I snuggled deeper into the velvety bedding, unwilling to part ways with its comforting embrace. The alarm clock on my bedside table had already snoozed twice, failing to rouse me at the intended 6:00 am. You see, I should have mentioned this earlier, but Luna-yes, that's me-possessed the sleeping habits of a cat. I could curl up and snooze for hours, though you wouldn't want to mess with the tigress I became once I woke up.

Beside the fireplace in my room stood a polished coffee table, upon which my trusty backpack awaited. The small sofa set surrounding it had become a temporary resting place for my jacket, while my shoes and socks littered the soft gray wool carpets. Kai, being the thoughtful person he was, had stocked my wardrobe with cozy clothes of my choice and filled the mini fridge near the sofa with an array of sweet treats he thought I might enjoy.

Turning onto my back, I gazed up at the pristine white ceiling, halfheartedly attempting to lull myself back to sleep. But my phone's persistent chiming shattered any hope of drifting off again. I rubbed the bedding absentmindedly, hoping to stumble upon my phone. Finally, my fingertips grazed its shiny surface.

"Two missed calls and 30 messages? She probably thinks I'm dead."

I soon found my answer as my phone began vibrating violently, indicating an incoming call from Lexi.

"Where the hell were you?" Her high-pitched voice pierced through the phone, prompting me to hold it at arm's length to protect my eardrums.

"You sent me to this hell. Why ask now?"

"Thought you were dead."

"Seems like you had serious doubts about him torturing me." A chuckle escaped my lips as I heard Lexi's tense voice on the other end.

"You're not funny, you know?"

It was my first morning at Kai's place.

After my conversation with Lexi, I finally managed to gather the willpower to get out of bed. I headed to the bathroom in my grand room, expecting no surprises. I treated myself to a relaxing hot bath, allowing the warmth to seep into my bones. Once refreshed, I chose a pair of black dress pants and a loose purple turtleneck sweater from the selection in my closet. I swiftly pulled my hair up into a messy bun and made my way to the coffee table, eager to locate my shoes.

Before leaving, I reached into my backpack and pulled out my brown leather book-the diary that held my thoughts and secrets. Scribbling a quick note, I returned it to its place and slung the backpack over my shoulder. I descended the stairs, hopeful for a breakfast feast that had become a distant memory.

I couldn't help but reminisce about the days when rich people in their opulent mansions would indulge in delectable food for all three meals and snacks. That had been my life too, until I turned five.

Kai was taken aback by my sudden decision to stay with him. Despite having offered to take care of me before, I had always declined. But now, having me back seemed like an early Christmas gift to Kai.

He was well aware of the reasons behind my expulsion from the hostel school-my smoking in the dorm that inadvertently caused a fire. With no place to stay and the orphanage refusing to keep me, I had no choice but to accept the two options presented by the orphanage authorities: find a legal guardian or fend for myself. Reluctantly, I agreed to stay with Kai, assuring him that he would pay for his past sins. No amount of wealth or power could change my decision to distance myself from anything and everything related to the Kassel name.

From my perspective, it had taken far too long for Kassel to come back into my life. Ever since Kai ran away from the orphanage, he had made a promise to himself to retrieve me. Yet, from the pages of my calendar, it seemed he had taken his sweet time fulfilling that promise.

As I descended the staircase, my mind began conjuring up visions of what awaited me downstairs. I envisioned a bustling scene with maids dressed in elegant black and white uniforms, a long dining table in the center of the hall adorned with tantalizing, steaming dishes. The air was filled with an aura of delicious anticipation, and I even found myself inhaling deeply, hoping to catch a whiff of the imaginary feast.

But as I entered the hall, my daydream shattered into countless pieces, much like a miniature Lego structure collapsing.

The hall stood silent and still, devoid of any signs of life. The grand chandelier illuminated the long dining table, its surface devoid of any food arrangements.

"Perhaps no one is up yet..."

I whispered to console my broken expectations. Peeking into the nearby kitchen, I hoped to glimpse at least one maid bustling about, preparing for the day's tasks. To my disappointment, the kitchen was empty, except for Dexter. He stood by the counter, lazily stirring a cup of coffee, dressed in a purple nightgown, and yawning as if morning had just sprung upon him. Curiosity sparkled in his eyes as they met mine, and he greeted me with a wide smile.

"Morning, sunshine," He greeted me as I entered the kitchen.

"M-Morning,"

"Coffee?" Dexter offered.

"Sure.Thanks. Where's Kai?" I asked.

"Still sleeping, I suppose," Dexter replied, his tone indicating a hint of uncertainty.

I glanced around the spacious kitchen, searching for any signs of the mansion's supposed staff. "Maids?" I questioned, wondering why I hadn't seen a single one of them.

Dexter's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "What... maids?" he asked, as if the idea was completely foreign to him. He handed me the coffee, his own cup cradled in his other hand.

