GIANNA RAINE
I stayed quiet the entire journey from the D.G.. Airways building to the De Graaf mansion. The huge mansion sat atop Appalachian ridges, overlooking the ocean. Even from a distance, I could already see it.
"Welcome to our humble home," Stone said as we entered the house.
He spoke to his staff and had them bring in my luggage. They moved quickly since my bags arrived before I did.
I wandered around the living room, taking in every piece of furniture I could see.
Every corner of the house screamed wealth-marble floors, gold accents, and crystal decorations. These were just a few of the things that caught my eye.
I stopped in front of a large painting. It was one of the last pieces by a famous artist, also very expensive. I never expected to see it in Stone's home.
How wealthy is he?
Their family symbol also caught my attention. I wasn't sure if I'd seen it before, but the De Graaf family must be well-known. I simply didn't care much before. I just never expected someone living as Elliott to have such an extravagant life.
"Miss Gianna..."
I turned to Stone when he called me. Luckily, I'm getting used to calling him Stone instead of his other persona.
"This is Inez. She will assist you to your room. Your luggage is already there."
Inez smiled at me when Stone introduced her.
"Nice to meet you, Miss Gianna. If you need anything, you can call me anytime."
I simply nodded, then looked back at Stone. "I will pay for my stay here. Just tell me how much I owe."
Stone's eyes widened before he laughed. "Miss Gianna, I'm not letting you stay here to make you pay. You can stay for free. I don't need money-"
I immediately interrupted him. "No, thanks. I will pay, even if there's no money involved. I don't want to be a freeloader, especially since I can afford a hotel. If you don't agree with me, I'll leave now and return to my hotel."
When Stone shrugged, I knew he wouldn't argue with me.
"Just tell me what you want."
Stone raised his eyebrows, and that mischievous smile returned to his lips before he spoke.
"I want?"
I nodded. "Just tell me what you want in exchange for letting me stay here, and I will grant it."
Since he said he didn't need money, there must be something else he wants. I'll be the one to give it to him.
Stone smiled slightly, waiting for my response.
Stone smiled at me, but there was something unusual about his smile.
"Next time, Miss. Maybe I'm not ready for what I want-I mean, I'm not sure yet. I need to think about it carefully."
I just nodded and looked at Inez. I followed her to my room, thinking I should rest.
I glanced back at the first floor and saw Stone talking to a few men. He looked up at me. I didn't look away and met his gaze. Stone smiled and waved at me.
I entered the room. The guest room is spacious and beautiful. It had its own bathroom, closet, and almost everything I would need.
"If you need anything, you can ring the bell, Miss," Inez said, pointing to it. "Or you can use the intercom."
She excused herself and left me alone. I walked over to my luggage and noticed it was already gone. Inside the closet, my clothes were neatly arranged.
I wasn't sure how long I would stay here-days, weeks, maybe even months. Either way, I didn't have enough clothes. I'd need to buy more, but for now, these would do.
I picked a black shirt and pants to change into. Most of my clothes were black, white, gray, or red. I rarely wore the white ones.
I entered the bathroom, cleaned up, and got dressed.
I lay down on the bed, staring at the ceiling. I hated having favors done for me. I didn't know why I agreed to Stone's request to stay here or maybe it's because I needed to watch and observe him. That's why I insisted on paying for my stay.
I wasn't sure if I could trust him, that he truly didn't know about what happened that night or if he was pretending to avoid a possible responsibility. It is also possible he isn't the one who got me pregnant.
I needed to find out soon. There were moments from that night that left me with a strange feeling.
I closed my eyes and finally felt my exhaustion. I shouldn't push myself too hard right now, not only for myself but also for the baby I'm carrying.
When I woke up, I felt hungry but at the same time, I wanted to throw up.
I stepped out of my room. Should I go to the kitchen and cook my own food? I knew how to cook. Since I am not in my own home, I shouldn't ask anyone to serve me, even if Stone had instructed them to.
As I descended the stairs, one of the house staff saw me. Their eyes widened, and they quickly grabbed a bell and rang it.
I also saw Inez, who politely bowed her head to me.
"Hello, Miss Gianna," they greeted.
Inez stood before me, a sweet smile still on her lips.
"I was thinking of going to the kitchen," I said.
Inez nodded at me. "You can go straight to the dining hall, Miss Gianna. We've prepared everything you might need."
They led me there, and I was greeted by a spread of food so abundant it looked like it was meant for a large crowd.
It was like a feast.
"Sir Stone instructed us to prepare everything for you, Miss Gianna. He thought you might be hungry when you woke up. You can tell us if there's anything you don't like."
They seated me at the dining chair. I am still overwhelmed by the amount of food in front of me.
"Where's Stone?" I asked, noticing the cheesecake. For some reason, my mouth watered at the sight of it.
I almost gobbled it up instantly.
Inez probably noticed my gaze, so she signaled one of the staff to bring me a slice.
"Our chef prepared this cheesecake specially suitable for pregnant women, Miss Gianna. You don't need to worry. Everything served here is safe for you to eat." She paused briefly. "As for Sir Stone, he is attending to something but will return later."
I looked at Inez, but her smile remained. How did she know I am pregnant? I shouldn't be surprised, Stone probably told them.
"Orange juice for you, Miss Gianna."
I stared at the orange juice. I remembered that Stone knew how much I liked it.
