Sing to me forever

Chapter 56

It was just another day in the manor, immersed in shadows and the looming presence of Death Eaters. My recent assignment involved concocting potions for the Dark Lord, aiding in the recovery of his followers.

As I worked on brewing potions, Cissy entered the room with a solemn expression. "The Dark Lord wishes to see you, Emilia Jane," she murmured, her gaze lowered.

"Thank you, Cissy. I'll head there right away," I replied, beginning to tidy up my workstation.

Making my way to the dining room, I found it wasn't just the Dark Lord awaiting me; a young, handsome boy stood beside him. He appeared to be around my age, yet his presence was unfamiliar.

"Ahh, my Emilia Jane, how delightful of you to join us on this wonderful day," the Dark Lord greeted as I entered.

Perplexed, I responded, "Thank you for summoning me, my Lord," striving to maintain favor and allegiance.

The Dark Lord's next words sent a ripple of anticipation through me. "Given your distinguished service and your recent detachment from Draco, one of our esteemed members, I am exceedingly proud of your dedication, Emilia. Therefore, I've decided to grant you a reward—a reward of love."

Hope surged within me. Could this mean I'd finally have the chance to reunite with Draco, publicly?

But as the Dark Lord gestured to the man standing beside him, my heart plummeted. "Allow me to introduce my son, Mattheo Riddle."

Shock coursed through me. Mattheo Riddle—this was unexpected. My mind raced with questions, confusion clouding my thoughts. What did this mean for me?

"Mattheo," I repeated, my voice barely above a whisper, as I tried to grasp the reality of the situation.

"Yes, Emilia," the Dark Lord confirmed, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "Mattheo will be your companion from now on. It is my wish that you and Mattheo develop a relationship with the intention of marriage and continuing our legacy through the birth of loyal heirs."

I was in disbelief. The urge to scream, to unleash my frustration at the Dark Lord, bubbled within me, yet the thought of Draco's safety tethered my tongue. This sacrifice was for him—I had to keep him safe.

"As you wish, my Lord," I replied, my voice strained but compliant.

"Very well then, I'll leave you two to become better acquainted. But don't have too much fun now," the Dark Lord remarked with a smirk, a gesture that turned my stomach.

Once he departed, an awkward silence hung between us, stifling any semblance of ease.

"So..." Mattheo began tentatively.

"So..." I echoed, bitterness lacing my tone.

"I understand this is... unexpected," Mattheo ventured, his words heavy with uncertainty. "But believe me, I had no knowledge of my father's plans."

Ignoring his attempt at consolation, I pressed on with my own questions. "You're his son? But how..."

"He and my mother met during his time at Hogwarts," Mattheo explained, bitterness evident in his voice. "After she revealed her pregnancy, he made her wait until I was born, only to dispose of her afterward."

"My father deemed me... valuable to him," Mattheo continued, bitterness creeping into his tone.

I couldn't help but release a bitter chuckle. "I see," I muttered

"Look, you seem like a genuinely kind person, and I want to make a good impression on my father—"

"I don't want any part of this. I only agreed to survive," I interjected firmly.