Caleb's eyes darkened, his presence filling the small living room. It's dangerous for you to stay here.
Maya's eyes met his, unwavering, though her chest rose and fell a little too quickly. I said I'm staying, she repeated, voice steady but tense.
He took a slow breath, the fight in him pulling taut against the pull of reason. She wasn't leaving, and he wasn't going to let her be alone. Not here. Not now.
Caleb's voice was low, edged with frustration. You know what happened to you, and still you're stubborn… acting like a child.
Maya's chest tightened. She tried to hold her ground, but her voice cracked with the weight of her emotions. You don't understand, Caleb. You don't know what's happening inside me. I don't have any memory… no family… nothing. This emptiness—it's dragging me to the ground.
For a moment, silence hung heavy between them. Caleb's eyes softened, though his jaw remained tense. He exhaled slowly, searching for the right words, fighting against the unfamiliar ache stirring inside him.
Maya…His voice dropped, steady and certain. I'm not good with words, but I'll tell you this—I will protect you. You're not alone. Whether you like it or not, you're my responsibility.
Her eyes softened, the fire in them flickering into something more fragile. Please… Her voice trembled as she looked at him, pleading. Please let me stay here. I want to stay.
The defiance that had carried her moments ago gave way to raw emotion, her gaze shimmering with unshed tears. For the first time, Caleb saw not just her stubbornness, but the hollow ache buried beneath it.
Fine, he said at last, his tone low, decisive. You can stay here… His eyes narrowed slightly, firm and unyielding. …but only on one condition.
I'll stay here, he said his voice steady, His expression left no room for doubt—once he decided, there was no turning back.
Maya's brows furrowed, but she couldn't find the courage to argue any further. One look at him—so firm, so certain—and the words died on her lips.
Caleb moved to the couch and sat down, his posture calm but commanding. Maya watched him, brows furrowed, a flash of anger in her eyes. She murmured under her breath,This man is too difficult to understand.
Turning on her heel, she walked toward the bedroom. Her gaze swept over the room—her clothes, her belongings—all in their familiar places. Everything was just as she had left it, clearly settled. A small, unspoken acknowledgment lingered in the neatness: someone had taken care of her space, and Caleb had made sure of it.
After an hour, Maya stepped out of her room, quietly scanning the kitchen for something to eat.
Caleb, still sitting on the couch, lifted his gaze and caught sight of her. What are you doing? he asked, his voice calm but carrying an edge.
Maya turned to look at him, eyes unbothered by his presence. I'm hungry, she replied simply, shrugging. She wandered into the kitchen, checking the cupboards and fridge. Nothing. She frowned and went back to the living room. There's nothing to eat, she said.
Caleb look at her, Isn't it obvious. Caleb picked up his phone without a word. After a few moments, he hung up and looked at her. It'll be here soon, he said simply.
Maya blinked, unsure what to make of his calm, commanding presence.
She moved to a chair across the room and settled into it, keeping her distance, she was, glancing at him on the couch.
Caleb sat with a book in his hands, eyes scanning the pages, completely absorbed. The way he held it, the slight furrow in his brow as he read, even the calm set of his shoulders—it all drew her attention without her realizing it.
He was impossible to read, every movement deliberate, every expression guarded. Maya frowned, a mix of frustration and something else she didn't quite understand.
How could someone look so… composed, even while sitting right here, just reading a book?
She shifted slightly, trying to focus on anything but him, but the quiet tension between them made it impossible to look away.
Time passed quietly. Maya stayed in her chair, glancing at Caleb as he read.
A soft knock at the door announced two guards entering, carrying bags of supplies. They set the bags down carefully and then bowed respectfully to Caleb.
Maya looked at the bags, then at Caleb, who didn't look up from his book.
Caleb remained on the couch, calm and composed, as the two guards stood in front of him, hands joined in respect. He gave brief, precise instructions, his voice low but commanding.
Maya watched from her chair, unable to look away. The way he sat, the authority in his tone, even the small gestures as he spoke—it all made him strangely… attractive. She frowned at herself for noticing, but she couldn't help it.
Maya stood up, picking up a bag and beginning to settle the supplies on the shelves. After a few minutes, the guards left, leaving the room quiet again.
Caleb looked around, then shifted his gaze to Maya. She was standing in the open kitchen, hands resting lightly on the shelves, just staring at the items as if lost in thought.
Caleb's voice cut through the quiet. What are you doing? Maya turned her head, confusion written across her face. I… I don't know how to cook, she admitted softly.
