Two weeks later, Lisa was finally discharged from the hospital. The process had been a blur, doctors conducting final evaluations, nurses going over medications and recovery instructions, paperwork needing signatures. It felt strange to be leaving, almost as if she were stepping out of one world and into another.
Nina and Abel's mother arrived to take her home. Their presence was familiar now, a comforting contrast to the uncertainty swirling in Lisa's mind. She didn't know what awaited her, but one thing was clear, nothing about Abel's world was simple.
The drive was long and silent. At first, they passed through busy streets filled with life and noise, but as they continued, the scenery shifted. The further they drove, the more distant the ordinary world became. The roads widened, the buildings grew taller, and soon, they were moving through an area that screamed of power and exclusivity.
Lisa stared out the window, taking in the estates that looked more like private kingdoms. Each mansion was a statement, wealth was evident, but there was something more. These weren't just homes of the rich; they belonged to people with influence, control, and secrets.
When they finally arrived, Lisa's breath caught in her throat.
The mansion before her was unlike anything she had ever seen. It wasn't just grand, it was intimidating. High, reinforced walls surrounded the estate, topped with security cameras that tracked every movement. The iron gates slid open soundlessly, controlled by an unseen force. She noticed an intricate emblem on them, something unfamiliar yet commanding.
The car moved up a long, winding driveway paved with dark stone. A massive fountain stood at the center, its cascading water illuminated by golden lights. Beyond it, the mansion towered over everything, its glass windows reflecting the evening sky. But despite its beauty, Lisa couldn't ignore the overwhelming sense of security that loomed over the estate.
Armed guards stood in key positions, their gazes sharp and unyielding. Dogs large, muscular, and trained for protection moved along the perimeter with predatory grace. Lisa's eyes flickered to the barely noticeable surveillance drones hovering in the air, their red sensors flickering as they scanned their surroundings.
This wasn't just security for a wealthy family. This was the kind of protection someone in intelligence or high-level operations would have. And that realization sent a shiver down Lisa's spine.
As the car stopped, a man in a sharp suit stepped forward, an earpiece crackling softly as he exchanged a nod with Abel's mother. He opened Lisa's door, and as she stepped out, the air felt heavier, charged with something she couldn't quite place.
She had seen luxury before. Her parents were well-known, well-connected, and she had grown up attending extravagant parties, surrounded by the elite. But this was different. This wasn't just about wealth; it was about power.
And the thought gnawed at her, had her path ever crossed with Abel's before? It was possible. Their worlds should have overlapped. Yet, she had no memory of him. It didn't make sense. Could their families have known each other? Was this all planned?
She quickly dismissed the idea. If that were the case, her mother wouldn't have reacted with such horror when she learned about Abel. The pain, the fear, it had been too raw, too real. No, there had been no arrangement. Lisa was certain she had never met Abel before.
And yet, she was here. In his world.
She followed Nina and Abel's mother through the entrance, stepping into the main lounge. The interior was breathtaking. The floors were polished marble, reflecting the glow of an enormous crystal chandelier. The walls were lined with paintings, some classic, others abstract, but all carefully curated. The house was elegant, yet it didn't feel like a home. It felt designed to impress, to intimidate.
Lisa barely registered her surroundings. Her mind was tangled in everything that had happened, from the moment she met Abel to the moment she woke up in that hospital bed. The weight of it all pressed down on her, so much so that she didn't hear Nina and Abel's mother speaking.
It wasn't until she felt a hand on her shoulder that she snapped back.
"Are you okay?" Nina's voice was gentle but filled with concern. Lisa realized she had been staring at the framed pictures on the wall without really seeing them.
"Oh, yeah... y-yeah, I'm fine," she said, forcing a chuckle and a small smile to mask her embarrassment. "It's just that the house is so beautiful. I got lost admiring it."
Nina and Abel's mother exchanged a look, relieved. They couldn't afford for Lisa to be upset. Not now.
"Come," Abel's mother said, her voice warm but firm. "Let me show you to your room."
Lisa followed them through the long hallways until they stopped in front of a grand wooden door. She was told only that Nina's room was to the right. No one mentioned the room to the left, and Lisa didn't ask.
When she stepped inside, the scent of vanilla enveloped her. It was soft, soothing, familiar. Her favorite.
Then she noticed the rest of the room.
The decor was exquisite, every detail carefully chosen. But what caught Lisa's attention was how… accommodating it was.
The bed was large and luxurious, but more than that, it had an adjustable headrest, perfect for someone who needed extra support. Plush pillows, including a long, curved maternity pillow, were arranged neatly. A cozy armchair sat by the window, facing a private garden. The nightstand held herbal teas, light snacks, and a humidifier that released a calming aroma.
