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.

GIANNA RAINE

Everyone was watching me, smiling warmly. I couldn't tell if it was genuine care or if they were just following orders.

I kept my neutral, cold expression as I took a bite of the cheesecake.

I paused when I tasted it. Inez glanced at me, and her smile faded briefly.

"Miss Gianna, you don't like the cheesecake?"

I quickly shook my head. "No, it's actually very good. I like it."

I continued eating. I also saw the pasta and wanted to try it.

It felt like they could read my mind because they brought it closer and asked if I wanted some. When I nodded, they placed it on my plate.

I stopped eating when I was full. Even though I wanted more, I didn't push it, overeating might make me sick.

After I finished, Inez approached me again.

"The chef would like to personally ask how you found his food, Miss," she said.

I just looked at her, and she continued. "If you don't mind me asking."

"I didn't mind. I liked everything I ate."

We have a chef at home, especially for occasions, but Mommy and Daddy usually trust a staff member to cook, so we rarely call the chef.

Stone has such a luxurious life, so why did he enter our lives pretending to have no family or wealth? That's a mystery to me.

They asked if I wanted to walk, and I agreed. I thought a walk would help after eating.

They gave me a tour of the house. By the time they showed me less than half of it, I am already tired.

That's something I noticed, my endurance seems lower now. I used to have high stamina, so it felt strange to get tired so quickly. Maybe it's because of the pregnancy.

I didn't really know what to do now that I am pregnant. I think I should buy some books about it and study everything carefully.

"Are you tired, Miss Gianna? Do you want to rest first?"

They guided me to a chair to sit down, but I shook my head. "No, let's keep walking. I'll rest in the room later."

Halfway through the walk, I suddenly felt dizzy. I held my head as my vision started to blur.

"Miss Gianna?"

I didn't answer. I tried to stand still and focus my eyes.

"Miss Gianna!"

The next thing I knew, I was slowly falling to the floor. I expected the thud or pain to explode through my body, but there was none.

"Call Dr. Bradley!"

I heard a familiar male voice. I opened my eyes, still blurry, and saw him.

Stone...

"Hang in there, Gianna."

He called me just by my name.

I closed my eyes again and completely lost consciousness.

I had no idea how long I was unconscious. When I woke up, a few people were in my room. I could hear a man giving instructions to the staff.

The staff left, and the man stayed alone in the room.

I slowly opened my eyes. He's looking at me.

"Miss Gianna!" Stone came closer. He let out a relieved breath when he saw that I am awake.

I glanced around and recognized the familiar room I was staying in.

"How are you feeling?"

I stood up. Stone quickly supported me and helped me sit against the headboard.

"I'm fine."

Why did I collapse? Why did it have to happen in front of so many people?

My jaw tightened. I couldn't believe I let others see me pass out.

"You shouldn't overexert yourself, Miss Gianna. The doctor said that because of your pregnancy, you can get tired quickly. You should rest first."

I looked at Stone. I couldn't help but watch him as he seemed to take care of me.

I narrowed my eyes at him. "You should stop doing this."

Stone looked at me, clearly puzzled. "Stop doing what?" He tilted his head as if he didn't understand what I meant.

"You're not obligated to look after me, Stone. You're no longer my brother's bodyguard. It's not your job to take care of me."

And I hate relying on other people. I shouldn't have agreed to stay here in the first place.

Stone didn't speak right away. He picked up the wet towel and gently placed it on my face. I was startled, and it was too late to hide my reaction.

"Didn't I promise you that I would help you find the man who got you pregnant?" he began. I frowned but didn't say anything. "So while we still haven't found him, let me take care of you and your baby, Gianna. Let me be the one to look after you for now."

I swallowed hard at what he said. Normally, I would have said something sharp to make him stop talking, or told him I didn't need his help. I had a long list of cold and ruthless remarks ready to throw at him, but nothing came out. I just stared at Stone as he smiled at me.

Stone gently held my chin. My heart pounded quickly at his touch.

I watched as he slowly leaned closer to my face. I tried to lift my hands to push him away, but they refused to move.

What now? Is he going to...

"Your mouth is open, Miss Gianna. I know I'm handsome, but don't make it so obvious that you're mesmerized by me."

I quickly shut my mouth. I didn't even notice it was slightly open! I glared at Stone for what he said.

"Out!" I warned.

"But I'm still supposed to take care of you, Miss Gianna-"

"I said, get out!"

Stone pouted, but I could see he was holding back laughter. He stood up dramatically.

"So this is what it feels like to be kicked out of your own house. But it's okay, as long as it's you, Miss Gianna. You have a strong hold on me."

When I grabbed my holster from the side table and pulled out my small knife, Stone immediately ran.

"And you'll feel what it's like to die in your own house if you don't leave now," I added.

