The wind howled through the night, the only sound keeping Gabrielle company as she combs her red silk hair. Her mind was on the events that played out during dinner.

Emilia was brought to her door by Mrs puff, and they all went down to eat. She kind of expected Edward to dine with them, his overbearing presence missing, which made the house feel emptier and colder. He kept invading her mind nonstop, and she just couldn't keep him out.

What was he thinking? The uncertainty scared her. He was unreadable, distant even. She scoffed, standing up to pace the room- he unnerved her.

The silence the house held became unbearable, and she needed an out.

Wrapping her robe tightly around herself.

Gabrielle slipped from her room into the hallway.

The floor was cold against her bare foot as she tiptoed down to the Grand foyer. Above her, the chandelier sparkled–the only source of light– casting a glossy sheen on the marble beneath her.

Gabrielle's hands slightly grazed the handle.

Footsteps sounded outside. Terrified, Gabrielle pressed her ear against the smooth oak wood doors, straining to listen.

"Robert... keep an eye out for Gabrielle, " he said, low, sharp.

Gabrielle stiffened as she had no doubt as to whose voice it was.

She backed away slowly, careful not to make a sound. The last thing she needed was stumbling into Edward.

She ran as quietly as she could as the footsteps drew near.

Turning down a corridor, heart racing, she spots a slightly ajar door and slips in.

The room was dark and filled with shadows cast by the moonlight. Gabrielle found the switch and flicked it.

White light filled the room, exposing its secrets: a wall packed with books, she smiled.

All she had to do was wait for Edward to leave the grand foyer. Her fingers glided through rows of books, every one perfectly organized, not even a speck of dust.

The maintenance here was impeccable. Would have made Aunt Gloria cry, she thought as she sank low, hunching over as sadness– or was it grief ?–washed over her. Aunt Gloria, the only other person she had aside from her daughter and mother, was a Librarian-she died last year. And if she didn't play her cards right with Edward, she would lose her mom, too.

Gabrielle, lost in thought, didn't notice he'd walked in.

Edward simply stared at her, trying to discern what could have caused her such sorrow.

The door now opened. A chill ran through Gabrielle's bones, and she instinctively looked up.

Her eyes met Edward's. Her breathing slowed, her mind quiet, and her fear so great it numbed her, stealing her senses.

He sensed her fear, and something in him softened. "Are you alright?" He asked, slowly walking towards her.

He crouched low beside her." What are you doing on the floor?" He said carefully.

Still mute, his fingers stroked her back, pulling her back.

"Edward..." were the only words that left her lips.

Her voice, the way his name rolled off her tongue, her fear–awakened something in him.

He traced light fingers up and down her back, watching her unravel felt like an old, forgotten, dangerous dance.

He needed to stop. This wasn't why he'd followed her. He had only wanted to finally speak with her about their arrangement.

But his body wouldn't let him– her flushed face sent ripples of hot need coursing right through him. A moan escaped her, shattering what little self-control he maintained.

She looked terrified -aghast with herself- like she had committed some sin she hadn't meant to.

His hand lifted, his fingers traced, then cupped her face.

He liked her this way.

"You can talk to me," he said softly, still stroking her face, as he pulled closer.

Still caught on the shores of pleasure, her lips parted, but no sound came.

Seeing her like this-undone and so very tempting- pulled him in.

Before he could stop himself, he closed the distance and kissed her. She melted into him instantly, his left hand slipping from her face to her neck, lips locked in a slow rhythm.

He worshiped her with kisses, then came back as his tongue explored the depths of her lips.

His fingers glided from her neck to the top of her breast, squeezing, and he moaned low.

How can a woman be this tasteful? His fingers were pulling and fondling her nipple through the sheer fabric of her robe.

Gabrielle jolted, breathing hard and loud as his mouth devoured hers.

He pulled her up slowly, found a table, and placed her on it. His lips are still very much entertaining hers.

The table creaked as he leaned in on her, his hands finding her calf, tracing up to her thighs.

He sensed her stiffen, shock in her eyes as his fingers slid higher, finding her.

She was hot, soft, and wet... for him. That pleased him.

His finger found their rhythmic flow, in and out of her as her nails dug holes in his back. That

Her moans got louder as he slipped in more fingers, stretching her, kneading her.

She tightened around him as she came, sweat on her skin, as his fingers slowed.

They stayed there for a while, as her breathing quieted.

He pulled her back, watching the smile she wore fade as she met his gaze.

