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.

GIANNA RAINE

I stepped out of my room. It was already dark, but the wall lamps gave enough light to see around.

I went down the stairs and headed to the kitchen. I looked for something to eat, but when I saw it, I suddenly lost my appetite.

This pregnancy is so hard. I don't even know what I want anymore. One moment, I crave something, and the next, I don't want it at all.

I just got a glass of water. There's a mini-fridge in my room, but for some reason, I didn't want water from there right now. As if the taste of water in the kitchen is somehow different.

"Gianna?"

I turned toward the voice calling my name. Even though it's a bit dark, I could make out who it was.

He turned on the kitchen light, and I was right-Stone was standing there.

He's still in his suit. He must have just come home from the party Inez mentioned earlier.

"What are you doing here? Why are you still awake? Are you feeling okay? Should I call the doctor-"

"I'm fine." I set my glass on the sink and walked back to my room.

"If you need anything, just tell me, Miss Gianna."

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Stone smile at me. Why is he being so nice? 

Even though I am not paying him much attention, he still treated me well. I thought he'd be mad because I pushed him away earlier because of his scent.

Even before, when he was Elliott, he always treated me nicely.

Most of the other staff avoided me because they were afraid, so whenever Gio asked who wanted to watch over me when he left, no one volunteered.

No one volunteered except him. Stone, as Elliott, freely offered to take care of me, even when others avoided me. That's probably why, whenever Gio left and didn't need to take Elliott, he automatically stayed behind with me.

Because only Elliott-or Stone-showed a real willingness to be near me.

That's before, when my brother was still single and not married.

I pursed my lips but said nothing. I just held it in and decided to leave.

Why is it so hard for me to say thank you?

"Stone!"

I froze while going up the stairs when I heard a sharp female voice. I looked down to the first floor and saw a woman leaning on Stone's arm.

"Should we go to your room now? I know you're tired, darling. I can give you a massage."

There was something in every word she said. She was also touching Stone's chest.

I couldn't help but watch her hand slowly stroking his chest.

I didn't intend to stare for too long. Stone probably noticed me watching them. He looked surprised that I was still there, but before he could react, I looked away and walked up to the second floor, back to my room.

That night, I forced myself to sleep, even though my mind felt too busy to rest.

I'm eating my breakfast. I'm thinking of going out later to the nearest mall. I noticed that my clothes are running out. I need to buy some things I can use while I'm here. I could go back to New York for them, but that would be too much hassle.

While eating, I remembered the woman who was with Stone last night. Based on what I heard, it seems she stayed here. I wonder if they slept in the same room.

Other strange thoughts ran through my head. I shouldn't be thinking about what they might have done in the same room. Stone is an adult, and the woman looks legal. Whatever they did, it's none of my business.

"Inez," I called. She quickly came to me, probably thinking I needed something. "Do you know the woman who was with Stone last night?"

Inez paused for a moment, as if she was trying to figure out who I meant.

"If you're talking about his date last night, Miss, yes, I know her. She is Miss Isolde Dixon, the daughter of one of Sir Stone's business partners." Inez stepped closer. "At parties like that, Mr. Roman Dixon, Isolde's father, often talks to Sir Stone to bring his daughter along. I think they hope to pair her with Sir Stone."

I stared at Inez coldly. She blinked and, realizing her mistake, immediately covered her mouth.

"Oh, sorry, Miss Gianna. I know you were just asking about the woman, but I said too much."

I just continued eating. In the few days I've known Inez, she has slowly started to understand my personality.

But that wasn't the reason I kept giving her a cold stare.

I was quietly eating when I heard footsteps. The staff greeted her, and she sat at the head of the table. I looked up briefly and raised an eyebrow when I saw Isolde Dixon.

What is she doing here? Didn't she know the head of the family should sit at the center? Or maybe this is how they do things.

"Hi," she greeted me. The staff immediately served her.

She was still wearing her nightgown. I didn't respond and just continued eating.

"Don't you know that if someone greets you, you should greet back? You're so rude."

I still ignored her. I didn't care if she thought I was rude.

She scoffed when she realized I wasn't going to respond.

"Anyway, who are you? I've never seen you here before, and judging by the fact that you're eating with me, you're not one of Stone's staff."

I still didn't give her any attention. I didn't want to waste time on someone like her.

I noticed her jaw tighten. She was probably annoyed because I kept ignoring her.

