Chapter 3- Her New Home
937 Words
The black Rolls-Royce waited outside the gates engine running quietly.
Two sleek black SUVs sat in front another two behind all with windows. Guards moved efficiently loading Elenas suitcase into the trunk.
Luca stepped into the seat first without looking at her. Elena followed after a pause smoothing her dress as she slid in.
The door shut softly sealing them in silence. A driver sat in front one of Lucas guards in the passenger seat.
Elena sat at the end of the leather seat hands folded neatly in her lap. Luca occupied the side one arm resting casually against the door. He looked ahead expression unreadable. The car pulled away from the estate.
Neither of them spoke.
She glanced at him from the corner of her eye. His posture was relaxed,. There was something controlled about him. The quiet between them stretched, heavy but not awkward.
Elena finally looked away. Focused on the window. Trees blurred past then the city lights. The convoy moved smoothly through the road their presence commanding space. Everything about it screamed power.
Minutes passed in silence.
The gates of another estate appeared ahead iron bars sliding open as the convoy approached. Guards stationed at the entrance nodded immediately. The cars drove through long winding roads lined with trimmed hedges and sculpted gardens.
Elena straightened slightly.
The mansion came into view.
It wasn't just large. It was elegant. Modern stone mixed with glass walls lights glowing from inside. Fountains lined the circular driveway and the architecture was sharp, deliberate, expensive without being loud. Even she, used to wealth felt impressed.
The car stopped.
The driver stepped out. Opened Lucas door. Another guard opened hers. Cool night air brushed against her skin as she stepped down. Luca was already walking toward the entrance not waiting.
Elena picked up her pace. "Are you not going to show me around or anything?"
He stopped briefly turning slightly. "I'm busy."
That was it.
He continued walking.
She stared at his back annoyed. "You brought me here. You're just leaving?"
"Yes."
Her irritation spiked. "Unbelievable."
He didn't respond. He walked inside without another word.
Elena exhaled sharply. Followed. Her suitcase was already being carried in by one of the staff. The interior of the house was as stunning. High ceilings, neutral tones, polished marble floors and soft lighting that made everything look warm and expensive.
"Welcome, welcome!"
Elena turned.
An elderly woman hurried toward her smiling brightly. She wore a dress and an apron her gray hair neatly tied back. Her eyes lit up the moment she saw Elena.
"Oh my goodness " she said, hands clasped. "You're beautiful. Are you Mrs. Rossi?"
Elena blinked. "I… what?"
The woman beamed. "You must be. Luca finally brought someone home."
Elena hesitated. "Who are you?"
"I'm Teresa " she said warmly. "I take care of the house. I've been here since Luca was young."
Elena relaxed slightly. "I'm Elena."
"Yes Mrs. Rossi " Teresa said happily.
Elena opened her mouth then closed it. Correcting her felt pointless. "Nice to meet you."
Teresa reached for her suitcase. "Come I'll show you your room."
They walked upstairs together. Teresa chatted the time clearly excited. "Luca never brings anyone here. Never. You're the first."
Elena kept quiet.
"He goes out yes " Teresa continued. "Clubs, meetings, business.. He has never brought a woman home. Not once."
Elena knew why. This wasn't personal. It was strategic.
Teresa opened a door. "Here we are."
The room was beautiful. Brown and neutral tones filled the space. White sheets, gray curtains, warm wooden accents. A large bed sat in the center with a sitting area near the window. A walk-in closet stood to the side already partially arranged.
Elena stepped inside slowly.
"It's next to Lucas " Teresa added proudly. "Easier that way."
Elena nodded. "Thank you."
Teresa began unpacking her suitcase. "You remind me of my daughter " she said gently. "Same eyes. Same calm face."
Elena glanced at her. "Where is she?"
"She lives abroad now " Teresa replied. ". Seeing you… it makes me happy."
They unpacked together. Dresses hung in the closet. Jewelry placed on the dresser. Shoes arranged neatly. The simple act felt grounding.
"Dinner will be ready soon " Teresa said. "You must be tired."
"I am " Elena admitted.
Teresa. Left after finishing. The room fell quiet. Evening settled outside the sky turning dark. Elena changed into something and ate alone when dinner was brought to her.
She didn't see Luca.
Not once.
Later she turned on the TV. Played soft music. She removed her earrings placing them carefully on the table. Her room felt calm, peaceful. She hummed quietly moving around as she loosened her hair.
She wrapped her hair gently still singing under her breath. The music filled the space as she slipped off her dress and headed into the shower. Warm water relaxed her instantly.
She sang softly letting the tension of the day wash away.
Afterward she changed into her pajamas. Matching shorts and a button-down top. A bonnet covered her hair. She curled up on the bed. Binge-watched her favorite movie until late night.
Eventually thirst pulled her up.
The house was quiet and dark as she stepped into the hallway. Barefoot she walked downstairs slowly. The marble floor felt cool beneath her feet.
She reached the kitchen entrance.
Then froze.
Luca stood by the counter, a glass of whiskey, in his hand. He wore a white t-shirt that hugged his broad frame. His sleeves pushed up dark hair falling casually over his forehead.
Elena paused, surprised.
He hadn't noticed her yet.
Maybe he had.
- Writer
