Shadows of Deception: The Luna’s Impostor

Chapter 13: Why now?

As days stretched into months, Eloise's education in the ways of the Gabrielli family continued unabated. Lessons in diplomacy, strategy, and the intricacies of high society became her daily bread, each passing moment a testament to her growing mastery of the role she had been thrust into. Yet, despite the passage of time, the memory of the grotesque events that had unfolded within the mansion's walls lingered in the recesses of her mind like a haunting specter, a constant reminder of the darkness that lurked beneath the surface of her new reality.

But amidst the shadows of the past, Eloise found herself gradually growing accustomed to her newfound identity. With each passing day, her confidence blossomed like a fragile flower in the midst of a desolate landscape, her resolve strengthened by the trials she had endured and the challenges that lay ahead. No longer did she falter beneath the weight of uncertainty; instead, she embraced her role as the heir of the Gabrielli family with a sense of purpose that burned brightly within her soul.

Now, she could traverse the vast halls of the mansion with an air of authority, her footsteps echoing with the resolute cadence of one who knew her place in the world. Though the gazes of the household members still bore into her like piercing knives, their scrutiny no longer held the power to unsettle her. Instead, she paid them little mind, her focus unwavering as she devoted herself wholeheartedly to the duties and responsibilities that awaited her as the heiress to the Gabrielli legacy.

With each passing day, Eloise's presence within the mansion grew more assured, her grace and poise a testament to the strength that lay within her. And though the road ahead was fraught with peril and uncertainty, she faced it with a courage and determination that had become her hallmark, ready to embrace whatever challenges fate saw fit to place in her path.

As Eloise immersed herself in her studies within the sanctum of her chambers, the gentle melody of her thoughts was interrupted by a soft rap upon the door, a sound that pulled her back from the depths of her concentration. "My lady, the lord requests your presence in his office," drifted the melodious voice of Linda, a faithful servant whose presence had become a comforting constant in Eloise's daily routine. In Madame Cess's stead, Linda had taken on the responsibility of attending to Eloise's needs, a task she performed with unwavering dedication.

"Thank you, Linda. I shall attend to him presently," Eloise acknowledged, her tone gracious as she rose from her seat with practiced elegance. With each movement, she exuded an aura of poise and composure, her demeanor a reflection of the grace and refinement befitting her station.

Accompanied by Linda, Eloise navigated the familiar corridors of the mansion, the soft glow of torchlight illuminating their path and casting dancing shadows upon the polished marble floors. With each step, anticipation hummed in the air like a silent melody, the question of Mr. Gabrielli's summons lingering on the edges of Eloise's thoughts like a tantalizing enigma waiting to be unraveled.

As they approached the door to Mr. Gabrielli's office, Eloise's heart quickened with a mingling of excitement and apprehension, her mind racing with possibilities of what awaited her within. With a steadying breath, she squared her shoulders and prepared to face whatever lay ahead, her resolve unwavering as she stepped across the threshold into the realm of uncertainty.

When Eloise and Linda arrived at the imposing door of Mr. Gabrielli's office, the former raised her hand and gently tapped, the sound echoing through the grand corridor. Linda, ever the dutiful assistant, stood by with an air of deference, her posture poised as she announced Eloise's presence in a tone laced with respect. "My Lord, the young lady is here," she stated, her words carrying a note of formality that bespoke years of service. With a graceful bow, Linda retreated from the threshold, leaving Eloise to step into the room alone.

As Eloise crossed the threshold, her eyes swept over the lavish furnishings of the office, taking in every detail from the intricate patterns of the Persian rug underfoot to the glint of sunlight streaming through the ornate curtains. Her gaze finally settled on Mr. Gabrielli, who sat regally behind his mahogany desk, a figure of authority amidst the opulence of his surroundings. He was engrossed in the task at hand, his attention captured by the stack of papers before him, his reading glasses perched precariously on the bridge of his nose.

"Father," Eloise greeted warmly, her voice soft yet carrying through the room with a musical lilt. A small, genuine smile graced her lips as she approached him, her steps measured and deliberate.

"My dear," Mr. Gabrielli replied, his voice resonating with paternal affection as he looked up from his work. With practiced ease, he set aside the papers and removed his glasses, folding them neatly before placing them on the desk. His eyes, a reflection of wisdom and experience, met Eloise's with a mixture of pride and adoration. "I was informed that you have been doing well. I commend you for that. What do you want in return?"

Eloise shook her head gently, her expression earnest as she met her father's gaze. "I don’t want anything, father. You have already given me so much," she replied, her voice carrying the weight of genuine gratitude. Each word was carefully chosen, imbued with sincerity and appreciation for all that her father had provided.

