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ISLA'S POV

Two weeks ago, my parents made one of the best decisions they could have for me. They decided that I move in with Robert. Ever since that moment, I had been eagerly counting down the days until it finally became a reality. The anticipation was almost unbearable, and more than once, I found myself tempted to call Robert, just to double-check if he truly meant it, or if he was simply giving in to my parents' pressure. I knew how persuasive they could be when they really wanted something. But, honestly, I wasn’t going to let that bother me.

I had been dreaming of this day for so long.

Still on my dilemma, my phone rang, and the name "Dad" appeared on the screen, accompanied by a single heart emoji. My heart skipped a beat.

"Hey, Dad!" I answered, my voice light and cheerful. I couldn't help the surge of happiness that had been with me ever since I received their approval to move in with Robert.  

"Hey Isla, how are you doing? Have you packed everything? Don’t forget to leave a key for Mrs. Rogers, remember? And let me know once you’ve arrived at Mr. Hardy’s place. Also, don’t be a brat with him. I know he spoils you, but you’re an adult now. Don’t disappoint me. And limit the time you spend hanging out with that Hailey Carter, you..."

"Okay, okay, I’ve heard you, Dad. Thanks for checking in. Bye!" I quickly ended the call and tossed my phone onto the bed.

My dad had never been fond of my friendship with Hailey. He thought she was too carefree, too "irresponsible," and he was convinced her influence would rub off on me. It was frustrating, but I’d gotten used to it. He always seemed to know what was best for me, even when I disagreed.

For a moment, I considered calling Robert. I knew he was a busy man, a successful businessman who rarely had time for personal calls. I didn’t want to be one of those annoying people who nagged him with constant check-ins. I wasn’t some helpless child. But, still, I couldn’t help wondering how things would be between us now that I was going to live with him.  

I had already moved my luggage out of the house. It had already been arranged that Robert’s driver would pick me up today.  A sleek black SUV pulled up to the front of the house, and to my surprise, Robert stepped out of the car. He moved with an effortless grace that seemed to command the very air around him. His presence exuded a refined elegance, a kind of quiet, magnetic confidence. A warm smile spread across his face as he caught sight of me.  When was the last time I saw him? A year ago, at my parents' wedding anniversary party.

Now, standing before him, I couldn’t take my eyes off him. His movements were sure, and graceful, like someone who was entirely comfortable in their own skin. The way his eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled, the spark in his gaze… everything about him seemed to draw me in. 

His crisp white shirt clung to his lean, muscular frame, and the first few buttons were undone, revealing a broad chest dusted with dark hair. My mind wandered, imagining what it would feel like to place my hands on that chest, to trace the contours of those muscles while straddling him.

Isla?" He called snapping a finger at my face, dragging me abruptly from my wild daydreams. "What are you so lost in thought about?"

The question made me flush deeply and I just couldn't help feeling embarrassed.

"I..was wondering if I'm forgetting anything important," I shrugged, trying to be nonchalant about the fact that I had just been caught red handed acting like a little brute.

Robert flashed a really cool smile that all the more made him mesmerizing. Gosh! Was he aware of the effect he had on me? I  was stupidly  in love with this man and everything he is.

"Well, that's not a problem. You could always come here to pick things up. Let's fix your luggages in…you sure packed enough."

I didn't know if I should feel embarrassed by that last statement or not. It seemed like I'd packed my things to permanently move in as his wife. The thought of being his wife made me giggle.

He single handedly swept my luggages into his trunk and we drove off.

"Welcome to my humble home Miss Isla Turner." Robert mockly said as he pushed the door open after unlocking it with his thumbprint.

 

"Humble?" I repeated with a chuckle.

"Isn't it?" He asked innocently as he moved two of my boxes in. I started regretting carrying too much stuff.

The sitting room was magnificent and breathtaking, he had quite the classy taste. He was a billionaire after all.

"I'll show you to your room" He said to me with his baritone voice, taking both boxes with him as I trailed  behind clutching my large make up box, resisting the urge to feel guilty.

The room was spacious and luxurious. It was twice the size of my own room, with floor to ceiling windows that seemed to overlook the whole of Chicago. 

"I hope you'll be comfortable here." He said with a small smile and I nodded in reply.

 I was no longer just a girl with a secret crush, I was a young woman on the brink of a new chapter.

"Thank you Robert," The name rolled out of my lips, sounding more sensual than I had intended.

His gaze lingered a bit on my lips. What was he thinking?