Chapter Six: His Eyes Follow Me
1362 Words
The morning sunlight streamed through the tall curtains, casting golden lines across the floor of the grand bedroom. Liana stirred beneath the plush covers, blinking as her eyes adjusted to the soft brightness. The bed beneath her felt too luxurious, too unfamiliar. No creaky boards, no rustling wind sneaking through broken windows. Everything here whispered elegance. Her new world still didn’t feel real.
She rose slowly, pressing her feet against the cold marble floor. The mansion was silent, peaceful, but in her heart, a quiet storm brewed. Flashes from the dinner with Damien last night kept resurfacing in her mind. He was distant, yes. But not harsh. He hadn’t mocked her nervousness. He’d actually been... gentle. Briefly.
After washing up, she slipped into a cream blouse and a flowing pleated skirt that brushed against her knees. She applied a little lip balm, brushed out her hair, and picked up her phone.
The lock screen showed one missed message. She opened it.
Isla:
Still alive, Mrs. Billionaire? Tell me everything. I need juicy details.
Liana smiled softly. Isla had been her best friend since high school, the only one who knew the full story of her father’s debts, the sleepless nights, and the impossible decision she had to make. Through it all, Isla had stood by her side, keeping her sane with late-night calls and sarcastic comments.
She typed a quick reply.
Liana:
It’s strange. He’s not cruel, just... distant. Cold. But sometimes, I think he’s trying. He asked if I needed anything. Even offered to bring me snacks.
Isla:
Hold up. Snacks? The man’s in love. Mark my words.
Liana:
No way. He barely talks. But... he doesn’t seem to hate me. That’s something, right?
She set her phone down, sighing. Even Isla’s playful texts couldn’t distract her from how her heart reacted to Damien now. She didn’t want it to, but it did.
Damien was already seated in the breakfast lounge when she arrived. The table was lined with fresh croissants, fruit, and eggs. He wore a black dress shirt, sleeves folded neatly, his dark hair perfectly styled. His eyes lifted to hers the second she stepped in.
“Good morning,” she greeted him with a soft smile.
He gave a small nod. “Morning.”
His voice was smooth and low, just like every time. She sat down across from him, careful to avoid making any clumsy noises. The maid brought over a glass of juice and her breakfast.
Liana quietly began to eat.
“There’s a charity event next weekend,” Damien said, finally breaking the silence. “You’ll attend with me. The stylist will come today.”
She glanced at him and nodded. “Okay.”
“You’re not curious what it’s about?”
“You said charity. I assume it involves cameras and fake handshakes.”
He blinked at her response, as if surprised. “Not as innocent as you look.”
Heat rose to her cheeks. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and looked down at her food.
He said nothing more, and the silence stretched again, but it didn’t feel entirely cold. She couldn’t read him. He was like a locked door with no key in sight.
After a while, he spoke again. “I’ll be out most of today. If you need anything, ask the housekeeper. Or text me.”
She looked up quickly. “I can text you?”
“You have my number.”
“I just didn’t think you’d want me to.”
“If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have given it to you.”
Her heart skipped at the blunt honesty in his tone. She nodded slightly, not trusting her voice.
Hours later, the stylist arrived, bringing racks of dresses and accessories. Liana tried on a few pieces, mostly nodding along as the woman fussed over fabric types, heel heights, and evening bags. She smiled politely, but her mind was somewhere else.
When the stylist finally left, Liana slipped out to the garden. The fresh air cleared her head. She sat by the fountain, scrolling through her phone.
A moment passed before she opened the chat with Damien. Her thumb hovered for a second, then she typed.
Liana:
Thank you for arranging the stylist. She was kind, and the dresses are beautiful.
To her surprise, the reply came quickly.
Damien:
She does her job well. I assume she found something suitable.
Liana:
She did. But it’s weird being dressed up for the public. I’ve never been in the spotlight before.
Damien:
You’ll get used to it. You’re my wife now. People will watch.
Liana:
That’s a little scary.
Damien:
You don’t need to be scared. No one touches what’s mine.
Her fingers paused. That sentence did something to her. Her stomach fluttered. She read the words again, unsure how to feel.
She didn’t know how to reply, so she didn’t. Instead, she locked the phone and stared into the fountain, listening to the soft splashes..
That evening, she passed by his study. The door was slightly open, and the warm light inside spilled into the hallway. She peeked in, wondering if she should just keep walking, but her curiosity won.
She knocked lightly.
“Come in,” came Damien’s voice.
She entered, a bit hesitant. He looked up from his desk, a glass of whiskey resting beside his laptop. The top button of his shirt was undone. His sleeves were still rolled up, revealing strong arms.
“I was just heading to the kitchen. I thought I’d ask if you wanted anything,” she said.
He nodded. “Tea.”
She returned with two mugs in her hands. She set his down and sat across from him.
“Thanks,” he said, surprisingly softly.
They both sipped in silence.
She looked around the study. The shelves were filled with thick books, probably business and law texts. Everything about the room was dark and masculine, but comforting in a strange way.
“This place suits you,” she said suddenly.
He looked up from his cup. “How so?”
“It’s quiet. Serious. But beautiful.”
There was a slight pause. Then the corner of his lips curved ever so slightly. “You’re not afraid to say things others won’t.”
“Should I be?”
“No,” he said, setting his cup down. “That’s what makes you different.”
Her heart beat faster. “Different how?”
He didn’t answer right away. Instead, he stood and walked to the window. The city lights twinkled beyond the glass like distant stars.
“I never planned on marrying,” he said after a pause. “It wasn’t something I wanted.”
She stood too, softly. “Then why did you?”
He didn’t look at her. “Business, Stability. A wife gave me what I needed. A name. Respect in certain circles.”
Her throat tightened. “So you picked me because I was desperate and quiet?”
“No,” he said, turning around slowly. “I chose you because you wouldn’t lie. Because when I met you, you didn’t try to manipulate or impress me. You were just... honest.”
Liana took a step closer, her voice trembling. “You said no emotions. No touching. But you keep confusing me.”
“You’re not the only one confused,” he said, his voice lower now.
They were only inches apart.
“Then what are we doing?” she asked.
He looked at her, his gaze slowly dropping to her lips. “Breaking the rules.”
Her heart hammered. Her body felt like it was on fire.
She didn’t know who moved first, but suddenly, her hand touched his arm. He didn’t pull away. Their breathing mingled.
But then, just as suddenly, he stepped back.
“You should go,” he said quietly, turning away.
She stood still, heart racing.
“Goodnight,” she whispered, barely able to speak.
He didn’t answer.
She turned and left the room, the warmth of the moment still burning on her skin.
As she closed the door behind her, she realized something terrifying.
She wasn't pretending any more
- Writer
