Luna's POV
I woke up in the soft embrace of silk sheets, my mind still foggy from the night before. The warmth of the morning sun streamed through the tall windows of Mr. Cole's room, casting a golden hue on the lavish furnishings. I turned my head to see him already dressed, adjusting his tie in front of the mirror.
"You're awake," he said, his voice calm and detached.
"Good morning," I replied, sitting up and pulling the sheets around me. My body still ached from the intensity of last night, but I pushed the discomfort aside.
"I'll be leaving for the office shortly," he continued, barely glancing at me. "Helen will attend to your needs. Do not leave the house without my permission."
His tone was commanding, yet I noticed a faint softness in his gaze before he turned away.
"I understand," I murmured, watching him as he gathered his belongings.
Before leaving, he paused at the door. "Luna," he said, his voice lowering, "remember your role here. This is a business arrangement. Don't make the mistake of confusing it for anything else and also never go near that room again" he stated coldly.
His words stung, but I nodded, masking the emotion bubbling inside me.
Once he was gone, I let out a sigh, trying to make sense of the whirlwind my life had become. I had sold my freedom and body for a chance at a better future, but the cost was beginning to feel heavier than I had anticipated.
Later that Day
Helen had prepared a light breakfast, which I picked at while staring out at the sprawling garden. The silence of the mansion was oppressive, amplifying the emptiness I felt inside.
To distract myself, I decided to explore the house. Room after room revealed more luxury than I could have ever imagined—artwork, antique furniture, and shelves filled with books I longed to lose myself in. Eventually, I stumbled upon a small piano room.
Drawn to the glossy instrument, I hesitated before running my fingers over the keys. Music had always been a refuge for me, a way to escape the chaos of life. Closing my eyes, I played a soft melody, letting the notes carry me away.
"You play well," a deep voice said, startling me.
I turned to see Mr. Cole leaning against the doorway, his expression unreadable.
"I didn't hear you come in," I stammered, my cheeks flushing.
"Clearly," he replied, stepping into the room. "I didn't know you played."
"It's just a hobby," I said, standing awkwardly.
He walked closer, his eyes studying me. "Continue," he said, his voice softer than usual.
I hesitated, but his gaze didn't leave mine, urging me silently. I sat back down and began playing again, the melody filling the room. When I finished, I dared to glance at him.
"Impressive," he said simply, his lips curling into a faint smile. It was the first time I'd seen him smile, and it took my breath away.
"Thank you," I murmured, unsure of how to respond.
He moved closer, his presence commanding yet strangely comforting. "You intrigue me, Luna," he said, his voice low. "You're different."
His words sent a shiver down my spine, but before I could reply, he straightened and stepped back.
"I have work to attend to," he said, his cold demeanor returning. "Dinner will be at eight. Don't be late."
And just like that, he was gone, leaving me with a swirl of emotions I couldn't decipher.
That Evening
Dinner was a quiet affair, as usual. Mr. Cole's presence was intimidating, but I found myself stealing glances at him, curious about the man behind the cold exterior.
"Tell me about your family," he said suddenly, breaking the silence.
The question caught me off guard. "I don't have a family," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.
His gaze softened, just for a moment. "And yet you fight so hard for a future," he said, almost to himself.
I didn't know how to respond, so I stayed silent, focusing on the food in front of me.
After dinner, I returned to my room, feeling the weight of the day's interactions. For the first time since entering this arrangement, I wondered if there was more to Alexander Cole than I had initially thought.