Love Jason

Chapter 46

Emily's POV

The next morning arrived all too soon, its light piercing through the dark curtains, casting a soft glow upon the room. With eyes sunken from lack of sleep, Marco's words still echoing in my mind, I forced myself not to succumb to tears. Instead, I dragged myself out of bed, the heavy weight of exhaustion clinging to my limbs as I begrudgingly began my day.

As I stepped onto the cool wooden floor, a faint scent of lavender lingered in the air, the remnants of the candle I had lit the previous evening in a feeble attempt to find solace. The morning seemed unusually quiet, the silence broken only by the soft rustling of leaves outside the window and the distant chirping of birds.

I went through the motions of getting Aurora ready for breakfast, the familiar routine offering a brief reprieve from the turmoil in my mind. Each brush stroke through her hair felt like a gentle caress, a fleeting moment of tranquillity amidst the chaos.

In the dining room, the clatter of dishes echoed like a symphony, each sound magnified in the stillness of the room. The scent of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air, mingling with the aroma of warm pastries, enticing yet somehow distant as my thoughts remained preoccupied.

I silently pleaded to run into Jason, dreading the confrontation his presence would inevitably bring. The mere thought of facing him stirred a storm of emotions within me—anger, resentment, and above all, uncertainty. Because despite my efforts, Jason Russo remained an enigma, his motives and intentions shrouded in mystery.

So you can imagine my relief when he didn't come to the dining area, sparing me from the inevitable confrontation that his presence would bring.

"Emily, isn't my dad coming to have breakfast with me?" Aurora's innocent question pierced through the atmosphere

"I'm sure he's just busy," I reassured her smiling, Aurora nodded in understanding, but a shadow of sadness still lingered on her face.

After breakfast, Aurora's tutor arrived, providing a much-needed distraction as I escorted her to begin her homeschooling session. The rhythmic sound of pencils scratching against paper filled the room, a comforting melody amidst the cacophony of thoughts that threatened to overwhelm me.

Completing Aurora's tasks for the day, we retreated to my room for a much-needed break. The air was alive with laughter and excitement as we delved into our little world of dress-up, the soft fabrics and vibrant colours serving as a welcome escape from the monotony of reality.

Hours melted away as we transformed into princesses, pirates, and superheroes, our imaginations soaring to new heights with each costume change. The room buzzed with energy, the air tinged with the sweet scent of childhood innocence and boundless imagination.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden hue across the room, we were still lost in our playful realm, oblivious to the passage of time. For a moment, the weight of my worries faded, replaced by the simple joy of being present in the moment with my beloved Aurora.

As the evening wore on, Aurora's boundless energy finally gave way to the gentle embrace of sleep. I watched over her peaceful form, the soft rise and fall of her chest a soothing rhythm amidst the stillness of the night.

Yet, as the quiet of the night enveloped us, my thoughts, once banished by our playful antics, began to creep back in like shadows lurking in the corners of my mind.

Lost in thought, I was jolted back to reality by a sharp knock at the door. The sound echoed through the room, shattering the stillness. With hesitant steps, I made my way to the door, wondering who it could be at this hour.

As the door creaked open, I was met with one of Jason's men, his expression unreadable as he stood there holding a large bouquet of white roses and a strikingly beautiful red dress. Confusion clouded my mind as I tried to make sense of the unexpected gifts.

"Who are these for?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper, hoping for some clarity. But the man remained silent, wordlessly walking into my room and depositing the items on the nearest surface before swiftly exiting, leaving me standing there, bewildered and unsettled by the mysterious delivery.

I found myself staring at the dress and the roses, a knot of apprehension tightening in my stomach. The room felt strangely silent, the only sound being the pounding of my own heart as I tried to unravel the mystery behind the gifts.

Startled by the sudden knock on the door, I hurried this time, my heart racing with anticipation as I hoped it was the man returning to provide some much-needed answers. With quick steps, I reached for the handle, the cool metal beneath my fingertips sending a jolt of nervous energy coursing through me.

As the door swung open, I held my breath, half-expecting to see the mysterious messenger standing there, ready to shed light on the puzzling delivery. But to my surprise, it was not him.

Instead, standing before me was Jason himself, his presence commanding attention without a single word being spoken. His dark eyes bore into mine, a silent challenge that dared me to look away.

He was dressed in an impeccably tailored all-black suit, the fabric whispering with each movement. The scent of his cologne hung in the air, a heady blend of musk and sandalwood that filled my senses with an intoxicating warmth.

Every detail of his appearance spoke of power and authority, from the crisp white shirt peeking out from beneath the jacket to the polished leather shoes that adorned his feet. Yet, beneath the facade of confidence, there was a vulnerability in his eyes, a glimpse of the man behind the mask.

"Snap out of this, Emily," I screamed to myself, the urgency in my voice jolting me back to reality. With a deep breath, I squared my shoulders, summoning every ounce of courage within me to face the daunting presence before me.

"I know you're here for Aurora. I was just about to take her to her room. There will be no need to scream at me this time," I said firmly, my voice cutting through the tension like a blade, though my heart pounded with unease beneath my facade of strength.

He chuckled softly, a sound that sent a shiver down my spine as he closed the distance between us.

"I'm not here for my daughter," he whispered his voice a seductive melody that danced through the air, sending shivers cascading down my spine. His hand, warm and firm, cupped my cheek, his touch igniting a firestorm of sensations within me.

"I'm here for you," he declared, his words like a siren's call, drawing me deeper into his magnetic gaze.

"Have dinner with me, Emily," He asked his tone both a command and a plea, tinged with a hint of vulnerability that I have never seen before.