Even the bathroom was designed for comfort, grip handles in the shower, a cushioned bench, slip-resistant floors.
Lisa's heart pounded. This wasn't just a guest room. It was a room designed for a pregnant woman.
And she hadn't told Abel yet.
Had someone already guessed? Had they known before she even realized it herself?
Her hands trembled slightly as she brushed them over the silk sheets. She tried to push away the unease creeping up her spine.
Then, another thought entered her mind.
Abel's father.
She had never seen him. She had heard that he was someone who cherished his family, that he usually worked from home. But he wasn't here now.
He had something important to take care of.
Lisa frowned. What could be more important than being here? And why did it feel like his absence wasn't just a coincidence?
She needed to clear her head. Without another thought, she made her way to the bathroom.
The space was stunning, marble floors, gold accents, and a rainfall shower that promised comfort. Soft lighting bathed the room in a gentle glow. Lisa turned the water on, letting it reach the perfect warmth before stepping in.
As the water cascaded over her, she felt some of the tension leave her body. She reached for the products neatly arranged on the shelf. Everything was designed for relaxation and safety, hypoallergenic body wash, gentle exfoliating gloves, and a soothing lavender-scented oil meant to ease stress. A stretch-mark prevention cream sat next to a bottle of vitamin-infused shampoo.
She massaged her belly absentmindedly as she lathered the soap, her mind drifting. The scent of chamomile and vanilla filled the air, wrapping around her like a warm embrace. For the first time in what felt like weeks, she allowed herself to breathe.
But as the water ran over her skin, washing away the exhaustion, one thought remained.
No matter how beautiful or comfortable this place was, it wasn't her home.
And she still had no idea what awaited her here.
After the soothing shower, Lisa stepped out, feeling much lighter and more relaxed. The warm water had worked its magic, and the comforting scent of lavender and vanilla lingered around her like a soft cocoon. She dried herself off with a plush towel, the fabric soft against her skin. As she reached for the clothes she had brought with her, she noticed how quiet the house had become, almost too quiet. It felt different here, luxurious, yes, but distant, and somehow, she couldn't shake the unease that had settled in the pit of her stomach.
She slipped into a comfortable outfit, still trying to calm her thoughts. The room, so perfectly designed and serene, couldn't quite erase the nagging feeling that kept surfacing. But there was nothing to do but move forward, she told herself.
Just as she was adjusting the neckline of her top, a soft knock echoed through the room. Lisa turned toward the door, a little startled. She walked over, opened it, and found Nina standing there, smiling warmly.
"Hey, lunch is served," Nina said brightly. "Are you ready to join us at the table?"
Lisa gave a small smile in return, grateful for the distraction. "Yeah, I'm ready. I'll be right there."
Nina nodded and left, her footsteps fading as she walked down the hall. Lisa took a moment to breathe, then followed her, stepping out of the room and back into the grand, silent house. The thought of a meal, something to occupy her mind, felt like the perfect next step. She was still trying to adjust, to make sense of everything, but at least for now, she could follow Nina and take one moment at a time.
When Lisa reached the dining room, she found the table set elegantly, but with a personal touch that made her feel at ease. A large, polished wooden table stretched across the room, its surface gleaming under the soft lighting from a crystal chandelier above. The plates were fine, delicate yet sturdy, with gold accents around the edges.
The centerpiece was a stunning arrangement of fresh flowers, tulips, lilies, and roses, their colors soft and inviting. To the side, there were small bowls of fruit, plump grapes, slices of watermelon, and berries that seemed to glisten with freshness.
Lisa's sweet tooth tingled as she caught sight of the dessert section, freshly baked pastries with glistening sugar glazes, warm chocolate croissants, and a delicate layered cake topped with cream and berries. A plate of honey-drenched baklava rested beside them, and there was even a small selection of macarons in pastel colors.
For the main course, the meal was a balance of light and indulgent. Tender grilled chicken breast with a drizzle of lemon, creamy mashed potatoes, and a vibrant salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced avocado. There were also small dishes of sautéed vegetables, baby carrots and green beans, perfectly cooked. A selection of fresh bread, warm and crusty, was placed beside the meal, with a small dish of butter and herbs.
Lisa's stomach grumbled softly. She hadn't realized how hungry she was. And more than that, how much she needed a break from the mental turmoil of the last few days.
Nina and Abel's mother were already seated, smiling at her as she took a seat. The food smelled divine. For a moment, Lisa allowed herself to forget the mystery of it all—the mansion, Abel's world, the questions that kept circling in her mind. Right now, all she wanted was to enjoy the moment.