As they strode side by side in silence, Edward spots his car— a black Rolls-Royce — and his driver, Robert.
Robert straightened as his boss approached.
"Mr. Edward… Miss, good day," He said, bowing slightly.
Mr. Edward sure has an eye for women, and a child too, he thought as he loaded the luggage.
Things are about to get interesting around here.
Edward stepped forward. "Hey, let's get you inside," As he reached out, waiting for his daughter to take his hand.
He saw the wheels turn in her little head. She glanced at her mom for some approval, then placed her hand in his.
Edward held those tiny hands like a lifeline. Gently, he lifted her into the car.
Gabrielle just stood there, stunned. This level of wealth was uncanny— a Rolls-Royce? She remembered he was rich, but not like this.
Edward's hands gently tugged at hers." Get in," he said curtly, breaking her from her trance as he held open the door. Her smile faded as her eyes met his gaze. He simply stared, no warmth in his eyes, as she obeyed and sat. He closed the door a little too hard.
As Robert drove, Gabrielle's heart raced. Her throat was dry, as fear coursed through her veins. She impulsively played with the hem of her shirt, her attempt at self-soothing.
Edward, slightly on edge, effortlessly drums his fingers on his long-clad legs, his mind racing, thinking of what to say to his little girl.
"Emilia, how old are you, dear?" He asked, his eyes trained on her face.
Emilia, for the first time since they all got into the car, glanced at her father. "Five." She said, holding up her hand.
A faint smile touched his face.
She is so comical, he thought.
" That is a cool age," he said evenly. "So you would agree, then, that a big girl needs her own room?" His brows slightly raised at Emilia.
Her face brightened, still looking at Edward, uncertain whether to trust him or not, skeptical. She whispered, "Really? My own room."
"Yes, your own room," he whispered back.
She simply smiled at him, kicking her feet lightly against the seat— the only indication of her excitement.
The rest of the car ride passed in a quiet haze, the tires rolling on beneath them as the city shuffles past the windows. The car slowed as it entered a driveway lined with tall trees that led up to an immaculate black gate with gold accents. The estate loomed ahead, gracefully and imposing.
The gates swung open, letting Robert drive in.
Gabrielle could only stare, gawking at Edward's estate as Robert helped her out of the car. She swirled slowly, taking it all in well-trimmed gardens bursting with lilies, tulips, and roses, the gold and black gates, the cream and beige mansion that seemed stretched out for miles.
Hands pressed to her lips, she whispered under her breath.
So this is …. The Harrington wealth.
Her gaze settled on Edward, who was actively still engaged with their daughter; he didn't look scary this way. Her heart warmed at how attentive he was with Emilia.
Edward felt eyes on him and caught sight of Gabrielle, staring back. His chest stalled, breathing deep and slow, as he held her gaze. He could tell she felt this too, this tension between them
— her chest's rapid rise and fall.
Then he broke it.
He turned towards Robert.
" Have the chef prepare a meal for two. They must be famished, " he said tartly.
"And have Betty see to their lounge and rooms."
Then Edward went down on one knee, his hands playfully ruffling Emilia's hair."Get settled in with Mrs puff. I will come by later."
Emilia simply smiled.
Eyes now on Gabrielle."We will have that discussion when I get back."
And without any other words, he turned and left.
The house towered over her, just as Edward did—the branches like fingers stretched out to catch her.
The sly looks from the staff said so much. This is going to be harder than she thought.
She stepped in through the oak brown doors, her shoe clicking on the hard marble floor, polished to a soft sheen. She looked around, suddenly aware of how small she was, how different, how… poor, she thought as she stared at worn shoes.
Mrs puff showed her to her room and took Emilia. It didn't feel right for her without her daughter in separate rooms.
Now, in this room, standing here, realization hit: she'd stepped into Edward's world.