"A Game of Poise and Power"
Emilia steps into the Marchesi mansion, the silence wrapping around her like a thick blanket. The house is big and grand, but at this hour, it feels cold. She takes a deep breath, tiredness weighing on her as her heels make soft clicks on the marble floor.
Apollo, her loyal Doberman, waits by the door. His ears are up, eyes watching her closely. His tail moves just a little, but his body stays alert—he feels the tension before she even notices it.
Apollo
[Whines softly, brushing against her leg, as if checking she's okay.]
She kneels just enough to scratch behind his ears, a tired smile ghosting her lips.
Emilia
I know, boy. I’m late.
She straightens, ready to head upstairs when a voice slices through the silence.
Isabella Rinaldi
(Cool, sharp) Out all night again, Emilia? You have no respect for this family.
Emilia stops mid-step, masking her irritation before turning. Isabella stands in the dimly lit hallway, arms crossed, eyes filled with quiet disdain.
Emilia
(With a practiced, sweet smile)
Good evening, Aunt Isabella. I didn’t expect you to wait up for me.
Isabella Rinaldi
(Raising an eyebrow, voice dripping with disapproval)
Someone has to. Lorenzo may turn a blind eye to your behavior, but I won’t.
Emilia
(Tilting her head slightly, her voice light)
Behavior? I attended the event as Uncle Lorenzo requested. Spoke with the right people. Smiled where I needed to. Isn’t that what I’m supposed to do?
Isabella Rinaldi
(Stepping closer, eyes narrowing)
Don’t play innocent with me. You think I don’t see what you’re doing? You act so dutiful, so obedient, but you’re just like your mother—always making people believe what you want them to.
Emilia stiffens slightly at the mention of her mother but quickly masks it, keeping her expression neutral.
Emilia
I take that as a compliment.
Isabella Rinaldi
You shouldn’t. She thought she was untouchable too. And look where that got her.
Apollo lets out a low growl beside Emilia, his body tensed. She places a calming hand on his head but doesn’t take her eyes off Isabella.
Emilia
(Her smile unwavering, but her voice holds an edge)
It’s strange, isn’t it, Aunt Isabella? How much you talk about her. Yet, no matter how many years pass, no matter how many things change, you’ve never quite managed to take her place.
Isabella’s jaw tightens, a flicker of something unreadable crossing her face before she regains her composure
Isabella Rinaldi
Careful, Emilia. You might think you understand this family, but there’s a lot you don’t know.
Emilia
(Soft chuckle, feigned innocence)
I’m sure there is. But I trust that, in time, everything will come to light.
Isabella holds her gaze for a long moment, something dark simmering beneath her expression. But Emilia doesn’t break eye contact. After a tense silence, Isabella exhales sharply, dismissively waving a hand
Isabella Rinaldi
You’d do well to remember your place, Emilia.
Emilia
Of course, Aunt Isabella. Goodnight.
Without waiting for a response, Emilia turns toward the staircase, her movements calm and unbothered. Apollo follows closely, his gaze flicking back to Isabella one last time before disappearing up the stairs with Emilia. Isabella stands there in the dim light, her expression unreadable as she watches Emilia disappear.
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