"You and your twin really are alike-neither of you can take a joke. Fine, Miss! Take care because I care!" He winked at me before finally stepping out and closing the door.

I lowered the knife and placed a hand over my chest, feeling my heart beating so fast.

GIANNA RAINE

One thing I noticed about Stone's house: there are no family pictures anywhere. No pictures of his mother, father, or anyone from his family. Not even a picture of him. You won't find a single photo in any corner of the house.

"What kind of family are the De Graafs?"

The internet isn't very helpful. I can find some information about the De Graafs, but it seems like it's about another branch of the family. Other than a few notes about their successful businesses, there's nothing else.

It's not surprising. Even in my family, we don't like people flaunting personal details online, so you can't really find much through normal research.

"Ah!" Inez flinched at my sudden question. She froze and looked nervous. It was obvious she didn't know how to answer me.

I don't think there's anything wrong with my question unless they are hiding something about the family. Not that I care.

"You don't have to answer if you don't want to."

I thought maybe, like my family, the De Graafs are involved in the mafia. After all, Inez wouldn't be nervous over an ordinary question like that.

"They are originally from the Netherlands, Miss. The De Graafs are Dutch. But as far as I know, Sir Stone grew up here in the US."

Of course, I knew that. Stone grew up with us. That's why it's surprising to learn only now that he comes from a family like that.

I still had so many questions. I am curious about Constantine De Graaf and how he ended up connected to my family. But if Inez refuses to answer, it's better not to ask.

I thought about asking Stone himself, but knowing his personality, I didn't want him thinking I am interested in him.

I'm not.

I frowned, thinking about that. Why am I even thinking about Stone? Why does he cross my mind at all?

Maybe it's my pregnancy hormones. That's what I want to believe.

My phone rang, and I saw my brother's wife's name on the screen. I frowned and hesitated before answering.

In the end, I decided to pick up.

I don't have any problem with Millie, my brother's wife. I just can't believe she managed to change my brother and all his stubborn ways.

"Hello?"

I made sure no one could track my calls, so I am not afraid to answer. Even so, I had nothing to hide. I'm not hiding from my family.

"Hi, Gia!" Millie greeted. 

As far as I know, Amelie is a timid girl. She's not loud or overly expressive. 

"I just wanted to ask if you're busy?"

I didn't answer. I waited to see what she would say next.

"I was thinking of asking if we could meet. I just want to talk to you."

I sighed. I know Millie is intimidated by me. No matter what happened between us in the past, she's still afraid of me.

Well, she should be. Everyone should.

"I'm kind of busy. I'm not at home either. Why not just tell me now? That way, we can save time."

She didn't speak right away. Millie went silent for a moment. I closed my eyes. I know I sounded harsh and cold, but I didn't mean it. I didn't want her to think I'm angry or holding a grudge. Would I help her if I was angry at her?

I just can't seem to change how I treat people.

I don't trust people easily. I only give trust once. Once it's broken, that's it. I never give second chances. If someone betrays me, they're out of my life.

That's what trauma does to you.

"If you're not going to say anything, I'm ending-"

"No, wait," Millie said. She took a deep breath before speaking again. "I heard what happened with you and Gio. I just wanted to apologize."

I frowned. Why is she apologizing?

"Dario told me what happened at the hospital." 

Dario is one of my brother's guards, like Elliott-sorry, I mean Stone. 

"I know it's a bit late, and I know you and Gio made up already. It's just... I'm sorry. I know you two argued because of me, and whatever Gio said to you that day, you know he didn't mean it."

Truthfully, I don't want to remember that night I fought with my brother. I remember a lot. Besides the hurtful words from him, I got drunk-and that carelessness caused what I'm dealing with now.

One careless night, and now I'm pregnant.

"Is that all?" I sighed again. "I'm hanging up."

"Oh... alright. Bye, Gianna."

I put down the phone. I stared at it for a moment, then took a deep breath.

I don't really know how to express myself properly. There are things I want to say, but for some reason, I just can't.

Whatever. I don't care if people misunderstand me. I don't live for their opinions. I'm used to being misinterpreted anyway.

That afternoon, I started feeling unwell. I kept vomiting. I had eaten some fruit earlier, but while resting, the nausea suddenly hit.

"She's in the bathroom, Sir."

The bathroom door opened. I couldn't look up because I am still vomiting.

"Miss Gianna!"

Even without looking, I knew Stone had arrived. I felt even more dizzy when I smelled his cologne.

Stone held my hair and lifted it. He also rubbed my back. "Should I call the doctor?"

I raised my hand and pushed him away. "Get... out-"

I couldn't clearly explain what I was planning because I am still vomiting. Stone stood up when I gently pushed him away.

He paused, but he didn't leave. I felt dizzy again from smelling his cologne.

"Can you please get out?"