His face spread out into a horrid smile.

"Still quite easy, I see. Always the girl that lost her virginity on the hood of my god damn car."

Gabrielle woke with a start, drenched in sweat with tears streaking her face.

The events of the previous night slammed right back into her all at once.

A shiver ran through her. The night before replayed like a broken record; she couldn't stop.

Her mouth is dry. New tears ran down her face, still very much shocked. She thought she had no tears left to give. Turns out, she did.

wiping away snort with the back of her hand.

How could Edward do that to her?

She shoved the duvet off herself. Today was a new day, and this was for her daughter.

Even if her father was the devil himself. She was going to make sure Emilia got the financial support she deserved.

Walking to the dressing mirror, she stopped. She simply stood still, staring back at herself.

She hated what stared back.

She hated herself.

Gabrielle, all dressed up, was excited to see her daughter. Walking down the hallway to Emilia's room.

She heard footsteps. The hairs on her neck lifted, as her steps slowed of their own accord.

She sensed his presence. She didn't need to turn around.

He was behind her.

She bolted into Emilia's room before she could make a fool of herself again.

Edward cursed under his breath as he watched her literally run.

Something close to guilt crept up on him. Before he drowned in it, his phone vibrated.

He sighed.

His long, well-manicured hands slid into his pockets for the phone. Quite curious, he checked who would be calling this early- damn, his mother!

He picked up. "Mother," He mouthed.

"Babyy oh my baby. How are you doing, love?" He rolled his eyes. His mother was very... cuddly.

That's the nicest way he could put it, but he loved her.

"I am good. How many times have I told you to stop calling me baby? I'm a grown man," he whined, feeling sixteen again.

Family did that to you.

"Once my baby, always my baby- Oh yes, I was calling to remind you that the board dinner is tonight. Don't disappoint, " she said sternly.

"I never have, now have I?"

"No, baby, you never have." He could hear her smile. It warmed his heart. He scoffed, a smile playing on his lips.

His mother was the only living parent he had, so her approval meant a lot to him. As far back as he could remember, she had his back- Through his father's beatings and unnatural hatred. She was always there.

He thought of his father now. The man would turn in his grave if he found out he was his successor.

And that delighted him.

Served the old fool right.

"... yes, Mother. Alright, see you then ". He ended the call, slipping the phone back into his pocket.

After the call with his mother, he realized he had to eventually speak to Gabrielle. He had planned on avoiding her until he figured out what last night's events were.

He was strict, but what he wasn't was cruel. All he remembered, amidst the heat and passion, was the sudden desire to hurt her- overwhelmed him. And hurt her he did.

He should be elated, but emptiness filled his very being.

He would deal with these feelings later, with some good brandy. Right now, he wanted his daughter at the function, and he had to speak with Gabrielle.

Instinctively, he strode down to Emilia's room. He knew she was still there. She was avoiding him.

In front of Emilia's room, he stopped. His feet suddenly felt heavy.

This was absurd. It was his home. He could enter if it damn well pleased him.

Pushing the door open, his eyes rested on Gabrielle. He saw fear when her eyes met his. Instinctively, she stood, drawing Emilia close. As if a bear entered, not a man.

He knew she probably harbored some resentment towards him. But her reaction affected him more than he would like to admit.

"Good morning, princess, " he greeted his little girl, a smile touched his lips.

waving excitedly." Good morningggg," she sang. Her mother's hands were still wrapped tightly on her little shoulders.

"Gabrielle, "the word pressed hard on him like stone. He shook it off.

Gabrielle simply stared.

The silence gnarling. He continued." My family will be hosting what we like to call TheHarrington board dinner tonight. And you and Emilia will be in attendance. If you need anything -a dinner gown for yourself and Emilia perhaps - Mrs puff will sort it out," he nodded, turning to leave.

"Edward"

It can't be.

He looked up, shocked. Then irritation and annoyance filled his veins.

bloody women. He would have to teach this one a lesson.

Gabrielle stared, eyes wide in shock. Who was she to Edward?

Her eyes moved from the woman's length of jet black hair, down her gorgeous face.

The dress -limited edition couture -hugged her every curve. On her, it was art.

These are the type of women in Edward's life, she thought, looking down at her calloused hands.

She swallowed, her fingers finding a lock of her hair. Playing with it.

She watched breathless as the woman moved with effortless grace. Her chest tightened, as if the air itself had grown scarce.

