Chapter 6

The morning sun pierced through the sheer curtains, casting a warm, golden glow across the guest room.

Annabelle stepped out onto the private stone balcony. The air was crisp and smelled of wet grass from last night's rain. She set up a portable wooden easel she had brought in her suitcase and clipped a thick sheet of sketching paper to it.

She put in her wireless earbuds, playing a soft classical piano piece. She picked up a charcoal pencil and began to sketch the sprawling, perfectly manicured lawns of the estate. Her hand moved with practiced, fluid strokes.

Suddenly, a sharp gust of wind swept across the balcony. The metal clip on the easel snapped. The sheet of paper tore loose, fluttering wildly in the air before drifting down toward the first-floor terrace.

"Oh, no!" Annabelle gasped. She dropped her charcoal and sprinted back through the bedroom, out into the hallway, and down the grand staircase.

She hurried down the first-floor corridor, looking for the door that led to the terrace. As she rounded a sharp corner, she nearly collided with a solid chest.

A hand shot out, steadying her by the shoulder. In his other hand, he held her charcoal sketch.

Annabelle looked up. Standing before her was a young man in a perfectly tailored navy-blue suit. He had striking features, dark hair neatly styled, and a warm, incredibly charming smile. A silver Patek Philippe watch gleamed on his wrist.

This was Davion Barrera, Gabriella's older brother.

"I believe this belongs to you?" Davion said. His voice was smooth and melodic. He held out the sketch.

"Yes, thank you so much," Annabelle said, her cheeks turning a light shade of pink. She reached for the paper. Her fingertips accidentally brushed against his cold silver cufflink. She pulled her hand back quickly, feeling a sudden jolt of nervous energy.

Davion looked down at the paper before handing it over. "This is fantastic work. The shading on the oak trees is incredibly precise. You must be Gabriella's friend, Anna."

"I am. And you're Davion," she said, clutching the paper to her chest.

"Guilty," he smiled, adjusting his cufflink with an elegant movement. "Welcome to Crestwood. I hope my sister hasn't overwhelmed you yet."

"No, she's been wonderful. Your whole family has," Annabelle replied, genuinely relaxing under his warm gaze.

Before they could say more, the butler appeared at the end of the hall. "Mr. Davion, your morning conference call is starting."

Davion sighed softly. "Duty calls. It was a pleasure meeting you, Anna." He gave her a polite nod and walked away, his stride confident and graceful.

Annabelle watched him go. He was polite, handsome, and clearly appreciated art.

She walked back up to her room and sat down at the easel. Just as she picked up her pencil, her phone chimed-a secure VoIP call via the estate's Wi-Fi. She had sent her cousin Cordell Jenkins an encrypted message the night before using a burner app, finally signaling her intent to the family. The caller ID showed his name.

She answered. "Hey, Cordell."

"Anna," Cordell's deep, serious voice came through the speaker. "I know you're in New York. I received your authorization. The trust agreement has been activated. The marriage alliance is moving forward. You need to prepare to meet him."

Annabelle bit the end of her charcoal pencil. She looked out over the estate. "Cordell... what kind of person is he?"

Cordell paused. When he spoke, his tone was careful. "He is a central pillar of the Barrera family. He holds a massive amount of power. But to the outside world, he is the public face-the one frequently seen in financial magazines and society papers. He's known for being a true gentleman. Impeccable manners, highly educated, and very charming."

Annabelle's heart skipped a beat. A gentleman. Impeccable manners. The public face of the family.

Her mind instantly flashed to the man she had just met in the hallway. The tailored suit, the warm smile, the polite conversation about art.

"Is it... is it Davion Barrera?" Annabelle asked tentatively.

Static crackled on the line. The thick stone walls of the mansion were interfering with the signal.

"Yes, he's the one you need to look out for," Cordell's voice came through, slightly distorted, referring to the entire family's dynamic, but to Annabelle, it sounded exactly like a confirmation of the name.

Annabelle gasped, her hand flying up to cover her mouth.

"I have to go, Anna. Call me later," Cordell said, and the line went dead.

Annabelle slowly lowered the phone to the table. She sank into the chair. Her mind was spinning. She had run away from a nightmare, only to accidentally move into the house of her arranged fiancé.

But as she thought about Davion's gentle eyes and polite demeanor, a strange, secret thrill bloomed in her chest. If she had to marry a stranger to secure her safety and her family's trust, Davion was perfect. He wasn't some old, cruel billionaire. He was kind.

She looked out the window just in time to see Davion's sleek silver Aston Martin driving down the long driveway.

She picked up her charcoal pencil, a small, unconscious smile playing on her lips. She would keep her identity a secret for now. She would use this time to observe her "fiancé" up close.