***narrative switched to "I" ***
Throughout the week of Grace's visit, I stayed locked in my room, I wasn't going to fall into the risk of setting eyes on Sam,
I still don't trust myself to give a well reserved reaction when I see him, not after how he kissed me, so I will rather just stay out of his sight..
It hasn't been long since I watched Sam drive out of the building so with the coast being clear, I can come out of my room.
Ms' Cherry now has a habit of coming to check up on me during the day and mostly at night, sometimes we sit and gist,
she told me about the large garden at the back of the mansion and ever since then, I have been so eager to see it, I heard it's big enough to fit in a even bigger mansion.
One of the house helps walked me to the back door, which led to the garden, the walk down to the back door took like forever but at the end it was worth it,
the view after the big door was cracked open was mind blowing,
Ma' Cherry wasn't exaggerating after all, it is big and beautiful , actually big enough to fit in another mansion but not a bigger mansion, maybe she did exaggerate but just a little bit . :)
The garden was alive with movement and color, a symphony of nature's beauty.
A sweet scent wafted through the air, carriage on the gentle breeze that rustled the leaves.
The chirping sound of birdsong filled the air, adding to the garden's enchanting atmosphere.
Roses of every hue – red, pink, yellow, and white – bloomed in abundance, alongside hibiscus plants that stood tall, In the distance, a tranquil pond glimmered, its surface reflecting the sky above like a mirror.
As I breathed in the fresh air, I felt my senses come alive, drinking in the sights, sounds, and scents of this breathtaking oasis.
guards stood at each and every corner of the garden, probably for if I intended on escaping, but how am I expected to climb through these tall walls, the thought of me trying to jump over made me crackle.
I began to majestically stroll down the made out pathway which led me to one of the big trees, beneath the tree laid a big stone, suitable enough to sit on, I carefully sat on the stone, being very mindful of the big black ants roaming around the tree..
with my head faced up and eyes close, my mind wandered to Sam, what did he mean by "not knowing what to do with me?"
why did he kiss me? Why did the kiss feel so intense?why haven't I been able to stop fantasizing about how being beneath him will feel.
With the fresh air gently wafting against my skin, I gently took out my hair band, letting my black long hair slowly flow backwards with the breeze and for once after a long time I felt at ease.
***Sam's POV****
I knew she watched me drive out, i know all about her scheme, I know she has been avoiding me.. I know her very next move even before she thinks about moving, I watched her grow, so there's absolutely nothing I don't know about her..
I took a brief look at her veranda as I stepped out of my car, but surprisingly she wasn't there..
"Where is Sarah" I demanded as I strolled into the house
"She's in the garden sir" a guard replied ..
*******
I majestically strolled into the balcony of my room, with my hand on my tie, I began to gradually loosen the grip.
My weary eyes from a long day of work, scanned everywhere looking for her and suddenly I saw her,
With my tie loosened and collar undone I intensely focused my gaze on her. her long black hair cascading down her back like a waterfall of night. A gentle smile played on her lips as she breathed in the sweet scent of the garden, her chest rising and falling with each gentle inhalation.
"She's beautiful", I whispered beneath my breath, I couldn't help but gaze at her, the sight of her surprisingly melts the stress of the day..
I couldn't help but admire the delicate curve of her features, and suddenly a pant of interest yanked at my heart, can't help but feel this feel the spark of connection between us, my mind wandered to all the things I could do "to and for"her as I stood there drinking in her delicate beauty.
I couldn't look away
"Her eyes on the garden,
My eyes on her "
********
"You don't just go into the garden without my orders" I said with a gritted teeth,I call the shots here" I continued
"I am really sorry sir" Sarah replied in a low voice
"Come in" I said coldly
She carefully walked into my room and closed the door behind her
"you aren't usually this meek, what changed ?" …..Oh yes! "You go by my rules now" I mocked
And with a swift move, I had her pinned to the door, now caged between me and the door, with a furrowed eyebrow, she let out a sudden gasp
Her baby pink pouted lips slightly parted as she tried to maintain a pissed expression but all I could see was a beauty.
