"You won't be locked up."
"You're safe," she repeated, as if trying to convince herself.
Alia whispered to herself as she hugged her arms around her body while she slowly slid to the floor, and tears began to flow.
After crying her eyes swollen, she slowly headed to her bed with shaky legs, and she eventually went to sleep amidst her whispers.
Meanwhile, Cosimo thought the gaze of the girl from earlier was weird, after which he pushed it to the back of his mind.
Cosimo slowly swirled the cup of wine in his hands while he glanced at the people dancing below. He continued drinking for some time, after which the manager was called in to give details about the bar. Cosimo only returned by dawn, where he went directly to take a bath.
After that, he lay in his bed and drifted straight to sleep.
I was woken up the next morning by the bright light of sun rays passing through the small gaps in the curtains, landing exactly on my face.
After blinking for some seconds to make sure my eyes were accustomed to the brightness, I went directly to the bathroom to freshen up and brush my teeth.
After this, I went downstairs for breakfast. "Tap, tap," my slippers echoed as I climbed down the stairs, heading towards the dining area, only to be greeted with just food, and Cosimo was nowhere to be found.
The housekeeper noticed me looking around as I searched for him, and she said, "The Master is sleeping in, Madam."
I nodded in understanding and sat down to eat. I just took a few bites before my attachment issues got the better of me, so I left the food and headed to Cosimo's room.
Attachment issues yes, I just noticed it these past few days. I love being with Cosimo, always wanting to follow him wherever he goes, and I noticed that if I did not see him for some minutes, I start getting anxious as if he would leave me.
"Knock!" I knocked gently on the door to his room. After not receiving any reply from him, I opened the door, only to see a human-shaped figure on the bed.
So I approached him, only to see him sleeping soundly. I glanced at his mixed-race face, and I couldn't help tracing my fingers on his face, only for him to open his eyes.
A sharp glint appeared in those hazel eyes, carrying deep murderous intent, which vanished immediately when he saw it was me, making me feel as if it was never there.
"You're awake," a deep, hoarse voice rang out from him, sleep still lingering in it.
I nodded with a pout and got into bed with him, after which he pulled me into his embrace. I said, somewhat aggrieved, "I didn't see you when I went for breakfast. Are you still sleepy?"
"Yes, I could sleep some more," he replied.
"Sleep, I will accompany you," I said, adjusting a little, trying to find a comfortable spot in his embrace, and before I knew it, I fell asleep.
By the time I woke up, I noticed no one was at my side, and I pressed the side of the bed, which had gone cold. It seemed like Cosimo had woken up for a while.
I slowly put on my fluffy slippers and stood up from the bed, which happened to be a great time for my stomach to announce it was empty. "Grrrrr."
I looked down at it and placed my two hands on it as if I was holding it, saying, "I know you are empty, I will go fill you up now."
"Chuckles." A chuckle came from behind me, and I turned to see Cosimo, who was dressed in home wear, laughing.
"What is funny? When this is your fault," I said loudly.
"Of course, my lady. For that, I already told the chef to prepare a feast for you, and if you won't mind, shall we?" he said, trying not to laugh out loud, and this I simply ignored.
Only the thought of the food the chef had made occupied my mind.
After eating, we both sat in the sitting room, with me watching a TV drama while he handled some documents.
Cosimo glanced up from his documents, and a smile appeared in his eyes as he watched the little woman laughing; not too loudly so as not to disturb his work at something funny from the TV, and he felt his heart was complete, and finally, this mansion was beginning to feel like a home.
The warm scene made the old butler feel his eyes grow moist. He felt happy for the young master.
Though I had already agreed to get married to Cosimo, he had not said anything concerning getting the certificate yet, but I could feel we were getting closer as we spent our time together.
And one evening before dinner, Cosimo said, "I have an auction to attend next week. Would you like to go with me?" his voice half-pleading at the end.
"Of course, you know I would go even if you did not ask," I replied with a smile.
"Fine, since that has been concluded, the designer will come to show you some samples tomorrow," he added.
This finally made me lift my head from my phone. "What do I need a dress for? We just got some recently."
"This is for the auction. My baby has to look good, after all," he said as he pulled me into his arms.
I glanced at him and blushed slightly. Then he said in a deep, lazy voice into my ear, "Baby, don't you think I deserve a reward for this?"
This made my ears feel hot, and I did not dare to look into his eyes.
"Baby, don't you want me anymore?" he said with a slightly aggrieved voice.
I couldn't help but look at him, and I saw a glint in his eyes, knowing I had been tricked, but I still pecked his lips.
As I tried to move away from his lips...