Chapter 3 3

Lauren

The following days felt like walking through fog. Ronan and I didn't speak much, but there was a strange tension between us that simmered just beneath the surface. I could feel it in the way he looked at me- never lingering too long, but always aware of my presence. It was like we were both holding our breath, waiting for something to crack, but neither of us were willing to make the first move.

I spent most of my time exploring the mansion. There was so much to discover, each room more extravagant than the last. The house was a maze of polished floors, towering windows, and rooms I didn't belong in. It felt like I was playing pretend in a world that wasn't mine. A world that I couldn't ever truly be a part of, no matter how much I tried.

Ronan continued to drift in and out, always moving with that same indifference, like everything around him was just another part of the world he owned. His presence was impossible to ignore, but at the same time, he never acknowledged me unless he had to. It was like we were two strangers who had been forced into the same orbit, and neither of us knew how to break free.

One morning, I was in the library again, flicking through a book I wasn't really reading when the sound of footsteps reached my ears. I looked up, half-expecting it to be Ronan, but instead, it was Gregory, my new stepfather.

"Good morning," he said warmly, walking into the room with a cup of coffee in hand.

"Good morning," I replied, setting the book aside. I wasn't sure how to act around Gregory yet. He was kind in his own way, but he had a polished charm that felt almost too perfect, like he was always on display.

"Ronan's out for a bit. I thought you might like some company," he said, settling into an armchair across from me. "Is everything going well so far? Settling in okay?"

I hesitated. Was I settling in? I wasn't sure I would ever truly feel at home here. "It's... different," I said carefully.

He nodded, understanding. "It's a big adjustment. I know it must be tough coming from Ohio, but I want you to know we're here for you. All of us. Ronan included."

I stiffened at the mention of Ronan. He didn't seem like the type who would make an effort to be welcoming. "I don't know if Ronan's interested in getting to know me," I said, trying to keep my voice neutral.

Gregory raised an eyebrow but didn't press the issue. "He's complicated. But he's a good kid. Just... takes a while to warm up to people. I'm sure he'll come around eventually."

I doubted that. Ronan didn't seem like the type to "warm up" to anyone. But I didn't say that. Instead, I nodded, hoping Gregory would change the subject.

"So, what do you think of the city?" Gregory asked, clearly trying to shift the mood. "Ronan took you around, right?"

I nodded, my thoughts immediately going back to our trip. "Yeah. It was nice. Busy. I don't know how people live like that-constantly on the move."

Gregory chuckled. "You get used to it. But I can see how it could be overwhelming. If you ever need to get away for a while, just let me know. I know some quieter places you might enjoy."

I smiled, feeling a bit of relief. "Thanks, I might take you up on that sometime."

We sat there in silence for a few moments, each of us sipping our drinks, when I felt a familiar chill run through the room. My eyes instinctively flicked toward the doorway, where Ronan stood, leaning against the frame with his arms crossed. His expression was unreadable, but I could tell he'd been listening.

"Is this a family meeting?" he asked, his tone dry.

Gregory chuckled softly, glancing at him. "We were just talking, nothing too important. You're welcome to join, though."

Ronan didn't move, just stared at both of us, and for a long moment, I thought he might leave. But then, surprisingly, he stepped into the room and took a seat next to me, making no effort to disguise the fact that he didn't want to be here. His proximity was enough to make me tense up, though I tried to act like it didn't bother me.

"You seem to be getting along just fine," Ronan said, glancing between Gregory and me. His words were casual, but there was an edge to his voice, like he was trying to mask something.

"Just chatting," Gregory said easily, oblivious to the tension in the air. "Lauren was telling me about her impressions of the city. You didn't talk much on the way there. I thought you might've given her more of a tour."

Ronan's lips twisted into a half-smile, but it was devoid of any warmth. "She's a big girl. I figured she could find her own way around."

I shot Ronan a look, but he didn't meet my gaze, his eyes instead focused on the empty space in front of him. I could feel his presence beside me, but it was like he was a million miles away. It was as if the distance between us had only grown, and I didn't know how to bridge it.

"I wasn't asking for a tour," I said, a little more sharply than I intended. "But maybe a little conversation wouldn't hurt."

Ronan finally looked at me, his gaze cool and unreadable. "I don't do small talk."

"Great," I muttered under my breath, leaning back in my chair.

Gregory shot a look between us but didn't comment, clearly sensing the tension that had suddenly thickened in the room. For a moment, we all sat in silence, until Ronan finally stood up.

