Bella stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the sleeve of her soft blue top. The morning felt normal - too normal. But her mind kept drifting back to yesterday.
Alex's calm refusal.
She sighed. "He's impossible..."
Still, she smiled faintly. He had always been like that - careful, protective, never harsh. She grabbed her bag and stepped out of her room.
Downstairs, the dining table was already prepared. Alex sat at the head, reading the newspaper, coffee untouched beside him.
"Good morning, big brother," she said, taking her seat.
He folded the newspaper immediately. "Good morning. You're going out?"
"Yes. I'm meeting my friend from college."
His eyes lingered on her for a second longer than usual. "Driver will take you."
"I can go by myself," she replied lightly.
"No."
The word was calm... but final.
Bella pouted slightly. "You never change."
"I don't need to," he answered, tone neutral.
She ate quietly, used to this routine. He didn't stop her from going out - he just made sure she was never alone.
After breakfast, she stood near the door. "I'll be back by evening."
He nodded. "Call me if you need anything."
"I always do."
She left with a small wave.
Alex watched the door long after she disappeared.
Only when he heard the car engine fade did he speak.
"Two cars. Keep distance," he said quietly.
A man near the hallway nodded. "Yes, sir."
Alex's fingers tapped slowly against the table. "She shouldn't notice," he muttered, almost to himself.
Evening came.
Bella returned home, cheerful, talking about her day. Alex listened quietly, occasionally nodding. To her, everything felt safe... controlled... warm.
later that night, something darker stirred.
He walked toward a hidden panel behind his massive bookcase in the study. With a subtle press, the panel clicked, revealing a narrow staircase leading downward.
The secret room was dimly lit, walls covered with hundreds of photographs of bella and also someone else- her studying, laughing, cooking, even moments she didn't know she was being watched.
Along one wall, dozens of TV screens displayed live feeds from cameras hidden throughout the mansion - every room, every corridor.
Alex stepped forward, fingers brushing over her photo on the desk. A soft smile flickered, but his eyes were cold, possessive.
"She wants to work..." he murmured, voice low, almost a growl.
He sat in the leather chair, scanning the screens. Every movement she made, every breath, every tiny smile - it was all his.
A guard appeared at the top of the stairs, voice cautious. "Sir, the Malfuai movement increased near the port."
Alex's expression hardened instantly.
"Keep watch," he said quietly.
"Yes, sir."
He turned back to the screens, watching her asleep upstairs.
"...No one comes near her," he murmured, possessiveness lacing each word.
The room was silent except for the quiet hum of the monitors. Peaceful on the surface... dangerous underneath.