"If you stand there any longer, I might have to charge you rent," Ross teased, breaking the silence as Liz stood frozen in the doorway, her wide eyes scanning the grand room like she'd stepped into a palace for the first time.
She blinked and turned to him, startled. "I… I've never seen a house like this before."
Ross raised an eyebrow, smirking slightly. "If you keep staring, you'll never get to see the rest of it." Before she could respond, he bent down and scooped her into his arms with ease.
"W-what are you doing?" she stammered, her voice laced with surprise.
"Helping you move," Ross said casually. "You looked like you'd be standing there all day."
Liz remained silent as he carried her, too stunned to protest. He crossed the wide corridor and stepped into a cozy but elegant bedroom, setting her down gently on the plush bed.
"This is your room," Ross said, stepping back and gesturing around the space. "Feel free to ask the servants for anything you need. And if you want to step outside, just let me know."
She nodded, her hands clutching the edge of the bed as her eyes darted around the room. Everything felt so surreal, like she was caught in a dream she couldn't wake from.
As Ross turned to leave, her voice stopped him. "Wait… you didn't tell me your name."
He glanced over his shoulder, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Ross. Dale El Ross. I'll let someone know to bring you food."
She smiled softly, her lips barely moving. "Thank you, Ross."
A knock at the door interrupted the moment. Ross opened it to reveal his mother, Eliana, who walked in with an air of authority.
"How are you feeling, dear?" Eliana asked, her sharp eyes assessing Liz.
She stood up abruptly, wobbled slightly, and Eliana pulled her back down. "No need to strain yourself. Sit."
Liz obeyed, sitting back on the bed. "I… I'm fine, thank you."
Eliana's expression softened. "Do you remember how you ended up in the sea?"
Emma's face fell, her brows furrowing. "In the sea? No…I don't think I do. My head's blank.."
Eliana sighed, pulling out a folder. "The doctors say you have memory loss. It happens sometimes with trauma. You don't remember your name either?"
Liz bit her lip, looking at her hands. "I… I don't even remember my name. Ross called me Emma."
Eliana's sharp gaze lit up with amusement. "He did, did he?" She smiled faintly. "Then Emma it is."
Liz nodded, relieved.
Eliana stood and clapped her hands lightly. "Now, let's get you something to wear and take you shopping. You'll need more than just that hospital gown."
Liz's face lit up, but before she could respond, Eliana's expression shifted. "Actually… Ross should take you shopping."
Ross, who had been leaning against the doorframe, straightened. "Why me?"
Eliana smirked, giving him a knowing look. "Why not? You know the best places to take a lady shopping. Go on, get dressed."
Ross sighed dramatically but turned to leave.
He came back all dressed and escorted her to the car pack, then told her to get in.
"Thank you." Liz mentioned slightly, appreciative.
A short while later, Ross pulled the car up to the largest and most exclusive mall in the area. Liz's eyes widened as they stepped into the V.I.P. section, her gaze darting to the price tags on the dresses.
"This is too much," she whispered, clutching her hands nervously.
Ross, noticing her discomfort, began picking dresses off the racks without hesitation. "Casual, formal, party…" he muttered, stacking a variety of outfits in her arms.
When he stopped in front of the lingerie section, Liz froze as he said bluntly, "Pick your underwear yourself."
Her cheeks turned crimson. "I… I can manage," she stammered, unable to meet his eyes.
Ross smirked but said nothing, moving on to pay for their items.
On the drive back, Ross received a call. His jaw tightened as the voice on the other end barked. His knuckles whitened as he gripped the wheel.
When the call ended, his mood had soured completely. He didn't speak to Liz and when they reached the house, he slammed the car door shut and stormed inside, leaving her standing there with the shopping bags still in the car.
Liz hesitated before running to her room, her heart pounding. She had no idea what had angered Ross so much, but the tension was so obvious.
Eliana found her sitting on the edge of her bed. "What happened?"
Emma shook her head. "I don't know. He got a call, and it seemed to upset him."
Eliana sighed, signaling for the servants to bring in the shopping bags. "Don't worry about Ross. He'll cool off. Come, try one of your new dresses for dinner."
***
That evening, Liz joined them at the table, dressed in a simple yet elegant dress Ross had chosen. She noticed Ross staring at her, his gaze lingering even as she fidgeted uncomfortably.
"You look nice," Eliana said with a warm smile. "But I think I'll head to bed early tonight." She rose and left, leaving Liz and Ross alone.
Liz stood up quickly. "I… I should go too…."
Ross cut her off. "We don't waste food in this house."
She froze, glancing at the plate Eliana had left untouched. "But… your mother didn't finish either."
"That's none of your business," Ross said sharply. "Sit down and finish your food."
Liz reluctantly obeyed, forcing down the last bites. The tension in the room was unbearable, and by the time she finished, her hands were trembling.
As she stood to leave, the wine she had been sipping hit her all at once. Her legs wobbled, and she found herself leaning against Ross for support.
"You're drunk," he muttered, picking her up effortlessly.
Liz, her head spinning, mumbled, "You're heartless, Ross… treated me so badly all through the day…"
Ross couldn't help but laugh softly. "Heartless? You're the one crying all over me."
She pushed at him weakly, causing him to stumble and fall over her on the floor. Their bodies locked together, and for a moment, Ross froze, his gaze, on her face.
She was beautiful, hauntingly so. Without thinking, he kissed her. To his surprise, she kissed him back, her lips soft and eager.
When he pulled away, guilt and curiosity mingled in his mind. "What kind of life did you live before ending up in the sea?" he murmured gently, brushing a strand of hair from her face. He carried her into the room and laid her on the bed.
Liz's eyes fluttered closed, and her hand reached out to stop him as he tried to leave. "Don't go…" she whispered.
Ross hesitated, then sat beside her, watching her fall into a deep sleep.
At breakfast the next morning, Liz avoided Ross's gaze as tension was rising between them.
Eliana broke the silence, smiling brightly. "Emma, I've decided you'll work with us at the Dale Company. Ross will train you."
Liz blinked in surprise. "Can't someone else do it?"
Ross, lost in her beauty, didn't hear the question right away, his thoughts elsewhere as he stared at her.