"I have things to do," he said, his voice clipped. "Enjoy your afternoon, Lauren."

I didn't say anything, just watched as he left the room, the door shutting behind him with a soft click.

Gregory sighed and leaned back in his chair. "I know he's... distant. But you'll get used to him."

I wasn't so sure.

That night, after dinner, I decided to take a walk. I needed to clear my head, to shake off the strange feeling that seemed to follow me everywhere. I had learned that the grounds of the mansion stretched for miles, with paths weaving through gardens and wooded areas. It was the kind of place you could get lost in if you weren't careful, and that was exactly what I was hoping for-some solitude.

I slipped out the back door, the cool night air hitting my skin as I walked along a stone pathway lined with tall hedges. The mansion behind me loomed like a shadow, its lights flickering faintly in the distance. I didn't know where I was going, just walking to feel the ground beneath my feet.

After a few minutes, I heard the crunch of gravel behind me. I turned, half-expecting to see a member of the staff, but instead, it was Ronan. His hands were in his pockets, his head slightly tilted as he watched me with that same unreadable expression.

"You lost?" he asked, his tone teasing, but his eyes sharp.

I frowned. "Not lost. Just needed a break from... everything."

Ronan studied me for a moment before taking a step closer. "You don't belong here, you know."

The words hit me like a punch to the gut, but I didn't let it show. Instead, I met his gaze, unflinching. "Neither do you."

Ronan didn't respond right away. He just stood there, looking at me, like he was deciding whether or not to say something else. But then, as if the moment had passed, he turned and began walking back toward the mansion.

"Don't wander too far," he called over his shoulder. "Wouldn't want you to get lost."

I watched him disappear into the distance, a sense of unease swirling in my chest. Maybe I didn't belong here. But something told me Ronan didn't either.

The night air felt heavier now, as though it was pressing in around me, but I stayed where I was, letting the cool breeze brush against my skin. I hadn't expected Ronan to speak to me, let alone actually show some interest in my presence. I wasn't sure if I should feel relieved or annoyed by the interaction.

I shook my head, clearing the thoughts that were swirling through my mind. It was clear Ronan didn't care much for me. He was distant, uninterested, and I wasn't about to waste any more energy trying to understand him. He'd made it perfectly clear that I wasn't someone he was willing to engage with, and that was fine by me.

But as I turned back toward the mansion, my heart gave a strange lurch in my chest. The solitude was comforting, but there was something about being in this vast, unfamiliar place that left me feeling... lost. Not just physically, but emotionally too.

The mansion stood like a massive, silent guardian, watching over me. I didn't know where I belonged in this world of wealth and power. This place wasn't like Ohio, where I knew everyone and everything felt like it fit into some natural rhythm. Here, everything seemed off-kilter- like a puzzle where the pieces didn't quite fit.

I finally decided to head back inside. The path back was quiet, and as I rounded the corner of the house, I heard the faint sound of music coming from inside. It was soft, almost haunting, and it made me pause for a moment. I couldn't place it at first, but as I approached the large windows at the back of the house, I could make out Ronan standing in the living room, his back to me.

I didn't mean to spy on him, but something drew me closer, like I couldn't quite resist the pull of his presence. He was standing by the grand piano, his fingers lightly grazing the keys. The music was low but mournful, an instrumental piece that felt like it belonged to a different time.

I had no idea Ronan played the piano. The thought made him seem more human, less like the cold, detached figure he usually presented.

As I stood there watching, he began to play, the melody rich and somber. I should've turned away, gone inside, but instead, I stayed there, transfixed by the way his hands moved across the keys. He wasn't perfect-there were moments when the notes faltered-but it was beautiful in its own way, raw and unpolished.

I didn't know how long I stood there, but eventually, Ronan stopped playing. I stepped back, heart pounding, embarrassed that I had been caught lingering at the window. I turned quickly to head back toward the door, but I wasn't quick enough.

Ronan's voice reached me, low and steady. "Don't sneak around."

I froze, not knowing whether to turn around or just keep walking. I wasn't sure what he wanted from me, but I wasn't about to make things worse.

"I wasn't sneaking," I replied, my voice a little too defensive. "I didn't mean to interrupt."

Ronan didn't answer right away. There was a long stretch of silence before he finally spoke, his words almost a whisper. "I don't mind."

The words were unexpected, and they sent a shiver through me. I didn't know how to respond, so I kept my back to him, my fingers clutching the door handle.

"Are you going to stand out there all night?" Ronan's voice was no longer as cold as it had been before. There was something softer in his tone, though it was hard to decipher.

