CHAPTER 3~KEEP YOUR SECRETS

The golden rays stretched across the sky, splintering into delicate threads that caught the dew on the leaves, turning them into a thousand tiny stars, each one a secret held by the dawn. The air was crisp and alive, filled with the scent of earth and the promise of possibilities yet to unfold. The birds, stirred from their roosts, began their song—a gentle hymn to the sun, a celebration of the world's quiet rebirth.

And in that moment, time itself seemed to pause, as if the universe held its breath, waiting for the sun to fully rise and reclaim its throne in the sky. The world, bathed in the soft glow of morning, felt as though it had been touched by magic, where even the air shimmered with the possibility of new beginnings.

⸻

The first light of dawn slipped through the heavy velvet curtains, gently pulling her from the depths of sleep. Her eyelids fluttered, as if reluctant to part from the dream world, but the soft caress of warmth on her skin urged her awake. The air in the room was still cool, yet it carried the faint scent of the world beyond—a crisp freshness that promised a new day.

As her senses sharpened, she felt the weight of the silken sheets tangled around her, the soft pressure of her own breath against the plush pillow beneath her head. She stirred slowly, her body stretching like a cat waking from a long slumber. For a moment, she let herself sink into the serenity of the room—a world between dreams and reality.

Her eyes cracked open fully, and the soft glow of the morning sun bathed the room in a golden light, turning everything it touched into a warm, shimmering reflection of the night that had passed. The faint hum of distant sounds—birds singing, wind rustling the leaves outside—drifted in like an invitation to rise. Her fingers grazed the coolness of the sheets, grounding her back to the present as she slowly sat up, the weight of the night's dreams still clinging to her like mist.

For a heartbeat, she remained still, just listening, letting the quiet of the mansion settle around her. The world outside was waking, and so was she, with each passing moment pulling her deeper into the reality of what lay ahead.

⸻

Raya slowly opened her eyes, and for the first time, she truly saw the room around her. The soft glow of the morning sun filtered through the windows, casting a warm, golden light across the space. The shadows of the night had faded, revealing a breathtaking beauty she hadn't fully noticed in the darkness. The high ceilings, adorned with delicate carvings and shimmering chandeliers, now gleamed in the daylight. The walls, draped in luxurious velvet, looked rich and inviting, their deep hues now soft and elegant in the morning light.

Her gaze drifted to the intricate tapestries hanging on the walls, their vibrant colors coming to life in the sunlight. The polished marble floors, which had seemed cold and distant in the dark, now reflected the soft glow, creating a mirror-like surface that seemed to stretch endlessly. Even the scent of the room had changed—no longer cloaked in the heaviness of the night, but fresh, as though the air itself had been renewed with the dawn.

Raya took a slow breath, feeling the warmth of the room wrap around her like a comforting embrace. She had only seen glimpses of its grandeur the night before, when shadows and the dim light had concealed its true magnificence. Now, in the light of day, the room was an extraordinary blend of elegance and comfort—a space that seemed to shimmer with its own quiet magic.

It felt as though she were waking in another world—one far removed from anything she had known before.

⸻

Raya swung her legs over the side of the bed, her feet touching the cool, smooth floor beneath her. Curiosity pulled her toward the closet, and she opened the door with a soft creak. What she found inside took her breath away. The closet was brimming with an array of clothing, each piece perfectly suited to her tastes. There were elegant dresses in rich, flowing fabrics, tailored blouses and trousers, and jackets that seemed to whisper of both sophistication and comfort. Every garment was meticulously arranged, as though someone had anticipated her every preference—her exact style, colors, and even the size she wore.

She ran her fingers over the fabrics, each one soft to the touch, and marveled at the sheer variety. There were dresses for every occasion, casual outfits for quiet moments, and even a few more daring pieces that hinted at a world she'd yet to explore. It was as though the closet had been designed just for her, with a kind of thoughtfulness that felt strangely personal. She couldn't help but wonder how it had all come to be—how someone had known exactly what she would love. It was as if this room, and everything in it, had been waiting for her.

⸻

After a refreshing bath, Raya slipped into a pair of casual trousers that fit perfectly, the soft fabric hugging her legs comfortably. She paired them with a simple yet stylish crop top that added a touch of ease to her look. The outfit felt effortlessly chic—just the right balance of casual and relaxed. As a finishing touch, she slipped on the cute, fluffy bunny slippers that added a playful charm to her appearance. With a quick glance in the mirror to check her reflection, she smiled at the comfort and simplicity of her outfit.

Feeling content, she made her way downstairs, each step muffled by the soft, plush slippers. The house seemed to hum with a quiet energy as she descended, and the anticipation of the unknown was thick in the air. She was ready to explore what the day—and the mansion—might hold.

⸻

When Raya reached the bottom of the stairs, she found Zaire standing in the foyer, his presence as commanding and enigmatic as ever. His eyes lit up with a playful gleam as he regarded her. "Sleeping beauty is finally awake," he teased with a smirk.

Raya raised an eyebrow, a smile tugging at her lips. "Sleeping beauty? I didn't sleep that long," she replied, her tone both amused and skeptical.

Zaire simply pointed toward the large, ornate clock on the wall. Her gaze followed, and she was taken aback when she saw the time—11:35 AM, just minutes away from noon.

"Guess I lost track of time," she muttered, her surprise giving way to a quiet chuckle.

"Come here," Zaire said, his voice low and inviting as he gestured for her to sit beside him. His eyes locked onto hers, the silent command in his tone undeniable.

"Did you sleep well, Mr. Mysterious?" Raya asked, settling beside him. She felt a surprising sense of ease around him now, as if the tension from the night before had dissipated.

