***
"Big brother, I'm doing this for you and as pay back. She called me a talkative, the audacity!"
A man chuckled, "Someone else seems to notice. It's the reason that old dog hired you. Talkative are believed to be unable to lie or keep secrets." He stayed in the dark like he was one with it. His dead gorgeous features hidden in those shadows, the only thing glaring we're his cold grey eyes that seemed frightening and could almost see your soul. Long elegant lashes graced upon them but ofcourse the rest of this magnificence qaa hidden in the dark, not that Shawn didn't already know who he was.
Shawn feigned surprise, "How could you big brother?!!"
The man's expression went back cold, "What information have you gathered?" Shawn's voice immediately lost the youthful cheer and turned serious, "She has scars meaning he does more than just down degrading her publicly. She doesn't talk much and she doesn't look like she can be manipulated to do so."
The man kept silent for a while, "And her security?"
Shawn replied, "Nothing. She doesn't even have a maid. She was half dead when I came in."
The man hit his hand furiously on the iron desk, "Those dogs!!"
Shawn cowered a bit at the man's fury even though they were actually brothers and he was his most trusted man, he was still as scared of him as every other person in their group. "It doesn't seem like the young prince knows about her fortune and he doesn't seem obsessed as claimed. He didn't care much about her fainting in the room and they don't share a room."
The man sighed, "That'll be good then. I want to pay her a visit. I want to see our gateway myself."
Shawn hesitated, "They're cameras and she doesn't leave her room. I don't think it'll be possible. It'll only raise an alarm. There's a evening mask gallery the hotel is hosting. I'll convince them to attend. You could meet her there."
The man thought about it, replying slowly, "Then we'll have a change of plan."
***
Mirabelle submerged herself in the steaming jacuzzi, trying to get some rest. She was tired of many things and sighed as her unhealed wounds still gave a slight burning sensation. Just as she was about to relax, she heard a bell ring at the front door. She ignored it, praying the person would go away. If they didn't have a pass to get in, then they weren't her problem or her concern. The ringing continued until she was forced to rise from the pool and open the door, still in her bathrobe.
She opened the door without even bothering to fake a smile. "Hi, new neighbour! I'm Mabel, and I live here too. I think we'll be friends!" said a bubbly lady of about nineteen as she slipped under Mia's arm, letting herself into the house.
"Whoa, your condo looks amazing, and you have the best view!!! OMG." Mia struggled to contain her frustration. "Who are you? In fact, I don't want to know. Please leave."
Mabel pretended to be hurt. "Ouch, that's harsh. Well, I'm Mabel. I always welcome the new neighbours, and when I found out you were around my age, I totally freaked out. We'd be perfect together! We could watch cute boys, go shopping, and hang out."
Mia took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. She never thought she'd say this, but here it came: "I have a husband!!! And I love my alone time, which you're currently intruding on."
Mabel smiled sweetly. "I live alone and don't really have many friends here, so I was hoping we could be really good friends."
Mia sighed, about to say something when Mabel cut her short. "Wait! You have a husband. You look really... young. You must really love him."
Mia massaged her temples as she walked toward the kitchen. Mabel followed her. "Why am I encountering so many talkative people today? I'm going to have a migraine," she muttered under her breath. She grabbed a bottle of water from the stocked fridge while Mabel sat on a stool opposite her.
"There's a pool at the back, and no one's there right now. It's really nice, and we could go there," Mabel suggested, watching Mia. Mabel looked cute with her two ponytails, her curly sandy blonde hair matching her slightly tanned complexion and bold, bright eyes. As she spoke, her eyes sparkled like the northern lights.
Mia scrutinised her slowly. Apart from being excessively talkative, Mabel seemed really nice and radiated positive energy. Maybe that pool would be a nice change. However, it had been years since she had gone to public places without Liam or any member of the Edwards family. But what the hell? Liam was out at a club, and no one else was around.
"Are you sure no one is there?" Mia asked skeptically.
Mabel nodded. "It will take me half a minute to put on my bikini."
Mia shuddered. If she wore a bikini, her scars would be exposed, and what if a paparazzi or nosy neighbour saw them, or even Mabel? "I think I'll pass. It would be nice if you left now."
Mabel frowned at Mia's sudden change of mood. "Are you alright? Don't worry, I can go without my bikini."
Mia closed her eyes and sighed. "Leave now. Leave!!"
Mabel was taken aback. Why the sudden emotional shift? When Mia opened her eyes, Mabel felt a deep tug. There was no light in them—no warmth, no hatred, no emotions at all. Not even pain.
She replied softly, getting up from the chair. "Okay, I'll come by some other time then." Then, impulsively, she added, "It's okay to cry sometimes."
Mia was breathing hurriedly, forcing herself to feel numb. She was scarred—emotionally and psychologically traumatised—and had breakdowns more frequently than she could control, each easily triggered. As she heard the new bodyguard's voice at the door, she was sure she didn't want him to see her like this. She didn't need anyone's pity. She made her way to her room and locked the door behind her. Sliding to the floor, she forced herself to calm down.
At the door, Mabel was about to leave when she accidentally bumped into Shawn. She hurriedly apologised and tried to step away, but his grip on her arm was strong. He pulled her close, scanning her face. Her eyes were wide like a frightened kitten. He raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. "Who are you, and what are you doing here?"
Mabel was taken aback but soon regained her composure, although her cheeks flushed. She realised that she hadn't spoken because he was still holding her close. Shawn smirked, leaning closer. "Do you really want me to repeat myself?"
She blinked, feeling flustered. "Um, no. I'm... I'm Mabel. I live here, in the apartment next door. I came to say hi to the new neighbour."
He studied her suspiciously. "How did you know there was a new neighbour or that it would be a girl?"
Mabel gave a fleeting smile. "I saw them coming in from my window and decided to say hi. Who are you, and why are you asking me so many questions?" She pulled away, putting distance between them. "If you're suspicious of me, just check the resident records. I'm Mabel Swiss. Apartment 12A."
He raised an eyebrow, his eyes following her as she left. This mission was getting interesting. If the Boss wanted to handle this personally, Shawn might as well take advantage of his time with this intriguing and suspicious neighbour. A smirk slowly formed on his lips. Mabel Swiss. She had said it confidently, which meant it was indeed her real name, and he also knew her apartment number. That was a good lead.