I hesitated. Part of me wanted to retreat, to avoid whatever this moment was supposed to be. But there was another part of me-curious, restless-that pushed me forward.

I opened the door slowly, stepping into the warmth of the house. Ronan's eyes followed me, and for the first time since I'd met him, I didn't feel completely invisible.

"I'm not interrupting?" I asked, still unsure of how to navigate this awkward encounter.

He gave a slight shake of his head. "No. I was done anyway."

I wasn't sure if he was just being polite or if there was something more beneath his words. Either way, it was clear we weren't going to have a long conversation.

I nodded, not knowing what else to say. I didn't want to push him further.

As I started walking toward the hallway, I couldn't help but glance back at him. Ronan was standing near the piano, his expression unreadable once more. But for a fleeting moment, there was something in his eyes that looked almost... tired. Like he was carrying the weight of something heavy, though he wouldn't share it with anyone.

I shook my head, wondering why I was even thinking about this. What did it matter?

But I couldn't shake the image of him sitting at the piano, playing with such intensity. There was a side to Ronan I hadn't seen before. A side that was raw, unguarded.

The next morning, I was woken early by the sound of my phone ringing. I groggily reached for it on the nightstand, squinting at the screen to see Gregory's name flashing across it.

"Hello?" I answered, trying to shake the remnants of sleep from my voice.

"Lauren! Good morning!" Gregory's voice was bright and cheerful. "I hope I didn't wake you. I just wanted to remind you about lunch today with a few of my colleagues. It's a casual gathering, nothing formal, but I'd love for you to join us."

I sat up, wiping my eyes. "Lunch? Sure, I guess. What's the occasion?"

"No special occasion," he said. "Just wanted to introduce you to some people in the city. It'll be good for you to meet them. They're all involved in various projects, and it's a nice way to network."

I hesitated. The last thing I wanted to do was go to some event where I didn't know anyone, but I also didn't want to upset Gregory. "Okay, I'll be there."

"Great! We'll be meeting in an hour. Dress comfortably, but look presentable. I'll see you soon."

He hung up before I could say anything else. I sighed, glancing at the clock on the wall. An hour. I needed to get ready, though the thought of spending time with people I didn't know made my stomach twist.

I reluctantly got up, dressed, and joined Gregory in the large dining room. A few of his colleagues were already there, sitting at a long table. I recognized a few names from his earlier mentions, but they were mostly strangers to me.

Ronan, of course, was nowhere to be seen. I found myself scanning the room instinctively, but there was no sign of him. Maybe he was busy with work, or maybe he was avoiding the gathering altogether. Either way, it felt strange to be in this grand room with strangers, all of them smiling and chatting while I felt like an outsider.

As I sat down at the table, Gregory gave me an encouraging smile. I forced a smile back and tried to engage in small talk with the others, but it was hard to shake the feeling that I wasn't quite meant to be there.

Halfway through lunch, I felt someone's gaze on me. I turned my head slightly, and there he was-Ronan, standing by the doorway. His eyes met mine for a brief moment before he turned and walked away without a word.

A strange pang of disappointment settled in my chest. I couldn't explain it. Why did I care? I had no reason to. But there it was.

I tried to focus on the conversation at the table, but Ronan's brief appearance left a lingering weight on my mind. I couldn't help but wonder why he'd been standing there, watching me. It was strange- his presence was always charged, like there was something unsaid hanging between us. I shouldn't care, I told myself. But I couldn't shake the feeling that there was something deeper beneath the surface.

"Lauren?" Gregory's voice broke through my thoughts.

I blinked and looked at him. He was giving me a concerned look, his brow furrowed. "Are you okay? You seem a little distracted."

I smiled quickly, trying to hide my thoughts. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just... thinking about some things."

Gregory didn't seem entirely convinced, but he didn't press. Instead, he turned to one of his colleagues, a middle-aged man with graying hair who had been speaking to me earlier. "Jim, this is Lauren. She's helping us with some of the new projects."

Jim nodded politely, his sharp eyes studying me for a moment. "I've heard a lot about you, Lauren. Gregory speaks highly of you. Your expertise in marketing should be a great asset to our team."

I smiled, though I couldn't help but notice the way Jim was eyeing me. There was a faint air of scrutiny, as if he was trying to gauge me, maybe even measure my worth. It made me uncomfortable.

"Thank you," I said, trying to maintain a professional tone. "I'm excited to contribute."