"Yeah, maids to handle everything..." I trailed off, my voice tinged with disappointment.

"No, we don't have maids here. It's all self-service, bae," Dexter explained, his hand extending towards me with a steaming cup of coffee. The rich aroma enveloped me, instantly revitalizing my senses. We leaned against the pristine white-tiled counter, side by side, silently savoring our brew.

The conversation flowed effortlessly as Dexter and I began to prepare breakfast together. We chopped vegetables, cracked eggs, and measured ingredients, all the while sharing stories and snippets from our lives. I learned about Dexter's passion for cooking, his dreams of opening his own restaurant someday. He regaled me with tales of his culinary adventures, from mastering intricate French pastries to experimenting with exotic flavors from around the world.

In return, I opened up about my past, about Kai and me, about our complex relationship and the reasons behind my decision to stay with him. Dex listened attentively, nodding understandingly as I recounted the challenges I had faced and my determination to forge my own path, separate from the Kassel name.

As we worked side by side, our conversation drifted towards BrandXL, the business venture that Kai and Dex had embarked on together. Dexter explained how they had turned their shared passion for fashion and design into a successful brand, focusing on creating unique and stylish clothing pieces. He described their collaborative process, the late-night brainstorming sessions, and the excitement of seeing their creations come to life.

Amidst the conversation and cooking, I couldn't help but notice how Dexter's eyes lit up whenever he spoke about Kai. There was a spark of admiration and affection that shone through his words, a deep connection between them that intrigued me.

Together, we assembled a humble but delicious breakfast spread. Fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and a stack of golden pancakes adorned the table. We added a touch of fresh fruit and a dollop of whipped cream to make it feel extra special. The aroma of the food filled the kitchen, tempting my taste buds and making my stomach growl in anticipation.

As we sat down at the wooden dining table, Kai finally made his appearance, dressed immaculately in an all-white suit. There was an air of confidence about him, a magnetic charm that seemed to capture the attention of everyone around him. He took his seat, deliberately avoiding eye contact with me, and the tension between us simmered beneath the surface.

The three of us sat at the dining table, lost in our own thoughts. The silence hung heavily in the air, broken only by the clinking of cutlery and the occasional satisfied hum as we savored the flavors of our humble homemade breakfast.

Dex, ever the peacekeeper, decided to break the silence with an innocent question. "So, how are your studies going?" he asked, hoping to lighten the mood.

Kai, however, was quick to shut down any attempt at conversation. "No talking while eating, Dex," he huffed, his authoritative tone cutting through the air. Dexter's startled expression showed his regret at unintentionally stirring up tension between us.

"Going alright. Thanks for asking Dex."I replied. Suppressing a mischievous smile, I focused on buttering my bread, deliberately taking my time. Kai's intense gaze met mine, but I refused to back down. Instead, I met his gaze head-on, a sly smirk playing on my lips.

Dexter couldn't help but let out a muffled chuckle as he facepalmed, realizing the storm his innocent question had inadvertently caused. The room fell back to silence, more unsaid words and unresolved conflicts simmering just beneath the surface. The clinking of cutlery continued, accompanied by the occasional hum of satisfaction.

Finishing my last spoonful of soup and the final bite of bread, I rose from my seat, expressing gratitude for the meal thinking it would be the best to just escape back to the familiar routine of school. With a nod to Dex and a sideways glance at Kai, I closed the door behind me, stepping out of the mansion, leaving behind its grandeur and the lingering tension.

I acknowledged the intricate dynamics between us. There was much left to uncover and understand, but for now, I would leave the breakfast table behind, carrying with me the taste of our shared meal and the curiosity of what lay ahead in this unconventional family. The outside world beckoned, with its familiar hallways and the promise of temporary escape. Yet, deep down, I knew that the mysteries of the mansion and the complexities of our relationships would continue to tug at me, waiting to be unraveled and understood.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

"Hey, look over there."

Lexi sharply nudged Luna's waist, interrupting her violent stomping on an empty milk carton. The pair stood at the school gate, their attention captured by a striking black Sian that zoomed in and swiftly parked across the road.

Stepping out of the vehicle, a charming young man in a crisp white shirt, ripped black jeans, and gleaming silver accessories caught their gaze, flashing a disarming smile. His appearance exuded a unique blend of confidence and casual elegance, effortlessly captivating anyone who laid eyes on him. His jet-black hair was meticulously styled, framing his face with an air of sophistication. The subtle stubble on his chiseled jawline added a hint of ruggedness to his otherwise immaculate appearance. The two girls couldn't help but stare, their eyes widening for two different reasons.

"What on earth is he doing here?" Luna hissed.

"You know him?" Lexi asked, her gaze shifting from left to right, while the distant voices of other girls gushed over the man's undeniable allure. Luna wrinkled her nose in disdain before receiving another elbow from her best friend.

