The Unknown; Hellbent

The ride was silent with Alexia occasionally glancing at Ezekiel, a slight blush still on her face remembering how he carried her into the car, seeing her legs were cramped from lying on the bench, she looked down on his coat which he wore her to keep her warm and his words about her wearing something short echoed in her mind, she didn't think she'd dare do it again or she might be punished.

Surprisingly a part of her still wanted to defy him, to receive his so-called punishment. Realising the direction of her thoughts, she blushed harder— something she'd been doing a lot. What was wrong with her? She quickly turned to the window, pretending to admire the passing scenery to conceal her embarrassment.

In the driver's seat, Tyler struggled to hide his disbelief as he glanced at Ezekiel in the rearview mirror. Was this truly the same Zeke he had known all these years? Sure, the man had changed ever since Alexia entered the picture, but carrying her into the car and personally dressing her in his coat? It was completely out of character. And the person who was the centre of their thoughts—Zeke— was lazily closing his eye, and cursing himself in his mind on why he did that.

Lately, he had been surprising even himself.

By the time they arrived at their destination, Alexia—still wrapped in Ezekiel's oversized coat, which engulfed her petite frame—gasped at the sight before her. The mansion was a lifeless color of black and grey, from the walls to the furniture. It was cold, uninviting, and a stark contrast to the warmth of her home.

"Welcome to Black Mansion," Tyler announced, finally recovering from his earlier shock. His mischievous smile suggested he was trying to lighten the mood and play the role of the welcoming host.

"Black Mansion? Seriously?" Alexia said, surprised. She had heard rumors of Ezekiel Xiao's infamous residence but always brushed them off, thinking the name was exaggerated. Now, seeing it she realized it was anything but an exaggeration.

"It's really just like its name," she murmured under her breath. Tyler, standing close, caught her words and leaned in with a grin.

"You can make some changes if you want," he whispered.

Her eyes lit up with delight at the idea. "Oh, I will," she replied, determination shining in her gaze.

She glanced at Zeke's broad back as he walked upstairs, she could tell he was drained. Just as he reached his room, he looked back at her. "Tai will take you to your room. After freshening up, come down for dinner," he instructed.

Alexia nodded. "Mm, will you be coming too?" she asked softly.

Ezekiel paused briefly before nodding once and disappearing into his room.

"Gingerhead, why is Zeke so tired? How long was the meeting?" she asked Tyler, her concern evident, a simple meeting shouldn't make him this weak.

Tyler hesitated before answering, his expression troubled. "Miss, he hasn't been eating much these past few days. I think that's why he's so worn out."

Her eyes widened in alarm. "He hasn't been eating? That's not good. He needs to take care of himself."

Tyler helped Alexia settle into her room, which was decorated with a feminine touch—courtesy of Tyler, of course.

"Thanks, Gingerhead. I'll freshen up and come down. Tell them to prepare food for me and Zeke. If he doesn't come down, I'll take it to him," she said firmly. Tyler, clearly relieved by her determination, nodded and hurried off to relay the instructions.

"geez is he finally loosing interest in life, Ramon where are you" Tyler mused as he went to the kitchen.

After freshening up, Alexia came downstairs, unsurprised to find the dining room empty of Ezekiel. She asked Tyler where he was, then promptly made her way to the study.

Without bothering to knock, she barged in, finding Ezekiel absorbed in his work. "Geez, Mr. Workaholic, I heard you haven't been eating. Don't you know how bad that is? Don't worry—your good girlfriend will help you, just like my mom helps my dad," she declared confidently as she strode toward him.

Ezekiel froze mid-typing, his brows furrowing as he turned to face her. "Girlfriend?" he asked, his tone laced with incredulity.

"Yes! I've decided that you're going to be my real boyfriend—at least until I finish my drawing. It'll give me inspiration," she said with unwavering conviction, her gaze locking onto his. His lemon-green eyes, tinged with a faint hint of grey, were mesmerizing—a mystery—just like him.

Before he could respond, she grabbed his hand and pulled him up. "Come on," she urged as she dragged him to the dining table.

He was wearing just a top and trousers, typical house wear, but even then, he was still oozing with hotness, the top fitted him perfectly, showing his broad shoulders, muscles and abs. And it didn't help that his hair was still a bit damp and clung to his face—he looked so....

Alexia's heart pounded wildly as she held his warm hand. Glancing down at her smaller hand clasped in his, a faint, a smile flickered across his lips before vanishing.

Of course Tyler wasn't there or else the gossipmonger turned photographer would have captured this moment, but the bewildered maids and cooks who saw them coming down all had the same thought

'What the hell'

'Is this the master'

After eating, with Alexia making sure Zeke finished his food, they headed upstairs "do you want to draw me now" Zeke asked Alexia when they were in front of her room and Alexia turned to him shaking her head.

"No, you're tired. Get some rest. Tomorrow." She smiled gently. "Goodnight."

She turned to enter her room, but Ezekiel caught her wrist and pinned her against the wall

"Alexia, don't get too attached," he said, his voice low and pleading. "Remember, you'll leave when this is over. It's for your own good. Anyone who stays close to me is put in danger."

Alexia's gaze softened as she smiled sweetly. "Goodnight," she whispered. Then, to his shock, she stood on her tiptoes and pressed a light peck to his cheek before slipping from his grasp.

Ezekiel stood frozen outside her door, stunned by her boldness.

Inside her room, Alexia sat on the edge of her bed, her heart pounding. A smile tugged at her lips as she tried to calm herself. She opened her laptop and began working on her webtoon, using the distraction to focus.

His warnings echoed in her mind. Don't get too attached.

"Too late," she murmured to herself. Her chest tightened at the thought of leaving him, the mere idea filling her with dread. No—she wouldn't leave.

She was determined to stay by Ezekiel's side, no matter the danger. He was trapped in a dark, desolate world, and she wanted to be his light, his fire. She didn't know when her feelings for him had begun, but she was sure of one thing: she wasn't going anywhere.

After publishing the first chapter of her webtoon, she collapsed onto her bed, exhaustion pulling her into sleep. But her resolve stayed firm. Whatever it took, she would remain by his side.

——————

The next morning, Alexia who woke up late, came downstairs to find that both the ginger head and Zeke had left for work.

A butler who introduced himself as Sebastian served her food "the master said you can go out and do what you want, but your curfew is 6pm" Sebastian informed her after she was done with eating.

Alexia nodded, frowning a bit at the curfew, but she wasn't even planning on going out.

Soon, after telling the maids to buy her fresh flowers, she stood outside, in a gardener's attire, ready to add a little color to the dark house as she began planting the flowers.