Chapter 8

“Miss Anna, it’s time for dinner,” Ferdi said as he knocked politely on her door.

“Yes, just a moment,” Anna replied. She hurried to smooth her hair before opening the door.

“Sir and Madam are already waiting in the dining room,” Ferdi continued. “Please, allow me to escort you.”

Anna nodded and followed him down the long corridor of the large mansion. The comforting aroma of warm soup drifted toward her as they neared the dining hall.

“Anna, come sit here,” Matilda called with a warm smile the moment Anna appeared at the doorway.

“Sorry for keeping you waiting, Mom,” Anna said softly.

“It’s alright. Besides, Liam still hasn’t come home,” Matilda replied casually—making Anna narrow her eyes in confusion.

“Liam?”

“Liam is our only son, Anna,” Jonathan explained gently.

Anna nodded and tried to return the smile, though something uneasy tugged inside her chest.

Probably just a coincidence—the name, she told herself.

She had just pulled her chair when a deep voice echoed from behind her.

“Mom, why did you tell me to come home?”

Anna turned instinctively—and her knees nearly buckled. It felt as if the floor dropped beneath her feet.

“Anna? What’s wrong?” Matilda asked in alarm, catching Anna’s arm. “Are you feeling sick?”

“N-No… I’m fine, Mom,” Anna answered nervously, her voice trembling.

God… this is the Alonzo family?

She bit her lip hard, trying to steady her breathing.

“Liam, this is Anna,” Matilda said brightly, oblivious to the tension in the air. “Starting today, she’ll be living with us.”

“You decided to adopt someone just like that?” Liam asked sharply, his gaze sweeping over Anna from head to toe, making her freeze in place.

“You’re rarely home. The house feels lonely. Isn’t that right, Dad?” Matilda looked to her husband for backup.

Jonathan nodded firmly. “Exactly. And you don’t get to oppose our decision.”

Liam let out a quiet scoff. “Do whatever you want. But do you even know where she came from? What if she’s some crazy drunk?”

Anna’s face drained of color. Her hands trembled beneath the table.

“Liam! Don’t say such things!” Matilda snapped.

“That’s enough,” Jonathan cut in firmly, stopping the argument before it could escalate. “Let’s just eat.”

Anna sat down across from Liam, but she didn’t dare lift her gaze. His cold aura seeped across the table, tightening her chest. Even the soft clink of cutlery sounded uncomfortably loud.

***

After dinner, Anna went straight back to her room, desperate to keep her distance from Liam. But when she reached the third floor, she abruptly stopped.

Liam was there—talking to Ferdi in a low, firm tone.

When he sensed her presence, he turned.

For a few tense seconds, their eyes locked.

Cold. Sharp. Unyielding.

Then, without a word, Liam looked away and entered the room directly beside hers.

“Miss Anna? Why are you spacing out?” Ferdi asked, breaking the silence.

“That… that’s Mr. Liam’s room?” Anna’s voice was barely audible.

“Yes, Miss,” Ferdi replied politely. “And the room to the right of yours is his private office. I suggest you keep your distance from that area.”

The warning made Anna swallow hard, her heartbeat stumbling.

She nodded weakly, and Ferdi walked away, leaving her alone in the corridor.

Anna quickly slipped into her room and shut the door tightly, as though afraid even her breath might be heard.

“Out of all the rooms in this huge house, why did they put me next to his?” she muttered in frustration, hugging her arms.

The one man she wanted to avoid more than anything…

was now only a single wall away.