CHRISTIAN POV:
I stepped closer, my movements slow and deliberate. My eyes lingered on Lina's face, noticing the smudge of flour on her cheek. Without a second thought, I reached out, my fingers gently brushing against her skin as I wiped it away. I felt her stiffen under my touch, saw the flicker of surprise in her eyes before she quickly turned away, pretending to check on her work.
She was nervous.
That realization stirred something deep within me. I didn't say anything, only stood beside Ray, watching as Lina tried to compose herself. When she finally turned back, her expression was as cold and composed as ever.
"Mr. Romano, would you like to have some?" Her voice was even, controlled, but I could hear the slight edge of tension.
I simply nodded.
Lina cut a piece of apple pie for me, then turned to Ray. "Go to the dining table. I'll bring it in a few minutes."
Taking Ray's small hand in mine, I led her to the dining area and settled into the chair. She swung her legs happily, unaware of the strange tension between me and Lina. Five minutes later, Lina arrived, placing a plate of pie in front of me and Ray. As she set the plates down, she glanced at the clock, 11:30 AM.
She asked Ray if she want to go outside for lunch?
I studied her, noticing how she avoided my gaze. She was deliberately keeping herself busy, but I could sense something off. "Lina, why didn't you bring a plate for yourself?"
Before she could respond, Ray giggled and answered for her. "Christian uncle, Lina aunt doesn't like sweet things."
I smiled, amused by the little girl's eagerness. Reaching over, I ruffled Ray's hair.
Meanwhile, Lina remained quiet. My attention drifted back to her, noticing how she stared at the table, lost in thought. Her hands were still, but there was a tension in her shoulders.
Something was wrong.
Then, for a brief moment, I saw the pain in her eyes, raw and unguarded. It lasted only a second, but it struck me harder than expected. there something in that expression, grief, betrayal, or a past she had yet to let go of? But just as quickly, she looked away, masking her emotions behind her usual composure.
"I need to make a call," Lina said abruptly, standing up. "Ray, wait with Mr. Romano. We'll go out and play after that."
Without waiting for a response, she grabbed her phone and walked out of the main door. My eyes followed her through the French window, watching as she made her way toward the large pine tree in the garden. She sat down on the bench, gripping her hair, trying to steady herself. Even from a distance, I could see the slight tremble in her fingers as she held her phone.
My jaw tightened. What was troubling her this much?
Something about her posture, the way she seemed to be struggling against something unseen, made my chest tighten. I didn't move. I didn't invade her space. But my gaze never left her.
Thirty minutes later, Lina returned, her face composed once more, though her eyes carried the remnants of something unresolved. I pretended to be absorbed in my documents as she walked in, but in reality, I was keenly aware of her every move. She sat on the opposite side, her attention immediately shifting to her work.
"Where's Ray?" she asked without looking up.
"She was feeling sleepy. The nanny took her upstairs to rest."
Lina nodded, calling the housekeeper to prepare a simple lunch and retrieve her bag from Ray's playroom. When the housekeeper returned, Lina pulled out her iPad and glasses, her focus locked on the screen. I continued to observe her, noting the way she immersed herself in work as if trying to escape something.
A moment of silence passed before I spoke. "Lina, aren't you looking for real estate? There are a few good properties under Romano & Co. If you're interested, I can help."
Lina finally looked up, considering my offer. "Send me the details. I'll discuss with my team first."
I smiled. "Of course."
She nodded, I'm already typing a message to Kate. Within minutes, Kate sent over a few locations, including a newly built mall where the top and middle floors were still under construction. Glancing at the details, I said, "This location has great potential. The highest floor would attract premium clients."
Lina thought for a moment before responding.
"You can visit the site and confirm," I said smoothly. "Once you're satisfied, we'll finalize the contract."
"Alright," Lina agreed. "Send the documents to my email."
Instead of replying, I pushed my phone toward her. "Give me your number. It'll be easier to coordinate directly."
She hesitated but eventually took my phone, dialing her number before handing it back. I saved the contact and called her phone. Her screen lit up on the table.
"Save my number," I said casually.
Lina sighed but obliged, typing in 'Mr. Romano.'
Through the reflection of her glasses, I saw what she had written. I chuckled to myself, Unknown to her, I saved her contact under a different name, "Snow. Cold, yet soft"
I didn't know why I did it. Maybe it was just an impulse, or deep down, I was intrigued by the contrast in her, the frost she wore as armor and the warmth I suspected she kept buried underneath.
And for the first time in a long while, I felt a strange sense of amusement, as if something had shifted....