Curiosity..

The sleek black car rolled through towering iron gates that opened without a sound, revealing Mikhail Kuznetsov’s estate. Aria’s eyes widened as she took in the sprawling property. The mansion loomed ahead like a fortress, its grandeur intimidating. The surrounding gardens were impeccably groomed, and uniformed guards stood at attention, their gazes sharp and unyielding.

The car came to a smooth stop in front of the grand entrance. Mikhail stepped out, holding Aria securely in his hand. She squirmed, uneasy at being carried like a fragile doll, but he didn’t seem to notice—or care.

“This is... your home?” Aria asked, her voice faint as her eyes darted around the opulent surroundings.

Mikhail glanced down at her, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. “Does that surprise you?”

Her small hands clenched into fists. “It’s more like a castle than a home.”

Without responding, he strode into the mansion. The interior was even more breathtaking. Vaulted ceilings towered above, adorned with crystal chandeliers that refracted light like a cascade of diamonds. Gold-accented walls displayed priceless artwork, and the air carried the faint scent of polished wood and blooming flowers.

“Welcome,” Mikhail said simply as he made his way to a lavish sitting room. He placed Aria carefully on the glossy mahogany coffee table, the smooth surface cool beneath her tiny feet.

Before she could question him further, her thoughts returned to the loyal companion who had gotten her this far. “What about Max?” she blurted out, her voice tinged with panic. “Where is he? What will you do to him?”

Mikhail paused, studying her. “The dog?”

“Yes, the dog,” she said firmly, her tiny fists clenched at her sides. “He saved me. He’s all I had out there. Please don’t hurt him.”

Mikhail’s sharp gray eyes softened slightly, though his expression remained unreadable. “Relax. I’m not in the habit of harming innocent creatures.” He turned to his butler, who stood waiting in the doorway. “Bring the dog inside. Make sure he’s fed and given a place to rest.”

The butler hesitated for only a second before bowing. “Yes, sir.”

Aria felt a wave of relief wash over her. “Thank you,” she said softly, her tone sincere.

Mikhail arched an eyebrow. “You’re quite protective of him.”

“He’s been protecting me,” she replied simply. “It’s the least I can do.”

Mikhail nodded thoughtfully before settling into a leather armchair, his sharp gray eyes never leaving her. “Now,” he said, leaning forward slightly, “how did this happen? How did you end up like this?”

"Uhm... I-" Aria hesitated. She had no idea how to explain something she didn’t fully understand herself. Finally, she sighed. “I... I don’t know. One day I was fine, and then I woke up... like this.”

Mikhail raised an eyebrow. “Really..? Not anything? No warning? No explanation?”

She shook her head. “No... None. I’ve been trying to figure it out, but it’s not like I can go to a doctor or ask for help. No one would believe me—or they’d think I’m some kind of freak.”

His gaze softened, though his expression remained inscrutable. “Okay... And your family? They don’t know?”

Aria bit her lip, her gaze dropping. “My family? I only live with my stepmom... And my stepmother has no idea. She’s... not the kind of person I could turn to, even if she did.”

“Interesting,” Mikhail murmured, leaning back in his chair.

Her eyes snapped up to meet his. “What’s so interesting about it?”

“Your resilience,” he replied simply. “Most people in your position would have panicked or given up. But you managed to escape your house, find help—albeit unintentional—and now you’re here, still fighting.”

"Hmph..." Aria frowned, unsure if it was a compliment or a veiled insult.

“Why are you helping me?” she asked, her tone wary.

Mikhail’s lips curved into a faint smile. “Let’s just say I have a penchant for solving mysteries. And you, little one, are the most intriguing mystery I’ve encountered in a long time.”

Before she could respond, the butler returned, leading Max into the room. The large dog trotted in, his tail wagging happily as he spotted Aria. She ran to the edge of the coffee table, waving her arms.

“Max!” she called, relief and joy evident in her voice.

Max barked softly, his nose twitching as he sniffed the air. He sat obediently when Mikhail gestured, the imposing man regarding the dog with mild amusement.

“He’s loyal,” Mikhail remarked, glancing at Aria.

“Of course he is,” she replied, crossing her arms. “He’s the best dog in the world.”

Mikhail chuckled softly. “I’ll see to it that he’s taken care of. But for now, we have more pressing matters to discuss.”

Aria’s gaze lingered on Max for a moment before she reluctantly turned her attention back to Mikhail. Despite her unease, she knew he was right. She needed answers—and perhaps, he was her only chance at finding them.

"Sir, Your lunch." The butler said as he entered the room, carrying a tray with a porcelain teacup and a selection of tiny pastries. He placed the tray on the table beside Aria, his movements precise and deliberate.

“Eat,” Mikhail instructed. “You need your strength.”

Her stomach growled softly, and despite her reservations, she reached for a crumb-sized piece of pastry. She took a tentative bite, the rich flavor surprising her.

As she ate, Mikhail observed her in silence. His sharp gaze seemed to pierce through her, as if he were unraveling every detail of her existence.

“You won’t survive out there on your own,” he said after a while, his tone matter-of-fact.

Aria looked up at him, her mouth set in a firm line. “I don’t need your pity.”

“It’s not pity,” he replied. “It’s pragmatism. Whether you like it or not, staying here is your best option—for now.”

She wanted to argue, to demand her freedom, but deep down, she knew he was right. The world was a dangerous place, especially for someone as small and vulnerable as her.

“Fine,” she muttered, crossing her arms. “But this doesn’t mean I trust you.”

Mikhail chuckled softly. “Trust isn’t necessary. Cooperation, however, is.”

Aria frowned but didn’t respond. She had no idea what Mikhail Kuznetsov’s true intentions were, but for now, she had little choice but to play along.

Her life had taken a turn she never could have imagined, and she was now at the mercy of the most powerful—and enigmatic—man she’d ever encountered...

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