Mr. Grey-Book I

18

Emilia

Days had passed since that scene between Damien and me. I found myself constantly trying to rationalize what had happened, desperately pinning it on my hormones - a lapse in judgment brought on by the heat of the moment. These were the words I repeated like a mantra, hoping they'd eventually ring true.

"It was a mistake," I whispered to myself, sitting alone by the ornate fountain in the Grey estate's sprawling gardens. "It was just... comfort. Nothing more."

But even as I said the words, a part of me knew they weren't entirely honest. I took advantage of him and the wrongest way possible, I was truly an awful person—-

I shook my head vigorously as if the physical act could dislodge the memories. Seeking distraction, I forced myself to focus on my surroundings - the intricate stonework of the fountain, the soothing sound of water cascading down its tiers, the fragrant roses blooming nearby.

"I knew I would find you here."

The voice startled me from my reverie. I turned to see Lucas approaching, his face adorned with a warm, genuine smile that didn't quite ease the knot of anxiety in my stomach.

I attempted to return the smile, but it felt weak and forced. "Are you okay?" he asked, his brow furrowing with concern.

I nodded, perhaps a bit too quickly. "Just a little tired, but I'll be fine," I assured him, mustering a more convincing smile this time.

Lucas closed the distance between us and settled beside me on the fountain's edge. For a long moment, silence enveloped us, broken only by the gentle splashing of water. When he finally spoke, his voice was soft and filled with empathy.

"Emilia, I can't pretend to understand exactly how you feel in this condition... it can't be easy." He reached out, placing his hand gently over mine. The gesture was meant to be comforting, but it only served to remind me of my recent nightmare. "But you're not alone in this," Lucas continued, oblivious to my inner turmoil.

I pulled my hand away, perhaps more abruptly than I intended. "Thanks, Lucas. That means a lot," I said, the words sounding hollow even to my own ears. How could anyone truly understand what I was going through? The complexity of emotions, the physical changes, the constant reminder that I was carrying a child for someone else - someone who didn't even want it?

Lucas stood, stretching out his hand to me. "There's something I'd like to show you," he said, a hint of excitement creeping into his voice.

Ignoring his outstretched hand, I rose to my feet, careful to maintain some distance between us. "What is it you want to show me?" I asked, curiosity mingling with apprehension.

A mischievous glint appeared in his eyes. "It's a surprise," he said, reaching out to take my hand despite my earlier rejection. "Trust me," he whispered, his voice low and persuasive.

Against my better judgment, I nodded and allowed him to lead me away from the fountain, out of the house, and to his waiting car.

The drive was mostly silent, with Lucas occasionally glancing over at me with an expression I couldn't quite decipher. As we traveled further from the Grey estate, my curiosity grew. Where could he possibly be taking me?

Finally, after what felt like both an eternity and no time at all, the car came to a halt. I blinked, taking in my surroundings with growing wonder. Before us stretched a pristine, secluded beach - empty save for the two of us.