A beauty in the house

Isabella

I waited like a fool. Again.

The clock on the wall ticked louder than usual, mocking me. The food was still warm, thanks to the low flame I kept under the dish. Chicken Alfredo. His favorite—or so the butler said.

I made sure the food stayed warm, because I felt little gestures like this might get his attention…it might even soften the way he looked at me—if he ever did. I had arranged the table myself, lit a candle, even changed into something soft and silk-like. The kind of dress that hugged the body in all the right places. The kind of dress a man like Luca should notice.

But when I heard the distant purr of his car engine outside, my stomach twisted in nerves and hope. I ran my hands down my dress, adjusted my curls, and forced a practiced smile. I sat, legs crossed, as if I had been casually reading a book—not waiting like some love-struck fool.

Then the door opened.

He walked in.

And didn't even look at me.

No "hello." No "thank you." Not even a damn nod.

"Get a room ready for Frederick," he told the butler. "And make sure he is comfortable."

And just like that, he went into his room upstairs.

No smile, no greeting, not even a glance my way. Just… nothing.

The flame under the food sputtered out.

I stood there, stunned, my pride burning hotter than the untouched dish.

"Wow," came a voice behind me.

Deep, amused, and smooth like velvet soaked in wine.

"I didn't know you had such great taste in interiors, Luca. And a beauty in the house too? Damn, that's two surprises in one night—first the stunner at the party and now this."

I turned to find him leaning by the doorway, unbuttoned shirt, hair slightly tousled, eyes lazy and playful.

Frederick Moretti.

Luca's brother.

"Hey beautiful, I am Frederick," he said with a grin. "And you are?"

"Isabella," I replied, forcing a smile.

"Bella... Hmm nice name," he said, lips curling. "So... if I may ask, what are you doing in my brother's house looking this good?"

"Well… I'm just here to spend some time," I said, smiling subtly and adjusting my posture. "Learning... and gaining experience while working."

"Ah," he said, stepping closer, eyeing me like I was a puzzle he couldn't wait to solve. "I thought maybe you were his girlfriend."

I laughed softly, tilting my head. "Oh, no. At least... not yet."

He chuckled. "Interesting answer."

He looked away just long enough to call out, "Where's the butler? I need him to sort my room."

"Well, I hope you enjoy your stay," he said, and winked at me before leaving.

As he disappeared down the hall, I couldn't help but watch him go.

There was something dangerously charming about him—where Luca was cold, Frederick was fire and mischief.

His voice, his walk, even the way he looked at me… it made my skin tingle.

And oh my God, the Moretti family has good genes. Like seriously.

Because tell me why two brothers could be this physically attractive.

But no. I wouldn't fall for the wrong Moretti.

Although… Frederick is beautiful.

Like… annoyingly beautiful. His lips are curved like he's always one second from saying something sinful. His lashes are longer than mine and it made me a female pale in appearance.

He's seductive in a way that doesn't even require effort.

I found myself watching the way he moved, the way he smiled—and yes, I have to admit it's mesmerizing.

But no. I can't be distracted.

I have a goal—and it wore a tailored suit, carried silence like a weapon, and happened to be the future Don.

Still, my curiosity burned when Frederick mentioned Luca had taken another woman to the party.

A woman he called "a beauty."

That stung more than I wanted to admit.

Who the hell was she?

How did she get Luca to take her out in public?

I needed to find out.

And I knew exactly who to call.

---

Celeste

The minute I opened my apartment door and saw the bouquet of lilies on the counter, I froze.

Lilies. White and fragrant and Innocent on the outside.But to me, they screamed at me.

There was no card. Just the flowers in a crystal vase I didn't own.

It meant someone had been here.

Someone who wanted me to know they could reach me—without breaking in, without a mess.

That's what made it worse.

I touched the edge of one petal, the softness contrasting sharply with the weight in my chest.

Suddenly, I sneezed. Twice.

"Hmmn." I smiled faintly.

My father used to say when you sneeze without being sick, that meant someone was talking about you.

"Someone with bad energy," he'd mutter while offering me a sticky sweet syrup and folk wisdom.

I used to laugh at his superstitions.

I rolled my eyes and smiled at the memory.

Now I missed them.

And him.

I stepped back from the flowers, folded my arms, and stared.

Knowing this was trouble.

And I thought

Will there ever a time I won't face problems or troubles?

At this moment,my father would've known what to do and what to say to calm me.

I looked up, my eyes stinging a little.

"Please keep watching over me, Dad," I whispered. "And protect Mom, too. Please."

I couldn't shake the feeling that the game I'd been dragged into wasn't just dangerous.

it was personal.

And whoever left those flowers... wanted me to feel it in my bones.

---

Later That Night – Luca's POV

Frederick had too much to drink which was unlike him.

He stumbled into the backseat of my car, still laughing at a joke he didn't finish.

The stench of alcohol was thick, clinging to his shirt and words.

His head tilted against the window as we drove.

"You know, brother," he slurred, "I've always wondered how you keep it all so... cold. You barely speak. You barely react. But tonight... you took a woman out. And that's unlike you."

I didn't answer.

He snorted. "Is it serious? Is she serious? Are you..."

"Frederick," I said calmly, eyes fixed on the road ahead, "you can drop the act,I know you're not as drunk as you pretend to be."

Silence followed.

He turned slowly, grin gone. "Tch. You're no fun, Luca."

We pulled up to my estate.

I helped him inside and told the butler to prepare the guest room.

"Sleep it off," I muttered, walking away.

Behind me, I could feel his eyes.

Watching.

But I didn't care.

---

Celeste

Back in her apartment, Celeste lay in bed, the flowers moved to the balcony.

Her phone buzzed.

Unknown number.

One message:

> "Pretty lilies Celeste. And you looked beautiful tonight."

Her heart skipped in panic.

And just like that… sleep became impossible again.