My tone was harsh because I didn't feel well. Stone's lips parted, but he finally nodded. "I'll be outside."

I vomited everything I needed to. I closed my eyes, and slowly my stomach started to settle.

After that, I cleaned myself. I looked at my reflection in the mirror and remembered how I had pushed Stone away earlier.

"I'm sure he'll misunderstand me, just like everyone else."

I sent him away earlier because I couldn't handle his cologne. I get dizzy just from the smell.

I wiped my face and stepped out of the bathroom, expecting the room to be empty but Stone was still there.

He quickly approached me, but when he saw me flinch, he stepped back.

"Are you okay?" Stone asked.

I blinked, not expecting to see him still there.

"Did I upset you or something? I assumed I did because you pushed me away. You don't want me touching you?"

Something twisted in my stomach when I heard that last line. Thankfully, I didn't vomit.

Stone stared at me, and I quickly looked away. Why am I so conscious? I expected him to leave after what I said, but he stayed.

"Your smell..." I couldn't understand why I was reacting this way. "I don't like it. It makes my head spin."

Stone paused for a moment, as if processing what I said.

"Oh!" He sniffed himself. "Okay, I'll leave for now. Rest, Miss Gianna. I'll call the doctor to check on you."

"You don't have to call the doctor. I'm fine."

I said it curtly and walked toward the bed. Stone nodded and began to leave. Before he completely went out, I noticed him sniff himself again.

I sighed. Stone didn't smell bad. If anything, I knew I would normally like his cologne because I had smelled it on one of my cousins. It just so happened that I didn't like the scent right now.

My head was still throbbing, but the pain had lessened. That's when I noticed my room smelled like lavender. I closed my eyes, feeling relaxed by the scent.

There was a knock at the door. I got up and looked to see who it was. It was Inez.

"Hello, Miss Gianna. I just wanted to ask if the lavender scent is okay for you?"

I nodded at her since the smell didn't make me dizzy.

"Who brought this here?" I couldn't remember putting any scented incense in the room earlier.

"Sir Stone sent it. I mentioned that you liked the scent in the living room, so he also placed it in your room."

I paused, surprised by what I heard. I didn't expect Stone to do that just because he knew I liked the living room scent.

I bit my lip and put a hand over my chest. My heart was racing again, and I didn't even know why.

I spent the whole day sleeping because I still didn't feel well.

It had been several days since I last saw Stone. I wasn't sure if he was really busy or if he was just avoiding me.

Maybe he misinterpreted me. I am used to it. Often, people misread my actions and take them to mean something I didn't intend. Whether I care for someone or not, they will always interpret me differently.

"You're selfish, Gianna."

I remembered those words. It suddenly drained me. I told myself that everything is fine, but... I realized I would never forget hearing that from my own brother.

People always assume the worst about me. Maybe it's because I do look selfish and uncaring.

Do I care about fixing how people misinterpret me? No. Whatever people think of me doesn't matter. I live my life regardless of their opinions.

Maybe this is my defense mechanism. The further people keep me at a distance, the safer I feel.

"Sir Stone isn't here right now, Miss. He's attending a party."

I nodded. At some point, I wanted to see him, though I couldn't explain why.

"Do you need me to tell him something?"

"No. Thanks."

I started eating, but I had little appetite. Maybe it's because I worried that if I ate too much, I would just throw it up anyway. That must be it.

I couldn't sleep that night. Since I had slept all day, I figured I wouldn't be able to sleep at night.

I stared at the ceiling, lying flat with my hands resting on my stomach.

At first, my mind was clear, but slowly, something began to resurface.

I tried to move, but I couldn't. It felt like sleep paralysis, though I would have preferred that. I can deal with mythical creatures more than actual humans who can really kill you.

Those eyes. Those dark green, terrifying eyes from my past.

It feels like they're staring straight at me-cold, deadly, and tormenting. Just like how he used to look at me before.

I tried to move again, but my body wouldn't respond. It felt like I am right back in that night-the night that changed my life forever.

I can't breathe.

My chest tightened even though no one was really choking me.

I shut my eyes tightly.

Move, Gianna.

Move!

I managed to move one finger. I gasped for air and finally regained control of my body. I sat up quickly and held my neck, trying to catch my breath.

My whole body is trembling. I hugged my knees and looked around.

I'm still in my room. I'm not in that place where that man was and I will never go back there.

I remembered those dark green eyes again.

I rested my forehead on my knees and tried to calm myself.

Just like the night of that incident, no one was there for me. I am alone in that dark place, screaming for help, and no one came. And now, it feels the same-alone in this dark room.

I lifted my head, anger rushing through me.

No. No one can hurt me again. No one will ever harm me. I will fight with everything I have if I must. I am no longer that weak, crying girl. I can fight back now.

So lift your head, Gianna. Don't bow it again-not to the demons of your past, and not to anyone else.