II. Hello, Palace.

Faint voices arguing in the back disrupt my sleep.    I look over my shoulder to find the traitor that has ruined my sleep.  My eyes widen when a familiar female comes into my vision.  Her short, slender fingers run through her brunette locks as she glares at the man beside her.  

I’ve seen her somewhere.  I  shake my head, grumbling silently at the growing noise, and turn back to sleep.  Closing my eyes, I let sleep take over me again.  

Wet tears rolled down my cheeks as I watched my mother walk away from me.  What did I do so wrong, I just wanted to show her my new doll and the dress that I had worked hard on.  

It’s alright, she didn’t mean it.  A little voice in my head cooed.  I foolishly believe it, wiping my tears away as I stand back up to pick my broken doll and her torn dress.  She was just in a bad mood, I nodded at my words as I put the doll back in the drawer.

“Miss Rosa, Mr. Donatella wishes for your presence immediately.” I flinched as the maid shows up.  Shooting her a hard look, I brushed past her only to be pulled back by force.

I hissed in pain as I shot her a look of disbelief.  Her lips curled into a dark smile as her grip on my arm tightened.  “Stop being a brat, Miss Rosa.  You wouldn’t want your mother to be more disappointed in you…” Her eyes were filled with hatred as she blatantly looked down at me thinking I was no better than a rag doll.

Her bony fingers finally left my arm as she patted my head.  “Be a good girl and don’t speak, huh?” She chuckled as I stayed silent not answering her.  

Was I nothing but a disappointment?  Was I pathetic like she says?

I gasped in surprise as she forcefully grabbed my chin.  “Do you understand it?  You pathetic piece of-” 

I take a sharp breath, waking up from the awful dream.  Cold sweat forms on my forehead as I greedily breathe in and out in an attempt to think of something else.  Anything… I groan as I massage my temples desperately to get that image out.  Tears prickle my eyes as my mind takes its sweet time to calm down.  

Mr. Enigma, whom I have shamelessly forgotten, clears his throat.  “Have this, it helps.”  A chocolate bar catches my eyes.  I look up at him and shoot a strained smile, taking it.  “I hope so,” I whisper faintly as my fingers tear open the wrapper and let myself be distracted by something.

And the sweet chocolate does the trick.

Then kicks the stupidity.  I turn my petite frame towards him.  “Are you single, maybe?” My voice turns hopeful as I blink at him expectantly.  What...is wrong with me?  My cheeks flush scarlet when I realize what I’ve done.  

His fingers freeze in the air for a split second before his body rumbles in laughter.  He tilts his head in my direction as a smirk plays on his lips while his magnetic orbs shine in amusement.  

“Yes, I am single.”

*

The window rolls down as I stare at the tall buildings in excitement.  Trees cover the surroundings around them as beautiful flowers decorate the streets. It is a mix of trees and buildings giving this place a cozy and warm look.  Short, classic lamps hang on the posts every ten to fifteen metres.  

Man, this place is pinterest worthy.

My smile widens as the car stops at the gates of my new house.  Alexandria Avenue.  I pull out the printed card containing my information and pass it to the guard on duty.  His eyes skim through the details and hands it back, nodding politely as the gates open.

The cab stops at the entrance as my excitement flips into anxiety.  After paying the driver, I pull my single suitcase towards the stairs, ready to carry it up when a tall male towers me.  My brows scrunch in confusion before my gaze falls on his formal suit.  He must be an employee. 

"How can I help you?" He shoots a bright smile my way as he points to the suitcase.  

"I'll help you with this, if you don't mind…"

"Thank you.  You work here?" He pulls the suitcase effortlessly up the stairs.  The corners of his lips twitch but he doesn't answer.  I frown as I follow him clearly not understanding whatever it is.

The lobby is quite similar to that of an office, especially...oh!  My eyes freeze at the huge logo on the wall.  I stay rooted in front of the wall as the familiar initials warm my insides.  

C and A joined together are displayed on the metal which is the same as the one my only friend has.  "It's another building owned by Ares." I turn to face the kind man.  My cheeks burn in embarrassment as I realize that I left him holding my stuff.

He smiles brightly. "You can just leave it here.  I'll take it from you." I ramble as I smile awkwardly trying to pull my suitcase and he chuckles, not budging.  "It's alright, I don't mind." I nod, still looking unsure and totally embarrassed.  

The two of us stride up to the reception.  A male and a female greet us 'morning' I glance above my shoulder as realization sinks in.  How could I be so stupid?  The kind man lives here and is so not an employee.  He winks at me as I giggle nervously, looking away.  

I should just dig myself a grave and hide forever.

"Here is your card, Miss. Have a great day." The female smiles as she gives a small, rectangular card to me.  It is blue and white and is similar to a credit card.

The kind guy helps me to the elevator and is extremely nice to even show me to my new house.  We don't see such men nowadays, do we?  

My heart speeds up when I realize the man hasn't left.  I look up through my lashes to find him looking at me in amusement.  Oh my god, he is a kidnapper. 

No wonder…I step back in caution as my face pales.  What did I just do? 

"Hello roommate"

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