Bettina trudged through her shift at the restaurant, her feet aching and her eyes heavy with fatigue. She had been running on autopilot for hours, taking orders and serving customers with a forced smile.
As Bettina poured another cup of coffee for a customer, her manager, Mr. Henry, approached her:
"Bettina, sweetheart you look like you're about to collapse", he said his voice laced with concern.
"why don't you take a break? You've been running around nonstop".
Bettina forced a smile.
"I'm fine, Mr. Henry, just a little tired, that's all. I didn't sleep well last night".
Mr. Henry's expression softened.
"you're not fine Bettina, you are exhausted. You have been working double shifts all week, and its taking a toll on you, maybe you should take a few days off, focus on yourself for a bit".
Bettina shook her head.
"Mr. Henry, I need this and am fine, I will be alright".
As the lunch rush subsided, Bettina's exhaustion caught up with her. She stumbled, her vision blurring, and she collapsed to the floor. Erich, who had been watching from the shadows appeared and sprang into action.
He rushed to Bettina's side, his face etched with concern and scooped her into his arms.
"call an ambulance"
He instructed the stunned restaurant staff. As Erich cradled Bettina in his arms, he couldn't help but feel a surge of protectiveness towards her.
He gently brushed a strand of hair out of her face, his fingers tracing the curve of her cheekbone. Mr. Henry's eyes narrowed slightly on Erich due to his actions, cause him to say:
"I'll take care of her, Mr. Henry. I've got this".
"Alright, thank you... Sir, I appreciate it".
Mr. Henry couldn't help it but to agree with Erich, as he knows of a little about their past.
When Bettina regained consciousness in the hospital, Erich was sitting beside her, holding her hand.
"Hey, welcome back",
He said softly, his eyes locked on hers.
"How are you feeling?"
Bettina's eyes fluttered open, and she gazed up at Erich in confusion.
"Where...where am I?"
She whispered.
"you're in the hospital",
Erich replied, his voice calm and soothing.
"You fainted at the restaurant. I'm Erich, by the way we've met before, although you might not remember me".
Bettina's eyes narrowed, trying to place him and then, suddenly it clicked.
"You're the mysterious man from years ago who gave me money for my grandma's treatment, so just, I can stay in the same room as you, while you stirred up the windows for the night and living me a note in the morning".
Erich nodded, a small smile playing on his lips.
"that's right, it's me".
As they talked, Bettina couldn't shake the feeling that Erich's concern went beyond mere politeness. There was something in his eyes, something that made her feel seen and cared for, but at the same time she could see the coldness and loneliness in his eyes.
Erich stood by Bettina's hospital bed, his eyes fixed on her pale face. His voice was low and detached, but his words were laced with concern.
"you're coming home with me. You will need care and attention, and I have the means to provide it".
Bettina's eye fluttered open, and she looked up at him warily.
"I.... I don't know".
She stammered.
Erich expression reminded impassive, but his voice softened ever so slightly.
"it would be... Prudent. You're in no condition to be alone".
Bettina hesitated, unsure of what to make of Erich's offer, the strange man she barely knows. There was something about him that unnerved her, something that made her feel like she was tired, and she was alone, and the thought of going back to her empty apartment was unbearable, maybe it was time for a change.
"okay",
She said finally, her voice barely above a whisper.
Erich nodded, his eye glinting with a hint of approval.
"I 'll send someone to collect your things. You will receive it and stay with me until you're well enough to take care of yourself".
As he turned to leave, Bettina felt a shiver run down her spine. She wasn't sure if it was fear or something else, but she couldn't shake the feeling that she was stepping into something much bigger than herself.
As the hospital discharged Bettina, Erich arrived in his sleek black car, his eyes fixed on her frail figure in the wheelchair.
"let's get you home",
He said, his voice devoid of emotions. The drive to his mansion was silent, with Erich staring out the window, his face a mask of indifference. As the car pulled up to the Grand entrance of the castles like mansion, Bettina's eye widened in awe. The structure loomed above her, it's intricately carved wooden beams and tile roofs a testament to ancient Asian architecture. The gates swung open, revealing a sprawling courtyard with a serene pond and lush greenery. Erich's driver opened the door and Bettina stepped out, her eyes drinking in the beauty of the place. The air was heavy with the scent of incense and something else.... Something faintly metallic.
While she followed Erich into the mansion, she felt a shiver run down her spine. Despite the grandeur, the atmosphere felt cold, almost sterile. The halls were lined we exquisite artwork and intricately woven tapestries, but there was no warmth, no sense of life. The interior was just as breathtaking as the exterior, with high ceilings and polished wooden floors that seemed to stretch on forever. But despite the beauty, Bettina couldn't shake the feeling that the house was... empty. Hollow.
Erich led her through the halls his footsteps echoing off the walls. They passed by rooms filled with antique furniture, their surface gleaming in the soft light. But there were no personal touches, no signs of warmth or laughter.
As they reached the staircase, Erich turned to her, his expression detached.
"the staff will show you to your room. I'll have them bring up your belongings".
And with that he turned and disappeared into the shadows, leaving Bettina feeling...lost. As she waited for the staff to come, she couldn't help but wonder what Erich's deal was. One minute he's saving her, the next he's being cold and distant. She shrugged, figuring she had just have to get used to his moods. Just then a staff arrived and greeted her warmly, concern etched on her face.
"welcome home, miss Bettina. We'll show you to your room".
As the staff led Bettina to her room, she couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment. She had expected...something, maybe a bit more warmth from Erich, considering he had been the one to offer her a place to stay.
The staff showed her around the mansion, explaining the various rooms and amenities. Bettina's eyes widened as she took in the opulent decor and sprawling grounds.
"This is wow".
Finally, they arrived at her room, a beautifully decorated suite with stunning view of the gardens.
"This will be your home for as long as you need it, miss Bettina",
The staff member said with a smile. As Bettina settled in, she couldn't help but wonder, that the space was beautifully decorated, with a stunning view of the gardens. But as she looked around, she couldn't shake the feeling that was in gilded cage, trapped in a world of beauty and silence. The room was lovely, but it felt cold like the rest of the house, it seemed to be waiting for something or someone, and Bettina couldn't help but wonder what secrets the castle like mansion held and what lay hidden beneath its exquisite surface.
Meanwhile, Erich retreated to his dark cool room, shutting the door behind him. He leaned against it his eyes closing he let out a slow breath. He hadn't expected to feel whatever it was he felt when he saw Bettina in that hospital bed.