With her chin in my right hand, I nudged at her face, "I make the rules, you go by my rules, am I clear? I asked with a gritted teeth.
"Yes" she whispered with a nod.
My gaze lingered on her lips, I needed a taste, it's been so long, my eyes slowly darted towards hers, her stare so innocent.
"Why do you want to kiss me again?" She whispered
Her fresh and sweet scent wafted across my face.
"What makes you think I want to?" I swallowed.
"It's the way you stare at my lips" she pointed out, her voice so calm and suiting.
I quickly straightened up and asked her to leave.
"Get out of my sight" I said between clenched jaw.
And in a minute she was out.
The moment she stepped out I realized that I was barely breathing,
"I'm not supposed to feel this way" I am not supposed to want her" she's way younger than I'm" I pointed out to myself.
I lazily took in deep breaths as I began strolling towards the nearest couch,
Already seated, I pulled out my phone from my back pocket and dialed a number
"Hello.. there's a change of plan".."Meet me at my office by 5pm tomorrow"
*********
***Serah's pov****
"Get dressed and meet me at the car park by 4," Sam's voice crackled through the telecom, cold and commanding.
It echoed in my room like a decree — heavy, final.
Yes, Sam finally decided to install a telecom in my room. According to Ms. Cherry, it's "under serious supervision" — whatever that means. Probably just another way of saying: We're always listening. Another leash, another reminder that this place was never mine.
"Okay," I managed to say, voice flat, controlled. Then — click — the line went dead. I stared at the receiver for a second longer than necessary, before gently placing it back. My heartbeat hadn't slowed. It never really did these days.
I walked into the closet, mind spinning faster than my hands could move.
It was half-past two. I had an hour and a half to prepare — enough time, yet somehow not enough. I didn't know what Sam wanted today, and that alone made my palms sweat.
Something casual. Nothing that screams effort but not careless either. I picked a gown — soft beige silk, long enough to kiss my ankles, sleeveless, cinched at the waist with a matching belt. Understated. Quietly elegant. The kind of dress you wear when you want to disappear but still be remembered.
A touch of makeup — enough to bring life back into my face, which had forgotten how to smile. I looked in the mirror. A stranger stared back.
It was 3:40 when I stepped out of my room. My heels echoed against the marble floor as I walked, each step laced with uncertainty.
"I guess I'm a little early," I whispered, trying to reassure myself — though my voice sounded hollow, even to me.
By the time I got to the car park, Sam was already seated behind the wheel, waiting. As always.
I paused, double-checked my wristwatch — 3:46. Not late. Good.
I let out a small breath I didn't realize I was holding.
He said nothing as I slipped into the passenger seat. Silence hung heavy between us as we pulled out of the compound.
After a long drive he finally decided to break the silence—
"You can't stay there anymore," he said, eyes fixed on the road.
His tone was clipped, emotionless.
"For now, you'll reside in my second property."
I blinked. What?
"Why?" I asked — foolishly.
He turned to look at me. Sharp. Piercing. Like a scalpel pressed against skin.
"You don't ask questions. You follow orders."
I swallowed hard, a lump forming in my throat. He didn't yell. He didn't need to. His calm was far more terrifying.
"All your things would have been moved to your new home by tomorrow morning."
I nodded slowly, saying nothing more. There was nothing I could say. I was a passenger in more ways than one.
This wasn't a conversation. It was a relocation — one I didn't request, one I couldn't decline.
I stared out the window, heart thundering.
I don't know what this man is capable of. I don't know how far his anger can go. No one knows I'm here.I have to play this right. I have to be smart.
The city lights began to bloom around us as the sun dipped lower. After what felt like hours, we pulled up to a towering five-star hotel. It loomed above us, a monument of wealth and silence. Yellow lights spilled from every corner, dancing on glass and marble. It looked like something out of a dream.
Or a very beautiful cage.