A soft chuckle escaped Mr. Gabrielli's lips at her response, a warm twinkle dancing in his eyes as he regarded his daughter. His smile widened, a sense of pride evident in the curve of his lips as he reached out to pat her hand affectionately.

"Sit down," he invited, gesturing towards the plush chair opposite his own. Eloise complied without hesitation, a sense of anticipation building within her as she settled into the seat, her eyes alight with curiosity and excitement for the conversation to come.

"I called you here to inform you about something," Mr. Gabrielli began, his voice taking on a grave solemnity that immediately captured Eloise's attention. She couldn't help but feel a flicker of unease fluttering in the depths of her chest. What weighty matter could her father wish to discuss?

"Eloise's birthday is approaching, and I intend to host a party," he declared, his words measured yet infused with an unmistakable undercurrent of excitement. Eloise's heart leaped in her chest at the unexpected revelation, her mind whirling with a mixture of surprise and anticipation at the prospect of such an event.

"But until now, you still haven’t done that since I got here," she interjected, her voice tinged with confusion as she voiced the nagging question that had taken root in her mind. She couldn't reconcile the sudden decision to celebrate her birthday with the years of neglect in that regard. Birthdays had never been more than ordinary days in her life, devoid of celebration or recognition. Even after Mr. Gabrielli had taken her in from the streets and provided her with a home and a family, the notion of commemorating her birth had never crossed their minds.

"Why now?" The words slipped from her lips before she could stop them, her eyes searching his face for the elusive answer that eluded her grasp. Her curiosity burned bright, fueled by a desire to understand the sudden change in their longstanding tradition—or lack thereof.

“You weren’t ready yet. We aren’t ready yet,” Mr. Gabrielli stated, his voice carrying a weight that seemed to echo through the room, each word laden with significance that sent a shiver down Eloise's spine. His gaze, intense and unwavering, bore into hers, holding her captive under its penetrating scrutiny. The solemnity in his eyes spoke volumes, stirring a storm of questions and apprehensions within her. What did he mean by 'we'? Was there more to this than met the eye?

"What do you mean?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly with uncertainty, her eyes pleading for clarity amidst the swirling confusion that enveloped her.

"Everyone will be invited to this party. Including the man that you will marry," Mr. Gabrielli replied, his tone somber as he averted his gaze, as if unable to meet her eyes. The weight of his words settled heavily upon her shoulders, the realization of their implications crashing over her like a wave. This was no ordinary celebration—it was a pivotal moment, a precursor to a future she had yet to fully grasp.

"Am I ready to meet him?" she asked, her voice betraying the tremor of anxiety that coursed through her at the mere thought of encountering the man who would one day hold her heart in his hands.

"You have to be. They are getting impatient," Mr. Gabrielli stated firmly, his words cutting through the air with a steely resolve that brooked no argument. The urgency in his tone only served to heighten her sense of unease, casting a shadow of foreboding over the impending meeting.

"I don’t know what their plans are after they see you, but know this one thing: you have to be careful around him. He is not like us. He is much more dangerous. Do you understand?" Mr. Gabrielli's warning hung in the air like a chilling omen, his voice tinged with a gravity that sent a shiver racing down her spine. In that moment, the gravity of the situation washed over her like a cold wave, drowning her in a sea of uncertainty and fear.

Eloise nodded in response, her mind reeling with a cacophony of emotions—fear, uncertainty, and a gnawing sense of dread. She couldn't begin to fathom the true extent of the danger that lay ahead, but one thing was clear: her journey into the unknown had only just begun, and the path ahead was fraught with peril.

"Then, you can go now. The preparations will start for your birthday. You don’t have to do anything, just focus on your studies, and everything will be taken care of," Mr. Gabrielli instructed, his voice carrying a comforting tone softened by a hint of reassurance. His words were like a soothing balm to Eloise's frayed nerves, offering her a semblance of solace amidst the storm of uncertainty that raged within her.

"Father," Eloise called out, her voice quivering with a mixture of gratitude and trepidation as she looked at him, her eyes brimming with emotion. In that moment, she couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of indebtedness towards the man who had taken her in and provided her with love and protection when she had needed it most.

"Thank you," she whispered, her words imbued with the depth of her appreciation for his unwavering support and guidance, for his steadfast presence in her life through thick and thin.

Mr. Gabrielli's smile softened at her heartfelt gratitude, his eyes reflecting the warmth and affection he felt towards his daughter. "You can go back now," he said gently, giving her permission to depart from his office and return to her own affairs.

With a deep breath to steady her nerves, Eloise rose from her seat, a sense of resolve coursing through her veins as she bowed respectfully at her father before turning to leave the room. As she made her way back to her study area, her mind buzzed with a tumult of emotions, her thoughts consumed by the daunting prospect of her upcoming birthday party and the uncertain future that lay ahead.