Chapter 4 - Belle

They arrived at what looked like a world she had only ever seen from afar.

Belle stepped out of the car slowly, her breath catching as her eyes lifted to take in the vast estate before her. The property stretched endlessly, framed by manicured gardens illuminated by soft, golden lights. At the center stood a grand mansion—towering, elegant, almost unreal.

For a moment, she simply stared.

“Is… is this your house?” she asked shyly, her voice barely above a whisper. She could feel his gaze on her again—steady, unreadable—and it only made her more self-conscious.

“Yes,” he answered simply. Then, after a brief pause, “And your home from now on.”

Her head turned toward him instantly, eyes widening. But he had already looked away.

She followed his gaze back to the mansion, still struggling to process what she had just heard.

“It’s so huge…” she murmured, awe slipping freely into her voice.

“It’s empty.”

The quiet words caught her off guard. She turned to him again.

His expression hadn’t changed, but something in his eyes had—something distant, almost hollow. The way he looked at the mansion didn’t carry pride. It carried absence.

“You have everything here,” she said gently, her voice softer now as she looked back at the glowing structure.

“Maybe…” he replied under his breath, before exhaling slowly, as if brushing the thought aside.

Then, without another word, he took her bag—and her hand.

“Come. Let’s get you settled. You’re tired.”

She didn’t resist. Her fingers curled instinctively around his as he led her toward the entrance.

The massive doors opened before they could even reach them, revealing two uniformed men standing guard. Belle offered them a small, polite smile—but they remained rigid, expressionless.

She quickly lowered her gaze. Inside, the grandeur continued.

An elderly man in uniform stood waiting at the center of the entrance hall.

“Welcome home, Master Ethan,” he greeted with a respectful bow. “And welcome to your guest.”

“Prepare dinner,” Ethan said, his tone calm and unquestionable, already moving past him.

Belle hurriedly smiled at the old man, who returned it warmly before stepping aside.

Her attention was quickly stolen again.

The space inside was breathtaking—high ceilings, polished floors, and a grand staircase that curved elegantly upward. Above it hung a massive chandelier, its crystals catching the light and scattering it in shimmering patterns across the walls.

She couldn’t help it.

“Beautiful…” she breathed, her voice filled with wonder.

Only after she spoke did she realize he was looking at her. Her eyes widened slightly, and she covered her mouth in embarrassment, her cheeks warming.

He said nothing—but there was a faint hint of amusement in his gaze.

He led her upstairs, never letting go of her hand.

When they entered the room, Belle froze. Everything—everything—was enormous.

A bed large enough to fit several people comfortably. A spacious sitting area. A balcony that overlooked the glowing estate. Even the smallest details spoke of luxury.

Her mouth fell open before she could stop herself.

She turned slowly, trying to take everything in—and then caught him watching her.

Amused.

Her face burned.

“This is the master’s bedroom,” he said calmly.

Her mind scrambled to keep up.

“Ahm… so this is what I’ll clean every day?” she asked hesitantly, glancing around again. It was overwhelming, yes—but if it meant repaying him even a little, she wouldn’t complain.

His expression changed instantly.

“What are you talking about?” His voice turned sharp.

She flinched slightly, turning to him.

“I mean… cleaning your room. Should I start now or tomorrow?” she asked carefully, unsure of what she had done wrong.

“And why would you clean my room?” he snapped. “I have people for that.”

She blinked, startled.

“Then… what should I clean?” she asked softly, her voice shrinking under his glare.

“You’re not cleaning anything,” he said, pinching the bridge of his nose as he exhaled in frustration.

She went silent immediately, unsure, nervous. Had she offended him?

He turned away slightly, running a hand over his temple before speaking again—this time calmer.

“Take a shower first. I’ll have clothes brought for you.”

Relief washed over her.

“Ah… okay. Thank you,” she said, nodding quickly.

Clutching her bag, she turned toward the door, intending to find a bathroom downstairs.

“Where are you going?” his voice stopped her.

She turned back.

“I’ll just find the bathroom downstairs. Don’t worry—I won’t get lost,” she assured him, offering a small, awkward smile.

He stared at her as if she had said something absurd.

“Belle… why would you look for a bathroom downstairs?”

She froze. Confused. He exhaled, then spoke more clearly.

“Let’s make this simple. This is my room. Starting today, you’re staying here—with me. There’s a bathroom here. You’ll use it. You can use anything in this room. Understood?”

She could only stare at him. Her mind struggled to process everything. But his tone left no room for argument.

So she nodded.

“Yes…”

“Good. Shower. We’ll have dinner after,” he said, already turning away.

Still dazed, she made her way toward the bathroom.

Her thoughts spun wildly. Stay here? With him?

It should have felt uncomfortable. Improper. Strange.

And yet…It didn’t. Somehow, being near him didn’t make her uneasy. It made her feel safe.

Still… she decided she would ask for another room later. Surely there were plenty in a house like this.

When she stepped into the bathroom, she gasped softly. It was just as extravagant as the rest of the mansion.

A large tub. A glass-enclosed shower. A wide vanity with a mirror that stretched across the wall. Everything gleamed—elegant, pristine. She felt almost afraid to touch anything.

Carefully, she stepped into the shower and turned the water on. Warm. She froze for a moment, then let out a soft breath.

Back in Building Z, cold water was all she had ever known. This—this felt like a luxury she had no right to enjoy.

But slowly, she let herself relax under the gentle warmth, the soft scent of soap filling the air. For a brief moment, everything else faded.

Until—

The door opened. Her entire body stiffened.

