Emily’s POV:

After getting dressed, I made my way downstairs, my stomach growling. Alexander had already left for work, which meant I didn’t have to face him after last night. Last night.

Heat flooded my face as the memories rushed in. The way his hands had owned my body. The way I had let him. The way I had liked it.

I shook my head violently. No. I wasn’t myself last night. It was just the situation. The fear. The confusion.

I needed to focus. I needed to escape.

So, I decided to take a tour of the mansion. One of the guards told me not to open any locked doors. Weird. What was behind them?

First, I visited the pool area, and oh my God.

It was beautiful—huge, shimmering blue, surrounded by sleek black tiles and glass walls. It looked straight out of a billionaire’s dream. I swallowed hard. How rich is this guy?

Then, I found the main living room—dark aesthetic, floor-to-ceiling windows, and silence so deep it felt like the house itself was watching me. It was massive, built like a place meant for a king.

And a king he was.

I tried not to think about that as I explored more. One side of the estate stretched into a dense forest. The other led to the main entrance, guarded like a fortress but surrounded by a garden.

I sat on the grass, breathing in the fresh air. It felt like a cruel joke—this mansion, this beauty. A gilded cage was still a cage.

At least the maid from yesterday wasn’t around. I wasn’t in the mood for her insults.

By the time I finished my little tour, my stomach reminded me that I hadn’t eaten. I wandered into the kitchen, surprised to find it empty. No maids. No staff. Just me.

For once, I could cook without someone yelling at me.

Even though my left hand was slightly burned, I managed to make tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich. Actually, I made two—maybe someone would join me. But the only people around were guards, and they looked terrifying.

Still, I decided to take a chance. I turned to the closest one—a tall, bulky guy with a permanent scowl.

“Umm… hi. Would you like some food?”

He looked at me like I had just spoken another language. Then, without a word, he shook his head.

Guess that’s a no.

I ate in silence, then took the second sandwich with me to the garden.

The flowers here were small but vibrant, swaying gently in the breeze. I never had time to enjoy nature before. Maybe because I never had time for anything that wasn’t survival.

Then, suddenly—I heard a bark.

I tensed. My heart pounded. A dog?

I turned, expecting some terrifying beast, but instead—two dogs. A tiny one and a bigger one. The bigger one was quickly led away by a guard, leaving me alone with the little one.

He stared at me with big, round eyes.

I stared back.

Was he dangerous? Would he bite?

As if reading my thoughts, the tiny dog took a few steps toward me.

“Hi, sugar plum,” I whispered. “I’m Emily. Aren’t you cute?”

He just kept staring—then his gaze flickered to the sandwich in my hand.

“Oh, you’re hungry?” I hesitated. “Can dogs eat cheese?”

I wasn’t sure, but I took a chance, tearing off a small piece and offering it to him. He sniffed it, then took it from my hand.

And just like that, I was in love.

After finishing the sandwich, he cautiously stepped closer. My heart pounded. Would he trust me? Slowly, I extended my hand, letting him sniff.

Then—he licked it.

A laugh bubbled out of me.

“Oh my God, you trust me?” My voice dropped into a whisper. “You’re so cute.”

I picked him up carefully, placing him in my lap. He let out a tiny, content sigh, curling up against me. My fingers stroked through his soft fur, and he purred in response.

I hadn't felt warmth like this in a long, long time.

I had a dog once—when I was eight. He only lived for five months before he died. After my parents died, the orphanage never allowed pets, and I never had the money to get one after that.

But now…

“You need a name,” I murmured. “Hmm… your fur is white, your eyes are blue… and you came into my life in the middle of a storm.”

I smiled softly.

“How about… Storm? Or maybe… Snow Storm.”

He nuzzled against me, as if agreeing.

Later, I decided to take a nap, but I didn’t want to leave Storm outside.

“Can I take him inside?” I asked a guard hesitantly.

He just shrugged. Do these guys even talk?

Taking that as a yes, I picked up my new little companion and carried him inside.

After changing into my pajamas, I laid on the bed, curling up with Storm. He nestled against me, warm and soft. I felt… safe.

For the first time in a while, I forgot about escaping.

Tomorrow, I told myself before sleep claimed me.

Later That Night:

When I woke up, the bed was cold.

Storm wasn’t there.

Panic shot through me as I sat up, scanning the room. My door was open. Did someone take him?

I rushed into the hallway, my heart racing. Then, I spotted him at the far end—his tiny body disappearing around a corner.

“Storm!” I called, running after him.

But as I turned the corner, I slammed into something solid.

A wall.

No.

Not a wall.

A man.

Strong hands caught me by the waist before I could fall. The air between us thickened, and I knew without looking who it was.

Slowly, I lifted my head—straight into dark, stormy eyes.

Alexander.

I opened my mouth, but nothing came out.

“What are you doing, koetonek?” His voice was deep, slow, dangerous.

I swallowed hard. “I—I was chasing Storm.”

Something shifted in his expression. His grip tightened. His rage was instant.

“Who the fuck is Storm?”

I flinched at the sharpness of his voice. My eyes filled with tears as I weakly pointed to the ground.

Storm stood by my feet, wagging his tail.

Alexander followed my gaze, and for a second, he was silent. Then—he let out a slow, low chuckle.

“So, my little one got herself a dog,” he murmured.

I hesitated. “I—I found him in the garden. Can I keep him? Please?”

For a moment, he just stared at me. Then, he leaned in, his nose grazing my neck. I shivered.

“Hmm,” he mused. “You can keep him. But…”

He tilted my chin up, his voice dropping to a whisper.

“What do I get in return, koetonek?”

I swallowed. “What… what do you want?”

His lips brushed against my ear.

“You,” he whispered. “Your mind. Your body. Your soul.”

And just like that, my heart was in my throat.



Pool area:



Living room:



Main entrance:



2 living room:



Shower:



Presenting y'all snow storm:

Hey, lovely readers!

So, what do you think of the story so far? I added some pictures because I love having visuals—it helps bring everything to life! If you’re enjoying the book, make sure to vote and comment… or else I’ll curse you. Haha, just kidding (or am I?).

Jokes aside, your comments mean the world to me! They keep me motivated, and I love hearing your thoughts.

Also, I chose a baby husky because, well… I freaking love them. I mean, who can resist those fluffy little troublemakers?

This is my first story, so go easy on me! I may seem like solid steel, but my heart is made of glass (ಥ⁠_⁠ಥ). Feel free to correct my mistakes, but be gentle, okay?

That’s all for now! Love you all!

XOXO, 💋