Stay With Me

Chapter 1: A New Home

Lily stood at the entrance of the grand mansion, her heart pounding with a mix of excitement and anxiety. She clutched the straps of her worn-out backpack, her fingers trembling slightly as she took in the towering pillars, the ornate doors, and the sprawling gardens that stretched as far as she could see. To a thirteen-year-old girl who had spent her entire life in foster care, this place was nothing short of a castle.

She had dreamed of this moment for as long as she could remember: a family to call her own, a place to belong. The social worker who brought her here kept reassuring her that this was a "good placement." The Pattersons were described as generous, well-off, and eager to open their home to a child in need. But as the door swung open, Lily was not met with the warm smiles she had envisioned.

Instead, she was greeted by the cool gaze of Mrs. Patterson. She was a tall, elegant woman in her early forties, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit that screamed of old money. Her eyes, a sharp blue, scanned Lily from head to toe, and Lily couldn't help but feel like she was being appraised.

"Welcome, Lily," Mrs. Patterson said, her voice smooth but devoid of warmth. She stepped aside, motioning for Lily to enter.

Lily mumbled a soft "thank you" and stepped inside. The interior of the house was even more breathtaking than she had imagined. Marble floors gleamed under the soft glow of chandeliers, and the walls were adorned with expensive art. Everything looked pristine, like a place out of a magazine — beautiful but untouchable.

"David," Mrs. Patterson called out, her voice echoing through the vast hall. "Lily is here."

Mr. Patterson appeared from a side room, adjusting the cuffs of his shirt. He was a handsome man in his mid-forties, with neatly combed hair and a practiced smile. His demeanor was polite, almost rehearsed, as if meeting Lily was just another item on his busy agenda.

"Hello, Lily," he said, extending his hand. "We're glad to have you here."

Lily took his hand, her grip tentative and small. "Thank you for having me," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Mrs. Patterson gestured toward the grand staircase that wound up to the second floor. "Why don't you go upstairs and freshen up? Your room is the second door on the left. Dinner will be served at seven."

Lily nodded and began to make her way up the stairs, each step echoing loudly in the quiet house. As she reached the top, she spotted her room — the door was slightly ajar, and she could see a glimpse of a beautifully decorated space with soft pastel colors and a large bed covered in fluffy pillows. It was everything she had ever dreamed of, yet it still felt like a stranger's room.

She dropped her bag by the door and took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions inside her. She couldn't believe that this was real, that she was finally in a place where she might be wanted. She unpacked her few belongings, carefully placing them in the drawers and closet. Despite the luxury around her, she felt a gnawing emptiness. She had learned long ago not to get too attached, not to hope too much, but it was impossible not to let a little bit of hope seep in.

Just as she finished unpacking, a soft knock interrupted her thoughts. Lily turned to see a girl standing in the doorway. She was about Lily's age, with long blonde hair that cascaded down her shoulders in perfect waves. She was dressed in a pink dress that looked like something out of a fairy tale, complete with matching shoes and a glittery headband. Her blue eyes sparkled with a mix of curiosity and something else that Lily couldn't quite place.

"Hi, you must be Lily," the girl said, stepping into the room without waiting for an invitation. "I'm Sophia."

Lily smiled nervously. "Hi, Sophia."