Chapter 3

 Talia’s Pov

I ran down the hallway like the floor was on fire, clutching my chest and wondering what the hell had just happened in his room. Why did my chest beat like that? Why did my stomach twist and my breath catch when I saw him, half-naked and smug, standing inches from me?

Disgusting. Absolutely disgusting. I fished out my phone and called Chris.

“Hey,” he answered after several rings. “How did the dinner go? Did you see Maxton?”

I sighed, flopping onto a small couch in the grand hallway. “Dinner was... fine. Except Maxton wasn’t supposed to be there.”

Chris hummed. “Wasn’t?”

“He showed up bloody, bruised, and arrogant, as always.”

“What the hell happened? His father wasn't angry he didn't show up at dinner?” 

“Well, I don't care but I think he got into a fight, lied about a car crash. He limped back here like a war hero and I helped him to his room because I’m apparently Mother Teresa now.”

Chris was silent for a beat. “You helped him?”

“Don’t judge me. He looked like he was about to die.”

“Still... you sure that’s a good idea? Being too close to him? He literally broke your leg and almost made you lose a game.” 

“I know…but,” Another call buzzed through and I couldn't complete my conversation with Chris. 

My mum's terrible acting like everything was okay, I was going to have it again. 

“What now, mum?” I mumbled.

“You don't leave the table asking for excuses and not turning back. That's rude.” She yelled. 

“Mum! I had to leave. I almost had a panic attack you throwing it in my face right there that I'm going to move in with you. 

“It's not a bad idea. We're family now, you should accept that.” 

“You know I don't care, right?” 

“You have to.” She sighed and spoke calmly, “Sweetheart, I know you've been having a hard time since your dad died but you have to move on and get along with Maxton.” 

I went silent for a few seconds, “Mum, that's alright. I'll try my best if he doesn't get in the way.” 

“Thank you. Are you still in the house?”

“Yes, I’m still here.”

“Oh good. Matthew wants you to stay the night. He’ll drive you both to school tomorrow.”

I blinked. “Wait, what? Stay the night?”

“Yes. I'm hanging up now.” 

I didn't even get the chance to argue. I groaned and dragged myself to the guest room I was shown earlier. It was huge, had high ceilings, pristine white bedding, soft carpets that swallowed my feet. The air smelled like lavender and a bit of old money. I tossed my phone on the bed and sat down, overwhelmed.

The idea of living here… it wasn’t terrible. Maybe I could manage, if Maxton and I barely spoke. Just… polite nods in passing. That could work. Sort of.

Still, Chris’s tone on the phone echoed in my mind. He didn’t want me near Maxton. He never had, not since high school. And now with this new situation, he probably thought something could happen. Which, honestly, would be insane. 

Except… I couldn’t stop replaying that moment in his room. The way his hand pressed to my lips. The way his bare chest gleamed with water and his stupid voice went low when he asked me not to shout. Ugh.

A knock on the door snapped me out of it.

I opened it slightly to see a young maid standing there with a tray of neatly arranged fruits.

“Miss?” she said gently. “Night snack.”

“Night... snack?” I repeated.

“Yes, it’s a norm in the house.”

I stepped aside and let her in. “That’s… fancy.”

She smiled softly and placed the tray down. As she turned to leave, I asked, “Hey, what’s your name?”

“Lydia,” she replied with a small curtsy. “But we aren’t really allowed to talk much.”

“Why? Doesn’t it get boring here? All these rooms and silence?”

She hesitated. “It used to. But the house feels… filled now. Everyone’s around.”

Everyone. Meaning Maxton and his father. I was about to ask more especially about Maxton’s mother, but the door creaked open again.

Mr. Carter stepped in, looking every bit the businessman in his velvet robe and calm expression.

“Lydia,” he said smoothly, “leave us.”

She bowed slightly and left quickly without another word.

“I’m sorry,” I said instantly. “I didn’t mean to…”

“It’s fine. She knows the rules,” he said with a kind smile. “You have questions, that’s normal.”

I nodded, awkwardly.

“Are you ready for the scholarship, Talia?”

“If it’s available after graduation… I’d be grateful. Honestly. I've always dreamed of playing national games until…” I paused. 

“You’ll have it. As long as you stay focused. And don’t let Maxton get under your skin. He could be difficult and I know it.”

I laughed despite myself. “I’m aware, Mr Carter.”

He smirked. “Good. You’ve got fire. I’ve heard you don’t take crap from anyone. That’s exactly what Maxton needs around him, someone who’ll treat his bullshit the way it deserves.”

“Gladly,” I muttered, and he chuckled before stepping out.

I wasn't going to do anything and was planning to barely stay at the mansion. 

“Is there anyway we wouldn't clash?” I thought to myself, pressing my lips into a thin line. 

Gosh!  The house went quiet again. I shut the door and changed into a more recent night wesr I found in the wardrobe. 

Everything went still, or so I thought. 

A minute later, a loud bang echoed from down the hall. Not like a crash, more like a body hitting something.

I bolted out of the room. Curiosity draining my energy. I walked down a few rooms and finally stopped at one.