Chepter 3

Inside his sanctuary, Ryan found Arina, his unexpected guest, admiring the artwork that adorned his walls. "Do you like it?" Ryan's inquiry was sudden, catching Arina off guard, flooding her senses with a rush of emotions. She bowed her head in a mix of surprise and uncertainty, unsure of how to respond to the king's unexpected attention.

"Apologies, king," Arina murmured softly, her voice barely audible as she averted her gaze, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment at the unexpected intimacy of the moment.

Ryan persisted, his voice gentle yet insistent. "You didn't answer," he urged, a hint of vulnerability seeping into his tone, revealing a side of him that Arina hadn't expected.

Slowly, Arina raised her head, her eyes meeting his in a silent exchange of emotions. Her green eyes, flecked with hints of gold, held a depth that intrigued Ryan, drawing him in with their captivating allure.

Confusion momentarily clouded her mind until the memory of their shared moment flooded back. "Yes... It's beautiful," she finally whispered, her voice filled with sincerity as she acknowledged the beauty of the artwork around them.

But beneath her polite response, Arina couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered in the air. The king's intense gaze and his unexpectedly intimate questions left her feeling vulnerable, a sensation she couldn't quite shake off. His presence seemed to emit an aura of intimidation, making her nervous in his presence.

Before they could dwell on the moment any longer, a sudden knock on the cabin door shattered the intimacy, pulling them back to reality.

"Miss, your father is asking for you," Charlie's voice broke through the silence, his presence a reminder of the world beyond their secluded space.

Seeking permission, Arina turned to Ryan, her eyes pleading for understanding amidst the chaos of emotions swirling within her. Her long red hair cascaded over her shoulders, framing her delicate features in a soft halo, adding to her ethereal beauty.

"You can go for now, Arina, but..." Ryan's voice trailed off, leaving a lingering promise hanging in the air, a smirk playing on his lips as he watched her depart.

As Arina left, the tension in the room dissipated, replaced by a sense of anticipation for what the future held. Ryan's gaze lingered on her retreating figure, his thoughts consumed by her presence, stirring a possessiveness within him that he couldn't ignore.

Once alone, Ryan turned to Charlie, his voice filled with gratitude and warmth. "This month, you are going to get a bonus, Charlie," he declared, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips, a gesture of appreciation for his loyal assistant. But his mind remained fixated on Arina, her image etched in his mind, igniting a fire within him that refused to be extinguished.

********

As the car engine hummed softly, Arina turned to her father, her eyes filled with curiosity and concern. "How was your meeting?" she inquired, her voice tinged with anticipation, eager to hear about her father's endeavors.

"It went well, my dear. Just keep praying, princess. Once I secure that deal, our lives will find their way back," Mr. Shaw responded, his voice carrying a mix of determination and reassurance, instilling hope in his daughter's heart.

Nodding solemnly, Arina promised, "I will pray for you, dad," her gaze drifting beyond the window to the imposing silhouette of King Empire, her mind wandering to the enigmatic figure of the king.

Her thoughts couldn't help but voice their concerns. "Do you think the king seemed a bit strange?" she questioned, her brow furrowing with uncertainty, her intuition sensing something amiss.

Her father's response was firm yet cautious. "Princess, never speak ill of the king. Regardless of his eccentricities, we must always show him respect," he advised, his words carrying the weight of authority, urging his daughter to tread carefully in matters concerning the king.

Arina's response was a quiet murmur of acknowledgment, her thoughts lingering on the mysterious aura surrounding the king, a sense of unease settling in the pit of her stomach.

Sensing the need to change the subject, Mr. Shaw gently redirected the conversation. "Princess, your birthday is approaching. What would you like this year?" he inquired, his gaze momentarily drifting to the figure of his daughter, while also noting the king's subtle observation of her, his parental instincts ever vigilant.

With hopeful eyes, Arina expressed her deepest desire. "I want Aaron to come live with us," she declared, her voice filled with longing, yearning for the presence of her beloved brother by her side.

Her father's response was gentle yet firm. "Sweetheart, you know he must remain at the hostel. He's chosen his path, just like you have. I cannot interfere," he explained, his tone laced with empathy, understanding the ache in his daughter's heart.

Disappointed but undeterred, Arina pouted softly. "I understand, but I wish he could be here with me," she admitted, her eyes betraying her longing for her brother's presence, a bond that transcended distance and time.

Offering a compromise, her father suggested, "You can visit him in New York," to which Arina nodded in reluctant acceptance, finding solace in the prospect of reuniting with her brother, even if only for a brief moment.

As they approached their destination, Mr. Shaw proposed, "Let's have our lunch at home today," eager to cherish the moments spent with his daughter, their bond unyielding amidst life's complexities, a beacon of love and support guiding them through the trials that lay ahead. And with a nod of agreement, they continued their journey home, their hearts entwined in a bond that nothing could break.