Chapter 9

Amelia was about to say something, but her words were disrupted when Cullen's phone rang loudly. She gave him an apology and looked away.

Cullen produced his phone from his suit's inner pocket and stared at the caller. Seeing it was from work, he ignored the call.

"Here," he stretched his coffee mug over to Amelia, "My door is wide open, you can do whatever you want inside until I return but make sure not to go near the third floor," he said.

Amelia was taken aback by his words. How can he leave his house to her? She was a stranger. Well, yes for now she was because technically, he seemed to have forgotten her.

Cullen read her thoughts from her eyes and replied, "I don't have to fear anything. You don't look like someone I should fear," sarcasm dripped out of his words.

Amelia's face reddened with embarrassment. Stretching her hand, she received the coffee mug from him and glued her face to the floor.

She should have known all men are the same. Her father was the only different one among them. That was why they killed him.

Seeing how she bowed her head, his lips twisted into an odd smile. He loved how obedient she acted. It would be easier for him to get what he wants from her.

"Have a nice day," and with those words, he got into a black Ferrari, packed two cars away, and drove out of the yard.

Amelia did not leave the garage immediately after Cullen left. She stood, rotting in a spot for a long time, trying to process what was happening with her life after last night.

She felt reluctant. Reluctant to do anything or go into his house to rest. She blinked softly and looked around her surroundings, taking note of it.

From last night until this morning, she had been so lost. Her state of mind made it impossible for her to notice her surroundings properly.

Beads of sweat covered her forehead and she closed her eyes in mental pain. She can't fully come to accept help as great as this from a half-stranger. Daniel doesn't give her privileges like this.

Arranging her bangs to help cover her scar, she tucked a strand of her black hair behind her ear and walked out of the garage.

Her feet paused, and a light gasp escaped her lips when she saw the mighty three-story building before her. She missed a lot last night.

Amelia's feet timidly walked to the center of the yard and she could not help the lovely smile that covered her lips.

The yard alone gave her peace. It was nothing like Daniel's house.

Unlike Daniel's blunt straightforward ludicrous house, this house before her was mixed with art and beauty.

There was a massive infinity-edge pool, inches away from a pedestrian gate. She wrapped her arms around herself and tears filled her eyes as she walked towards the pedestrian gate.

The pedestrian gate brought her directly to a gorgeous courtyard area as she walked in. She chuckled and looked back at the main gate and the garage. Cullen seems to take the advice, *make sure to lock your doors,* extra miles.

Directly to the front entrance was a floating marble step. There was also a massive water feature on the left side. The sound of the water feature gracing her ears as she walked through the door was incredible.

Tropical plant life lined across the wall opposite.

Amelia swallowed. Her hand pushed open the glass-paneled Piot door and walked into the house.

"Impressive," she muttered to herself, rubbing her arms, and looking around the house.

There was a collection of gorgeous light features suspended from the ceiling. A marble set of steps lined before her, taking her directly into the living room. She blinked seeing most sides of the house covered with darker shades.

From the outside, the house looked all white.

A two-story ceiling stood majestically, with the skylight right above. It brought so much natural light into the space. Right where she stood, Amelia could spot the formal dining space and kitchen already.

The couch in the living room was gray and sectional. It looked like it was giving out a statement - an authoritative one.

To her left-hand side, there was a massive mirrored back wall which was 2ft up to the top of the ceiling. There was also a colorful art piece that hung from two wires.

The marble floor continued everywhere around the living room. Under the massive mirrored back wall, marble-enclosed fireplace.

A few steps forward was a glass-enclosed wine cellar. Behind the couch in the living room was a contemporary setting space with a similar gray marble table.

From where she stood, she could see an outdoor living area, right behind a pocket sliding door. Her eyes scanned the outdoor sitting area, and she loved the sight of it.

The outdoor living space wraps around, all the way to the far side of the main level. It had a great view of the sunset in the distance, with a massive pool space right down below.

Unique art pieces designed the house.

Leading to the rooms upstairs, was a marble floating staircase, leading both up above and down below.

The formal dining room section has seating for up to twelve people. Amelia wondered who the twelve people were because the house seemed empty. Four circular light features are positioned right above the dining table.

A well-appointed kitchen followed behind the dining, with a marble waterfall edge center island. Down below were the LED light strips, which illuminate the section of the center island. The custom cabinetry was positioned at the right-hand side, added with a marble countertop.

Having no idea what to do or what room to go into, Amelia walked towards the staircase and sat before it, folding her legs to her chest.

It did not sit well with her that he left his house open to her. Also, there was no one around to direct her. For that reason, Amelia decided to relax before the staircase and wait for him.