I frowned at the amount of shopping bags in the room.
“Right,” I groan, stretching. “Yesterday happened.”
There’s a soft knock at the door.
“Miss Aria? Breakfast is ready.”
I blink, still half asleep. “Uh, is it already time?”
“Sir Asher said he would love to have breakfast with you.”
“Alright, thanks! I’ll be right there!”
I quickly brushed my teeth and freshened up. I grab a random outfit from the pile – a jeans skort, a white top, and a cardigan.
When I open the door, a young maid is standing there with a polite smile.
“You’re still here?”
“Yes miss,” she bowed. “Would you prefer to have it brought here”
“What? No! I don’t –“I wave my hands. “I mean, Pfft, I should at least see that beast before he goes to school.
She nods, clearly trying not to laugh. “Of course, miss.”
“Sup bro” I greeted, sliding beside Asher.
He’s wearing a crisp school blazer, tie loose, sleeves rolled up.
He glances up. “Morning, Tinker Bell.”
I squint. “Do not call me that.”
“Too late. You’re stuck with that.”
“But I don’t like it, call me Aria”
“You’ll grow to love it, or do you prefer fish girl?”
I roll my eyes. “You’re insufferable.”
“Thank you.”
He’s halfway through his eggs and scrolling on his phone while reach for a croissant.
“So,” I smile, “you go to school every day like this?”
“Like what?”
“Looking like an undressed rich snob.” I said, pointing at his loose tie.
He smirks. “It’s part of the charm.”
19:29 Fri, Jan 2 @
Chapter 52
“I’m sure.” I sip the orange juice and almost choke. “This is… freshly squeezed?”
“Yup, I love my freshly squeezed orange juice.”
“I can literally taste the sunshine.
He laughs, shaking his head. “That is not funny.”
“Isn’t that ironic? your teeth are out” I snickered.
“Good morning, darlings.” Helen greeted, walking in.
“Morning, Mother,” Asher replied.
“Morning,” I mumble, with a mouthful of croissant.
Helen sighs. “Aria, darling, small bites. You don’t have to what to choke on that”
I swallowed and smiled awkwardly. “Sorry. The croissant was just… heavenly.”
“Of course,” she settled into a seat. “Pierre makes the best ones. I’ll have him bake extra.”
“Pierre?”
“Our chef,” Asher explains, amused. “Don’t worry, I’ll have the butler introduce the whole staff to you.”
“Yeah, you can also pick a personal attendant.” Helen nods. “Asher, school.”
“Alright mother.” He groaned.
She arches her brow. “And no speeding this time.”
“No promises,” he mutters, grabbing his bag.
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As he walks past me, he taps my shoulder. “Try not to miss me too much and don’t get lost in the house, Tiny Bell.”
“I won’t,” I say confidently.
Okay I’m lost. I wander through endless hallways lined with portraits consisting mostly of Helen and Robert intimate pictures. Is this a freaky fetish? And yes, wander.
“Okay,” I mutter to myself, “left was the dining room, right is the.. uh… erm what was it again?”
“Miss Aria, would you like a tour?” I looked behind me to see the maid from before.
“You’re a life saver yes of course, please.”
She smiles politely. “Of course. Follow me.”
“So w
your
“It’s Kayla, miss.”
name?” I asked, following her lead.”
“You don’t look much older than me, how old are you?”
“I’m fifteen, miss.”
19:29 Fri, Jan 2
Chapter 52
“Fifteen? Aren’t you too young and should be at school?”
“I actually pleaded with the lady to employ me, it’s a personal, mss.”
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I nodded. “This is the cast wing–family quarters. The west wing is for guests. Down that hall, the library.” She continued.
“Library?” My eyes light up. “Is it huge?”
She chuckled. “Very huge. Master Robert is quite the collector.”
My jaw dropped as we stepped inside. It’s filled from the bottom to the ceiling with books, shelves curving along the walls.
“Oh my God,” I whisper. “It’s… beautiful.”
She bowed slightly. “I shall leave you to explore, Miss.”
“Thank you.”
As soon as she’s gone, I grab a random book from the shelf and curl up in one of the velvet chairs, flipping through the
pages.
“Found you.” I glance up to see Asher standing by the doorframe.
“School’s over already?” I ask.
“It’s a half–day.” He says, leaning against the doorway. “I came to pick something up.”
“Oh ok,” I mutter.
He walks in, eyeing the pile of books around me. “You’ve been here all day?”
“Maybe,” I admit. ” I kind of lost track of time. ”
He grins. “You’re such a nerd.”
“I prefer ‘intellectual goddess.”
“Sure, Tiny Bell.”
I throw a cushion at him which he dodges easily. “You missed me?” He teases
“Not even a little.” I shot back.
He walks closer, scanning the titles. “Do you like history?”
“I found out I like stories,” I say, closing the book. “Real or not.”
“Tsk, that’s boring.” He hummed
“Reading is not boring”
“Or you’re just a nerd. Come on. Let me show you something cooler than these boring books.”
He waves for me to follow. “Come on, bookworm. You’re gonna thank me for this.”
I groan but stand anyway. “So where are we going?” I ask.
19:29 Fri, Jan 2
Chapter 52
“You’ll see.”
“That’s not an answer.”
“Be patient, Tinkerbell,” he smirks.
I roll my eyes. “You are exhausting.”
We stop at a golden colored door with purple stripes.
He opens it, revealing a huge room filled with various instruments, and recording equipment.
I blink. “Wait… what is this?”
“Our home studio,” he says proudly. “Dad built it for us. I mess around here sometimes.”
“You play instruments?”
“Guitar, drums, a bit of piano.” He shrugs. “I was taught most of it by mum.”
I walk in slowly, running my fingers along the piano keys. “This is insane.”
“You play?” he asks, watching me.
I shake my head. “I don’t know.”
He picks up a guitar and strums a few notes
“Okay, I’m impressed.”
“You should be.”
“Don’t push it.” I scoffed
He plays another chord and looks up. “Sing something.”
“What? No.”
“Come on, Tiny Bell. Just hum. It’s not that hard, is it?”
立
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
