**When She Opened the Door to the Life She Was Afraid to Live by Nora Vale Kingsley**
**Chapter 205: Too Many Rooms, Too Little Emma**
Emma should have anticipated the chaos that would ensue by sending Marcus to wake her. It was a decision that, in hindsight, felt utterly futile. Corvin shot Marcus a look so piercing it could have sliced through glass, his annoyance palpable as he trailed behind Emma, then pivoted toward the kitchen to fetch her breakfast tray.
Just as Emma was about to voice her frustration, Edric seized her hand gently but firmly. “Emma, everything’s packed and ready to go. We can leave as soon as you feel prepared,” he said, his tone calm yet insistent.
His words hung in the air for barely a moment before her lightcore chimed, the screen lighting up with two incoming video calls—one from Lucien and the other from Silas.
Both were video calls. Both were from them.
With a mix of trepidation and anticipation, Emma answered the calls, and two holographic figures materialized before her, both men clad in sharp uniforms that exuded authority and professionalism.
Silas appeared first, standing behind his desk with an upright posture that radiated confidence. His warm gaze settled on her, and he spoke, “Emma, I’ve wrapped up most of my work. I’ll be home in three hours. I’m thinking of renovating our room to create a fresh start. If you have any ideas, please share them now so I can start arranging everything.”
Lucien’s projection flickered into view beside Silas, his voice steady, but a flicker of urgency danced in his eyes. “Emma, my room is also in dire need of a complete overhaul. If you have any preferences, let me know. I’ll handle it.”
It wasn’t a matter of competition; Lucien’s room genuinely required attention. The way he occupied his study was almost spectral—cold, meticulously tidy, and devoid of any warmth or inviting touches. It felt more like a sterile office than a personal space.
As he prepared to deepen their bond, he was determined not to let her step into a room that screamed bachelor dormitory.
If she walks in and loathes it, I’m finished, he thought, dread creeping into his mind. She’ll never want to come back.
Edric cleared his throat, his voice soft yet imbued with a quiet confidence. “Emma, I believe my room could benefit from some updates as well. What style do you prefer?”
Marcus remained silent but shot Corvin a quick, grateful glance when he returned with a breakfast tray. His own room had already been rearranged before they departed for F-268-Corvin’s work, as Silas had suggested. Every detail had been meticulously planned with Emma in mind.
She’ll like it, Marcus mused. She has to.
As Emma stood there, surrounded by the men like contractors awaiting her approval, an unexpected wave of anxiety washed over her.
They’re all behaving as if I’m some sort of royal inspector. I’m just five feet tall, not a miracle worker.
She mustered a polite smile, forcing the words out. “Just decorate however you wish. I’m fine with anything.”
Before any of them could protest, she swiftly ended both calls with a quick tap on her lightcore.
Turning her attention back to the men standing before her, she straightened her posture. “Go handle your tasks. Once I finish breakfast, we’ll head out.”
Before she could respond, Silas interjected, “Emma, you can rest in my room. I just remodeled it—you’re going to love it.”
Marcus chimed in smoothly, “My room’s finished too, Ms. Tibarn. You could rest there if you’d like.”
At that moment, Corvin entered the room, his lips pressed into a thin line, clearly fed up with the competition. “Emma, I’ll start tidying my room right now. It’ll be ready before dinner. Just wait for me.”
Edric frowned, suddenly aware that his own room wasn’t ready either. “I’ll go fix mine up too.”
Corvin’s urgency was nothing compared to Edric’s. The warrior within him bristled at the thought of being last. He turned sharply and left without another word.
Lucien watched him go before stepping closer to Emma. “Want to see my room? I’ve remodeled it and added the latest massage chair—the top model available. You should definitely try it.”
“Squeak!” Malrik wriggled in Emma’s arms, letting out a cheerful chirp. The little furball was eager to join the others, wanting to set up his own space and make it perfect for bonding with his female.
If only I could tell her who I truly am, he thought, a wave of despair washing over him. How do I even begin that conversation?
Emma, meanwhile, was struggling with her own thoughts. With Silas, Lucien, and Marcus all eagerly waiting for her attention, she could only think: I need three clones and a vacation.

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