GIANNA RAINE

"Gianna, is that you, sweetie?"

I stopped walking. I turned to the voice and saw Mom. She smiled when she realized it was really me.

"Mom," I greeted. I walked up to her and supported her. I heard from the servants that she hasn't been doing well...her legs, specifically.

When we were kids, Mom got into an accident, and we almost lost her.

It was my fault.

Even though Dad and Gio always tell me it wasn't, I know deep down that it was my fault.

"Why are you walking without your nurse? You might get hurt, Mom." I helped her until she sat on the sofa.

"I can still walk. My legs only hurt when I stand or walk for too long, but I can manage." Mom smiled at me. "I'm just happy to see you. When did you get back?"

"Yesterday."

Mom's eyes widened. "Yesterday? And you didn't find time to visit your mother?"

The moment she said that, I wanted to leave. In our family, Mom is the only one who is expressive and emotionally aware. From my father to me and Gio, all of us lack that. And right now, I'm the most defective of all.

I sat beside her. I lifted her legs onto my lap and massaged them. There were scars on her skin, it's not noticeable unless you look closely. And those scars reminded me that it was all my fault.

I clenched my jaw, making sure my mother couldn't see any emotion on my face.

"You don't have to do that, sweetie," Mom said. "I'm fine."

I didn't say anything. Mom may say she's fine, but I know she's not. If it weren't for me, she wouldn't have had that accident. If only she had let me handle things back then.

While I was massaging Mom's legs to relax her muscles and nerves, she held my hand. I looked at Mom, and she gave me another warm smile.

"What's wrong, Gia?"

My jaw tightened at her question. "Nothing," I answered briefly.

Mom's smile softened with a hint of sadness. "I know something's bothering you. I'm your mother, so I can tell when you're thinking about something or feeling sad. I hope one day you'll let me be a part of your life, Gianna."

I frowned. "I'm okay, Mom. Nothing's wrong. This is just how I always look."

I know Mom isn't buying it. She can read me even when I try not to show anything.

If I can take care of the baby in my womb properly, will I be able to be a good mother like her? I'm not sure.

When Mom's nurse arrived, I decided it was time to leave. I just told her I had something else to do.

I was about to go upstairs when I ran into Dad. My eyes widened in surprise. I didn't expect to see him but I quickly hid it. I controlled my emotions and wore my usual cold, expressionless face.

"Gia, you're here. I heard you arrived yesterday, but I didn't see you."

Atty. Agatone Locatelli is my father. He's the mastermind of our organization in his prime, before my brother took over.

"Dad..." I didn't know how to face him. If anyone could read me and my brother, it would be him. Even Mom has her limits. "Yes, yesterday. I couldn't see you because I was busy."

I walked up to Dad and kissed him on the cheek. I avoided looking into his eyes because it felt like looking at my own reflection. Also, I didn't want him asking if something was wrong.

"I'm going to rest now."

I started to leave, but he called me again.

"Gianna..." I looked back at my father, who looks so much like us. "I'm glad you're here. I hope you'll stay a little longer this time."

I felt something unusual when I heard those words. I was surprised to hear that from him.

I placed my hand on my chest. It feels warm. I took a deep breath and left for my room. Too bad I couldn't stay any longer.

I packed my things because I'm leaving for Pennsylvania.

After packing my things into my bag, I sat down at my laptop. I started working, planning to finish all the important tasks I had.

I was busy when I suddenly opened a file I didn't expect to be included in the emails from Gio's office.

It was his schedule from last year. Not that I'm stalking my own brother, but I found something that caught my attention.

Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Why was my brother going to Pennsylvania?

There were no details, so I immediately called my secretary. She's excellent at gathering information, which is why I rely on her so much.

"Lady G..."

"Veronica, can you find any information about why my brother is going to Pennsylvania? I want to know if he's visiting someone or if it's purely business."

I waited a moment, and soon I received an email from my secretary. She had probably contacted my brother's secretary, and since I was the one asking, they gave her the details.

I opened the email and raised my eyebrows at what I saw.

