GIANNA RAINE
Everyone was watching me, smiling warmly. I couldn't tell if it was genuine care or if they were just following orders.
I kept my neutral, cold expression as I took a bite of the cheesecake.
I paused when I tasted it. Inez glanced at me, and her smile faded briefly.
"Miss Gianna, you don't like the cheesecake?"
I quickly shook my head. "No, it's actually very good. I like it."
I continued eating. I also saw the pasta and wanted to try it.
It felt like they could read my mind because they brought it closer and asked if I wanted some. When I nodded, they placed it on my plate.
I stopped eating when I was full. Even though I wanted more, I didn't push it, overeating might make me sick.
After I finished, Inez approached me again.
"The chef would like to personally ask how you found his food, Miss," she said.
I just looked at her, and she continued. "If you don't mind me asking."
"I didn't mind. I liked everything I ate."
We have a chef at home, especially for occasions, but Mommy and Daddy usually trust a staff member to cook, so we rarely call the chef.
Stone has such a luxurious life, so why did he enter our lives pretending to have no family or wealth? That's a mystery to me.
They asked if I wanted to walk, and I agreed. I thought a walk would help after eating.
They gave me a tour of the house. By the time they showed me less than half of it, I am already tired.
That's something I noticed, my endurance seems lower now. I used to have high stamina, so it felt strange to get tired so quickly. Maybe it's because of the pregnancy.
I didn't really know what to do now that I am pregnant. I think I should buy some books about it and study everything carefully.
"Are you tired, Miss Gianna? Do you want to rest first?"
They guided me to a chair to sit down, but I shook my head. "No, let's keep walking. I'll rest in the room later."
Halfway through the walk, I suddenly felt dizzy. I held my head as my vision started to blur.
"Miss Gianna?"
I didn't answer. I tried to stand still and focus my eyes.
"Miss Gianna!"
The next thing I knew, I was slowly falling to the floor. I expected the thud or pain to explode through my body, but there was none.
"Call Dr. Bradley!"
I heard a familiar male voice. I opened my eyes, still blurry, and saw him.
Stone...
"Hang in there, Gianna."
He called me just by my name.
I closed my eyes again and completely lost consciousness.
I had no idea how long I was unconscious. When I woke up, a few people were in my room. I could hear a man giving instructions to the staff.
The staff left, and the man stayed alone in the room.
I slowly opened my eyes. He's looking at me.
"Miss Gianna!" Stone came closer. He let out a relieved breath when he saw that I am awake.
I glanced around and recognized the familiar room I was staying in.
"How are you feeling?"
I stood up. Stone quickly supported me and helped me sit against the headboard.
"I'm fine."
Why did I collapse? Why did it have to happen in front of so many people?
My jaw tightened. I couldn't believe I let others see me pass out.
"You shouldn't overexert yourself, Miss Gianna. The doctor said that because of your pregnancy, you can get tired quickly. You should rest first."
I looked at Stone. I couldn't help but watch him as he seemed to take care of me.
I narrowed my eyes at him. "You should stop doing this."
Stone looked at me, clearly puzzled. "Stop doing what?" He tilted his head as if he didn't understand what I meant.
"You're not obligated to look after me, Stone. You're no longer my brother's bodyguard. It's not your job to take care of me."
And I hate relying on other people. I shouldn't have agreed to stay here in the first place.
Stone didn't speak right away. He picked up the wet towel and gently placed it on my face. I was startled, and it was too late to hide my reaction.
"Didn't I promise you that I would help you find the man who got you pregnant?" he began. I frowned but didn't say anything. "So while we still haven't found him, let me take care of you and your baby, Gianna. Let me be the one to look after you for now."
I swallowed hard at what he said. Normally, I would have said something sharp to make him stop talking, or told him I didn't need his help. I had a long list of cold and ruthless remarks ready to throw at him, but nothing came out. I just stared at Stone as he smiled at me.
Stone gently held my chin. My heart pounded quickly at his touch.
I watched as he slowly leaned closer to my face. I tried to lift my hands to push him away, but they refused to move.
What now? Is he going to...
"Your mouth is open, Miss Gianna. I know I'm handsome, but don't make it so obvious that you're mesmerized by me."
I quickly shut my mouth. I didn't even notice it was slightly open! I glared at Stone for what he said.
"Out!" I warned.
"But I'm still supposed to take care of you, Miss Gianna-"
"I said, get out!"
Stone pouted, but I could see he was holding back laughter. He stood up dramatically.
"So this is what it feels like to be kicked out of your own house. But it's okay, as long as it's you, Miss Gianna. You have a strong hold on me."
When I grabbed my holster from the side table and pulled out my small knife, Stone immediately ran.
"And you'll feel what it's like to die in your own house if you don't leave now," I added.
"You and your twin really are alike-neither of you can take a joke. Fine, Miss! Take care because I care!" He winked at me before finally stepping out and closing the door.
I lowered the knife and placed a hand over my chest, feeling my heart beating so fast.
