The car ride to Dante's house was quiet. We didn't talk much because I was sleepy and he seemed tired too.

Once we reached his house, which is a dang mansion by the way, I gawked at it for so long.

The mansion is so beautiful at night.

"Are you coming inside ?" Dante asked.

Too amazed by the beauty of his house, I was lost for words so I just nodded while dragging my suitcase.

When we walked closer to the house, the door opened.

Heh ? Automatic doors ? I asked myself.

But it wasn't, instead a lady had opened it. She was dressed up in a plain T-shirt and blue jeans.

At first sight, she looked like she was in her 30's but when I looked closer, I saw tiny wrinkles under her eyes. I knew she had to be older.

"You're finally here ! It's so nice to meet you ! I've been waiting for you to come for so long !" The woman said and hugged me.

"Um....hi ? Nice to meet you too." I said in an awkward tone, hugging her back.

I looked at Dante and he had a wide smile on his face, clearly enjoying the sight of me being squished.

Dante finally spoke up, "Estella, you can leave her now."

"Oh !" She said pulling back. "I'm Estella, the housekeeper. But this goof here is more like my son." She said, pointing at Dante.

"Okayyy. I'll show you around." Dante said.

Both of us walked together around the house, and Estella was nowhere to be seen.

"These are the stairs to go to the second floor." Dante said pointing at the stairs which had an aquarium in the middle.

"Woahh...." I said looking at the fishes in there.

"Come on." He said, walking up the stairs.

So I followed him and a few seconds later, we reached the second floor. He walked further into a hallway and stopped at a door.

"This will be your room. That is mine." He said, pointing to a door a little away from the door we were standing at.

When he opened the door, my jaw dropped to ground.

"Wow...." I was lost for words. I had never seen any place so luxurious.

Yes, my parents were rich but we never spent the money. We always lived in a normal and basic apartment.

"Do you like it ?" Dante asked.

"Yes...it's beautiful." I answered back, my eyes still fixated to the room.

I ran inside with my suitcase and jumped on the bed. Ahh....that's a nice bed.

He chuckled and said, "Well, if you need anything, I'm right around the corner. You can come anytime you want."

"Aye, aye Captain Dante ! Goodnight." I replied.

"Goodnight, Stellina." He said, closing the door.

Deciding that I had to change, I picked out a night suit from the suitcase and went to the bathroom.

And wow, this bathroom is the size of my entire living room !

I changed into the clothes and washed my face.

Walking out, I made a beeline straight to the bed and cuddled into the pillows.

Ughhh....why can't I sleep ?

I have been rolling around the sheets for a while now. Its so cold.

I tried turning the temperature of the air conditioner but its still cold. Then I switched it off, but then it was too hot. There was only one quilt on the bed and I needed one more.

I didn't want to wake Dante nor Estella up, but I just can't sleep. So, I wore my dinosaur slippers on and decided to have some warm milk.

At least that will help. Dante showed me where the kitchen was so I knew where to go.

I tip toed out of my room and went downstairs. As I was walking towards the kitchen, I saw a male figure sitting at the kitchen island.

Squinting my eyes a little more, I realized it was Dante.

What is he doing up at this time ?

I switched the light on and his head snapped towards me.

"Oh...its just you." He whispered to himself.

"Yep..." I replied.

When I was walked closer to him, he looked at my feet and asked, "What are those ?"

"Well, these are dinosaur feet. Aren't they adorable ?" I asked him, looking down at my feet and then to him.

"I mean...yeah they look nice , but why would y-" Dante stopped mid sentence.

"Why would I what ?" I asked him.

"What happened to you ?" He asked, but now his voice seemed a little more stern.

"What do you mean ?" I asked. I saw his gaze on my neck.

Then I realized....the bruise. I didn't cover it up.

"How did you get that bruise, Azalea ?" He asked, standing up from his chair.

"Um...I fell." I answered, hoping he would buy my lie.

"Really ? You fell ? On your neck ?" Dante asked in disbelief.

"Yeah." My voice trailed off.

He took two long strides towards me and a moment later he was in front me, both of his palms on either side of my face.

"Azalea, please tell me the truth. I can protect you." Dante said, almost pleading.

I wrapped my hands on both of his wrists and pulled his hands down.

"Don't worry about me. I'm good. Look at my muscles !" I said, trying to lighten up the mood, and flexing the muscles on my arm.

Dante gave me the 'Really. I'm not playing' look.

"Ugh....fine." I give up. "Last night, when I went out, some dude with a ski mask attacked me and said, 'You better start watching your back now, little girl. He's coming for you. We all are.' and 'You won't be free for a long time.'" I said using air quotes.

"So, I punched him and then kneed him where the sun don't shine and said 'You won't be having kids for a long long time' and ran away."

He gave me a slight smile and then wrapped him arms around my shoulders, pulling me for a hug.

For a moment I didn't know what to do but I eventually wrapped my arms around his torso, hugging him back.

He bent down a little, burying his face in my neck. "Why didn't you tell me sooner ? I could've done something."

"What could you have done ?" I asked pulling away.

Unwrapping his hands too, he replied "I could've protected you."

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