My brother meets with Constantine De Graaf whenever he goes to Pennsylvania. Why? What are they discussing? My brother knows this man, but I've never met him.

I became even more curious about who this Constantine De Graaf was. On top of that, I couldn't help but imagine how my brother would react if he knew there was a possibility this man could be my baby's father.

I still wasn't sure if he really was the father. All I had was his business card. I couldn't even remember the face of the man I had a one-night stand with. I needed to confirm it.

I slept that night, and the next day I didn't waste any time, I went straight to Pennsylvania.

My mother's sad that I am leaving, but I told her it would only be for a short time. After this, I would go on a longer vacation to spend time with them.

On the way to Pennsylvania, I thought about how I would talk to Constantine De Graaf. Maybe I could use my brother's name, since they always communicate with each other anyway.

I checked in at a hotel and left my things there. I didn't bring much, since I'd only be there a few days, or maybe just one.

I didn't waste any time. After checking in, I immediately left to go to D.G. Airways.

When I arrived at the company, I went to the front desk. They asked if I had an appointment.

"I don't, but can you please tell them that a representative of Gioseffo Locatelli is here? This is urgent."

The moment they heard the surname Locatelli, they immediately called their boss's secretary.

The company is huge. Now I understand why D.G. Airways is considered one of the best airlines. I just never booked a flight with them before.

"You may enter now, Miss. 15th floor."

I nodded and went inside. They gave me a visitor's pass but didn't take my ID.

On the 15th floor, someone met me and said that Constantine De Graaf was in a meeting, so I would need to wait for a few minutes.

"That's fine, I don't mind," I said.

I sat in the waiting lounge. They offered me drinks and snacks, but I didn't touch them.

"Miss, you may go in now."

I stood up and followed the woman. She led me into a large office, which I assumed belonged to Constantine De Graaf.

When I entered, he had his back to me. He was on the phone, so he hadn't noticed me yet. I saw his nameplate:

Constantine De Graaf, CEO

After he finished his phone call, his secretary came over and mentioned me.

"Locatelli, huh?"

He slowly turned around and my eyes widened in shock when I saw him.

What the f**k? "Elliott?!"

Like me, Elliott looked equally surprised.

"Miss Gianna?"

I glanced at the nameplate again. There is no mistake.

How is it possible that Elliott, my brother's ex-bodyguard, is the same Constantine De Graaf I've been looking for?

Does this mean... my brother's ex-bodyguard is the man who got me pregnant?!

GIANNA RAINE

I stayed staring at Elliott. I can't believe I'm seeing my brother's bodyguard here...no, ex-bodyguard. I heard he resigned.

I could see the surprise and confusion in his eyes too.

"Miss-"

"Sir Stone..."

Someone knocked at the door, so he couldn't continue speaking to me.

It was the perfect moment for me to compose my expression and put on my usual emotionless face.

"Come in," Elliott said.

Stone? Is that really him? But all this time, he introduced himself to us as Elliott. How could he be Stone? Does Gio know about this?

I remembered Gio going to Pennsylvania and meeting Constantine De Graaf frequently. If Stone and Elliott are really the same person, it actually makes sense.

"There are documents you need to sign."

Elliott...Stone...looked at me for a moment. Now that I understood the situation, it felt strange to call him Elliott, especially since I could clearly see the nameplate with his full name.

"Miss Locatelli," he addressed me formally. "Why don't you sit for a while? I need to sign some documents, and then we'll talk."

I walked over to the sofa in his office and sat down, secretly observing the entire room.

I still couldn't believe they might be the same person. Elliott had been part of our family since I was a child. I didn't know where Dad had found him, but I remembered Elliott being introduced to us at a young age. Over the years, he had gained my brother's complete trust.

All this time, I thought he was just a bodyguard. And now you're telling me he's the CEO of the biggest airline, not just in the US.

I had heard that D.G. Airways started in the Netherlands.

Does that mean he's Dutch?

I rolled my eyes mentally. What do I care?

