He had her number and checked the time, around eight in the evening. After a few rings, Diana's soft voice came through.
-Yes?
Her tone suggested she had forgotten she even gave him the number.
_Hi, little one.
Diana paused for a moment.
-Jacob?
He chuckled.
_Oh, come on. Haven't you remembered my voice? I'm really disappointed.
-I can't believe it… you finally called. I missed you…
Her eyes followed the cars outside.
_Me too, blue eyes… I promise I'll come see you soon.
-Are you okay?
Jacob laughed quietly to himself. It had been a packed day.
_I'm fine. From the company to the office, then to projects, then home to sleep, and repeat.
-When will your schedule lighten so you can come to the mansion? Don't overwork yourself or you'll get sick!
_When things move into the operational phase, it'll be better. But for now, it's still a little way off.
Diana sighed and paused.
-Are you eating properly, or is it all just coffee?
Now she was sounding like a mother.
_I eat as much as I can. But…
-But what?
He squinted, aiming carefully with his words in the darkness.
_Matthew won't have much time. Since he's directly in charge of design, he doesn't even have time to scratch an itch. I don't think he'll come to the mansion tonight either.
She waited to see which of her thoughts would win, whether Diana would care or whether she'd worry and act.
Not long after, she decided:
-Should I make him some food and bring it over? I haven't gone out in ages, and I need it. I could go to the company or his office and make sure he rests a little, hmm?
A smile spread across his lips. He loved seeing his plans unfold correctly.
_I just don't want you to get tired. On the other hand, I can't guess Matthew's reaction. I don't want him to upset you.
-Never mind, Jick. What can he do? Get mad? If he does, it's better for me since I annoyed him and I'm happy I made him worked up. I'll make simple, nourishing food and tell the driver to bring me.
Jacob smiled warmly.
_Alright, little one. Thanks! I'll repay you.
-You'll get me strawberries and Nutella too?
_Of course.
They said goodbye, and Diana got up to start cooking.
She thought to herself: any meal with meat would be good. She made fresh juice on the side and prepared it quickly. After a long time, she wanted to go out. She put on her black hat, placed the food box in the delivery container, and stepped into the elevator.
The elevator stopped at the main area. It was dark outside, and silence hung over the estate. Two guards were waiting.
Eric was there too; they opened the door and greeted her respectfully.
-Hello. Please move quickly.
The bodyguards obeyed. The car started and entered the stone driveway of the mansion. She hadn't even come this far before.
She stared eagerly at the streets. Before coming to this mansion or rather, before being trapped she used to walk on weekends, watching the houses and playing with the park cats. She walked until her feet hurt but didn't mind and would repeat it every week.
But now? Her life had completely changed. She lived in one of the mansions she had only seen on Instagram photos but not by her own choice. Now she was bringing food to the person responsible for her new life. She understood why she was behaving this way, yet didn't.
The car stopped at a red light. For a minute, she watched a young couple near a café. She gazed at them with longing, the boy's loving look, the girl's shy and gentle gaze. How the boy played with her fingers and talked to her.
The light turned green, and the car moved slowly. She followed them with determination until she saw their lips meet. She smiled softly and exhaled silently. She observed the streets, shops, and people until she was sure she'd remember every detail for a long time.
Forty minutes later, the car stopped at a tower. Her phone rang, Jacob.
_Diana? Have you arrived?
-Yes.
_I coordinated with my lobby. Go to the top floor, in front of the entrance, and call me again, okay?
-Alright.
Eric stepped out, looking around. He opened the door on the right.
/Please exit quickly, ma'am.
She hurried out, guessing the reason, and reached the tower entrance. Her hat shaded her face, and her hair was tied in a bun.
She nodded to the man at the console and headed to one of the elevators on the same floor.
/We'll wait here until you return, ma'am.
Diana nodded and thanked him. She held the food box and pressed the top floor button, 40 floors. Her heart raced slightly faster than usual.
She couldn't believe she was in this tower. She had only passed by and seen its exterior.
The elevator dinged at her floor, and she stepped out cautiously, surveying the surroundings. She called Jacob.
_Did you get here?"
-Yes."
He chuckled softly.
_What a polite girl! Alright, there's only one unit on that floor. Look to your left. There's a door. Head there.
She listened.
-Okay… I see the door.
_Enter the code I give you: 582365478.
She entered the code. The door opened slowly. He pushed it for her, and she stepped inside. Except for a few lights, the rest of the hall was dark. From some floor-to-ceiling windows, the cityscape was clearly visible.
_Hello? Diana, are you there?
Spellbound, she whispered,
-Ah… yes, I'm in. I mean, I've entered.
_Good. There's a door at the end of the hall. Knock and wait for Matthew to open it. Oh, I didn't tell him you were coming. Surprise him. Goodnight, little one.
He hung up without giving her a chance to respond. Diana stood behind the door, eyes wide. She cursed Jacob silently, he should've prepared her at least. What was she supposed to say now?
She swallowed and took a deep breath, knocking several times. No response. She thought,
"Maybe he went to the mansion."
Disappointed, she knocked again. Seconds later, the door finally opened slightly, but no one was visible. She pushed it gently and entered. Her breath caught as she saw the scene before her. She gripped the box tightly, not letting it slip.