Nicole lay back for only a moment before curiosity pulled her upright again. She pushed herself off the bed and began to wander the room slowly, fingertips gliding along the cool silver edges of the furniture as if she needed the tactile proof that this wasn't a dream. The lavender walls weren't overwhelming or flashy—they were soft, soothing, the exact shade she'd always gravitated toward without ever realizing it. Even the curtains felt intentional: sheer white panels layered beneath heavier lavender drapes embroidered with delicate silver thread that shimmered faintly when she brushed past them.
She drifted toward the window and parted the curtains. Below her, the estate unfolded like something lifted straight from a storybook—winding stone paths disappearing into greenery, flowering arches dusted with color, a fountain sparkling as sunlight danced across its surface. Birds flitted between feeders without fear, as though this place existed in its own quiet world, untouched by chaos.
I could breathe here, Nicole thought, her shoulders relaxing for the first time in days.
Her gaze eventually returned to the bed, where the note lay neatly beside the ring box. She picked it up again, reading it more slowly this time, letting each word settle. Her chest tightened—not with panic, but with something warm and unsettlingly tender. When she opened the ring box, the diamond caught the light instantly, scattering it across the walls like fragments of stars. It wasn't ostentatious. It was elegant. Thoughtful. Chosen.
Her hand trembled as she slid it back onto her finger, watching how perfectly it fit.
"Wow…" she whispered, the word barely louder than her breath.
A soft knock interrupted the quiet.
"Yes?" Nicole called, quickly straightening.
The door opened to reveal Alex, accompanied by the two servants she'd seen earlier. Alex's posture was respectful but warm, her lavender uniform pristine.
"May we come in, my lady?" she asked gently.
Nicole nodded. "Of course. And please—Nicole is fine."
The first servant stepped forward, tall and composed, with warm brown skin and steady eyes that missed nothing. He bowed politely.
"I'm Daniel," he said. "I oversee household logistics and security. If there's anything you need arranged, adjusted, or changed, you may come to me directly."
Beside him stood a woman with a fuller figure and kind eyes that crinkled when she smiled. Her dark hair was braided neatly over one shoulder.
"I'm Rosa," she said warmly. "I assist with daily household needs and personal requests. It's an honor to meet you."
Nicole felt a flicker of nerves, but their sincerity eased her almost immediately. "It's really nice to meet you both."
Alex watched her closely, relief softening her features. "Everyone has been eager for your arrival," she said. "Mr. Gu Sean spoke very highly of you."
Nicole blinked. "He did?"
Rosa smiled knowingly. "Very highly."
Heat crept up Nicole's cheeks.
"Your belongings have all been placed according to Alex's instructions," Daniel added. "If anything feels out of place, we'll fix it immediately."
Nicole glanced around once more, overwhelmed in the best possible way. "Thank you. Truly. You've all been so kind."
Alex gave a small curtsy. "We're happy to serve you, my lady."
As they turned to leave, Rosa paused at the door and looked back at Nicole, her expression gentle but sincere. "You're very beautiful," she said simply. "And not just in appearance. This house feels… brighter."
Nicole stood frozen for a moment after they left, her hand drifting to her chest.
What is happening to my life?
A soft laugh escaped her as the tension finally melted from her body. She kicked off her shoes, curled up on the bed, and stared up at the ceiling where the skylight framed drifting clouds. For the first time in a long while, she didn't feel like she was barely holding on.
She felt like she was arriving.
Down the hall, Alex leaned briefly against the wall after closing the door, exhaling quietly.
"She's stunning," Rosa murmured.
"And kind," Daniel added. "No arrogance. No fear."
Alex nodded slowly. "I think… she's exactly what this house needed."
⸻
Nicole's laughter echoed softly through the room as she spun once more, the hem of her clothes fluttering before she collapsed back onto the plush bed, arms spread wide. The mattress dipped beneath her, soft and welcoming, as though it had been waiting for her all along. She stared up at the skylight, watching pale clouds drift lazily across the afternoon sky.
This is real, she thought, chest rising with a shaky breath. I'm really here.
A gentle knock sounded at the door.
She sat up quickly just as it opened. Gu Sean stood in the doorway, posture relaxed yet composed, hands tucked casually into his pockets. His gaze softened the instant it landed on her—on the light in her eyes, the faint flush in her cheeks, the unguarded happiness she hadn't tried to hide.
"Welcome home," he said quietly. "I hope you liked the gifts."
For a heartbeat, neither of them moved. The air between them felt thick, charged with something unspoken—gratitude, curiosity, and a pull neither of them was ready to name.
Nicole smiled, wide and genuine. Before she could overthink it, she crossed the room and wrapped her arms around him.
Gu Sean stiffened in surprise—only briefly—before instinct took over. His arms came up, resting lightly at her back, careful, restrained, as if holding her too tightly might shatter the moment. The scent of her shampoo—clean, soft—settled around him, unfamiliar yet strangely grounding.
"Oh—" Nicole froze, realization crashing in. She pulled back quickly, face burning. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to— I just— thank you. Everything is perfect."
Her words tumbled out in a rush as she clasped her hands together, trying to regain her composure.
A flicker of amusement crossed Gu Sean's face, subtle but unmistakable. "I'm glad," he said simply. "You deserve to feel comfortable here."
He gave a small nod and stepped back. "Rest tonight. Tomorrow will be… busy."
After he left, Nicole stood still, heart pounding, replaying the brief contact over and over. She pressed a hand to her chest, breathing slowly.
Get it together, she told herself. This is just a contract.
But the way her pulse refused to settle betrayed her.
⸻
Later that evening, Gu Sean paused outside his study, leaning back against the closed door as he allowed himself a rare moment of stillness. The echo of her laughter lingered in his mind, warming something deep in his chest he'd long kept guarded.
She's here, he thought. She's safe.
For the first time since agreeing to this arrangement, he wasn't thinking about contracts, expectations, or appearances.
He was thinking about tomorrow.
And the quiet, undeniable tension now living between them—fragile, electric, and impossible to ignore.