"Sorry about that." Stone placed a glass in front of me. I looked and saw orange juice.

I almost choked, unable to hide my surprise.

Elliott...Stone...had served me many times before, following my brother's orders. He even knew that I preferred orange juice. I just didn't expect him to remember such a small detail about me.

"So, where are we? Right!" Stone looked at me and, just like he used to when I knew him as Elliott, he gave me that happy-go-lucky smile I despised. My cold expression met it, of course.

"What are you doing here, Miss Gianna?"

He leaned against the backrest, frowning slightly as if confused by the situation.

"And you even used Gio's name to see me."

I remembered why I was here. At first, I felt confident telling Constantine De Graaf about my pregnancy. I even brought all the documents he might need. But now that I realized he is also Elliott, I suddenly hesitated.

Why am I having doubts now?

"Miss Gianna..."

I took a deep breath and calmed myself.

I studied Constantine De Graaf. Why don't I feel like he's the man I was with that night?

"I have something to ask," I started. I needed answers before I could even bring up the baby inside me and the possibility that he's the father. "After that night when you were following me because of my argument with my brother, where were you?"

One of Stone's eyebrows rose, clearly thinking about his answer. "I was with an acquaintance. I tried to look for you that night, but I bumped into someone I knew. Why?"

I raised an eyebrow. "Were you at a bar?"

He tilted his head, recalling the events. "No. The last thing I remember, I was in a restaurant, Miss Gianna." He smiled at me...the same sly smile he always gave when he saw me. "Why are you asking?"

So, it wasn't him? But why was his business card in that hotel room?

I didn't answer him. I was trying to figure out who I might have had a one-night stand with. If it wasn't him then who was it?

Could it be someone he knows or someone close to him, and the business card just accidentally ended up there, making me assume everything?

Honestly, I don't remember Stone being the one I was with that night.

"Is something wrong, Miss Gianna?"

Something felt off. I needed to know what really happened that night.

I looked at Stone coldly. Or maybe... "I'm pregnant."

I watched his reaction carefully. At first, he smiled, but the smile quickly faded.

Stone's eyes widened, and he stood up.

"What did you say? Did I just go deaf?" He even pretended to clean his ear.

I didn't take my eyes off him and kept observing. "I said, I'm pregnant."

Stone looked even more shocked. If his eyes could literally pop out, they would have. "Are you serious, Miss? I thought I misheard you earlier!"

Or maybe he's acting like he didn't know what happened that night because he's afraid of my family's anger. That could be possible.

Are you trying to avoid responsibility for this pregnancy, Stone, or do you really have no idea? Either way, I will find out.

Lost in my thoughts, I didn't notice Stone moving closer to me. He crouched down, and his face was now just inches from mine.

"Who's the father?"

Or maybe I'm wrong...maybe he really has no idea what happened that night.

I took a deep breath. I couldn't tell him that I thought he was the father of this baby.

"I don't know." I looked away from him. Why is he so close? "I'm here to find out who."

I looked at Stone coldly, raising one eyebrow.

"Aren't you a little too close to me?"

Stone probably realized how close he was, so close it almost erased the distance between us. He quickly stood straight and stepped back, scratching the back of his head.

He took a deep breath before sitting on the sofa across from me.

"Do you believe that the man who... got you pregnant is here in Pennsylvania?"

I didn't answer. I just stared at him, and I guess he got the answer anyway.

"Do you have any idea who it is?"

Why are you curious now?

I was still unsure if Stone had anything to do with the night that led to the baby in my womb. Aside from the business card on the floor, there was nothing linking him to the incident.

"I don't know." For the first time, I felt lost, unsure where to even begin.

Stone sighed and nodded. "Are you staying here in Pennsylvania? If so, I'll prepare a room for you, Miss Gianna."

My eyebrows shot up at that. I didn't want to show any emotion, but somehow, even the way Stone spoke or acted, even back when I knew him as Elliott, made me feel something. And to think I've known him since we were kids.

"For what?" I blinked.

