Chapter 10 A new home

Cole's pov.

I opened the apartment door and smelled the subtle aroma of freshly painted walls.

I cried from the troubles Amelia had experienced over the past few weeks.

The apartment was simple but well-maintained. She paused on the porch while I held the door open for her.

Her expression was a mixture of uncertainty and tiredness as she looked up at me.

I smiled, moving aside to give her access.

"It's yours, for the next three months at least. I've paid the rent. "

Amelia's wide eyes scanned the room taking in the soft light streaming through the curtains and the plain furniture.

She took her time going inside. As though going inside might be too much for her, she stood there gripping the strap of the bag I had brought from the hospital.

"Cole," she said, her voice hardly audible above a whisper ."You've done so much already. This is just too much. "

"You need a nice place to heal. " I said gently, interrupting, stopping her from jumping into self-doubt. It's not.

The room seemed to silently close in on us. She had a shabby sweater draped loosely over her shoulders and her petite frame appeared even more frail.

The slight soot from the fire was still visible on her skin serving as a reminder of how nearly she had lost everything.

I put a comforting hand on her back and gently urged her to come inside.

" You will like it here." She reluctantly walked in, her fingers grazing the doorframe's edge as if to ground herself.

I placed her bag on the tiny kitchen table and moved in front of her.

The apartment was small but it had all the amenities she required: it was quite clean and warm. I turned back to her and added, smiling. "There's more for you to see. " A hint of anxiety flickered in her eyes as her brow furrowed.

"I got a job for you," I said as I showed her her room.

"A job?" Her tone was colored with disbelief as she blurted out the words.

" Yes. Downtown at a fashion house." I smiled a little.

She looked at me like I had just told her she had won the lottery. Her eyes dropped to the ground and she crossed her arms over her chest.

"I-I don't know how to express my gratitude for everything Cole. You've done too much for me already. I'm not worthy of-. "

"Stop. "I said in a firm but kind tone. I took a step toward her, bringing us closer until she had to look at me.

"You deserve better than this Amelia. I'll see to it that you get the new beginning you need. "

She opened her mouth as if to argue but she didn't say anything.

Instead with eyes glistening with unshed tears, she gave a faint nod.

I took a step back to give her room. "Come on. Allow me to give you a tour. " I gave a small laugh and her eyes brightened.

Although the apartment was small, it was cozy. I pointed out the necessities: the bathroom with clean towels, the bedroom with its cozy gray comforter, and the tiny but practical kitchen.

Amelia silently followed me, her eyes flitting from one detail to the next. She stopped at the doorway of the bedroom when we arrived, her hands balled into fists by her sides.

"This is too much she said in a tremulous whisper again ." You barely know me, Cole."

"It isn't," I retorted. And you shouldn't say that to me again. You have endured a lot, Amelia. For once ask for help, let me help you. "

She let out a shuddering breath and her shoulders trembled. I stared at her, hesitantly reaching up to wipe her eyes.

"I don't know how to do this. I have no idea how to let someone look after me, to help me ."She said her voice was breaking.

"You don't have to know. Just focus on each day as it comes. That's my only request. "

It took a moment before she nodded. She entered the room slowly, glancing first at the bed and then at the window where the gentle glow of the city lights was visible through the drapes.

"Thank you ." she finally said in a voice so quiet I nearly missed it.

"I'm not asking for your gratitude. " I said.

"Just let me thank you, not everyone will help a stranger." she smiled warmly looking at me.

Her eyes which were still red-rimmed from fatigue met mine. "Cole, you saved my life, not only at the hospital but now too. How will I ever pay you back ?"

" You owe me nothing. Just concentrate on getting better. That is all I require in repayment." I firmly stated.

She took some time to respond. Then her gaze shifted to her hands which were twitching uneasily.

With a more steady tone, she finally said ."Tell me about the job. "

A grin pulled at my mouth." Although it is entry-level it is a first step. You will be gaining experience while collaborating with designers. They can't wait for you to start. "

Her eyebrows shot up in astonishment. "They?"

"They" I affirmed.

"The police found something that wasn't consumed by the fire, they returned this to me." I said, handing her a half-burnt book." You drew all those fashion styles, right?"

She laughed softly, a sound that lifted the oppressive atmosphere as she took the book and flipped through it.

"So I figured you might like designing a lot."

She smiled for the first time since we had arrived, a true sincere smile that brightened her face even though the shadows were still hanging over her.

It was too tight in my chest which I wasn't sure I wanted to push further.

I stepped back toward the door.

I'll let you settle in. You have my number if you need anything. "

Her expression softened and nodded. "Thank you, Cole. For everything."

At the porch, I stopped and gave her one last glance.

She could finally breathe and live her life here, thank goodness I got this apartment, it was even closer to the hospital too.

" You're going to be okay and those burns will go away, you'll see. "

"Thank you." She said,