She turned sharply, heart pounding, as he stepped inside without warning—his presence sudden, unannounced.

The translucent glass of the shower was the only thing between them.

And suddenly, the quiet comfort she had found moments ago shattered into stunned silence.

“I need to pee. You’re taking too long.”

He said it so casually—as if nothing about the situation was unusual—that Belle froze for a second before her mind caught up.

And then heat rushed straight to her face.

She instinctively turned away, eyes wide, staring anywhere but in his direction as she heard the unmistakable sound behind her.

Oh my God… why did I look—

She clamped her lips shut, mentally scolding herself, her cheeks burning so fiercely she was certain she looked like a ripe tomato.

“I… ahm… the water’s warm,” she stammered, words tumbling out in a rush.

“I didn’t realize I stayed too long… I’m almost done.”

Her hands moved quickly, rinsing off the soap she had unknowingly lathered over herself far too many times.

Strangely—She should have been embarrassed, offended even—but there was no malice in him. No teasing, no suggestiveness. As if her presence there didn’t make anything inappropriate.

By the time she finished, she reached for a towel, wrapping it tightly around her body as she stepped out.

“Here.”

She startled slightly. He was already beside her.

Before she could react, he draped a soft robe over her shoulders, carefully guiding her arms through the sleeves.

She stayed still, letting him. Her heart beat faster—but not out of fear. Out of something she couldn’t quite name.

He took another towel and began drying her hair, gentle, unhurried. Then he guided her toward the counter and turned on the blower, his fingers combing through her damp strands as he dried them.

“You’ll find clothes on the bed,” he said quietly.

“I’ll take a quick shower, then we’ll have dinner.”

She nodded softly.

“Okay… thank you.”

She slipped out of the bathroom quietly, still a little dazed.

The clothes laid neatly on the bed caught her attention. She picked them up, noticing they fit her perfectly—though they weren’t new.

Maybe they belong to one of the staff…

She didn’t dwell on it.

After changing, her gaze wandered—and landed on a large glass sliding door. Curiosity pulled her closer.

When she stepped out onto the balcony, her breath caught.

The city stretched endlessly below, a sea of lights shimmering against the darkness of the night. Buildings, streets, moving cars—it all blended into something breathtaking.

She turned slowly, taking it all in, her eyes wide with wonder.

“It’s… beautiful…” She didn’t even realize she had spoken aloud.

“Do you like it?”

She was startled, turning quickly.

He was standing behind her now, dressed casually—black pants, a simple blue shirt. Effortlessly composed. Yet… softer than before.

“It’s magnificent!” she exclaimed, unable to hide the joy in her voice. Her eyes sparkled as she looked at him.

“Yes,” he said quietly.

But he wasn’t looking at the view. He was looking at her.

She noticed—and smiled shyly before turning back to the city, her heart fluttering faintly.

“You can stay here whenever you want,” he murmured, stepping closer.

“Study, relax… whatever you like.” His chin rested lightly atop her head.

“Really?” she asked, excitement slipping into her voice.

“Of course,” he replied.

“Anything you want, Belle.”

Then, after a brief pause, “But first… dinner.”

He took her hand again.

She gave the view one last lingering glance before letting him lead her inside.

They walked downstairs together—hand in hand. She noticed it this time. The subtle glances.

The way the staff tried to remain composed, yet couldn’t help but look at their joined hands.

“Good evening, Master Ethan… and to your guest,” the elderly man from earlier greeted with a polite bow.

Belle smiled warmly at him.

“This is Belle Perez,” Ethan said, his tone shifting—firm, commanding.

“She’ll be living here starting today. Treat her as you would treat me. Inform everyone.”

Belle blinked. The difference was stark.

This man—this imposing, authoritative figure—felt so different from the one who had just dried her hair moments ago.

“Yes, Master Ethan,” the old man replied respectfully.

Ethan turned to her again, his gaze softening instantly.

“This is Mr. Oh. He manages the household. If you need anything, tell him.”

“Hello, Mr. Oh,” Belle said, smiling as she extended her hand.

“I’m Belle. Nice to meet you.”

Mr. Oh hesitated for a fraction of a second—then accepted her hand.

“Nice to meet you… young mistress.”

Belle blinked. Then laughed softly.

“Just Belle, please,” she said gently.

“My mother would scold me if she heard that. She always said I need to work hard first before I can call myself anything like that.”

Her voice softened at the mention of her mother. A faint ache passed through her chest—but she smiled through it.

“I’m still working toward that,” she added.

When she looked up, she found both men watching her.

Quietly. Intently.

“I worked hard for everything here,” Ethan said suddenly, his voice calm but filled with quiet conviction.

“So for now… I’ll share it with you.”

Her breath stilled.

“I’m the master of this house,” he continued, his gaze steady on hers.

“And you… will be its young mistress.”

Her heart skipped.

“You said you’d take care of me when you become a doctor,” he added softly.

“I’ll hold you to that.”

There was no arrogance in his words.

Only sincerity. Warmth. Something real. Belle felt it settle deep within her chest. Something fragile. Something hopeful. She looked up at him, her eyes shining—brighter than before.

“Yes,” she said, her voice filled with quiet determination.

“I will.” A small smile curved on her lips.

“I’ll work hard. I’ll become a doctor… and I’ll take care of you every day.” Her voice softened, turning almost dreamlike.

“Until we both grow old…”

For the first time in a long while—Her future didn’t feel uncertain anymore.

It felt… possible.

And somehow—It began with him.

****😊😊****