Breaking the distance between them, the stranger spoke.
"Get them safely to their apartment."
He didn't even need to explain. His men already knew who he meant.
Then he turned to Celia.
"Follow me."
He didn't wait for an answer before walking toward the door. His men stood aside, watching Celia, waiting for him to move first.
And he did.
Celia wasn't even allowed to say goodbye to his family. He just followed behind the stranger in silence.
When they stepped outside, the street that had been empty moments ago was now filled with people minding their business, completely unaware of what had just happened inside that building.
A sleek black luxury car waited by the curb, its polished body reflecting the streetlights like glass. The door opened smoothly.
The stranger got in first. The door shut behind him with a soft click.
The same was done for Celia.
He slid into the seat, the rich leather cold beneath him.
Now he was sitting in the same car as the man who had just killed his cousin. The thought twisted his stomach violently.
For a moment, Celia thought he might throw up. But he forced it down, clenching his jaw and holding himself together just long enough.
The engine came to life with a low hum as the car pulled away from the curb and merged into the quiet traffic.
No one spoke. Streetlights slid across the windows as the city passed by in long streaks of gold and shadow.
The ride stretched on… ten minutes, twenty, then nearly an hour.
Still, Celia didn't say a word. The same went for the man with the split-colored hair sitting nearby.
Celia sat stiffly in the leather seat, his hands clenched together, his mind running in circles.
Were his grandparents safe?
The monster had given the order. But did that mean anything? Men like him could change their minds in a split second.
His jaw tightened.
That wasn't the only thing bothering him.
"Your first job starts tonight."
The words kept echoing in his head.
What kind of job?
Celia swallowed. Working for someone like this could only mean one thing. It wouldn't be anything good.
Across from him, the stranger sat in complete silence, as if the long drive meant nothing at all. That silence was somehow worse than threats.
Because Celia had no idea what was waiting for him when the car finally stopped. But he could feel it—as though someone was watching him, eyes piercing into his back.
When he finally glanced across the car, the stranger was already looking at him.
He was deadly calm as he studied Celia, like he was trying to figure something out. Celia looked away immediately.
He didn't know why he felt shy all of a sudden. The feeling came out of nowhere and it annoyed him.
"Could you quit staring at me?" Celia said, still refusing to look back. He kept his eyes fixed on the window.
He didn't want this deadly man to see his face. A soft chuckle came from across the car.
"Why are you bothered about this right now?" the stranger asked calmly. "You weren't bothered back then when I was pointing a gun at your face. Not when you spoke back to me."
He leaned slightly forward, studying Celia's rigid posture.
"Where did all that bravery disappear to?" A small, amused smirk appeared on his face.
Celia's jaw tightened. His ears burned, but he refused to turn around. Instead, he stared harder at the passing streetlights outside, pretending they were far more interesting than the man sitting across from him.
Unfortunately, he missed the stranger's expression completely.
The smirk slowly widened.
"Why were you named Celia?" he asked, curiosity clear in his voice.
It wasn't a mockery, it sounded more like genuine interest.
He had never, in any circumstance, seen a man with a woman's name. It was something completely new to him, and he wanted to know if there was a reason behind it.
Celia sighed quietly at the question.
He hated that name so much but he couldn't bring himself to abandon it. Not completely.
His mother had given him that name, and she was the only person who had ever meant the world to him.
But she was gone, passed away years ago, leaving behind nothing but memories and that name.
Celia kept it as a reminder of her, even though he hated it.
Even though it had caused him years of bullying and cruel jokes. Even though every time someone said it, it felt like they were mocking him.
Celia's fingers tightened slightly in his lap. For a moment, he didn't answer.
Then he shifted slightly in his seat and spoke instead. "What's your name?"
The stranger raised an eyebrow at the sudden change of topic. He could clearly see what Celia was doing.
Avoiding the question, but he didn't press. "Alessandro," he said simply.
