Chapter 9: Arrival in Paris
A few hours later, Emilia’s flight landed in Paris. I
As she stepped out of customs, she spotted Justin from a distance, waving his arms enthusiastically. I
Justin looked just as she remembered–bright–eyed with rosy lips and a neatly aligned smile that showed eight perfect teeth when he grinned.
“Emilia, was the journey tiring?” I
Justin reached out as if to hug her but hesitated, seemingly unsure if it was appropriate. Instead, he shifted to taking her luggage.
Emilia smiled faintly, a sense of long–lost comfort quietly blossoming in her heart.
“It wasn’t too tiring.” she replied.
“Come on, I’ll take you home,” Justin’said warmly. I
Justin’s villa was on the outskirts of Paris–a three–story house with a meticulously maintained front garden.
As Emilia stepped through the door, she noticed the abundance of lavender planted outside. I
“Why did you plant so much lavender?” she asked.
Justin’s face flushed red, and he scratched his head sheepishly. “I, uh… I remembered you liked it.”
Looking at him. Emil
was reminded of the boy from years ago, nervously confessing his feelings to her.
“Come on, let me show you your room,” Justin said excitedly, pulling her upstairs.
The room Justin had prepared for Emilia was on the second floor–the largest in the villa, complete with a spacious walk–in closet and en–suite bathroom. Afternoon sunlight poured through the large floor–to–ceiling windows, bathing the bed in a golden glow.
Justin had given up the master bedroom for her. [
Emilia couldn’t help but think of the windowless maid’s quarters she had lived in before. I
“Emilia. I’m staying downstairs. If you need anything, just call me, okay?” Justin said earnestly.
“And don’t worry, I won’t touch you before we’re married.” A faint blush crept up his face again. ||
“Justin, there’s something I’d like to ask for your help with,” Emilia said.
“What is it? I’ll do my best to help.” Justin replied seriously.
“I want to continue my education. Before coming here. I looked up the admission requirements for the Paris School of Design. I meet the qualifications, but I still have a big language barrier. Could you help me prepare the application materials?*
Justin nodded firmly.
Qapir 1. Arrival in Paris
“Emilia, this is important. Of course, I’ll help you,” he said with determination. []
“I always thought you were incredibly talented back in school. I knew you’d accomplish something remarkable after graduation. It’s such a shame those years were wasted.” []
“Let’s not dwell on sad things. Leave the application to mel Justin said, beaming.
Emilia nodded gratefully. It had been a long time since someone complimented her abilities.
The three years she spent as a servant had dulled her shine, grinding her down to a shadow of her former self. []
She had nearly forgotten that she was once the star student everyone admired. []
Justin urged Emilia to rest and adjust to the time difference, telling her to call him if she needed anything before leaving the room. [
Lying on the fresh bed Justin had prepared for her, Emilia had the most peaceful sleep she’d had in three years.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the continent, it was evening.
Timothy returned home, exhausted after months of meticulous planning and hard work to finalize a major project. [
Initially, he had planned to stay out until everything was resolved, but today he felt an inexplicable unease. Thinking about Emilia, whom he had humiliated and sent home days earlier, Timothy decided to return and check on her.
Bob greeted him at the door, his face filled with anxiety.
Timothy frowned. “Where’s Emilia? She’s getting more and more audacious–ignoring her master even when I return home!”
Bob’s voice trembled as he replied, “Mr. Stewart, Emilia… she’s been gone since early this morning.”
