Chapter 4: Encounters
The warm morning sun brushes against my face, reminding me that I am still alive. No matter how bad things get, there will always be a new day to fight again. I am exhausted from the long night, from the hard moments, and from the problems that keep piling up. Today, fortunately, is my day off, though I'm not sure if I can truly rest. Ruth asked to meet tonight to talk, so I will wait for her at home.
These are my last days in the home that witnessed my birth, holding so many memories. Just thinking about it makes my heart tremble. I walk toward my car in the parking lot, which is a bit farther away than usual.
Upon arrival, I see a luxurious car parked next to mine, and beside it, a strange-looking man stands with his arms crossed at his waist. The sun reflects off the glass of his vehicle, and for a moment, the glare blinds me.
"Are you Emma Ford?" he asks without hesitation, his voice sharp.
"Yes... that's me. And you are?" I reply, feeling a lump in my throat.
"I come on behalf of Mr. Audrey," he says.
Hearing that name sends a shiver down my spine, as if the world around me has stopped.
I remain dumbfounded, unable to utter a word.
"He requests your presence for dinner tonight at 5:00 PM at 'Sassetta.' For your sake, you should attend," he adds, punctuating each word with unsettling precision, as if he were reading from a script.
The name "James Audrey" resonates in my mind, making me feel trapped in a web I don't know how to escape.
"Excuse me, but I have no obligation to obey orders from a stranger who doesn't introduce himself to take responsibility," I respond quickly, trying to regain control of the situation.
This man infuriates me; he turns my world upside down without even introducing himself. The man calmly ignores my words.
"Miss, he has been clear. Oh, and please, be punctual. My lord detests tardiness," he says before turning and leaving in his car.
"Ahhh!" a frustrated scream escapes my lips. This James is playing with me. First, he appears with his ironic words last night, and now this...
How long will this game go on? What else will happen? Although, on second thought, perhaps it's time to use his own tactics. I'll uncover his endgame and purpose. But... what's really at stake if I attend that dinner?———
The traffic was somewhat heavy. I called Ruth on the way to let her know about this unexpected dinner and that I would meet her near the restaurant at 8:00 PM.
It took me some time to tidy up my room, as it was a chaos of broken objects, and I took the opportunity to have a hot bath to relieve the tension. I was finally ready.
The long, flowing white satin dress, the golden high-heeled sandals matching my small handbag, and my long curly hair styled in a low bun gave an elegant touch, worthy of the occasion and the warm season. I covered my dark circles with a light makeup, but I also masked my pain. I couldn't let this man see me defeated.
I got into my car and decided to head to the upscale restaurant that had opened its doors to me years ago, but with the loss of our fortune, those places closed for us.
The grand Sassetta stood before my eyes; its sophistication and Italian style dazzled the sight. I approached with a firm step; each click of my heel was a stride toward the adversary.
An Italian-looking man with a friendly demeanor guided me to the designated spot. The area was private; its separated tables maintained privacy. The dim, warm light created a relaxed, slightly romantic atmosphere.
At the foot of the table was he. The same man from the last two nights, the same one who provoked me yesterday.
His long, thick hair and framed face gave him a terrifying yet sensual appearance that I couldn't ignore.
His luxurious, slightly old-fashioned black suit accentuated his defined body.
"Miss Ford, you have been punctual. Just how I like it," he smiled wickedly.
He didn't even bother with the slightest gesture of courtesy.
"I always am, Mr. James. Not only am I punctual, but as you can see, I always face my problems," I said, taking a seat at the luxurious table.
He merely gave a half-smile, which made my anger begin to boil within me.
He ordered dinner without saying a single word and gestured for me to eat, which only fueled my growing irritation.
"Excuse me, mysterious man, but I'm not here to share silence with you, much less a dinner. I need you to explain why you claim my property, and know that this won't end here; I will appeal," I said, clearly annoyed by his attitude.
He looked at me intently, leaned back, and while stroking his chin, said:
"Your lands belong to my superiors. Your grandmother made a pact with them; she didn't fulfill it, and now I'm here on their behalf," he said calmly, revealing that he held the situation in his hands.
A knot formed in my throat, and a headache made me lean back.
"Pact? Didn't fulfill? My grandmother?… I don't understand... Excuse me, sir, but I'm not understanding anything. We will take this to court and end it," I said, filled with confusion and clearly nervous. The discovery of something darker and deeper was too heavy.
"I think coming here was a bad idea, so if you'll excuse me," I said, standing up to leave.
My vision was blurring, and my hands trembled, cold sweat forming at the same time. I hurried out as fast as I could; I needed to get some air, but his voice broke the silence.
"Are you leaving? So soon?" he said, and I felt him approach while I was still facing away. He leaned close to my ear, lightly running his index finger across my neck, igniting a fire within me, and whispered:
"As for you, Emma, you belong to me."
His words made my legs tremble; I couldn't turn around.
I was there, caught between a terror that enveloped me and a desire igniting within me. Gathering my strength, I turned, but he was gone; he had vanished once more without a trace.
Who is this man capable of evoking so much fear and passion at the same time?