CHAPTER 2 — DINNING WITH CELEBRITIES

~Valerie~

I opened my eyes slowly to the soft tapping on the door. I must have closed them while thinking, letting my mind wander over everything that had happened since arriving.

“Miss Valerie?” a calm voice called.

I blinked, sitting up. A woman stood in the doorway, neatly dressed, carrying a small bag of supplies.

“I am Elena,” she said politely. “I will be arranging your belongings and ensuring your room is ready.”

I nodded quietly, unsure what to say.

Elena moved efficiently, folding my clothes, placing my shoes neatly, and tucking small items into drawers. I watched in silence, feeling both intruded upon and oddly comforted by her quiet professionalism.

After a few minutes, the door opened again. This time, Liam appeared, dressed in black, his expression composed.

“Miss Valerie,” he said, voice flat but polite. “Mr. Klaus would like to see you in his office.”

My stomach tightened. I hadn’t expected to be called so soon, and a small flicker of nerves stirred in me.

Silently, I followed him down the grand hallway, my shoes echoing against the marble floors. Tall windows allowed sunlight to spill across the corridor, highlighting paintings and sculptures.

Liam led me to a massive door. At a mere glance, I could see two men in dark suits.

“Right here,” Liam said, gesturing to the entrance. “Knock, and enter when instructed.” Then he left without another word.

I took a deep breath and knocked gently on the door.

“Enter,” a low voice commanded.

I stepped inside.

Mr. Klaus sat behind a vast mahogany desk, his posture rigid. The room was slightly dark, heavy with polished wood and leather-bound books. Bodyguards stood silently at the doorway, motionless and alert.

“Turn around,” he said abruptly.

I hesitated but complied.

“Sit,” he ordered, motioning to the chair in front of his desk.

I obeyed, heart hammering.

“Do you understand why you are here?” he asked.

I swallowed. “I… I think it’s… for business?” I hesitated, trying to keep my voice steady. “…for my father’s work?”

He leaned back slightly, letting out a short, dry laugh. “I have no business with you personally. You are not here because of anything you have done. Your father… however, is less reliable. You are here to ensure this project of his is completed. You will be present during this time, and that is why you are staying in my home. Nothing more, nothing less.”

I nodded slowly, still absorbing his words.

“If you need anything while here, there is a telephone in your room. You can request the staff at any time,” he continued. “One of the maids will show you around tomorrow. And also, you are to come down shortly for dinner. You may meet some of my sons then… if you’re lucky.”

I nodded again, thinking Mr. Kosarin was not as strict as I thought after all.

I was dismissed and escorted back to my room.

In my room, I let myself close my eyes for a few minutes, just resting while my mind raced. Then I pulled out my phone and quickly typed a message to Clara:

“Clara, I’m so sorry I did not keep you updated, but I am already here with the Kosarins.”

Within moments, her reply came:

“This is incredible! Imagine being in that house. Do you know how lucky you are?”

I hesitated, then explained the reality.

“Living here is more complicated than it sounds,” I typed.

Clara’s excitement made me laugh despite everything. She imagined all sorts of scenarios that might happen here.

Shortly, a knock at the door interrupted our conversation.

“Miss., dinner is ready,” Elena's voice echoed outside.

I followed behind, walking down the grand staircase and entering the dining hall. I had expected the full assembly of brothers, but only Mr. Kosarin and two younger men were seated. The table was filled and meticulously arranged, as if all his sons were expected. Healthy dishes, roasted vegetables, meats, breads, and fresh fruit, everything looked rich, fresh, and inviting.

One of the younger men stood as I approached.

“Miss. Valerie,” he said with a small smile. “I’m Kyson. It’s nice to meet you.”

I nodded as if I didn’t know him, though I had read about him before. He took my hand, and I allowed him to lift it slightly. He pressed a gentle kiss to the back of my hand.

“Please, have a seat,” he said, and we sat together.

“This is my fourth son, Kobe,” Mr. Kosarin said, gesturing to the other young man who looked up and smiled at me. “The others could not make it for dinner tonight.”

Conversation flowed more casually than I expected, and for the first time since arriving, I felt a flicker of normalcy.

When dinner ended, I returned to my room, feeling relieved that it was not as difficult as I had imagined.

I lay down to rest after all the events of today.

Maybe… just maybe… five months with five strangers and their father isn’t such a bad idea after all.