Anna stirred as the soft voice of one of her maids gently prodded her awake. "Miss Anna, it's time to get up. Mr. Voss has ordered breakfast for you downstairs," the maid said with a kind smile.
Blinking sleepily, Anna stretched her arms, wincing as her sore muscles protested. The events of the past few days felt like a blur—a surreal nightmare mixed with moments of warmth she hadn't experienced in years. She allowed the maid to help her sit up, her bandaged feet aching as they touched the cool floor.
The maid brought her to the bathroom, where Anna bathed and changed into a simple yet elegant dress that felt far too luxurious for someone like her. She hesitated for a moment, staring at her reflection in the mirror. The girl looking back at her was pale and timid, her wide brown eyes clouded with uncertainty.
"Miss Anna, let me assist you," the maid said as she extended her arm.
With her help, Anna limped out of the room and down the grand staircase. Her heart pounded as they descended, the opulence of Alexander's mansion overwhelming her senses. The polished marble floors gleamed in the morning light, and the faint scent of fresh coffee wafted through the air.
As they entered the dining room, her eyes widened at the sight of the breakfast spread. Platters of pancakes, waffles, eggs, bacon, fruits, and freshly baked pastries covered the long table. It looked like something out of a dream—or a nightmare, considering how out of place she felt in such luxury.
Alexander was already seated at the head of the table, his icy blue eyes fixed on her as she approached. He wore a tailored suit, his sharp features unreadable as always.
"Good morning, My Boss," she said softly, bowing her head slightly.
He didn't respond, his expression unchanging. Instead, he gestured for her to sit and pointed at the food. "Eat," he commanded.
Anna hesitated, feeling the weight of his gaze on her as she took a seat. Her maid helped her get comfortable, but Anna couldn't shake the discomfort of Alexander's unwavering stare. She picked up her fork and began eating, each bite slow and deliberate.
"Eat more," Alexander said suddenly, his tone cold but commanding.
Anna looked up at him, startled. "I'm fine, thank you—"
"My dogs weigh more than you," he interrupted, his blunt statement catching her off guard.
Her cheeks burned with embarrassment, and she quickly looked down at her plate, focusing on eating as much as she could. The tension in the room was suffocating. She didn't dare meet his gaze again, but she could feel his eyes on her, analyzing her every move.
Just as she reached for her glass of water, his comment made her lose focus, and she choked on a piece of bread. Gasping, she clutched her throat, her eyes watering.
Without a word, Alexander leaned forward and handed her a glass of water, his movements calm and precise. He watched as she drank, his expression unreadable as always.
"Be careful," he said flatly, as if nothing had happened.
Anna nodded meekly, feeling like a child under his scrutiny. She finished her meal in silence, her appetite waning under the weight of his presence.
After breakfast, Alexander stood and walked to her side. "Come," he ordered, offering his arm.
Anna hesitated, her eyes flickering to the maid for reassurance. With no other choice, she took his arm, her limp slowing their pace as they exited the dining room and stepped outside.
The fresh morning air greeted them, crisp and cool after the rainstorm. The mansion's sprawling gardens stretched out before them, lush and vibrant. Alexander guided her along the cobblestone paths, his movements steady and deliberate as she leaned on him for support.
"You need to walk more," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.
"I-I can manage," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.
"You're holding onto me," he pointed out, his lips twitching as if he found her words amusing.
Anna bit her lip, determined to prove herself. She let go of his arm and tried to take a few steps on her own, but the pain in her bandaged feet made her stumble. Alexander caught her immediately, his grip firm yet gentle.
"Don't be stubborn," he said curtly.
Anna sighed, reluctantly holding onto him again. They continued walking in silence until something caught her eye—a massive creature approaching from the distance.
Her heart stopped.
It was a dog, but not just any dog. This one was enormous, with thick fur, piercing eyes, and a commanding presence that made it look more like a wolf than a pet. The creature's sheer size was intimidating, its muscular frame towering over the guards who held its leash.
Anna froze, her eyes wide with terror. "Wh-what is that?" she whispered, her voice trembling.
Before Alexander could answer, the dog let out a deep bark, and Anna's fear took over. She screamed, her instincts kicking in as she jumped onto Alexander, clinging to him like her life depended on it.
The guards immediately restrained the dog, pulling it back, but Anna was too shaken to notice. Her entire body trembled as she buried her face in Alexander's chest, her arms wrapped tightly around his neck.
"Take it away," Alexander ordered, his voice sharp.
The guards obeyed, leading the dog away, but Anna refused to let go. Her fingers clutched at his suit, her breathing erratic as tears streamed down her face.
"Anna," Alexander said, his voice softer than before. "It's gone. You're safe."
She shook her head, still clinging to him. "No… no… please don't let go," she pleaded, her voice breaking.
Alexander sighed, his expression softening ever so slightly. "I won't let go," he assured her, his arms tightening around her trembling frame.
He carried her back into the mansion, his steps steady as he held her close. The maids and guards exchanged curious glances, but none dared to comment.
Once inside, Alexander sat down on the couch, keeping Anna in his lap. She gradually calmed down, her sobs turning into soft sniffles.
"You don't need to fear anything here," he said quietly, his voice lacking its usual edge.
Anna nodded weakly, her head resting against his shoulder. And for the first time, Alexander felt something he couldn't quite name.