"If you're staying here in Pennsylvania, wouldn't it be proper to have you stay at my place?"

I almost widened my eyes in surprise but quickly controlled myself. "Why? And who said I'm staying there? I'm at a hotel. You don't need to accompany me. It's not like I am in a vacation."

He tilted his head. "Didn't you come to me and seek me out because you needed help? I thought you knew who I was, so that's why you came to me while you were in Pennsylvania."

Is that really what he thinks?

"No," I answered coldly.

"Nevertheless, I will accompany you, Miss Gianna. If Gio finds out you're here and I let you be-"

"Your head will roll on the floor." I finished his sentence for him. He just smiled, which annoyed me even more. "You're no longer our employee, Stone. I'm not your responsibility. I can stay at the hotel. And no, Gio won't know I'm here-or why I'm here."

"I insist, Miss Gianna. I owe a lot to your family. This is the least I can do for you."

So that's his reason? Of course. What other reason would he have to serve you, Gianna?

"Besides, you'll be better taken care of under my roof. I'll make sure all your needs during pregnancy are met. It'll be safer."

Stone excused himself and made several calls. After he finished, he came back to me.

"Which hotel are you staying at, Miss Gianna?"

I wanted to correct him and tell him not to address me so formally, he's no longer part of my brother's elite guards. But whatever. I'd already wasted enough energy talking today; I didn't feel like arguing.

After I told him the hotel, he said he'd send someone to pick up my things.

"Any important meetings today, Helen?" Stone asked the woman he called. I guessed she was his secretary.

"Aside from Mr. Cantrell, who requested a meeting with you at 3 p.m.-"

"Cancel it." Stone grabbed his coat and put it on without hesitation.

I never thought I'd see Elliott running a big company.

Don't get me wrong. I know he graduated college, but I've always seen him as barbaric, someone used to dealing with guns and fists.

"Noted, Sir Stone."

"I'll be out today. If there are papers I need to sign or review, leave them on my table. Unless it's urgent, don't disturb me."

He sounded so strict and formal, completely different from the Elliott I knew.

"Yes, Sir."

When Elliott looked at me, the atmosphere around him changed. Earlier, he seemed ready to snap someone's neck at the slightest wrong word. Now, he looked calm, almost obedient, like a golden retriever.

What's his deal? What's his real personality?

I always thought he's easy to read, but clearly, there's more beneath the surface.

"Shall we go, Miss Gianna?"

I stood up. I didn't resist this time. It might be better to stay close to him. I have a strong feeling that if I'm wrong and Stone wasn't the one I spent that night with, then whoever it was must be someone close to him.

Little did I know, I was about to uncover secrets I probably shouldn't know.

GIANNA RAINE

I stayed quiet the entire journey from the D.G.. Airways building to the De Graaf mansion. The huge mansion sat atop Appalachian ridges, overlooking the ocean. Even from a distance, I could already see it.

"Welcome to our humble home," Stone said as we entered the house.

He spoke to his staff and had them bring in my luggage. They moved quickly since my bags arrived before I did.

I wandered around the living room, taking in every piece of furniture I could see.

Every corner of the house screamed wealth-marble floors, gold accents, and crystal decorations. These were just a few of the things that caught my eye.

I stopped in front of a large painting. It was one of the last pieces by a famous artist, also very expensive. I never expected to see it in Stone's home.

How wealthy is he?

Their family symbol also caught my attention. I wasn't sure if I'd seen it before, but the De Graaf family must be well-known. I simply didn't care much before. I just never expected someone living as Elliott to have such an extravagant life.

"Miss Gianna..."

I turned to Stone when he called me. Luckily, I'm getting used to calling him Stone instead of his other persona.

"This is Inez. She will assist you to your room. Your luggage is already there."

Inez smiled at me when Stone introduced her.

"Nice to meet you, Miss Gianna. If you need anything, you can call me anytime."

I simply nodded, then looked back at Stone. "I will pay for my stay here. Just tell me how much I owe."