"Are you deaf or mute? I'm talking to you, but you're not answering me. Really now?"

At this point, I knew she's pissed. I could feel her irritation growing because I refused to respond.

I heard the sound of a chair moving. She stood up and walked toward me, holding a glass of water.

Isolde stopped beside me. "Do you know what people who ignore me usually get?"

She poured the cold water on me. I froze at what she did.

The maids gasped after seeing it. Some tried to approach Isolde, but she seemed to threaten them with her glare.

As much as I hate interacting with people, I don't tolerate disrespect.

"There. Maybe now you'll pay attention to me-"

I grabbed my cup of coffee and poured it on her. She screamed, obviously because the coffee was hot.

I quickly pulled out the small knife from the holster on my leg and threw it beside her. The blade was sharp, and when it grazed her hair, it cut some strands and scratched her neck. Her eyes widened at how fast it happened.

The knife hit the wall.

"If people aren't paying attention to you, take the hint and leave them alone."

Isolde held her bleeding neck, glaring at me. She raised her hand. If she tried to slap me, I was ready to ruin her pretty face in return.

"How dare you!"

Before Isolde could slap me, someone grabbed her wrist. I stayed seated, not flinching. I wasn't going to avoid her slap but she should know what would happen to her if she tried.

"What are you doing?"

Stone got my attention the moment I heard the sharpness in his voice. He was staring at Isolde, and even if he tried to hide it, he was clearly angry with her.

"Stone-" Isolde quickly fixed her expression, pretending to look pitiful.

I looked at her with boredom. Here comes the victim card. So annoying.

If Constantine De Graaf took her side, I would not hesitate to leave his house. I only accepted his offer to find out whether he was connected to the father of my child or... if he was the father himself.

"She poured hot coffee on me! Look at my neck-it's burning! And there's a scratch from the knife she threw at me! This b***h-"

Stone harshly let go of her wrist, almost making her lose her balance.

"Get out of my house." His voice was calm, but sharp enough to cut.

"What-"

"You heard me. Don't make me repeat myself. Out."

The woman's eyes widened. "You're going to regret this, Stone."

"The only people who will regret this are your family, Isolde, once I stop sponsoring the Dixon family. Don't you dare disrespect my guest again."

That stopped Isolde. She looked at me, but I kept my expression neutral.

"I hate you!" She marched off. I didn't care where she went.

Stone turned to me, and his previous harsh expression softened. "Are you okay, Miss Gianna?"

I looked into his eyes and felt something strange again, so I quickly looked away.

"I'm fine. You should be asking her that."

Stone sat beside me. He quickly grabbed a clean towel, and as he was about to dry my hair, he hesitated.

Maybe he thought I wouldn't want to be touched.

I didn't move, keeping my gaze straight ahead. I felt the soft towel gently touch my head as he started drying my hair.

I let him.

Normally, I don't let anyone touch me easily, so it was a little surprising that I allowed him to do this.

"I'd like to apologize for what ha-"

"You don't have to," I interrupted. "I poured hot coffee on that poor girl; we're even."

I looked at Stone. He paused what he was doing, and we made eye contact. I couldn't hold it for long, so I quickly looked away again.

Why do I keep avoiding his gaze?

"I need to go to the mall later. I'm just letting you know since I'm staying under your roof."

He nodded. "I'll come with you."

I frowned at him. "I don't need you babysitting me, Stone. I can manage on my own."

Stone smiled at me. "I know that very well, Miss Gianna. I just want to go with you because I know you're not familiar with the place. And you're pregnant. I want to take care of you as best as I can while we haven't met the father of your child."

Something caught in my throat, so instead of speaking, I stayed silent. I think this is the first time Stone and I had a proper conversation. Most of the time, he mixed it with jokes or teasing.

I looked away again and pretended to finish my food, even though I had lost my appetite.

Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Stone staring at me. Feeling uncomfortable, I looked back at him.

"Why are you looking at me? Stop that."

Stone smiled at me but didn't look away.

"That's an order, Elliott. Stop staring."

He flinched when I used that name. After a moment, he laughed and grinned at me.

"Yes, Ma'am." He stood and straightened himself. "I'll see you later."

He said something to Inez and left. I watched Stone until he was gone. I couldn't explain why I could watch him leave without a problem, yet I struggled to maintain eye contact with him.