Chapter 2 The Smile That Stole My First Day.

Lila Sinclair's POV

I turned a little to the left, then back to the right, staring at my reflection in the floor-length mirror. My long dark hair tumbled down my shoulders, still damp from my quick shower, while the white sundress clung to my curves in a way I wasn't sure was too much. I pouted at my reflection, then lifted my phone closer to my face where JoJo's grin filled the screen.

"What do you think?" I asked, stepping back so he could see the full fit. "Cute or trying too hard?"

JoJo squinted exaggeratedly, making me laugh.

"Hmm... cute, yeah, but you're definitely trying too hard. You look like you're about to attend your own engagement brunch."

I gasped dramatically. "Rude! This is my first full day in this mansion, Jo. I can't look homeless."

He smirked. "You'd look hot in a potato sack and you know it. But seriously, babe, maybe go with the denim shorts and that little top I like. You don't wanna look like you're waiting for daddy to introduce you to a billionaire husband."

I rolled my eyes but smiled anyway, tugging at the hem of my sundress. "Easy for you to say. You're not the one who has to live here for the next year. I need to make an impression. A good one."

JoJo tilted his head, his tone softening. "Lila, you'll make an impression just by breathing. These people are not ready for you."

That made me laugh, and I spun slowly, still checking myself out. The mansion was quiet, too quiet, and my nerves were buzzing.

"So shorts?" I asked, pausing mid-spin.

"Yes. With that black crop top. Show a little skin. Remind them you're not just some scared little girl they dragged in here."

I was about to reply when a sharp sound cut through the silence, the unmistakable shatter of glass. My head snapped toward the hallway.

"What the hell was that?" I whispered.

JoJo frowned. "Maybe the maid dropped something?"

I shook my head quickly. "No. Clara told me all the staff left for their summer vacation this morning. It's just me here. Well, and..." My stomach tightened. "...them."

JoJo raised a brow. "Lila..."

"Shh." I pressed a finger to my lips instinctively, tiptoeing to the door. My phone wobbled in my hand as I whispered, "I swear I heard something. I'm checking."

He groaned. "Or maybe don't go toward the creepy sound like every dumb girl in a horror movie?"

I ignored him and walked down the next room where the sound came from, It was Ethan's room. I paused. "Uh, Jo, do you think I should...uh...go in?"

"Hey, don't ask me that dumb ass question, I heard nothing." JoJo voiced out his face popping out.

I pushed the door open, stepping into the dim hallway. "See?" I whispered into the phone. "Nobody's here."

And then..

The bathroom door across the hall swung open.

Steam rolled out, followed by a tall figure with a towel slung dangerously low on his hips. My heart stuttered in my chest. He was wet, water dripping from tousled brown hair onto a chest that looked sculpted from sin itself. Muscles carved and lean, abs glistening with droplets that slid down and disappeared beneath that thin white towel.

I froze.

He froze.

And then those honey-brown eyes lifted, locking right onto mine.

"Who's that?" he asked smoothly, nodding toward the phone in my hand.

My throat went dry. Without thinking, I stabbed the screen and ended the FaceTime call with JoJo, cutting him off before he could say a word. The silence that followed was deafening.

Now it was just me and... him.

He arched a brow, a slow smile tugging at his lips. "Well, you're definitely not a maid. So..." He took a step closer, voice teasing. "...are you the new wife-to-be my father brought home for Damien?"

Heat flared in my cheeks. "Excuse me?"

He chuckled, the sound low and warm. "Relax, princess. I'm kidding. Kind of." He leaned against the doorframe, unbothered that his towel barely covered him. "So what's your name?"

I swallowed, forcing my voice steady. "Lila. I'm... I'm your father's adopted daughter. he told you right?"

His smile widened, flashing perfect teeth. "Adopted daughter. Mmm... I don't recall him ever saying such but I think that explains why I've never seen you before. Ethan Blackwood." He gave a small bow of his head, his damp hair falling into his eyes in the sexiest way. "Second son. The hottest and sexiest, depending on who you ask."

Despite myself, I laughed. "And what does that mean?"

"It means I'm not Damien." He winked. "Trust me, you'll get it when you meet him."

The way he said Damien's name made me curious and nervous all at once. I shifted my weight, trying not to stare too hard at the water sliding down Ethan's chest. "You scared the hell out of me."

"Sorry about the glass." He lifted his hand, revealing the remains of a broken tumbler still on the counter behind him. "Slipped when I grabbed it. My bad. Didn't mean to freak you out."

Something about the ease in his tone, the way he carried himself half-naked like it was nothing, made me relax without realizing it.

"So," he said, tilting his head, eyes scanning me from head to toe in a way that made my skin burn. "First day, huh? Should I call you Lila...no Lil baby or Sis?"

I chuckled. "I think I would go with Lil baby, God forbid a girl loves Lil tjay."

I shrugged as he gave me a kick. "The way you kiss me while I'm stroking deep insida ya, I swear you ride me so good."

"That pussy blew me away, I've been thinking about your smile." I kept on singing along as we both snapped our fingers.

"No no no...I'm fucking bare down here, don't get me on." We both laughed out loud and for some reasons, talking to him felt safe. He was so free and jovial.

"So, tell me. How's mansion life treating you?"

I let out a nervous laugh. "Intimidating."

"Don't be intimidated. You'll get used to it. This place can feel... cold sometimes." His gaze softened, and suddenly he looked less like a cocky stranger and more like someone genuinely trying to make me comfortable. "But you've got me now."

"Got you?" I raised a brow, unable to help the smile tugging at my lips.

"Yeah. Tour guide. Partner-in-crime. Confidant. Whatever you need." He shrugged, casual and charming. "Trust me, Lila. You're gonna want someone on your side in this house."

I opened my mouth to reply, but the heavy sound of footsteps cut me off. We both turned as Mr. Harrington entered the hallway, his smile warm and fatherly as his eyes landed on me.

"There you are," he said kindly, gesturing for me to come closer. "Ethan, I see you've already met Lila."

"Met?" Ethan smirked, glancing at me. "We've practically bonded."

My cheeks flamed as Mr. Harrington chuckled. "Well, Lila, this is my son Ethan. And Ethan, this is Lila.... the daughter I told you and Damien about."

Ethan looked at me again, eyes glinting. "Daughter, huh? Guess I'll have to behave then."

Mr. Harrington gave him a knowing look but kept smiling. "She's family now, Ethan. Make her feel at home."

Ethan pressed a hand over his chest, mock serious. "Don't worry, Dad. I've got this covered." Then, lower, just for me, "Welcome to the mansion, princess."

"Thank youuuu..." I blushed, as we laughed out.

And in that moment, I couldn't tell if I felt more relieved... or in danger.