"Mysterious?" Zaire raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes. "You're calling me that now?"

"Yes, mysterious man. You never told me your name," she replied with a playful smirk.

Before he could respond, a voice interrupted.

"Master Zaire, what would you like to eat today?" The chef appeared, his tone respectful, yet his eyes subtly acknowledged the presence of the man beside her.

"Truffle Mac and Cheese with a Herb Crust," Zaire replied smoothly, his tone calm yet confident.

The chef nodded and turned toward Raya. "And what would you like to eat, madam?"

Raya smiled, shrugging casually. "I'll eat anything," she said, her voice light.

Before she could say more, Zaire cut in with a subtle firmness. "She'll have the Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Salad, with Avocado and Pomegranate." His eyes never left hers, as if making the decision for her was second nature.

The chef, not daring to question the decision, nodded in acknowledgment. Raya, still taken aback by Zaire's ease in making choices for her, raised an eyebrow. But she couldn't help the faint smile that tugged at her lips. There was something strangely intriguing about his decisiveness.

After the chef had left, Raya turned toward Zaire, a playful glint in her eyes.

"Zaire?" she began, her tone light and curious.

"Hmmm?" Zaire responded, his gaze still focused ahead, almost as if lost in thought.

"You have such a nice name for your personality," she added, her voice a touch teasing, as she studied his inscrutable expression.

He turned his head slightly, surprised. "What do you mean?" he asked, brow furrowing in confusion.

Raya leaned back in her seat, her smile widening as she continued. "For your mysterious, cold, and isolated personality, you should probably be called Lucifer. Zaire just feels too calm and gentle for someone like you."

A fleeting, cold glance flashed in his eyes, sharp and dangerous. The moment was so brief, it almost seemed like an illusion. Raya, oblivious to its intensity, continued to sip her drink, unaware of the silent tension that lingered in the air.

Realizing she might've crossed a line, she quickly rephrased, her tone more measured now. "I mean, it's just… your name doesn't seem to match the aura you give off. But that's just my opinion."

She hoped she hadn't gone too far, but the last thing she wanted was to push him too hard. Zaire, however, remained silent, his gaze unreadable as he waited for the next words to fall from her lips.

Zaire's silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken tension. Raya fidgeted with the edge of her glass, suddenly feeling self-conscious. She hadn't meant to provoke him, but something about the way he carried himself, the mystery wrapped around him, made her bold—maybe too bold.

She cleared her throat, trying to ease the growing discomfort. "I didn't mean to offend you," she said, offering him an apologetic smile. "It's just… your name is so different from what I expected. That's all."

Zaire's gaze softened, the coldness in his eyes fading, but the mystery remained. "No offense taken," he replied, his voice as smooth and controlled as ever. There was something almost… knowing in his tone, as if he understood exactly what she was trying to say, yet didn't find the need to explain himself.

Raya felt a flicker of relief, but the tension in the room still lingered, thick and heavy. She wasn't sure what to make of it, but she was quickly realizing that Zaire wasn't the type to reveal much—especially not about himself.

"So," she ventured cautiously, trying to change the subject. "You never answered me earlier. What do you do exactly? I mean, you live in a mansion, you have your own personal chef… Are you some kind of… CEO or something?"

Zaire's lips quirked slightly, a hint of amusement playing in his gaze. "I guess you could say that. But it's not as glamorous as it sounds."

Raya leaned forward, genuinely intrigued. "What do you mean? You clearly have the resources, the power… It must be more than just business."

He met her eyes, his expression unreadable. "Some things are best left unspoken. But one day, you'll understand."

She narrowed her eyes, a little frustrated by his cryptic responses. "I hate it when people do that," she muttered. "You say so much without really saying anything."

Zaire chuckled softly, the sound deep and velvety, almost predatory in its smoothness. "I suppose I have my reasons."

Raya exhaled sharply, still unsure what to make of him. There was an aura of danger about him—an allure that was both unsettling and captivating at the same time. She couldn't quite figure him out, and for once, that bothered her. She had always prided herself on being able to read people, but Zaire… he was an enigma.

The conversation lapsed into silence, but it wasn't awkward. There was a quiet understanding between them, a shared curiosity that neither of them wanted to admit. She could feel the weight of his presence even when he didn't speak, and that was enough to keep her hooked.

"Tell me something about you," she said suddenly, breaking the silence, her tone lighter this time. "Anything. I'm tired of guessing."

Zaire studied her for a long moment, and for the briefest instant, something flickered behind his eyes—a depth that made her pulse quicken.

"Alright," he said finally, his voice low. "I'll tell you something. But only because you asked."

Raya leaned in, her curiosity piqued. "Go on."

Zaire's lips parted slightly as if contemplating the right words. "There's more to this world than what you see with your eyes. More than what you've been taught. I'm part of something bigger, something… older. And I'm not just talking about wealth or power."

Raya's heart skipped a beat. His words weren't just cryptic—they felt… dangerous.

"What are you talking about?" she asked, her voice almost a whisper.

But Zaire only smirked, the familiar mystery returning to his gaze. "That's for you to discover. In time." He leaned back in his chair, looking almost bored with the conversation, though his eyes still watched her intently, as though he was waiting for her to understand something he wasn't willing to say outright.

Raya felt the weight of his words, but instead of pushing for more answers, she let it go. She wasn't sure if she was ready for the truths he was hinting at—or if she even wanted to know them. But she couldn't shake the feeling that she was already too far in to turn back.

"Okay, fine," she said, her voice soft but playful. "Keep your secrets."

Zaire's eyes softened, a faint, approving smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "For now."