathe; anything else would be a violation of her father's strict code against her.
Attending such parties with these restrictions wasn't new to her. Emma wasn't worried about the event itself. What she truly wanted was for Kai to accompany her. She wanted to ask her brother if she could invite Kai to be with her, but hesitated as she saw her father nearing the end of his documents.
Summoning her courage, she looked up from her hands and whispered, "Br-"
Before she could finish her words, Dylan shook his head, signaling her to stay silent. Emma bit her lower lip and looked down again, her hands held by Dylan in a gesture of comfort.
"Go back to your room. We'll tell you the date and send you the dress," Dylan said gently.
Emma nodded and rose from the couch. Bowing to both her father and brother, she left the room.
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