PENTHOUSE

Miriam's POV 

I leaned against the car seat, my arms folded across my chest as I tried to calm my wandering mind.

It has been a chaotic evening. From the alarms down to the fire and the smoke filled corridor. It was all now getting to me how dangerous the situation was and that I thought it was a drill.

I seriously needed to work on my lazy habits and take things more seriously. If Lazar had not arrived on time. What would I have done?

My apartment building was probably swarming with firefighters by now, which will make it impossible for me to stay there at least for a while.

But instead of me being worried about that, I kept stealing glances at Lazar, who hasn’t said much since we entered this luxurious car.

His jaw was clenched tightly and his knuckles looked a little bit white from gripping the wheel tightly.

He looked calm….well the version of calm that I know…but I could see the tension in the way his shoulders did not relax.

If I did not know him I would have said he was nervous…. But could he really be?

“Are you going to tell me where we’re going, or do I just sit here like a kidnapped passenger?” I asked, starting to get impatient.

We have been driving for a while, I was hungry, angry and also confused. There were a lot of emotions. 

“Patience, Miriam. You will see soon enough.” he replied, his lips slightly twitching sideways, still focused on the busy road ahead of us.

It was the weekend and there seemed to be a concert at the arena nearby so the road was packed, most definitely work concert goers.

“That’s what kidnappers say right before they sell you off to the black market.”

He chuckles under his breath but doesn’t answer. Typical Lazar. Always dodging, always keeping things close to his chest. It’s both infuriating and… fine, attractive. Ugh, I hate myself. I can never truly be angry with this man.

The drive doesn’t take as much time as I thought. It only took fifteen drives or less before he slowed down at a gate and my eyes nearly popped out of my head.

We were in the fourth avenue district. Located in the middle of the city.

What the hell were we doing here?

The one where only billionaires with endless zeroes in their bank account could afford to live. Or where luxury brands get stores. 

We arrived at a tall apartment building, more like a skyscraper.

He pulls into the underground parking garage like he belongs here, like this is his neighborhood grocery store. As soon as we arrived at the garage I gasped in wonder.

Expensive cars were parked like ornaments, Everything from the elevator looked expensive and luxurious. Even I, with my company pulling in millions each quarter, have never considered buying something here. It’s not just expensive…it’s absurd. A penthouse in this area is like buying an island.

I turn to Lazar, blinking like a fool. “Why… are we here?”

 “Because this is home.” he replied casually, too casual for my liking.

Home?

What the hell was he talking about?

“Lazar!” I scramble after him, heels clicking against the polished floor. “Don’t play games with me. This place costs more than a small country.”

He presses the elevator button, his face as unreadable as ever. “Are you coming, or do you want me to drag you?”

“Drag me? You want to drag me into a building worth more than I can imagine. Into a place you claim is home? Please. I’m not that gullible.”

But I step into the elevator anyway because, well… curiosity. And also because if he is secretly a conman, I would rather not let him out of my sight.

The elevator doors slide open at the very top floor. He leads me down a short hallway and unlocks a door with a keycard. My jaw drops the moment we walk inside.

Luxury. That’s the only word that fits.

Floor-to-ceiling windows stretch across the entire living room, giving a breathtaking view of the city skyline glittering under the night. The furniture looks like it came out of a designer catalog. From the plush sofas, polished marble down to the sleek lighting that somehow makes the entire place glow. Even the air smells expensive, like leather and faint cologne.

I walk in slowly, almost afraid to touch anything, afraid it might disappear if I blink too hard. “Lazar, what is this place?” I asked, whispering scared that we might be trespassing.

“Our new home,” he says simply, shrugging off his jacket and tossing it onto the couch like it was just another Tuesday.

I whirled around to face him. “New home? Lazar, you told me your house was under construction. That you were—what did you call it?...‘squatting.’”

“Plans changed,” he replied, not even flinching.

“Plans changed?” I echoed, raising my voice slightly.

You went from squatting….to this?” I throw my arms out toward the chandelier that probably costs more than my networth

For the first time tonight, he looks nervous. He scratches the back of his neck, avoiding my eyes. “It was… a gift.”

I raise an eyebrow. “A gift? From who? Santa Claus?”

His lips twitch again, but he keeps his tone steady. “From my boss. I helped him close a big deal. He was generous. Said it’s also a marriage gift.”

I stare at him, trying to decide whether to laugh or faint. “A penthouse… as a marriage gift?”

“Yes.”

I blinked, still trying to process everything. “Lazar, don't lie to me” 

“Maybe my boss is just generous. I have been working for him for a long time. This gift was also a surprise for me.” he replied

I open my mouth, then close it again. I can’t decide whether he’s lying or actually telling the truth. Either way, it’s ridiculous. Who gives away a penthouse? And if his boss is so generous, what does that make Lazar?

Still, I study his face carefully. He was nervous…actually nervous. He keeps glancing at me like a schoolboy waiting to see if the teacher approves of his work. For someone who usually wears his confidence like armor, it felt  strange.… But also cute.

I let out a long sigh. “So let me get this straight. You are just a mere carpenter…”

“Not mere, a skilled carpenter.” He interrupts, smirking slightly.

I roll my eyes but continue, “...a skilled carpenter, and your boss decides to hand you a penthouse in the most expensive district in the city? As a marriage gift?”

He nods once, looking dead serious.

I studied him for another long moment. Logic tells me this makes zero sense. But something in his expression, the way he’s so anxious for me to believe him, softens me. Against my better judgment, I sigh and give in.

“Fine, I  believe you.” I say finally, cause why shouldn't I.

Relief floods his face instantly. He exhales, like he has been holding his breath the entire time.

The sight almost makes me laugh. This was Lazar, the man who looks unshaken and yet he was here, nervous about whether I like his apartment.

“Do you like it?” he asks cautiously, almost shyly.

I can’t help but smile. “I love it. It’s beautiful.”

His entire demeanor changes immediately. 

He flashed a genuine and boyish grin, and for a second, I saw past the hard edges of who he usually is. He looks… happy. And I realize he needed this approval more than he wanted to admit.

We spend the next few minutes exploring. He shows me the master bedroom with its enormous bed, the kitchen that looks like it’s never seen a frying pan, and the balcony with the best view of the city lights I had ever seen. 

Part of me still thinks it’s impossible that he owns this place, but another part, the softer, foolish part…just wants to enjoy the moment.

Still, as I leaned against the balcony railing, a nagging thought creeps into my mind. 

“Lazar, Something doesn’t add up.” I said, turning around to look at him.

He raises an eyebrow. “What is it?” he asked, looking attentive 

I cross my arms. “The fire at my apartment. How did it start?”

“I have no idea, but I am sure we will find out soon.” He replied.

“And… Why did you use the back entrance instead of the front?” I pressed on, narrowing my eyes.

The corner of his eyes twitched and I immediately knew he was hiding something. 

What could he be hiding?