LINA POV:
Flour dusted my cheeks, but I barely noticed. I was too focused on kneading the dough, letting the rhythmic motions steady my thoughts. Then, warmth. A gentle touch against my skin. Christian had stepped closer, his fingers brushing my cheek as he wiped away the flour.
My heart skipped a beat. A strange flutter ran through my chest, foreign and unwelcome. I turned away swiftly, pretending to check on the pie in the oven, hoping he wouldn't notice the sudden rush of heat to my face. Ignoring him was the safest option.
But Christian didn't move away. He stood beside Ray, his presence unshakable. Keeping my expression neutral, I finally spoke, my voice cool and composed.
"Mr. Romano, would you like to have some?"
He met my gaze with a simple nod. No words, no unnecessary pleasantries. Just a quiet acknowledgment. Without hesitation, I cut a slice for him, placing it neatly on the plate before preparing another for Ray.
"Go to the dining table. I'll bring it in a few minutes," I instructed.
Christian, instead of responding, simply took Ray's small hand in his and led her out of the kitchen. I exhaled a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. Why did his presence feel so intrusive? So unsettling?
Minutes later, I carried the plates to the dining room, placing them in front of the two. A quick glance at the clock told me it was almost 11:30 AM.
"What do you want for lunch, Ray?" I asked, keeping my voice light. "Do you want to go outside and play?"
Before Ray could respond, Christian spoke. "Lina, why didn't you bring a slice for yourself?"
Ray answered before I could. "Christian uncle, Lina aunt doesn't like sweet things."
Christian smiled at the child, affectionately ruffling her hair. "Thank you for letting me know, Ray."
Ray beamed at him, flashing her little milky teeth. I, however, barely heard them. My gaze was fixed downward, my mind slipping away into memories I wished would stay buried.
Once, I had loved sweet things. Chocolate, pastries, candies everything had tasted so light, so full of joy. But now… every sweetness had turned bitter.
Images flickered through my mind like a broken film reel. My teenage self, laughing as I bought chocolates from a store. Then darkness. A shattered room, chocolates crushed underfoot, my own sobs echoing in the emptiness. Blood on my hands. A hospital corridor. My hollow reflection staring back at me as I stood outside the ICU, waiting…
A voice cut through my thoughts.
I blinked and found myself staring directly into Christian's eyes. I felt he had seen it. Everything I fought to keep hidden. Instinctively, I looked away, masking my emotions before they could spill over.
"I need to make a call," I said abruptly, addressing Ray. "Wait with Mr. Romano. After that, we can go out if you want."
Grabbing my phone, I stepped outside. The air felt heavier than before. My feet carried me to the large pine tree in the garden, and I sank onto the bench beside it. My fingers gripped my hair, trying to ground myself. My hands trembled as I unlocked my phone. I clenched them into fists, trying to suppress the weakness.
Thirty minutes later, I returned inside, composed but weary. I needed to be more careful. Whatever had triggered that storm inside me, I needed to keep it in check. Medication. I should remember to continue my medication.
Christian was seated on the couch, reading a document when I walked in.
"Where's Ray?" I asked.
"She was feeling sleepy, so her nanny took her upstairs," Christian replied.
I nodded, calling the housekeeper. "Anna, Prepare something simple for lunch. Also, bring my bag from Ray's playroom."
Anna, the housekeeper, quickly handled the request. When she returned, she handed me the bag. I opened it, took out my iPad and glasses, and started working, fully immersing myself in numbers and reports.
Christian, however, remained silent, watching me.
After a long pause, he finally spoke. "Lina, aren't you looking for real estate? There are a few good properties under Romano. I can help if you're interested."
I looked up. "Send me the details. I'll review them with my team."
Christian smiled slightly. He told me a few lists of locations. One in particular caught my attention. a newly built mall under Romano & Co. The highest and middle floors were still under construction, but they had the potential to attract customers.
After considering for a moment, I looked at Christian. "Can I get at least 2,500 square feet?"
Christian nodded. "You can visit the site and confirm. Once you're sure, we can finalize the contract."
"Send the documents to my email."
Instead of replying, Christian slid his phone toward me. "Give me your number. It would be easier if I could contact you directly."
I hesitated, but practicality won. I took the phone, dialed my number, and handed it back.
Christian smiled, saving my number. Then, he called me. On the table, my phone lit up.
"Save my number," he instructed.
I sighed but complied, typing 'Mr. Romano' into my contacts...