CHAPTER 2

Ethan nodded, not sure what to say. He didn't know this girl's story, but something told him they were about to be bound by a twist of fate. In that moment, he made a silent vow to help her, just as he hoped someone would have helped him in his darkest hour. After the hospital visit, Ethan made a decision that surprised even himself. Instead of leaving the girl in someone else's care, he brought her back to his home—a vast, luxurious estate nestled in the outskirts of the city. Though he lived alone in such a grand space, his home had always felt strangely empty, filled only with the silence that echoed his solitude.

Ethan was a man of discipline, known for his strict demeanor in the corporate world, but beneath that exterior lay a man of deep compassion. His home wasn't entirely devoid of warmth, though. His trusted caretaker, Margaret, had been with him since childhood, and Ethan saw her as family. She had been more than just a caretaker—she had practically raised him, and her presence was a rare source of comfort in his life. His personal secretary, David, was more than just an employee; he had become Ethan's closest confidant and best friend over the years. David knew Ethan's struggles better than anyone else, having stood by his side through both personal and professional battles.

As Ethan carried the girl inside, Margaret, with her gentle eyes and motherly concern, immediately stepped forward. "What happened, Ethan?" she asked, worry etched in her voice. "She's hurt," Ethan replied softly, laying the girl on the plush sofa in the living room. "She's been through something terrible. I couldn't leave her out there."

While Margaret attended to the girl, Ethan stood back, feeling an unusual sense of protectiveness. He had no idea who she was or what exactly had happened, but he was determined to find out. For now, he only knew that she needed help—and Ethan couldn't turn his back on that.

David arrived not long after, noticing the unusual situation immediately. He raised an eyebrow, glancing between the injured girl and Ethan. "You bringing strangers home now?" David quipped lightly, trying to ease the tension.

Ethan gave a small, tired smile. "Long story," he replied, running a hand through his damp hair. "But I couldn't just leave her there."

David nodded, his teasing tone fading as he read the seriousness in Ethan's eyes. "I get it," he said. "You did the right thing. What's next?"

Ethan sighed, still uncertain of the next steps. "I don't know who she is yet, or what's really going on, but she needs somewhere safe for now. We'll figure the rest out later."

After a while, Margaret informed Ethan that the young woman had fallen into a deep sleep after barely touching her food. Ethan nodded silently, still processing the whirlwind of events. Margaret reminded him to eat his dinner before quietly leaving his study room, but Ethan couldn't shake the unease creeping into his thoughts.

**Ethan's POV** 

Sitting in the dim light of his study, Ethan couldn't stop thinking about her—her innocent face, the vulnerability she had shown today. Each passing minute made it harder for him to forget. He was overwhelmed with a need to understand who she was, to uncover the mystery surrounding her. Restless, he called David, his best friend and assistant, and instructed him to find out everything he could about her. David nodded and swiftly left the room to begin the investigation.

However, even after that, Ethan couldn't focus. The tension inside him only grew. Unable to resist, he found himself walking toward the guest room where she slept. As he quietly opened the door and stepped inside, he felt an unexpected wave of calm wash over him. Just seeing her peaceful, sleeping form seemed to ease the restlessness inside him. His gaze lingered on her face, drawn to her delicate features. 

Gently, as though acting on impulse, he reached out and carefully brushed a stray lock of hair from her face. Her skin was soft under his fingers, and his touch lingered longer than it should have. He couldn't take his eyes off her rose-petal lips, mesmerized by her beauty and the vulnerability she exuded even in sleep. Ethan stood there, torn between his rational thoughts and an undeniable attraction he couldn't quite explain.

Caught in the moment, he took a deep breath and forced himself to step back, unsure of the intensity of his own emotions. He knew he couldn't let himself get too close, not yet, not without knowing more.

He left the room. Ethan couldn't help but feel the invisible pull that tied him to her—one he wasn't ready to sever just yet.

To distract himself, Ethan made his way to the dining room and sat down for dinner. He took a few bites, but after only two or three, he realized he had no appetite. His mind was elsewhere, consumed by the thoughts of the young woman upstairs. Frustrated with his inability to focus, he pushed his plate aside and retreated to his room.