The days that followed went so quickly. Ella had never been a good adapter; her routine had always provided her with security and protection from the uncertain outer world. Everything was different now. Despite its beauty, the home seemed too big, too deserted, and too chilly. She felt like she didn't belong here, and she couldn't get rid of it. Every hallway appeared to go on forever, and even though the rooms were tastefully decorated, they simply served to highlight how uncomfortable she felt.
She had never known a man like the one he presented himself as, Alex. He was astute, self-assured, and always appeared to be in command. He moved with a calm strength as if he were carrying the weight of the world, yet he never showed it. Although he had a commanding appearance, occasionally his eyes revealed a deeper, unseen sadness.
He was beyond Ella's comprehension, and she never thought she would. But she was thinking about someone else instead of herself for the first time in a long time. She wasn't sure if she was feeling grateful because he had saved her life or if she was experiencing another emotion. Between them, the days were quiet, full of uncomfortable situations and tense exchanges. Ella was even more intrigued by Alex's lack of self-disclosure, even though she knew he was doing his hardest to be nice.
Although he didn't ask outright, he had invited her to breakfast this morning. When she entered the kitchen, he merely set a plate of food in front of her, and she lacked the guts to say no. Even though it was just coffee, bread, and scrambled eggs, Ella felt as though she was being invited. It was odd to sit at a table and be offered something as commonplace as a meal after so long of living on nothing.
"How is the cuisine?" Alex sat down opposite her and asked. Although he spoke informally, there was something about the way he observed her that gave her the impression that he was observing every action she took.
She whispered, "It's good," as she glanced down at her plate. Eating while Alex watched her made her feel even more self-conscious because she wasn't used to being the center of attention.
He gave a nod, as though that were the response he had anticipated. The awkward but familiar silence lingered between them. Since she had someone to talk to after spending so much of her life alone and in silence, Ella wasn't sure how to fill the void. Small talk had never appealed to her, and Alex didn't seem to either.
The silence was finally broken by him. His voice was lower than normal as he replied, "I know this is… a lot to take in." However, you don't have to be scared here. You won't get hurt by anyone. No more.
For the first time in days, Ella looked up and met his eyes. He talked with an earnestness that gave her the impression that he meant what he was saying. Could she trust him, though? Was there anyone she could trust? She wasn't certain. She had surrounded herself with barriers for so long that no one had ever been able to get past. But she wanted to believe because of something about Alex.
With her hands twitching in her lap, she whispered, "I don't know what to do." "I'm not sure how to... blend in here. It's something I've never been good at.
With his eyes fixed on her face, Alex reclined in his chair. "You're not required to 'fit in.'" All you have to do is be yourself. He spoke in a soothing tone, like if addressing a young child, yet there was a hint of warmth in his voice that gave Ella a sense of being noticed that she had never experienced before.
She scowled a little. "However... I am different from other folks. I don't think things are clear to me the way they are.
His voice grew softer as he added, "I know." "You're unique. However, that doesn't make you any less significant. Ella, you don't need to disguise who you are here. Not with me.
Ella's heart pounded in her chest as she gulped. This welcome and friendliness were unfamiliar to her. She hadn't let herself feel that vulnerable or exposed in years because of it.
"I apologize," she said in a barely audible whisper. "I'm not sure how to put my trust in anyone. I've experienced too much hurt.
Alex leaned forward a little as his face relaxed. "You don't need to say sorry. I understand. However, you must begin somewhere, don't you? This is a safe place for you. I swear that nobody will harm you.
The words swirled in Ella's mind as she glanced down at her plate. Would she be able to trust him? Could she remove the barriers she had erected around herself for so long? She wasn't certain. A tiny part of her, however, wanted to think that perhaps—just possibly—there was a route out of the dark for the first time.
Her mind was racing with ideas she couldn't quite put into words, so she finished her breakfast in solitude. It was consoling that Alex didn't press her to speak more. Although he didn't say much, there was a comforting quality about his presence. He wasn't attempting to change her, and he didn't expect her to be someone she wasn't. He was simply there.
Alex gave her a quick tour of the house after breakfast, pointing out the different rooms. It was the most opulent house Ella had ever seen. Even though the place still felt a little chilly and alien to her, each room was tastefully furnished, with artwork on the walls and gentle lighting that made everything seem cozier. Although it was evident to her that Alex spent a lot of time here, she wasn't sure if the house was his home or only a place he stayed.
Ella was taken aback to discover a tiny, private garden at the rear of the property. The flowers were in full bloom, and the surroundings were lovely. A bench with a view of the surroundings was situated beneath a big tree. Alex pointed to the seat.
He said softly, "This is where I come to think." "When I need a break."
Feeling the fresh breeze against her skin, Ella took a seat on the bench. She could hear the rustle of leaves and the chirping of birds in the distance. Unlike the pandemonium in her imagination, this place was calm. She turned to face Alex, who had followed her outside and was standing with his arms folded by the garden's entrance.
"You're not like the people I know," Ella stated abruptly, her voice barely audible. The words just came out of her mouth, and she had no idea why.
Alex didn't answer right away, but his eyes softened a little. Rather, he examined her, as if attempting to understand her meaning. At last, he said something.
He spoke carefully, "Ella, everyone is different." "And for that reason, they are fascinating."
Ella stared at him, not knowing how to react. His remarks made her feel less alone, but she wasn't sure what to make of him yet. Perhaps, just possibly, she was beginning to think that this—this new life with Alex—wasn't as unattainable as it first appeared.