Marcus turned to Emily, his eyes still warm with amusement. "Don't mind Sophia, Emily. We're just... complicated."
Emily raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the dynamics between Marcus and Sophia. "Complicated?"
Marcus leaned forward, his voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "Let's just say Sophia has a way of making things... interesting. But don't worry, you'll get used to her."
Emily smiled, feeling a sense of trepidation. She wasn't sure if she was ready for the complexities of Marcus's world, but she was determined to make the most of this new chapter in her life.
As the door closed behind Sophia, Marcus turned to Emily with a warm smile. "Shall we get started on your new life, Emily?"
Marcus's smile was infectious, and Emily found herself smiling back at him. "I'm ready," she said, her voice firm.
Marcus nodded, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Excellent. First things first, we need to get you settled into your new home."
Emily's heart skipped a beat as she thought about leaving her old life behind. She had never been one for change, but there was something about Marcus's enthusiasm that made her feel like this was exactly what she needed.
"Follow me," Marcus said, leading her out of the room and down a long hallway. They passed by several doors, each one leading to a different part of the mansion. Emily couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder as she took in the opulent decorations and lavish furnishings.
They finally stopped in front of a door that looked slightly different from the others. It was made of a darker wood, and the handle was shaped like a lion's head.
"This is your room," Marcus said, opening the door and gesturing for Emily to enter.
Emily's jaw dropped as she stepped inside. The room was enormous, with a four-poster bed in the center and a sitting area off to the side. The walls were painted a soft blue, and the furniture was made of the same dark wood as the door.
"It's beautiful," Emily breathed, her eyes scanning the room in awe.
Marcus smiled, looking pleased with himself. "I'm glad you like it. Everything you need is in here… Clothes, toiletries, the works."
Emily's eyes landed on a closet that seemed to stretch on forever. "How many clothes are in there?" she asked, her voice full of wonder.
Marcus chuckled. "Let's just say you won't be wearing the same outfit twice anytime soon. Now, let's get you settled in and then we can start on the next phase of your transition."
Emily nodded, feeling a sense of excitement wash over her. She had no idea what the next phase of her transition would entail, but she was ready to find out.
As she began to unpack her few belongings, Marcus excused himself, saying he had some business to attend to. Emily was left alone in her new room, feeling a sense of trepidation mixed with excitement.
She spent the next few hours exploring her new space, trying on clothes and getting familiar with her surroundings. She was just starting to feel like herself again when there was a knock at the door.
"Come in," Emily called out, expecting it to be Marcus.
But to her surprise, it was Sophia who walked in, a warm smile spreading across her face. "Isn't it beautiful?"
Emily felt a surge of unease as Sophia's eyes scanned the room, taking in every detail. She didn't like the way Sophia was looking at her, like she was some kind of prize to be won.
"It is," Emily replied with a smile, trying not to get bothered by Sophia's presence.
Sophia laughed softly. However the sound sent a shiver down Emily's spine. "Oh, if you dont really mind, i want to know the kind of business you both are involved with that would have you both staying in the same house."
Emily's heart raced. "I_"
"She's my girlfriend, Sophia," Marcus replied from the door. His face without emotions.
Sophia felt a twist in her heart. "But… But we're getting married soon," she choked and turned to Emily again.
Emily stood still, looking terribly pale at the new information.
"Not anymore," Marcus stepped into the room and closed the door behind him, "The plan was for me to get a woman. It was a clear assingment."
Sophia's eyes widened in shock, her face pale with confusion. "You can't be serious, Marcus," she let out a fidgeting chuckle. "Father said our marriage would be in a month."
Marcus's expression remained calm, but his eyes flashed with a warning. "Sophia," he chuckled darkly, contrary to the cgarmed one he lets out around Amelia. "We aren't even engaged yet and you speak of marriage."
Sophia's eyes narrowed, her gaze darting between Marcus and Emily. "We were asked to give you time. We gave you time, and now this? You did not even inform my family. Do I not have the right to know?"
Emily who stood before them froze in shock. She felt a surgeon discomfort, her mind racing with questions. Why did Marcus never mention Sophia to her?
Marcus sighed, his patience wearing thin. "Sophia, we shouldn't discuss this. My business needs require me to have a...stable partner. And Emily fits the bill."
Sophia's face twisted in anger, her eyes blazing with fury. "You're choosing her over me?" she hissed, her voice barely controlled. The sweet her, long disappeared.
Marcus's expression turned cold, his eyes glinting with a warning. "Sophia, don't make a scene. My family held a meeting with yours or because you've known me half of your life doent mean we're fit to be together." His voice pierced her skin and the temperature in the room dropped.
Sophia's face crumpled, her eyes welling up with tears. "Umm, okay. Thats fine… When the deal between you and her ends, i still jave a chance." she whispered, her voice breaking with hope.
Marcus's expression softened slightly. When he was a teenager, he knew of Sophia's attraction towards him. However, he had ignored her all his life. Her sweetness seemed fake to hima and now, she just managed to show him a pinch of her real inside.
He took in a soft breath, but his voice remained firm. "Sophia, you can leave. I'll explain things to out families. You don't have to worry about anything,"
Sophia's eyes flashed deafect. She nodded softly, and with that, she walked out of the room, leaving Emily feeling uncomfortable and unsure of what to make of the situation.
Marcus turned to Emily, his expression apologetic. "I'm sorry about that," he said, his voice low.
Emily nodded, feeling a sense of trepidation. She had no idea what she was getting herself into. She never expected things to be this tight. Marcus was supposed to be a bachelor.
"I understand." Emily rubbed her forehead. "However, I need to be alone."
Marcus's eyes flashed with approval, his face smiling. "You should rest. Don't think about anything that just happened."
And with that, he turned and walked out of the room, leaving Emily feeling like she was in for a whole lot more than she had bargained for.