Beyond His Silence

chapter 6

CHAPTER 6 (Isabela’s POV)

As the car slowly drove into the estate, I felt my breath leave my lungs.

The gates were massive tall, black, and detailed with gold patterns that caught the light as they opened silently before us. The driveway stretched on endlessly, curving through perfectly trimmed gardens, fountains, and rows of tall trees that looked older than time itself.

I leaned closer to the window without realizing it.

“Oh my God,” I whispered. “It’s beautiful.”

Beside me, Tera scoffed, her eyes wide with disbelief. “Beautiful?” she said. “Isabela, this is two hundred million dollars’ worth of real estate. This is not beautiful. This is spectacular.”

I swallowed hard.

The house no, the mansion rose ahead of us like something out of a movie. White stone walls, tall pillars, balconies lined with glass and gold railings, lights glowing warmly from inside as if the building itself was alive. It didn’t feel like a home.

It felt like power.

The car came to a smooth stop near the entrance. Before I could say another word, the driver stepped out.

Then I saw him.

Nathan was walking toward the car, dressed in a perfectly fitted black suit. His hair was neatly styled, his shoulders relaxed, his movements calm and confident. He didn’t look like the quiet man who took me to hidden restaurants in New York.

He looked like he belonged here.

Tera gasped dramatically beside me. “Is he the one?”

I nodded slowly, still staring. “Yes.”

She leaned closer to the glass, squinting slightly. “Wow. He looks like a real gentleman. And… cute.”

I barely had time to respond before Nathan reached my door and opened it.

For a moment, everything else faded.

“You look so beautiful,” he said softly, his eyes searching mine in a way that made my heart race. “I think I’ve just fallen in love with you all over again.”

My cheeks warmed instantly. I stepped out of the car, my heels touching the polished stone ground, and before I could think too much, I leaned into him. His hands rested lightly at my waist as he kissed me slow, gentle, familiar.

A loud throat-clearing sound interrupted us.

“Ahem.”

I pulled back, laughing, and turned toward the car. Tera was staring at us with exaggerated impatience.

“Nathan,” I said, smiling, “this is my friend Tera. I’ve told you about her.”

He turned to her with an easy smile. “Nice to meet you, Tera. Would you like to join us for dinner?”

She waved her hand dismissively. “Oh, no. I have other things to do.”

I shot her a look. She was lying badly.

Nathan raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure? You’re very welcome to stay.”

She didn’t hesitate this time. She jumped out of the car. “Okay, why not?”

Then she rushed to the back of the car and pulled out a large bag then another then another.

I stared. “Wow. That’s… a whole lot.”

She grinned proudly. “There’s going to be a lot of appearances. I just want to fit in.”

We both laughed as Nathan shook his head in amusement.

As we walked toward the house, my eyes kept moving, trying to take everything in at once. The staff, the size of the entrance, the quiet efficiency of everyone around it all made my chest feel tight.

“You never told me,” I said quietly, leaning closer to Nathan, “or showed me that you were this rich and influential here.”

He glanced at me briefly. “Well, it’s not really that important.”

I stopped walking. “Isn’t it?”

He turned fully toward me. “Would it have changed how you feel about me?”

I didn’t even hesitate. “No. I love you, Nathan. Either way.”

His expression softened immediately. “I love you too.”

We stepped into the house, and my breath caught again.

The living room was enormous high ceilings, chandeliers that sparkled above us, long sofas arranged perfectly, and people everywhere. Laughter, conversation, soft music it felt alive, overwhelming.

“You said this was a small family gathering,” I whispered.

Nathan smiled faintly. “My grandmother invited a few friends. She has a way of making things… bloom.”

“A few?” I muttered. “This feels like a carnival.”

Tera tugged my arm excitedly. “Where can I change?”

Nathan pointed upstairs. “Bedrooms are up there.”

She didn’t wait for another word. She ran up the stairs, dancing as she went, laughing loudly.

I burst out laughing. Nathan laughed too.

“Your friend is funny,” he said.

“She really is,” I replied.

I looked around again, my heart pounding. “You never told me you grew up in your grandmother’s house.”

He shrugged lightly. “It was easier.”

A man approached us carrying a tray with small cups on it. I reached for one automatically, assuming it was wine.

“No, Isa,” Nathan said quickly, catching my wrist. “Don’t drink that. It’s sanitizer.”

I froze, then laughed in embarrassment. “Oh sorry.”

“It’s okay,” he said, smiling. “Things are different here.”

“Yes,” I said quietly. “Very different.”

“Would you like a tour?” I asked, suddenly needing to move, to breathe.

He nodded. “Sure. But first… I want you to meet my mum.”

He took my hand.

The moment his fingers closed around mine, my chest tightened.

As we walked toward the kitchen, my steps slowed. My thoughts raced. This wasn’t just meeting a mother. This was stepping into his world fully, finally.

The laughter behind us faded slightly. The air felt heavier.

I squeezed his hand without realizing it.

Something inside me whispered that once I crossed this line, nothing would ever be the same.

And for the first time since arriving in Singapore…

I was afraid.