Chapter 16 Believed!
|| Author Pov ||
Next Morning.
Rosa’s reflection stared back at her from the bathroom mirror. Her soft, lost eyes held a storm of emotions.
Lots of thoughts. Lots of tension.
Her chest tightened and she let out a shaky breath. She didn’t know what to do. She didn’t even know if she had a choice anymore.
The whole night, she tossed and turned, her body restlessly laid against the sheets. Her mind refused to quiet down, drowning in the weight of unanswered questions. Every time she shut her eyes, his voice echoed in her head.
Taking a deep breath, Rosa stepped out of the washroom, her movements slow and hesitant. Her pale face looked even softer in the morning sunlight, traces of exhaustion evident in her delicate features. She looked around the room carefully.
Then–
knock, knock.
The sound echoed, pulling her from her daze. Rosa’s heart skipped a beat and she turned toward the door, her hands clutching the fabric of her dress.
Even though her hands trembled, she summoned her courage and opened the door, revealing Lilia, the smiley woman. Rosa’s innocent eyes stared at her.
“Look who we have here! Can we come in?”
Lilia asked, her voice light and inviting, but there was an undertone of formality that made Rosa hesitate.
Rosa glanced back into the room, feeling the weight of the unfamiliar space before stepping aside to allow Lilia and her companions to enter.
Rosa curiously looked at the men who followed Lilia, each of them carrying large boxes. They moved silently, their expressions neutral and focused. None of the men dared to look anywhere but straight ahead.
Rosa stood there silently. Lilia walked toward her with a warm smile. “They’ll arrange your things, okay? Let’s head downstairs while they work. It’s your breakfast time.”
Rosa’s fingers gripped her dress, her mind racing with uncertainty. She remained silent, unable to find her voice as Lilia leaned down to her height.
Lilia’s warm voice broke through Rosa’s thoughts, bringing a flicker of comfort. “Don’t starve, kiddo. Think of me as your elder sister. I’m always here for you. Let’s go.”
Lilia gently ruffled Rosa’s soft hair, offering a reassuring smile before turning to lead the way. Rosa glanced back at the room before silently following her with small, hesitant steps.
Her eyes remained fixed on the steps beneath her as she descended the staircase, her thoughts pressing down on her as she quietly followed Lilia.
Lilia pulled the chair for her as soon as they reached the large table. Rosa wanted to tell her that she didn’t need to act so formal, but the words caught in her throat. Instead, she silently sat, her amethyst orbs nervously darting around the dining room.
Somehow, Rosa’s mind wasn’t ready to have an encounter with him.
As Lilia turned to walk away, Rosa looked up and called softly, “H-hey?”
Lilia turned back, her expression softening at the sound of Rosa’s timid voice. “Yes, dear?” she asked gently, sensing the uncertainty in her tone.
Rosa swallowed, her voice barely above a whisper as she said, “I’m not hungry.”
Lilia paused, turning back to face her with a warm smile. “You need to eat, dear. Just a little something to start your day. It’ll help you feel better.”
Rosa’s gaze dropped to her lap, feeling the weight of Lilia's words but unable to muster the strength to argue. She felt small and overwhelmed.
“Just try a bite for me, okay?” Lilia coaxed gently, her tone encouraging.
Lilia understood the hesitation in her behavior. She quickly left for the kitchen and came back. She placed the tray on the table and started arranging the breakfast.
“Done. Have it.” Lilia said in a charming voice. Glancing at the young girl, she asked, “Can I sit with you?”
Rosa blinked in surprise. “S-sure.” She felt a wave of embarrassment wash over her at the thought of someone older asking for her permission, especially when she didn’t even belong in this house at all.
Lilia settled into the nearest chair, a warm smile on her face. “Try it. I made it just for you.”
Rosa glanced over. Fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy toast, fresh orange juice, and a small bowl of fruit. The aroma of the breakfast filled the air.
“Go on.” Lilia encouraged, her voice gentle.
Rosa’s heart melted at the lady’s kindness. It didn’t take her long to realize, she works here.
Rosa looked back at the stairs, which Lilia noticed. “He already had his breakfast.” Lilia answered before Rosa could ask.
Rosa looked back at her and nodded slowly.
Lilia talked casually to make Rosa feel comfortable. She was such a beautiful lady with a good heart.
“Do you want more?” Lilia asked the girl who slowly munched on her food. She watched Rosa’s face light up with delight, enjoying her breakfast. Lilia couldn’t help but smile, Ross was just too cute.
Rosa looked up with wide eyes, her cheeks full, and slowly shook her head. “I can’t eat more.”
Her innocence and enthusiasm warmed Lilia’s heart even more.
After breakfast, Lilia led Rosa back upstairs. Rosa looked around the room with her round eyes. She slowly stepped in, and Lilia began showing her the wardrobes filled with clothes and a table in the corner stacked with various books.
Rosa nervously gulped. Is this all for her?
Why is he doing this?
“Everything here is yours now. If you need anything, just let me know.” Lilia smiled at her before bowing slightly. Rosa hesitated, taken aback by the gesture. Why is she bowing?
As Lilia turned to leave, Rosa found her voice, muttering “Where is he?”
\---
Killian tilted his head, gazing at the mirror as he adjusted his tie. His black, shiny hair fell perfectly into place, framing his sharp features.
His jaw tightened slightly as he ran a hand through his hair, ensuring not a strand was out of place. He exhaled slowly, his gaze hard as usual.
His phone tinked, pulling his gaze to the screen. Without a shift in expression, Killian pressed his finger against the Bluetooth in his ear, answering the call with quiet authority.
“Speak.” His deep, throaty voice rumbled while he adjusted his coat, his movements precise and unhurried.
A voice crackled through the Bluetooth. “Everything’s been arranged as per your orders, sir.”
Killian hummed, barely reacting. His sharp eyes remained on his reflection as he smoothed out the last crease on his coat. “Anything else?”
“There’s a meeting scheduled for this afternoon, boss. Please review the documents I sent you.” the voice reminded him.
Killian hummed slightly, still focused on his reflection, and spoke over the Bluetooth. “Just make sure everything is ready.”
He ended the call, adjusting his collar and rolling the shiny watch around his veiny wrist before moving away from the mirror. He walked toward the door.
Just as he opened it, he spotted the small frame standing outside his room. Rosa looked up at him with wide, anxious eyes, her small figure almost dwarfed by the doorframe.
Rosa swallowed hard, unsure of how to respond. “G-good morning.” she stammered, her gaze dropping to the floor.
Rosa looked up, not getting a reply but instead noticing his cold eyes gazing down at her short stature.
Her soul almost felt like it faded away when she caught a glimpse of him. He looked too handsome, his features sharply defined. The intensity of his stare made her heart race.
Rosa clenched the fabric of her dress, feeling a knot tighten in her throat. She struggled to find the words.
“Th-thank you.” she whispered. Her voice trembled slightly as it escaped her lips.
Killian’s blue eyes froze with coldness, no emotion. His gaze scared her existence for a moment. He nodded without any change in expression and walked away.
Rosa turned around, her gaze following his tall frame as he walked away. Her lips pressed together slightly, and her small fingers nervously fidgeted together.
Her eyes sparkled unknowingly, filled with a mix of admiration and confusion, until he disappeared from her view.
Rosa stood there, feeling a rush of gratitude for him. Her cheeks flushed and she shook her head, trying to dismiss the warmth spreading through her.
No matter how rude he behaved, he was kind.
That’s what she believed until she’d learn the dark reality.