"What now?" Luna asked, slightly annoyed. Instead of a reply, Lexi pointed toward the road, her eyes still wide. Luna followed her gaze and saw Dexter waving at them, signaling them to come over. Anticipating impending trouble, Luna rolled her eyes and reluctantly dragged her hesitant friend across the road to join him.

"What brings you here?" Dex could see Luna glaring at him, her expression a mix of curiosity and mild irritation. Nevertheless, he continued to smile, his gaze shifting between the annoyed Luna and the blonde beauty at her side.

"Kai wanted me to bring you home... safely, Miss Kassel," he uttered playfully, his gaze shifting between the annoyed Luna and the blonde beauty at her side, whose hand she held tightly.

"What? I'm not a child, Dex. I can take care of myself!" Luna retorted.

"I know... but Kai doesn't," Dex replied, fixing his gaze on the defiant girl and shrugging.

Dex had received a special assignment from his boss and fiancé, Kai, to ensure Luna's safety and accompany her home from school. Memories of that conversation flashed in Dex's mind.

This morning, Dex had dropped Kai off at the national broadcasting unit. Kai, with his 173rd interview scheduled for this month, was the esteemed guest on the television show. Their new clothing line, set to be released in just two weeks, was in need of the widespread exposure that national TV advertising could provide.

"That was a smooth move, dude. I bet he'd be pretty furious if he saw the way you roasted him," a familiar chuckle greeted Kai as he emerged from the studio.

"My gut tells me he was watching," Kai replied, joining in the laughter.

As always, Dex stood faithfully by his best friend's side, acting as his right-hand man and the one who had brought the golden ring to Kai's attention. From the very first day they serendipitously met under a random countryside bridge, Dex and Kai had become inseparable, forging a soulful connection. It was during that fateful encounter that Dex found himself being chased by wealthy pursuers after daring to steal a meager crumb of bread from their kitchen. Today, Dex assumed the role of Co-holder in Kai's company, BrandXL.

"Oh, I almost forgot. Pick up Peanut today." Kai said as Dex walked back from the studio.. Dex looked up, clearly astonished. "Ah, not just today. Do it every day. And make sure you take her to school as well, starting tomorrow."

Dex stared at Kai, struggling to comprehend his words. "But why, though?"

"Why? What do you mean?" Kai responded, seemingly puzzled.

"I mean... she's an adult now, capable of taking care of herself, right?"

"Dude! She's living with us."

"And?"

"And... don't you know that Joe is trying really hard to get under my skin? What if his feeble mind leads him to try something stupid like..."

That was Kai Cloene Kassel, a handsome gentleman in his late twenties, standing at 6'3" with broad shoulders, tanned skin, black hair, and captivating sapphire-like eyes. His well-built physique showcased his sharp mind, as he cared deeply for his sister, though he had yet to convey his affection adequately.

Kai had gone missing after their parents' untimely death, only to resurface nine years later, claiming his rightful inheritance and achieving a miraculous turnaround. No one knew where Kai had been all those years or how he managed to survive after fleeing the orphanage at such a young age. Few cared back then, dismissing him as the hopeless offspring of a bankrupt business family. Even after his seemingly unreal comeback, rumors spread that this silver-spooned boy had a hidden treasure buried beneath the apple tree in his backyard, left by his parents before their tragic demise.

His father was none other than the founder of the renowned BrandXL business. The more the business flourished, the more enemies Kassel acquired, ultimately leading to his father's untimely demise due to a mysterious plane crash during a business trip from the Bahamas twelve years ago. Kai started from scratch and turned the bankrupt company into the most successful business within three years, taking on the mantle of CEO.

In the eyes of the world, Kai was an exemplary child that every parent wished for. But only two people on Earth truly knew who he was and where he came from.

"Okay, okay..." Dex cut him short, having heard this speech countless times before. He could recite it himself without any effort. "But don't you already have enough guards watching over her?"

"I do. But it doesn't ease my mind. I want you to do this for me."

"I sometimes can't understand you, Kai. Anyway, I'm here to follow your orders. I'll take her home, don't worry." With that, Dex headed to the school to pick up Luna.

"Get in," he signaled, motioning from the corner of his eyes, making Lexi scoot slightly behind Luna, who was still fired up. For a few more seconds, the two parties exchanged intense gazes, while Dex maintained his mild smile, unaffected by Luna's glare or Lexi's fear.

"We're running late," Dex finally broke the silence, leaning against the bonnet, his hands nonchalantly tucked into his trousers' pockets.