Caleb leaned back against the couch, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. Of course you don't, he muttered, pushing himself up. His steps were steady, deliberate, as he moved toward her.
Go sit over there. I'll make something for you. Maya raised an eyebrow, a strange look crossing her face. You… know how to cook?
Caleb turned to face her, gaze sharp. What do you think of me?
She crossed her arms, a teasing smile tugging at her lips. So, Mr. Caleb, the one who orders everyone around… is going to cook?
His gaze met hers, steady and unyielding. Without a word, he looked forward, as if daring her to challenge him further.
Maya sat down on the chair, folding her arms as if to remind herself she wasn't impressed. But when Caleb rolled his sleeves up, the veins running down his strong forearms caught her eyes. He moved around the kitchen with effortless confidence, tall and broad-shouldered, his posture commanding even in such a simple task.
From behind, he looked almost unreal, every line of his body sharp and defined. Maya's chest tightened unexpectedly, a strange flutter rushing through her as she watched him. Maya found herself staring, unable to look away, as if memorizing every detail against her will.
Caleb's voice broke the silence, low and teasing. Tell me one thing.
Maya quickly snapped out of her daze. W–what?
He glanced at her with a smirk tugging at his lips. If you don't know how to cook, how are you supposed to live alone then?
Maya crossed her arms, trying to hide her embarrassment. Tch… I'd rather starve than burn the kitchen down. Besides— she shot him a sly look, Do you want me to praise you or thank you for doing this for me?
Caleb didn't look up from the pan. I don't need thanks, he said simply, his voice low and steady. Just eat. That's enough.
Maya blinked, momentarily taken aback by his tone. J-just eat? she repeated, unsure if he meant it casually or seriously. Caleb didn't answer, his attention fully on the pan, moving with the same steady precision that had caught her off guard before.
After a few minutes, Caleb placed a dish of food in front of Maya on the table. Here you go, he said, his voice calm, almost detached.
Maya looked down at the dish. The food was arranged beautifully, almost like something a professional chef would make. She wanted to praise him, to say something—but she didn't. Instead, she just stared, a small flicker of awe crossing her expression.
Maya took a bite of the food. Her eyes sparkle with surprise as the flavors hit her. She hadn't expected it to taste this good. She froze for a moment, caught between wanting to say something and remembering Caleb's words—so she stayed silent, letting the taste speak for itself.
Caleb stood silently nearby, watching her without a word.
Maya took a careful bite, then quickly composed herself. Nice, she said casually, hiding any real reaction. After a moment, she looked up. Where's your plate?
I'm not hungry, Caleb replied coolly. Without another word, he turned and went back to the couch, picking up his book as if nothing had happened.
Maya watched him for a moment, the faintest flicker of amusement crossing her eyes before she returned to her food. Maya took her time, quietly enjoying the food. Caleb stayed on the couch, absorbed in his book, paying her no mind. The room was calm, filled only with the soft sounds of her eating and the turning of pages.
After sometime,
Maya finished washing the dishes and arranging the supplies, making sure everything was neat and in place.
Caleb closed his book and rose from the couch, moving to straighten the sofa. He adjusted the cushions with careful precision, his movements deliberate and controlled.
Maya paused, watching him for a moment, a flicker of curiosity in her eyes. Are you going to sleep over here? she asked, curiosity and surprise in her voice.
Caleb didn't look up. Yes, he said simply, calm and matter-of-fact, as if there was no need for further explanation.
Maya didn't say anything. She turned and walked to her room, closing the door softly behind her.
She lay down on the bed, staring at the ceiling, mind racing. Why is he so determined to help me? He has a huge mansion… yet he's staying here on the couch?
Her chest tightened slightly, and her heart started beating faster. Why did it flutter like that when I saw him? Why do I feel… something whenever he's near?
She hugged the blanket around her, trying to push the thoughts away, but they lingered stubbornly, leaving her restless in the quiet room.
Meanwhile, Caleb had settled on the couch, eyes closing for a moment, letting the quiet of the room wash over him. His hands rested loosely on his lap, the book he had been reading now set aside.
The soft hum of the house filled the space, and for the first time that evening, his expression softened just slightly, though his posture remained composed, alert.
Outside her room, the house was still. Inside, Maya's thoughts swirled, and on the couch, Caleb rested, both caught in their own silent worlds, separated by only a few steps yet feeling miles apart.
End of Episode 15.