Chapter 14:
Chapter 14
His question left me at a loss for words, the explanation I d prepared lodged uncomfortably in my throat.
I finally mumbled, “But my reputation isn’t good. Staying here might bring trouble to you.”
I avoided his gaze, staring fixedly at my toes, the weight of his silent scrutiny pressing down on me.
After a long pause, a soft sigh escaped him. “Don’t overthink it. Come Inside. I’ll make sure you’re settled.”
He turned and walked ahead. 1 hesitated for a moment before trailing after him.
+26 BONUS
The house was quiet, the staff moving about with practice efficiency.
There was an inexplicable sense of comfort here. Unlike Julian’s cold, lifeless villa, this place brimmed with traces of lived–in warmuth.
The slightly peeling wooden bookshelves, the western–style fireplace with its edges scorched from well–worn but impeccably maintained leather sofa all spoke of a home steeped in history and care.
use, and the
I sat on the sofa, awkwardly waiting as Miles went upstairs to change. My mind felt blank, incapable of processing.
Had I really left Julian’s suffocating grip so easily?
When Miles returned, he had changed into a light gray loungewear set. The tailored pants emphasized his long legs, while the loose top gave him an easy, approachable alt. His broad shoulders and tapered waist hinted at an understated strength.
Somehow, he looked even more striking than when he was in a suit. The soft outfit seemed to amplify his gentle aura as if he were surrounded by a subtle halo of light.
I stared at him, completely forgetting how to form words.
Miles met my gaze, his eyes warm and calm, like the first days of spring.
“Are you tired?” he asked softly..
I shook my head..
Seated across from me, he gestured lightly around the room and said, “This is the family’s ancestral home. It’s a bit old–fashioned, but there’s plenty of room.”
He paused for a moment before continuing. “My parents are still on holiday in Swissland, and my two younger brothers are abroad as well. The girl you met earlier, Kira, is my cousin. She’s been staying in the city for the past two months, working with a professor to prepare for the art program at Riverdale University.”
Hearing this only made me feel more awkward. “Miles, I’m fine. Really… I’ll just stay one night, and then I’ll leave. Honestly, I can manage on my own. I could even book a hotel…”
It hit me then–1 actually had several options. Yet, somehow, I had followed Miles back to his home without a second thought. The realization was mortifying.
my
It felt as though I had just exposed my own vulnerabilities, and I cringed inwardly.
Miles chuckled softly. “I can’t let you stay alone in a hotel. Dr. Reed made it clear that you need three days of therapy and additional hospital tests. For now, you’ll stay here.”
He paused, then added, “If this arrangement makes you uncomfortable, I can find another place for you.”
+20 BONUS
I quickly shook my head. “No, nol 1 Hle it here. I really do.
And just like that, my face flushed bright red again.
Miles studied me intently, a gentle simile tugging at his lips “Eve, why do you blush so much?”
1 cupped my cheeks, lowering my gaze. “I don’t know. Maybe it’s because I woke up with memory loss. In my mind, I’m still a freshman in college.
Back then, I was just eighteen, naïve and impressionable, barely navigating the beginnings of adulthood.
At that age, I wouldn’t have had a clue how to interact with someone as remarkable as Miles.
Even dealing with Julian–despite everything–often left out of my depth.
The seven–year gap in my memory had robbed me of any adult finesse or composure.
Now, at twenty–five, I felt like a blank slate, my emotional Intelligence stuck in an adolescent limbo. Miles seemed to contemplate this for a moment. “So, you only remember everything before you turned eighteen. And after that?”
I sighed, exasperated. “It’s all gone. I really don’t remember anything.
I stared at him, almost pleading. “Miles… do you believe me?”
I held my breath, terrified of even a second’s hesitation on his part.
For some reason, I felt like if Miles hesitated for even a fraction of a second, I’d be deeply hurt.
After all, apart from Dolly, he was the only person who’d shown me kindness since I lost my memory.
Miles nodded firmly. “I believe you.”
His smile was like snow melting in the first warmth of spring. “Woody always believes in you, Eve.” His words made me smile, and my eyes grew warm with emotion.
Sensing my mood, Miles didn’t give me the chance to dwell on it. Instead, he called me to dinner.
The dinner prepared by the Wynns‘ staff was simple yet satisfying. There was fish, meat, and even a classic tomato and egg stir–fry–nothing like the extravagant feasts I’d imagined.
I ate heartily; after all, I’d gone the entire day without a proper meal.
Miles, as expected, ate with impeccable manners. He alternated between two bites of pasta and a bite of vegetables, occasionally sipping his soup. He made no sound while eating and didn’t try to make conversation either.
Halfway through my meal, I realized that Kira hadn’t come downstairs to join us.
I wanted to ask about her but hesitated, unsure if it was my place. I glanced at Miles, but he seemed completely unconcerned.
Unbothered and at his usual unhurried pace, he finished his meal, then moved to the living room to browse through some newspapers and magazines.
Not wanting to lag behind, I hurriedly finished my food and followed him.
Miles looked up. “Had enough to eat?”
Chapter 14
→ +25 BONUS
I nodded and asked cautiously, “What about Kira? It isn’t good for her to skip dinner,”
Miles chuckled lightly. “She’s old enough to know when she’s hungry. If she gets hungry, she’ll come down and find something to eat. You don’t need to worry about her.”
With that, he instructed the staff to prepare a room for me and fetch some clothes.
After giving his instructions, Miles turned to me and sald, “tiet some rest tonight. Tomorrow at eight, I’ll take you to the hospital for your checkup.”
1 quickly stood up, “I can go on my own tomorrow.”
Miles glanced at me, his tone firm. “No. I said I’d take you, so I will.”
Before I could argue further, he picked up his phone and began making work–related calls, leaving me no room to object.
With a resigned sigh, I followed the staff upstairs.
The Wynn estate certainly lived up to
into at least ten rooms on either sis reputation. I was led to the third floor, where a long hallway branched
My jaw dropped.
Even in the fragmented memories of my family’s home, nothing came close to this level of grandeur. Was I now inside one of those legendary mansions of old–money families?
It was clear the Wynn family stood leagues above Julian’s more modern, business–focused wealth. Julian might be considered a rising star in Riverdale, but compared to Miles established legacy, his assets felt like a mere fraction. The staff politely escorted me to the guest room, and when they opened the door, I froze in astonishment.
This wasn’t just a guest room–it was a luxurious, self–contained suite.
To the left of the entrance was a spacious bathroom. Farther in, a modestly sized walk–in closet led to the main bedroom, which featured an enormous king–sized bed.
Across from the bed was a separate washroom complete with a gleaming bathtub.
The room itself exuded warmth, designed with soft tones and understated elegance. The wooden floors had a natural grain, the walls were adorned with white and pale–yellow wallpaper, and the bed, made from solid oak, added a timeless touch of Western craftsmanship.
Chapter 15:
Chapter 15