And her only view of him was of his broad shoulders, straight and imposing, yet calm, as he guided her out, hands settling on her waist.

No longer able to stay still, she stood, hands on her hips. She paced the room, lost in her own world. The image of them raced through her disheveled thoughts.

Her heart raced as multiple conclusions rushed in and out of her mind. Who was she?

She paused. Biting her nails, hands folded across her chest as she paced still.

Why did she care?

"Mummy"- freeing her from thoughts- Emilia's voice, small and hesitant. Her wide eyes looked up, scared.

Gabrielle stopped, walking over to Emilia, her heart lurched. "I'm sorry, love." Her fingers cupped her daughter's face, and she planted a kiss on her cheek.

Mrs. Puff's presence loomed in the far corner of the well-furnished room.

Realizing Emilia's caregiver hadn't left, she turned, instantly meeting Mrs. Puff's gaze, the kindness she met in them unnerving her. She quickly averted her eyes- She hated being pitied.

Anchoring herself, she rose."I would like to take Emilia for a stroll. We haven't been to these sides."Mrs. Puff interrupted. "Emilia is to stay on the property, ma'am. That is Mr Harrington's orders," she said apologetically as she excused herself.

Brows raised- orders? Irritation tainted her expression.

Mrs Puff stood there for a second, sad eyes boring holes through her. She turned to leave.

"I will be back by 4. To dress Miss Emilia."She announced, hands on the door as she slipped out.

She clenched her fists, nails digging into her palms. It's only been two days, and he has managed to humiliate and belittle her.

She wasn't going to fold that easily.

Later that evening, Mrs. Puff helped her into an Emerald green dress, adorned with fake crystals that sparkle regardless. The sleeves were long, stretching all the way to her wrist. She sensed judgment burning through the caregiver's eyes.

This was her best gown. Deflated, she sulked. She was too exhausted to care; the events of the last two days hovered over her so heavily she felt numb. Mrs Puff will have to deal with it.

She inspected her gown in the mirror; if she was being honest, she wasn't upset with it. The emerald dress hugged her waist as the rest of the gown flowed freely off her hips and legs, stopping at her ankles.

She swirled, finally smiling for the first time that day. Mrs Puff stared at her like she was insane, mad even. That didn't shake her newfound confidence.

Turning to the small figure on the bed," Emilia, you like it," she laughed as she walked over to the bed.

Emilia jumped off the bed, excitedly. "Mummy is so pretty," she chuckled, smiling from ear to ear.

"Thanks, my love," she responded, slightly out of breath.

Pulling her closer, she rested her chin atop her head.

A knock on the slightly ajar door cut through the delicate moment. She turned and froze.

It was Edward.

Clad in a deep gray suit that brought out the color of his eyes, he never looked more handsome. His normally disheveled hair was now sleeked back, every piece in place. Her heart found a new beat as heat rushed to her face.

"It seems you are all ready," he cleared his throat." The party starts by 8. And I need you and Emilia down by 7:30 to meet my family," he said coldly, his eyes roaming her body. She held her breath.

When his gaze swept over her, she saw.... disappointment? She flinched.

He started forward, walking towards Emilia. "Hey, beautiful," bending at the hip, he bopped her nose with his finger.

Emilia hopped from one leg to the other." Good afternoon, Mr Edward," she responded shyly.

"How about you come with me, get out of your mother's hair for a bit," Gabrielle began protesting, but was cut short by Edward's glare.

Hand in hand with Emilia, he walked out, briefly stopping at the door to give her one last look over, disgust written all over his face as if her presence were a stain in his perfectly polished world.

Sweat pooled between her breasts, at the crevice of her armpits, down her neck. Sure, there were a couple of holes- which were properly hidden- but the dress was rather nice.

She turned to see the same dissatisfied Expression on Mrs. Puff's face. Her confidence tanked." I can do my hair myself, you are excused". Mrs. Puff quietly left, and the door gently creaked as she exited.

Now alone, she wanted to vanish, as panic worked its way up her veins.

Her eyes burned hot as tears brimmed, her hands shaking and filled with sweat. His face from early played in her head. She really could not believe a time existed where he loved her.

Quite some time passed with her, an unraveling mess on the most beautiful floor she had ever seen- the irony, she scoffed.

She pulled herself up, rubbing her bloodshot eyes. She was going to get through the night.

With newfound courage, some hairpins, wipes, and perfume. She got ready the best she knew how.

As she stepped out of the room, something tugged at her. And she knew it was going to be a long night.