Stone's eyes widened before he laughed. "Miss Gianna, I'm not letting you stay here to make you pay. You can stay for free. I don't need money-"

I immediately interrupted him. "No, thanks. I will pay, even if there's no money involved. I don't want to be a freeloader, especially since I can afford a hotel. If you don't agree with me, I'll leave now and return to my hotel."

When Stone shrugged, I knew he wouldn't argue with me.

"Just tell me what you want."

Stone raised his eyebrows, and that mischievous smile returned to his lips before he spoke.

"I want?"

I nodded. "Just tell me what you want in exchange for letting me stay here, and I will grant it."

Since he said he didn't need money, there must be something else he wants. I'll be the one to give it to him.

Stone smiled slightly, waiting for my response.

Stone smiled at me, but there was something unusual about his smile.

"Next time, Miss. Maybe I'm not ready for what I want-I mean, I'm not sure yet. I need to think about it carefully."

I just nodded and looked at Inez. I followed her to my room, thinking I should rest.

I glanced back at the first floor and saw Stone talking to a few men. He looked up at me. I didn't look away and met his gaze. Stone smiled and waved at me.

I entered the room. The guest room is spacious and beautiful. It had its own bathroom, closet, and almost everything I would need.

"If you need anything, you can ring the bell, Miss," Inez said, pointing to it. "Or you can use the intercom."

She excused herself and left me alone. I walked over to my luggage and noticed it was already gone. Inside the closet, my clothes were neatly arranged.

I wasn't sure how long I would stay here-days, weeks, maybe even months. Either way, I didn't have enough clothes. I'd need to buy more, but for now, these would do.

I picked a black shirt and pants to change into. Most of my clothes were black, white, gray, or red. I rarely wore the white ones.

I entered the bathroom, cleaned up, and got dressed.

I lay down on the bed, staring at the ceiling. I hated having favors done for me. I didn't know why I agreed to Stone's request to stay here or maybe it's because I needed to watch and observe him. That's why I insisted on paying for my stay.

I wasn't sure if I could trust him, that he truly didn't know about what happened that night or if he was pretending to avoid a possible responsibility. It is also possible he isn't the one who got me pregnant.

I needed to find out soon. There were moments from that night that left me with a strange feeling.

I closed my eyes and finally felt my exhaustion. I shouldn't push myself too hard right now, not only for myself but also for the baby I'm carrying.

When I woke up, I felt hungry but at the same time, I wanted to throw up.

I stepped out of my room. Should I go to the kitchen and cook my own food? I knew how to cook. Since I am not in my own home, I shouldn't ask anyone to serve me, even if Stone had instructed them to.

As I descended the stairs, one of the house staff saw me. Their eyes widened, and they quickly grabbed a bell and rang it.

I also saw Inez, who politely bowed her head to me.

"Hello, Miss Gianna," they greeted.

Inez stood before me, a sweet smile still on her lips.

"I was thinking of going to the kitchen," I said.

Inez nodded at me. "You can go straight to the dining hall, Miss Gianna. We've prepared everything you might need."

They led me there, and I was greeted by a spread of food so abundant it looked like it was meant for a large crowd.

It was like a feast.

"Sir Stone instructed us to prepare everything for you, Miss Gianna. He thought you might be hungry when you woke up. You can tell us if there's anything you don't like."

They seated me at the dining chair. I am still overwhelmed by the amount of food in front of me.

"Where's Stone?" I asked, noticing the cheesecake. For some reason, my mouth watered at the sight of it.

I almost gobbled it up instantly.

Inez probably noticed my gaze, so she signaled one of the staff to bring me a slice.

"Our chef prepared this cheesecake specially suitable for pregnant women, Miss Gianna. You don't need to worry. Everything served here is safe for you to eat." She paused briefly. "As for Sir Stone, he is attending to something but will return later."

I looked at Inez, but her smile remained. How did she know I am pregnant? I shouldn't be surprised, Stone probably told them.

"Orange juice for you, Miss Gianna."

I stared at the orange juice. I remembered that Stone knew how much I liked it.