Mr. Grey-Book I

11

**Emilia**

I was still huddled on the floor, tears staining my cheeks, when the door swung open. Looking up, I saw the kind-faced housekeeper I'd met during my last visit. Her eyes traveled over my crumpled form, a mixture of pity and concern etched on her face.

"Oh, child," she said softly, "you're not some prisoner." She reached out to me. "Come on, get up now."

Gently, she helped me to my feet. "You must be starving?"

I shook my head, lying through my teeth. "I'm fine."

As if on cue, my stomach let out a loud growl, betraying me.

The housekeeper chuckled. "You're a terrible liar, child." She moved towards the door. "Come on, let's get some food in you."

Reluctantly, I followed her down the stairs to the kitchen. "Take a seat," she instructed, gesturing to the table. As I sat down, she opened the fridge. "What would you like to eat?"

"I don't care," I muttered, my voice laced with bitterness.

She turned to face me, her expression stern but not unkind. "If you don't care about yourself, at least show some love to that baby you're carrying. Whether you want it or not, you're responsible for it now."

I sighed, realizing news traveled fast in this house. "Anything," I whispered after a moment.

She nodded, placing an empty plate in front of me. As she busied herself preparing the food, I glanced around the empty kitchen. "Where is everyone?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.

"Doing business," she replied cryptically. I nodded, pretending to understand.

She set a slice of mouthwatering apple pie before me. "Thank you," I murmured, suddenly realizing how hungry I actually was.

The housekeeper pulled out a chair and sat beside me, watching me eat in silence for a few moments. "What's your name?" she asked gently.

"Emilia," I replied between bites.

She nodded, her eyes softening. "Emilia, crying won't solve anything. You've got to buckle up and be strong because it's not just about you anymore."

I nodded, touched by her motherly tone. "I'll try."

As we sat there, I found myself wanting to know more about this woman who seemed so out of place in the cold, austere Grey household. "How long have you worked here?" I asked.

She smiled, a faraway look in her eyes. "I've been with the Greys since before Damien was born. Now he's all grown up."

I couldn't help but wonder how she felt about the arrogant, rude man Damien had become. "Where is he now?" I asked, surprising myself with my curiosity.

"Who? Damien?" she clarified. When I nodded, she replied, "Up in his room."

There was a sadness in her tone that piqued my interest. I remembered our last conversation. "Last time I was here, you mentioned something about pain. What did you mean?"

She leaned back, a look of surprise crossing her face. "She didn't tell you?"

"Tell me what?" I asked, taking another bite of pie.

She hesitated for a moment before answering, her voice barely above a whisper. "That Damien is blind."

The fork clattered from my hand, hitting the plate with a sharp clang. My heart seemed to stop as her words sank in.

Thanks for the support guys don't forget to vote and comment