Eva nodded, her eyes still fixed on the house's charming facade. Luca as usual pressed his smile, seeming to sense her wonder. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a key, unlocking the front door with a soft click.
"Come in," he said, stepping aside to let her enter.
Eva's eyes adjust slowly to the warm, golden light inside. The interior of the house was just as charming as the exterior, with cozy, vintage furnishings that seemed to whisper stories of their own. Plush armchairs and sofas were arranged invitingly around a crackling fireplace, while vintage rugs in rich, jewel-toned colors added warmth and texture to the floors.
As she looked around, Eva's gaze caught on the artwork adorning the walls. There were paintings, prints, and sketches, each one more beautiful than the last. She spotted a stunning watercolor of a sunset, its colors bleeding softly into one another like a dream.
Luca watched her, waiting for a moment before speaking. "I'll show you to your room," he said, gesturing for her to follow him.
Eva trailed after him, her eyes drinking in the details of the house. Luca pushed open a door, revealing a cozy, sunlit room with a plush bed and a comfortable-looking armchair.
"This is your room," he said, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Make yourself at home."
Eva's eyes widened as she took in the room's charm. "Thank you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Luca nodded, his expression softening. "You must be exhausted. Get some rest". he said.
As he turned to leave, Eva felt a pang of curiosity. "Where are you going?" she asked, her voice a little louder now.
Luca's eyes flicked back to hers, a hint of warning in their depths. "I'll be upstairs," he said. "Don't come up."
Eva's eyebrows rose, but she nodded, feeling a shiver run down her spine. "Okay," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Luca nodded, his eyes holding hers for a moment before he turned and disappeared up the stairs. She took one last look around the hallway, the creaky stairs, and the door at the far end, before stepping into her room and locking the door behind her. The soft click of the lock was reassuring.
Eva dropped her bag onto the bed, and took a moment to look around the room again. It was simple, yet cozy, with everything she needed: a comfortable bed, a dresser, a small desk, and a chair. The room was spotless, with a faint scent of fresh laundry.
Her gaze drifted back to her bag, and she opened it, revealing a few dresses, neatly folded and packed. There was also a small envelope with some cash, and a note from her Auntie.
Eva's eyes welled up as she read the note:
"Dear Eva,
I hope you're doing okay. I've packed some clothes and money for you. Use it for your needs. You can trust Luca, he's a good person. He'll take care of you. I will contact you after everything is settled here.
Take care,
Auntie"
Eva's heart swelled with gratitude towards her Auntie. She felt a sense of relief wash over her, knowing that she had some money and a safe place to stay. And Luca... she wasn't sure what to make of him yet, but her Auntie's words reassured her.
Her mind refreshed with the shower.
As she stood at the window, gently blotting her hair with a towel, Eva felt a sense of serenity wash over her. The sight before her was breathtakingly simple: a small, lush garden, with a single plant that seemed to be the epicenter of attention. Butterflies flitted about it, their delicate wings shimmering in the fading light.
She felt a deep sense of peace settle within her, one that she'd never experienced in her own room, back in her luxurious house. There, everything had been opulent, extravagant, and yet... empty.
Lost in thought, Eva didn't notice the knock at the door at first. But then, Luca's firm yet gentle voice broke into her reverie. "Eva, if you're finished, come and eat." The sound of her name on his lips made her heart skip a beat. She turned away from the window, the towel still clutched in her hand, and felt a flutter in her chest, a sense of anticipation.
As she stepped out of the room, opening the door, she saw Luca stepping out of the kitchen with a bottle of water in hand. He gestured for her to come to the table, and she nodded slightly, walking towards it.
"It's the only quick meal that can be prepared now," he said, opening the cup noodles lid. "Eat. If you want something else, you can cook later. Can you cook?"
Eva hesitated. "I...I don't know that much."
Luca's voice took on a teasing tone. "Oh, how much do you know, then?"
"Like coffee, omelette, and this one..." She said awkwardly, pointing her finger towards the cup noodles. He pressed his lips together, suppressing a laugh, and raised his eyebrows, putting on a serious face with teasing eyes.
"The typical rich kid, huh?" he asked, crossing his arms.
Her eyes widened, and she suddenly shook her head, along with her hands. "N-no, it's just that mom won't let us cook. I'm okay with doing that. I can do that here. I can learn. I'll learn quickly." Her voice was filled with panic.
He looked at her in amusement and surprise. "Hey, hey, relax. I'm not offending you or something. Chill. Come sit." He said while gesturing to her to sit. She awkwardly nodded and sat. He moved one prepared cup of noodles and one bottle of soft drinks in front of her. She hesitantly said thanks while keeping her head down, focused on the food.
He shook his head in disbelief. He started eating while scrolling through his phone. Slowly, she raised her head and looked at him. Sensing that, he looked at her, and she suddenly lowered her head back to her food. He raised an eyebrow, and a slight smirk formed on his lips.
[To Be Continued]