The name rolled off his tongue with quiet authority. Then he leaned back in his seat, his attention drifting away as if the conversation had already lost its value.
Just like that, his interest in Celia seemed to fade. Celia stared out the window again, but the name lingered in his mind.
Alessandro.
"So the monster had a name." He muttered to himself.
The car finally slowed, gliding to a stop in front of towering iron gates.
Celia's eyes widened.
The estate was massive, like a fortress. Guards in black suits stood motionless on either side of the entrance, eyes scanning the surroundings like a well trained dog.
Cameras dotted the walls, silently tracking every movement.
The gates opened slowly, as if on command, revealing a sweeping driveway lined with perfectly manicured gardens.
The car rolled forward, the engine's low hum barely breaking the heavy quiet.
Celia was left speechless looking at what's before him, every instinct screamed at him that this was no ordinary home.
This was a palace built for power, for control. And he was stepping right into it.
When the car finally came to a stop, two of Alessandro's bodyguards silently stepped forward, opening the doors for him and Celia. Their movements were smooth, precise, and practiced, exuding a sense of command and respect.
Alessandro exited the car first, landing on the driveway with an air of ownership. Celia followed, feeling the weight of the estate bearing down on him, the warmth of the leather seat still lingering on his hands.
As they made their way towards the entrance, a third man emerged from the shadows. Tall and broad, with piercing eyes that seemed to see right through Celia, he exuded a quiet authority.
"This is your escort," Alessandro stated, gesturing towards the man. His voice was calm yet carried a sense of gravity.
The escort stepped forward, offering a single nod to Celia. There was no smile or warmth, only a presence that made the air feel heavy and tense.
Celia swallowed nervously, instinctively adjusting his posture. It was clear that this man was not someone to be taken lightly.
Alessandro turned to Celia and calmly instructed him, "
Behave. I'll be busy. Get ready for dinner." His voice carried a sense of authority that didn't require any threats. Celia could feel the weight of his words, even though he didn't touch him.
Nodding in acknowledgment, Alessandro's mind was already occupied with other thoughts.
He then directed his attention to the escort standing next to Celia. "Show him to his room," he ordered before striding down a dimly lit corridor, flanked by his bodyguards.
Left alone with the escort, Celia observed the man's emotionless demeanor. He seemed like a well-oiled machine, efficient and obedient.
With a sigh, he turned to him and politely said, "Please, follow me," gesturing towards the hallway.
Celia hesitated for a moment before following the escort, each step resonating faintly in the quiet corridor.
As he walked, he observed his surroundings intently. He had signed the documents to buy time, not intending to stay here forever.
He needed time to plan his escape, contact his grandparents, and ensure Lora's safety. Despite his calm steps, his heart raced as they passed each door.
Upon reaching his room, the escort signaled for him to enter. Celia paused, surveying the room before cautiously stepping inside, feeling a mix of apprehension and hope in every corner.
As Celia walked into the room, he was taken aback by its grandeur. The escort had led him to a luxurious space with a king-size bed adorned with silk sheets that looked incredibly inviting.
The room was bathed in the glow of city lights streaming in through the floor-to-ceiling windows, creating a mesmerizing view. A high-tech TV and sound system were neatly tucked away in an elegant entertainment unit, adding to the room's modern charm.
It felt like something out of a dream, with plush velvet armchairs inviting you to sink into their softness and a marble coffee table that sparkled under the warm light of crystal chandeliers. The polished wooden floors were covered with luxurious rugs, and a walk-in closet beckoned from the corner, offering a glimpse of designer suits, shoes, and watches neatly displayed.
He froze in the doorway, mouth slightly open. His chest tightened as he tried to take in the sheer luxury of the room.
He couldn't believe Alessandro would even buy something like this for him.
Before he could gather his thoughts, the escort cleared his throat, bringing Celia back to reality. "Your room," he said, stepping aside and leaving Celia staring, wide-eyed, at a world that suddenly felt completely alien and terrifying.