"Fine, Lex. We'll drop you off at the hostel," Luna relented, diverting her attention from Dex and sliding into the vehicle, dragging Lexi along. Dex's smile widened, revealing his perfectly straight teeth once more, as he gracefully opened the car door for the girls to enter. He took his place behind the wheel, glancing at the girls through the rearview mirror. Luna pouted, and Lexi surveyed their surroundings, her gaze darting between her friend and the stranger in the driver's seat, trying to decipher their expressions.

The car's interior was a luxurious sight to behold, a testament to Dex's refined taste. The plush leather seats caressed their bodies as they settled in, surrounded by the exquisite aroma of fine leather and a hint of musky cologne. The dashboard boasted an array of advanced technology, with a state-of-the-art touchscreen display and a sleek design that complemented the car's exterior.

Dex expertly maneuvered the vehicle, merging into the flow of traffic effortlessly. As they glided through the bustling city streets.The journey continued in comfortable silence, broken only by the gentle hum of the car's engine and the distant sounds of the city. Dex navigated the roads with ease, his eyes focused on the path ahead. When the car pulled into the hostel parking lot, Dex spoke up.

"We're here."

"Then I guess I'll go. Thanks for the ride, Mister...?" Lexi quired.

"Call me Dexter," Dex replied, his doe eyes sparkling in the rearview mirror.

"Oh, Dexter," Lexi smiled, taking a moment to admire his captivating eyes. She released her grip on Luna's hand and whispered in her ear, "No fights, remember?"

Luna said nothing but clicked her tongue in response.

"Call me when you're free. See you tomorrow, Lu." Lexi exited the car, waiting in the parking lot until it disappeared from her sight.

As the car resumed its journey, Luna found herself alone with Dex, the silence enveloping them like a cocoon. She stole another glance at him, her gaze lingering on the contours of his face. The soft glow of the setting sun cast a warm, golden light upon his features, accentuating his strong jawline and highlighting the faint stubble that adorned it.

"What?" Meeting her gaze on the reflection on his rearview Dex queried, a soft smile playing upon his lips. Instead of a verbal reply Luna just sighed and averted her gaze back out of the window.

"You have questions, don't you?" Dex's voice was awakened once more. "Shoot.I'll answer the best I can...and perhaps..allowed to"

"I'll find it on my own.Thank you though." As they continued their journey through the city, Luna leaned back against the plush leather seat, silence falling back again.

One at the mansion Luna stormed through the grand entrance, her frustration palpable. Kai, lounging on the couch in a pink sweatshirt and army bottoms, barely glanced up from his remote control as the television flickered with vibrant colors. Dexter followed closely behind Luna, halting just inside the entrance.

"What's with you?" Luna howled, her voice echoing through the opulent space. Despite the commotion, Kai remained unfazed, not even bothering to muster a hint of surprise.

"What?" Kai responded casually, his eyes fixed on the television screen. He knew exactly what Luna was referring to, but his indifference was a stark contrast to her boiling frustration.

Luna huffed, her annoyance growing as she confronted her brother's lack of concern. She crossed her arms, taking a step closer to Kai. "Don't 'what' me! I can't believe you sent this guy to pick me up like I'm some helpless child!"

Dexter, standing just behind Luna, couldn't help but smirk at her outburst. He was used to her fiery personality just within those few hours they had spent together and found her confrontations with Kai amusing.

Kai finally tore his eyes away from the television and turned his attention to his sister, his gaze piercing. "You may not be a child, Luna, but you're living with us now. And I have every right to ensure your safety."

Luna rolled her eyes, refusing to back down. "I can take care of myself, Kai. I don't need a babysitter."

Dexter, enjoying the sibling drama unfolding before him, interjected with a playful tone. "Hey now, don't be too hard on Dex here. I'm just doing my job, following Kai's orders."

Luna shot a glare at Dexter, her annoyance evident. "Yeah, well, tell your boss he can't control my every move."

Dexter grinned, undeterred by Luna's icy stare. "I'll pass along the message, but I can't make any promises."

Kai, finally standing up from the couch, approached Luna with a calm yet authoritative demeanor. "Luna, I know you can handle yourself, but I have my reasons for assigning Dexter to look after you. Just trust me on this."

Luna let out a frustrated sigh, her shoulders slumping slightly. She couldn't deny that Kai's protectiveness came from a place of genuine concern, even if it irked her at times. Reluctantly, she nodded. "Fine, but don't think this means I owe you anything."

Kai smirked, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes. "Oh, you definitely owe me, Luna. But we can settle that debt another time."

Dexter chuckled, sensing the tension starting to ease. "Alright, alright, let's not get into any more sibling drama. How about we grab a snack? I'm starving after the long drive."

Luna glanced at Dexter, her annoyance softening into a small smile. "Yeah, I could use a snack too. Lead the way, Dex."

As they walked toward the kitchen together, leaving their previous disagreements behind, a sense of camaraderie began to form. Despite the complexities of their relationships and the mysteries that still surrounded them.