Chapter 7: Cold.

"Master doesn't allow anyone touch that" the girl spoke, stopping me in my tracks.

I paused, immediately retracting my hands. " Why not ?"

"I don't know ma'am" She replied, her head laid in a respectful bow.

"What's your name?" I finally asked. She had been so nervous since she came, I wondered if there was something I was doing that scared her.

"I am Lily ma'am" I steadily reached my hands to her face, guiding her bowed head to look up to me.

"Don't do that, you can look up." I reassured, giving her a welcoming smile.

Lily blinked up at me, her eyes widened with a mixture of surprise and gratitude. "Thank you, ma'am," she whispered, a hint of relief easing her tension.

Before I could respond, the door flung open, revealing a tall figure of Isaiah, his huge build filling the doorway. His expression immediately stiffened as his eyes met mine. There was something different in his eyes—more commanding than I remembered, his presence both intimidating and exhilarating.

"What are you doing here?" he asked, his eyes cold looking between Lily and me. The air shifted, heavy with tension.

"Nothing, Sir," Lily replied quickly, her posture straightening as she stepped back. "I was just—"

"I know what you were doing," he interrupted, his tone firm. "You were overstepping." he grinded his teeth.

"She was showing me around, Isa–."

"You're not allowed in here." He shot back.

"I'm sorry sir, I was unaware." Lily quickly replied, her head still held in a low bow not daring to me his eyes.

What was the big deal? Why was he behaving this way?

"Last I remembered, your bedroom was the only thing off limits." I replied not daring to give in to my trembling feets.

I didn't expect him to come back so soon. I thought he had some business to take care of, no way he was done soon.

Without another he stormed towards us, picking the book and walking out of the room but before he was about to leave he stopped in his tracks, his back to us. "One more thing, Keep your hands off my things. Don't forget this isn't a real relationship."

With that he left.

I stood there in silence, all he said was the mere truth but it somehow seemed to make my heart ache. It was a fake relationship after all and I had no ounce of feelings for him so why?

Lily, who stood there almost in tears, finally spoke." I'm sorry ma'am, I had no idea." I could see a tear almost escape her eyes.

"It's fine, don't worry." I reassured her, forcing a strained smile.

*****

The next morning I woke up to the silence of the house once again. The housekeeper; Lily's mom had returned the day before so Lily had gone back home. I didn't see Isaiah after yesterday's incident. Perhaps he just came back to get something only for a quick moment and left.

I walked over to the dining hall to have breakfast, and was startled to see a man already there…

Isaiah.

Did he just return this morning or was he here the entire night. He slowly looked up, his eyes crashing into mine for a split second. In just that brief moment it felt like time had paused for a moment, his gray eyes piercing deep into my soul.

His words yesterday echoed in my head.

'This isn't a real relationship." 

I took a deep breath taking in his words before slowly occupying the seat across from him.

The room was eerily silent before Isaiah finally spoke.

"You'll be accompanying me to a public gathering this evening."

I paused, the spoon hovering over my tea. I looked over at him to find his eyes completely glued to his food, not sparing me another glance.

"Be ready before 8pm" He continued.

He wanted me to attend an event with him? I opened my mouth to speak but decided against it, replying with a nod instead even though I knew he couldn't see it.

****

I looked at my reflection in the mirror, taking in the beauty of the dress Isaiah had gotten me. It was a deep red gown that hugged my hips tightly, holding my figure perfectly in place. The dress was an off-shoulder piece that flowed elegantly beneath my feet. It was no different from a dress fit for a runway.

Tonight would be my first public appearance with Isaiah, and the tension from our last encounter still lingered in my mind.

The thought of being seen with him in public—understanding the nature of our relationship made my heart race.

With one final look at my reflection I inhaled deeply and made my way out of the room.

Making my way down the marble stairs I was immediately met with a well-suited man. Isaiah was dressed in a black tuxedo, hair brush to the back with a few strands falling out of place but yet somehow still managed to look perfectly in place The light from the chandelier elevated his elegant and sharp jawline.

I stood there in awe for what felt like hours taking in his beauty, it was as if time had paused for a split second letting me admire the figure in front of me.He looked like a Greek goddess in all glory.

"Are you going to stand there staring all day?" He asked a slight smile appearing on his face before before his expression shifted to its usual coldness and indifference.

I quickly steady my racing heart before following behind and heading straight for the SUV packed just in front of the house. Leo came outside from the driver's seat, his head laid in a bow before opening the back door for Isaiah and I. Once we had made our way in, he gentle closed the door behind us.

"Good evening sir." He said, taking his position at the driver's seat. Not getting so much as a reply from the stiffened man.

I could feel my heart thumping in my chest, Isaiah was seated at the edge of the and I, at the corner with his eyes facing directly out of the window. Although the distance between us wasn't so close, it was the closer I had been with him.

"Let go." He said.

And with a quick nod, Leo started the car engine.