Mysterious Seduction

XXIV. Turning Point

He did not expect it to happen.

She was the least person to get attached to, but Byron found himself depending on Ellie in more ways than necessary. Not that he could not do things well on his own, but her very presence in almost everywhere he went had become a comfort.

Her funny comments would make him burst in laughter, her wit and charm could make him take pride that she was his woman. Even in her absence, she was constantly in his mind.

In rare occasions, he thought he saw her looking at him in a genuine manner. For the long time he knew her, he already mastered the craft of detecting her lies and drama. But the small signs of something real from Ellie McPhee was enough to make Bryon hope.

Yet he knew she was naught but a fraud as a whole. He was a fraud. Everything was a fraud.

Sooner or later, he knew they would both end up hurting each other.

-Above and Below

*****

Emma and Wynne were already waiting in the parlor, a tense silence between them, when Samuel and Stella entered the room. The latter couple was surprised to find them both already inside and disappointment was fast to present itself when they saw the golden egg in the middle of the coffee table.

"I told you it was in the kitchen," Samuel said to Stella who simply shrugged. "When did you find it?" he asked Emma afterwards, walking over to the egg.

Another couple entered the room, both disappointed and empty-handed.

Wynne was the one who looked at the clock and said, "An hour ago, I believe."

Samuel sighed. "I have to be broken before I can be of use—it is clearly an egg," he said to Stella.

"Well, I thought so as well at first but then, there are dozens of eggs in the kitchen. How could we have known which one to pick? I did not know the treasure would be painted gold!"

"It was better than what you thought it would be. A thread!"

"Well, you have to break the thread for it to be of use as well!"

"Does this make us the winner then?" Emma asked, standing up and breaking the argument.

"Well, of course," said the gentleman behind Samuel. "Ah, what a shame. I knew it was an egg!"

Emma forced a smile. "Then can we have our prize?"

Samuel nodded at the footman who had entered the room. The man walked over to give Emma and Wynne their golden prizes.

Emma was, of course, satisfied that she had something to show to Ysabella, but she was also dying to get out of the room.

She had committed a terrible mistake and even Samuel's presence was making her even guiltier. Perhaps this was a sign that she ought to come up with a decision soon. She could not be unfair to Samuel for long.

She had been selfish enough that she had been insisting that he waited.

But first, she had to clear her head.

She had to think.

*****

Samuel stole Emma a look as he escorted her back to the ballroom to find her family. She looked distracted so he asked, "What had transpired between you and Wynne tonight, Emma?"