The Rejected Daughter

CHAPTER SIX

At his house.

The car rolled into a wide driveway and stopped before a slee, grey-colored home nestled behind hedges. It was breathtaking. The house wasn't loud with glamour but it spoke of quiet class. Tall glass windows reflected the setting sun, and the outer walls were a mix of smooth concrete and dark wood.

"This is where you live" her voice barely a whisper.

Kevin stepped out and opened the door for her.

"Welcome to my chaos" He said teasing her slightly.

Inside it was almost too quiet. All the decors in the house was minimal and simple but classy and perfectly placed just like the owner. The mansion was a masterpiece of modern design with sharp lines, endless glass, and a color palette that never strayed from black, white and steel. Perched high on a ridge, it overlooked the city like it owned the view. The furniture was designer, the lightning automatic, the air smelled like new money and control. No color or clutter, just elegance wrapped in glass and stone. It was beautiful, flawless but it felt cold, it was truly like its owner. Truly Jade has seen many expensive houses all through her life, even more colorful and lively more than this place but this place beauty was calm yet so loud.

Kevin called an old female housekeeper who appeared quietly, her steps soft against the cold marble floor. Without much conversation she gestured for Jade to follow her, leading her through a maze of glass halls and echoing silence. Then they stopped at a white door unlike the others they had passed by its knob was gold. The house keeper gave a small nod, almost smiling and gestured for her to enter first.

The room was warm, glowing with blush pink walls, soft gold touches, and cozy textures that didn't exist anywhere else in the house. The housekeeper had called a young maid who helped her prepare a warm bathe. The young maid escorted her to the bathroom ancd helped her out of her clothes. The maid froze at the sight of the scars that filled Jade's entire back but quickly regained her composure. She helped her with a new dress and told her to come down for dinner when she was ready. Jade nodded to the smiling maid and locked the door when she left.

She laid on the bed with a sigh and allowed her mind wandered towards everything that had happened in the past weeks. She rembered how Kevin had helped her during those past weeks-kevin-she remebered him, that brooding and lonely child in the hospital's hallway. How they had met when she accompanied her mum for some volunteering and how they spent his recovery period together but all that didn't last because he was discharged so suddenly and they couldn't see each other again.

By the time she returned back to reality the sky outside had turned navy, she stepped out her room to go and have dinner. At the dining table he wasn't there but it looked like it was normal judging by the housekeepers reactions. Dinner was warm and calm, something homecooked, something she hadn't had in forever..

Afterward, a maid led her through the hallway to kevin's study, the maid gave her a short nod before leaving her at the threshold. Jade hesistated, then slowly opened the door. Warm light spilled out from a sleek table lamp, casting a golden halo over the room. The scent hit her immediately-rich, roasted coffee with the faintest hint of vanilla. It wrapped her like warmth in a cup. The walls were lined with tall bookshelves, each one filled with hardcovers, folders and neatly organized business texts. A black glasss globe stood beside the shelf.

At the far end of the room, Kevin sat in a dep leather chair, one leg croosed over the other, his eyes focused on a folder in his hands. He looked up as she enterd, a ceramic mug resting between his fingers.

He smilled faintly."Come in".

Jade stepped closer, slowly taking in the space.

"You look like a CEO in a drama," she said teasingly at him"All serious in your leather chair."

He chuckled, gesturing to the seat opposite him."Sit, I wanted to talk to you."

She sat on the plush armchair across him, leg tucked under herself.

Kevin leaned forward, setting the mug down on a coaster.

"I've ben thinking about something,"he said"Before everything that happened, before you got sick, what were you working towards?"

Jade looked down, fingers curling slightly."Law school"she said. "Ethan said I never got to write the college acceptance exam"

There was a beat of silence.

Kevin nodded in understanding then said with seriousness."Then let's start again."

She blinked "What?"

Her eyes flickered with disbelief and she stared at him like he had suddenly grown a second head"You are serious"

Kevin nodded."Yes I am."