“I'm at a loss here. The city's brimming with glamorous women, many of whom would be all over you. So why pick me?"

“From the moment I laid eyes on you, I knew you stood out from the crowd," Gerard declared, his gaze so unwavering that Lilah felt pulled into its depths.

Her heart raced.

She quickly looked away.

Yet, she couldn't let herself believe. The notion that maybe his affection was just a fleeting fancy loomed large in her mind.

“I appreciate the sentiment, Mr. Harris. But right now, I'm all about my career, Men aren't on my radar."

"It's fine," Gerard replied, worry painting his features. Swiftly switching gears, he asked, "What went down earlier? Can I be of assistance?"

Lilah's gaze hardened at his question.

Half a decade ago, she'd been robbed of her family. Now, years later, were they plotting to auction her off?

“I've got this," she asserted firmly.

She trembled from the biting cold. “ think I've regained my composure. You might want to head back.

A long, deafening silence ensued, until he finally replied, “Understood.”

Without another word, Gerard rose and made his exit, gently shutting the door.

Once alone, Lilah let out a relieved sigh. She hurriedly showered, letting the hot water soothe her chilled bones, before sinking into her bed. Slumber claimed her almost immediately.

The following morning, Lilah greeted the day on her own terms.

Topping her to-do list? Putting her mom's house on the market.

After dropping a note to her dad, essentially asking him to pack up and leave, she blocked his contact.

Her mother's villa, nestled in a posh area, boasted an enviable view.

Given its charm and her reasonable pricing, she anticipated a quick sale.

As she wrapped up her tasks and left her room, she happened to see Gerard and Jerrold on their way out.

Their gazes clashed, and a hint of discomfort bubbled within Lilah.

But Jerrold, ever the cheerful tyke, dropped Gerard's hand in favor of Lilah's. "Lilah!"

“Off to school, munchkin?" She bent down, giving his nose a teasing tweak.

Jerrold's wide, innocent eyes looked up to her, full of curiosity.