CHAPTER 144: WHAT! A DREAM?!

Seraphina’s POV

"I don’t want to go there!" I said, my voice low but cautious. "As you know..." I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. "How this family treated me before... going there now feels like I’d be inviting more bullying. They’d do something, and..." My words trailed off as Emma gently patted my back.

"Hey!" she exclaimed. "You’re not that same weak Sera anymore! Why would you still be so afraid?"

"I know, right! But I still am," I muttered, rubbing my hands together nervously. "I might have changed, but not them."

"Yes!" Emma said firmly, trying to reason with me. "They might not have changed, but if you stand up for yourself, no one would dare touch you. You’ve got your brother by your side... and even Lucien is there!"

I bit my lip, thinking about it. Even with Asher there, the memories of fear and humiliation was deeply itched in my heart. And Lucien... he was calm but intense person. His every gaze held a quiet warning that kept everyone else in check.

As for Alistair, I didn’t want to involve in any kind of mess that’d ruin his career or his life.

"I guess... maybe it won’t be as bad as I remember," I muttered, though my stomach churned. "But what if I mess up? What if they—"

"Stop!" Emma interrupted, gripping my shoulders firmly. "You are not that helpless girl anymore. You have your family, your friends, your brother—and yes, Lucien too. No one can touch you the way they used to. You’re in control now... of everything.

I took another deep breath, letting her words sink in. Maybe she was right. This time, things could be different. But a small part of me still nervous and wanted to forget this entire party.

"Okay..." I said softly. "I’ll try. But promise me, you’ll not leave my side?"

Emma smiled, squeezing my hand. "Never. You won’t be alone this time."

I said nothing. A small part of me felt relieved that there was someone I could talk to about my fears, my weaknesses and everything. But another part of me was still afraid.

I remembered the party, the place where it all began, and how those people who had tormented me in room 402 would be there too.

Would I be able to stay composed in front of them? Had I really become strong enough to face them without breaking down?

"What are you thinking now?" Emma’s voice pulled me back from my thoughts. She noticed the tension lingering in my shoulders as I looked lost.

"Those people..." I whispered, my voice barely audible. "The ones who were in room 402... they’ll be there too."

Emma froze, her eyes widening. "What!?" She shot to her feet, almost knocking over the chair behind her. "Are you saying the people who tortured you in room 402 will actually be at the party?"

I nodded slowly, my throat tight. "Yes... and I don’t know if I can... act normal in front of them. What if I can’t control myself?"

Emma squeezed my hands and looked me in the eye. "Sera, you’ve been through hell and you’re still standing. Don’t let them get inside your head again. You know who you are now... don’t give them the satisfaction of seeing you scared."

I swallowed hard, feeling a small flicker of courage, but I was still a little afraid. "I hope... I really hope I can do this."

Emma nodded, squeezing my hands. "You can, and I know that! Do not think anything related to that room... 402!"

We were still talking when the door of our room suddenly swung open, and Alistair barged in, Asher right behind him.

"What did you just say!?" Alistair’s voice cracked, his face pale. "Emma, did I just hear you mention room 402?"

I froze. My hands tightened around Emma’s. I didn’t know what to say... if I wanted to explain or hide. And moreover, why were they reacting so much over this!?

Author’s POV

Asher and Alistair had come to see Sera. Their plan was simple, they wanted to take her to the party themselves, make sure nothing went wrong, and keep her safe from the usual Lancaster chaos. But as they reached the room, they overheard part of her conversation with Emma.

Sera’s voice was soft and shaky as she shared her fears. At first, they didn’t understand what could still scare her after two months living safely with them. Then they heard the words: "room 402."

Both of them froze. They didn’t know why she mentioned that to Emma suddenly. They were confused and shocked, they pushed the door open before they could think twice.

Asher’s eyes softened when he saw her, realizing she was still scared. Alistair looked torn between anger and worry, his jaw tight as he tried to understand why she was haunted by something that didn’t even exist!

"What happened in that room, Sera?" Asher asked quietly, trying to comfort her.

Alistair stepped closer, looking serious. "Talk to us. We’ll handle it. There’s nothing we can’t do!"

"There... there’s nothing like that!" Seraphina rubbed the back of her neck. "We were just talking... joking around. Really."

Alistair’s eyes narrowed, and his jaw tightened. "Do you take us for fools?" His voice rose for a moment, but he immediately exhaled and tried to control himself. "I’m sorry for raising my voice at you, Sera... I just—" He ran a hand through his hair, struggling to keep calm. "I can’t stand the thought that anyone or anything could hurt you. You know that, right?"

Asher moved closer. "We have got your back, Sera. No one’s going to make you feel like that again."

Seraphina swallowed hard. She didn’t know what she should answer, as she was looking for an answer when Emma’s words echoed from behind.

"Superstar Alistair!" Emma called out from behind. "We were just talking about the weird dream Sera had. Why are you guys being so serious?"

"What! A dream!?"