Chapter 34: You’re a romantic
The day passed slowly, the quiet of the mansion pressing down on Ella as she roamed its endless halls. She spent hours exploring, wandering from one room to another, marveling at the sheer opulence of the place. It felt like a gilded cage, every corner meticulously curated to perfection, yet it lacked the warmth of a true home. She found herself drawn to the library, its towering shelves filled with books that whispered promises of escape.
Ella selected a novel at random, its worn spine a contrast to the glossy covers surrounding it. She settled into a plush chair by the window, the golden light of the afternoon spilling over the pages as she sank into the story. It was a romance, of course—an easy distraction from the reality of her situation.
Hours passed unnoticed as the world outside faded away. Ella was utterly engrossed, her mind lost in the tale of forbidden love and daring escapes. By the time she noticed the room growing dim, the sun had already slipped below the horizon, casting shadows across the walls. She sighed, closing the book and stretching her legs, feeling the ache of sitting still for so long.
Just as she was about to stand, a warm breath tickled her ear, sending a shiver down her spine.
"Enjoying yourself?"
Ella yelped, her heart leaping into her throat as she whipped around, clutching the book to her chest like a shield. Nicholas stood behind her, his dark eyes sparkling with amusement, a mischievous grin playing on his lips.
"Nicholas!" she exclaimed, trying to steady her racing heart. "What is wrong with you? Don’t sneak up on people like that!"
He chuckled, stepping closer and bracing his hands on the backrest of her chair, effectively boxing her in. His smirk deepened as he leaned in, their faces mere inches apart. "You looked so peaceful. I couldn’t resist," he murmured, his voice low and teasing. "Did I scare you, little vixen?"
Ella’s pulse quickened, both from the lingering scare and the sudden proximity. "Yes! You did, you—" She cut herself off, narrowing her eyes at him. "And don’t call me that."