Chapter 5
857 Words
The building rose elegantly at the end of the driveway, all glass, stone, and polished metal reflecting the golden light of the evening sun. Large windows stretched across multiple floors, and the entrance alone looked grand enough to belong to a luxury hotel.
The car slowed to a stop in front of the massive glass doors.
Khloe sat still for a moment.
Her confidence, which had felt somewhat steady during the drive, suddenly began shrinking.
This place was far beyond anything she had ever imagined living in.
Adrian stepped out of the car first. He adjusted his jacket slightly before glancing back toward her.
“You’ll get used to it,” he said.
Khloe wasn’t so sure.
A well polished man with a black suit opened the car door for her
“Welcome miss”
She stepped out slowly, her shoes making a soft sound against the smooth stone ground.
Standing in front of the mansion made her feel small.
Very small.
The doors opened before they even reached them.
A man in a neat black uniform stood inside, greeting Adrian with a respectful nod.
“Welcome home, sir.”
Adrian gave a brief acknowledgment before walking inside. Khloe followed, trying not to stare too obviously at everything around her.
But it was impossible not to stare.
The house was enormous.
The ceiling in the entrance hall stretched high above them, with a crystal chandelier hanging like a cluster of glowing stars. The floors were polished marble, reflecting the soft lighting from the walls.
The air smelled faintly of something warm and expensive like fresh wood and subtle perfume.
Khloe felt like she had walked into a museum.
Except people actually lived here.
Or at least Adrian did.
But strangely, the house didn’t feel lively.
It felt quiet.
Too quiet.
Their footsteps echoed slightly as they walked down the long hallway. Every piece of furniture looked carefully placed, elegant and expensive.
Art pieces hung on the walls, each one framed in gold or dark wood.
Khloe couldn’t imagine how much even one of those paintings might cost.
Adrian walked ahead with calm familiarity, clearly used to the space.
“This will be your room,” he said finally.
He stopped at a door halfway down the hall and pushed it open.
Khloe stepped inside.
Then she froze.
The room was enormous.
Large windows stretched along one wall, letting warm sunlight spill across the polished wooden floor. A king-sized bed stood in the center with soft white sheets. There was a sitting area near the window, a large wardrobe along the opposite wall, and even a small private balcony.
Khloe slowly turned in a circle.
The room alone was bigger than her entire apartment.
“Are you serious?” she murmured.
Adrian leaned casually against the doorframe.
“Yes.”
His tone suggested he didn’t understand why she was surprised.
Khloe walked toward the window, running her fingers lightly over the edge of the curtains.
“This is insane,” she whispered.
She turned back toward him.
“Where’s your room?”
“Down the hall.” He replied nonchalantly
Relief washed over her immediately.
Separate rooms.
That made this arrangement feel slightly less terrifying.
She hadn’t even thought about that part until now.
At least there would be some distance between them.
Adrian watched her quietly for a moment before speaking again.
“Tomorrow we’ll announce the engagement.” So prepare your mind
Khloe blinked.
“Tomorrow?”
“Yes.”
“That’s fast.”
Adrian shrugged slightly. “The investors arrive next week of course it has to be fast.”
Everything about this situation revolved around business, as usual
Khloe sat down slowly on the edge of the bed.
The mattress sank softly beneath her weight, far more comfortable than the one in her apartment.
“This is really happening,” she said quietly, mostly to herself.
Adrian pushed himself away from the doorway.
“Yes.”
He turned slightly, clearly ready to leave and give her space to settle in.
But something still bothered her.
“Wait.”
Adrian paused.
He turned back toward her, one eyebrow lifting slightly in question.
Khloe hesitated.
She wasn’t even sure why she wanted to ask this.
Maybe curiosity.
“Why don’t you just date someone real?” she asked quietly.
Adrian didn’t answer immediately.
For the first time since she met him, he seemed to actually consider the question.
His gaze rested on her for a long moment.
There was something distant in his expression now. Something he could either be hiding or holding
Finally, he spoke.
“Because real things,” he said calmly, “have a way of becoming complicated and I do not like complications”
Khloe frowned slightly.
That answer felt heavier than it sounded.
Complicated. Probably something bad had happened in his past but she wasn’t in a position to ask further questions or him answering more questions
Before she could ask anything else, Adrian straightened.
“Dinner is served at seven,” he added. “You’re free to explore the house before then.”
And just like that, the moment passed.
- Writer