The conversation shifted again, and I found myself swept up in polite exchanges, exchanging pleasantries, answering questions, and listening to stories that seemed distant and unrelated to anything I cared about. I kept glancing toward the door, half-expecting Ronan to reappear, but he never did.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity of small talk, lunch began to wind down. Most of the guests began to rise from the table, chatting and gathering their things. I stood up as well, relieved that the awkwardness was finally ending.

Gregory, noticing my shift in energy, gave me a kind smile. "You did well. I know this wasn't exactly your scene, but you handled it."

I forced a smile. "Thanks. I think I just need a little time to adjust."

As we made our way toward the exit, I couldn't help but feel a sense of exhaustion settle in. The mansion, with its grand halls and towering ceilings, felt less like a home and more like a gilded cage. I longed for something familiar, something that didn't come with expectations and hidden meanings. I missed the simplicity of my life before-before I found myself caught in Gregory's world, surrounded by his colleagues, and constantly at the mercy of a game I didn't fully understand.

I had been hoping that meeting Ronan would clear some of the mystery surrounding him. But instead, I was more confused than ever. Why was he so distant? Why did he show up, even for just a moment, and then disappear again?

I tried to push the thoughts aside, but they stuck with me as I walked back to my room. The house felt quieter now, the soft hum of conversation from the other rooms slowly fading into the background.

As I entered my room and shut the door behind me, I allowed myself a moment to breathe. I sank into the chair by the window and stared out at the darkening sky. The moon hung low, casting its pale light over the sprawling grounds of the mansion. It was beautiful, almost surreal, but I couldn't quite appreciate it in the way I thought I would.

I wasn't sure what I was doing here anymore. The weight of my thoughts was starting to bear down on me, and I didn't have the answers I needed.

There was a knock on the door, pulling me from my reverie. I hesitated before getting up and walking over to open it.

To my surprise, it was Ronan standing in the doorway. He didn't look like he had just come from the gathering-there were no traces of the polished appearance he usually wore. His hair was slightly mussed, his shirt unbuttoned at the collar, and his eyes were darker than usual, like he had just come from a place that was far from the world inside the mansion.

"I need to talk to you," Ronan said, his voice lower than normal.

I blinked, caught off guard. "Talk to me?" I repeated, unsure of where this was going.

He stepped inside without waiting for a response, his presence filling the room. "We need to have a conversation about what happened earlier."

"Earlier?" I echoed, a sense of unease creeping up my spine. "What do you mean?"

He closed the door behind him, and for a moment, neither of us spoke. His gaze was intense, and the air between us grew thick with something unspoken. I could tell he was struggling with how to phrase whatever he had come here to say, but it was clear this was more than a casual chat.

Finally, Ronan spoke again, his voice quieter but still firm. "I know what you saw earlier. I'm not proud of it, but you have to understand-my life isn't as simple as it seems."

I felt my heart rate pick up. This was the moment I had been waiting for, the moment that could change everything. "Your life?" I repeated, trying to keep my voice steady. "What are you talking about?"

He sighed, rubbing his temple as if trying to gather his thoughts. "I wasn't planning on involving you in all of this, but it seems like I don't have a choice anymore."

I frowned. "Involving me in what? What are you even saying right now?"

Ronan took a step closer, and his gaze softened just a fraction. "There are things in this mansion that are... not what they seem. Things that aren't meant for someone like you to know."

I stared at him, trying to make sense of the cryptic words. "What are you saying? That I don't belong here?"

Ronan's eyes darkened. "Not exactly," he replied, his tone hardening again. "But I need you to understand that you're not just some guest. There are forces at play here that could have a bigger impact on your life than you realize."

My breath caught in my throat. I didn't know what he meant, but the gravity in his voice told me it wasn't something I could ignore.

"I'm not sure I understand," I said slowly, trying to keep the panic in check.

Ronan's jaw clenched, his hands at his sides. "I never meant for you to get caught up in this. But now that you are... I'll help you. I don't want to see you hurt."

I wasn't sure what to make of his words. Ronan wasn't someone who usually showed vulnerability, and yet here he was, talking like he cared-like I mattered in a way I couldn't yet comprehend.

Before I could say anything more, there was a knock on the door, sharp and urgent. I turned, my heart skipping a beat, as Gregory's voice reached us from the other side.

"Lauren? Is everything okay in there?"

Ronan stepped back, his eyes meeting mine for one last, long moment. "We'll finish this conversation later," he said quietly.

And then, without another word, he left the room, disappearing down the hallway.