Chapter 3 - tension in between two of us
"Good morning, ma'am."
The same voice.
The same woman.
The same silver tray in her hands.
"Good morning," I replied softly. "Oh wait, what should I call you? What's your name?"
She paused for a second, her eyes lowering shyly. "I can't tell you my real name," she said quietly, "but… you can call me whatever you want."
"Hmm… alright then, I'll call you Natasha. Is that okay?"
Her lips curved into a small smile. "Yes. It's a beautiful name."
"Okay then, Natasha. I'll take a shower—I think I woke up a little too early today."
After the shower
"Let's go…" I whispered to myself. "Let's look around this place. I need to find a way out."
The hallway was wide and elegant.
"Oh wow… he even has a drawing room! And a library?" My eyes lit up. "So many books…"
I've always loved studying. I wanted to become a doctor one day.
But now… I'm trapped in a mansion belonging to a man I barely know.
I hope everyone's safe.
Why isn't anyone trying to find me?
I kept walking and peeked into another room. "A gym? Of course… they all have perfect bodies here."
"Realiana."
I froze.
No. Not again.
That voice.
"You're up early today," he said, his tone soft but deep.
I turned around slowly—
And there he was.
Shirtless.
Drops of water gliding down his chest like they were racing each other to the floor.
Stop it, Realiana. Don't look.
"Y-yeah," I stammered, "I woke up early today."
He stepped closer.
I stepped back.
He came closer again, until I could feel his breath near my ear.
"Do you want to eat?" he whispered.
My heart jumped. "W-what? Eat?!"
He smirked. "I meant breakfast. Did you think I meant something else?"
"N-no! Of course not!" I said, looking away, my cheeks burning.
(What was that supposed to mean?! Why is he teasing me like this?)
"Leo…"
(Oh—it's Johsan calling him.)
"What?" Leo turned toward him.
"Come with me. It's important."
Leo nodded, then looked back at me. "Realiana… we'll talk later."
"About what?" I asked, confused.
"About what you want for breakfast."
And he walked away.
I stood there, completely frozen.
Why am I blushing so hard?! He was teasing me… and I fell right into it.
I went to the dining hall.
Soon, they all joined me, talking about business—mafia business, probably.
Breakfast arrived. I tried to eat quietly, pretending not to notice him.
But when I accidentally looked up—he was staring right at me.
Those eyes. Cold. Intense. And yet… something about them felt warm.
I quickly drank my water, pretending to focus on my plate.
After breakfast, I finally gathered the courage to ask, "Can I ask you a question, Mr. Leo?"
He glanced at me, calm and unreadable. "Yes, Miss Realiana?"
"Why did you… kidnap me?"
"Because," he said, his voice low and steady, "I'm obsessed with you."
My heart stopped.
"What?! Obsessed? But we've never even met before!"
"You never saw me before," he said quietly. "But I saw you. Every day."
"Every day? When? Where?" I asked, completely stunned.
He smirked faintly. "That's all for today. I'll try to come back early. We'll talk after work—you can ask me anything you want. But I'll ask you one question in return… and you'll have to answer me."
He turned to leave. "Be prepared, Realiana."
Jack laughed softly as he followed him out. "You sound like you're giving her a tough exam, boss."
What is he going to ask me? Ugh… forget it, Realiana.
Focus. You have to find a way out of here.
You're going to be a doctor, remember? Stay strong.
I took a deep breath. "Let's go to the library."
I opened the door—and my heart melted.
"This is heaven… in the middle of hell," I whispered, running my fingers along the spines of the books.
Three hours later
I started exploring the corners of the mansion, searching for a possible escape route.
Meanwhile, in another part of the house, Leo and his men were having a mafia meeting.
"Boss, what if they refuse to join our deal?" one of them asked.
"If they refuse," Leo said coldly, "they'll become our next target."
His expression was deadly serious.
"Welcome, Leo," a woman greeted. "How are you?"
"Fine. How are you, Mrs. Knight?" he replied politely.
"I'm good. So, what brings you here?"
"Just a small chat," he said.
A moment later—
Bang!
A gunshot echoed through the room.
They missed.
Leo ducked, pulled his gun, and smirked.
"It's too early for this, Mrs. Knight. Your tricks are outdated."
She laughed. "Oh, you young boys talk too much. You've barely begun."
Fighting broke out.
Shots, chaos, shouting—
And then silence.
"We win. As always," Jack said with his usual cocky grin.
"Leo, you didn't have to step in," johsan said. "I could've handled it."
Do bring another suit?
Yes, but why is it for? Johsan asked.
Leo's tone softened. "Because she would've been scared."
"Ohhh… our boss is going on a date today," Jack teased loudly.
Thud!
Leo punched Smith straight in the jaw.
"Ahh! What was that for?!" Smith shouted.
"That was unacceptable," Jack laughed. "Leo punched Smith for a girl!"
"You want to be next?" Leo asked, glaring.
"Hahaha! Nope, I'm good," Jack said quickly.
They all burst out laughing as they headed home, the tension fading into the night.