FIVE

"I don't think you understand, this isn't fair," I reasoned, my voice tinged with frustration. "What about my freedom? Why should it be stripped away from me? Just because Montalvo and Sullivan are close doesn't justify taking away my freedom. Saving me shouldn't mean locking me up in here." I gestured with my hands, gesturing at the room around us as if it were the cage I spoke of.

His brows furrowed, eyes narrowing as he bore into me. "That's life, Cassa. We make sacrifices for our actions."

"A sacrifice? You've turned me into a servant in this house. I wouldn't complain if I still had my freedom. I'll accept the consequences of my actions, but I won't surrender my freedom!" I exclaimed, my fists clenched tightly, trembling with anger. I refused to agree to his terms.

Julius let out a sarcastic laugh, which only served to irritate me further. "Your life is paid for with your freedom, Cassa," he emphasized each word, sending a shiver down my spine as he spoke my name.

"You can't do anything about it," he added in a serious voice.

Outside, the rain poured heavily, the wind howling fiercely, rattling the windows. Leaves were whipped from the tree branches, adding to the cacophony of the storm. Each clap of thunder made me tremble, unable to finish my tasks in the kitchen as I cowered against the counter. The weather had been fine just moments ago, and now it was as if the sky itself was in turmoil. My heart raced, breaths coming in ragged gasps.

Another crack of thunder echoed overhead, and I instinctively closed my eyes, hands covering my ears.

"What are you doing?"

Startled, I opened my eyes to find the Mayor standing in the doorway of the kitchen. I hadn't seen him in two weeks, and now here he was, dressed in his crisped coat and tie, his hair damp from the rain. He tilted his head, studying me with a curious expression.

I quickly straightened up, returning to the sink. It wasn't a lavish meal, just something I had prepared for myself and the two guards. I had attempted a dish from a recipe book I found in the library, and to my relief, the guards had eaten it without complaint. Their feedback, though, was that it needed more salt. I was grateful for their company.

At least I had someone around the house to keep me company and stave off boredom. The guards didn't mind when I asked them to pose for photos in the garden, and they always praised my efforts afterward.

"Nothing, just grabbing something," I lied, hoping desperately that there wouldn't be another clap of thunder. I grabbed a sponge from the sink along with a plate.

"Are you sure you're okay? You look pale, and you're shaking," he remarked, though his tone didn't betray much concern. I could hear his footsteps drawing nearer.

"I'm fine," I replied, forcing cheerfulness into my tone. "I thought I dropped my earring." I couldn't bring myself to look at him but noticed him heading toward the coffee machine by the sink.

His arm brushed against mine, and I couldn't help but inhale sharply.

"That doesn't seem like mere earring trouble to me. You looked like you were trembling in fear earlier," he observed, placing a black mug on the coffee machine and pressing a button. I caught the scent of freshly brewed coffee, its aroma wafting through the air like roasted beans.

"You must have misunderstood," I deflected, setting the soap dishes on the counter.

But karma seemed to have a lesson in store for me, as a loud clap of thunder shook the house, causing me to shriek and drop the plate I was holding.

He let out a hearty laugh. "It's just thunder. Why such a reaction?"

I squeezed my eyes shut, breathing rapidly. It wasn't just thunder to me; it felt menacing, like a harbinger of danger, and it filled me with dread.

Tears filled my eyes, my hands trembling as I struggled to regain composure. I looked up at the man, surprise evident on his face.

"Yes, it's just thunder, but not everyone is immune to it," I stated, standing up from my crouched position. "I hate it!"

Glancing at the glass window, I took a deep breath, only to notice the broken plate near my feet.

"Okay," he said nonchalantly, reaching for the mug handle.

"I didn't mean to break the plate," I confessed, guilt tainting my tone.

"It's just a plate. You can throw it away. Just be careful, I don't want blood on the floor," he remarked casually before sauntering out of the kitchen. I watched him until he disappeared from view, sighing deeply and attempting to steady my trembling hands.

The rain was subsiding, but my apprehension about another thunderstorm lingered. Carefully, I placed the cracked plate in the garbage and swept up the remaining shards into a dustpan before disposing of them.

My gaze fell on the mug of coffee with milk near the sink, remembering that the Mayor had taken it. I exited the kitchen and found him sitting near the window in the living room, his gaze fixed on the outside world. I noticed the mug in his hand resting on the windowsill.

As I opened my mouth to speak, another thunderclap echoed through the room. My eyes widened, my heart skipping a beat as my body trembled, causing the mug to slip from my grasp. In an instant, Julius caught it, wrapping his arm around my head and pulling me close, his hand gently resting on one of my ears as he pressed my head against his broad chest. Clutching his blue shirt, I stayed in that position for what felt like an eternity, finding solace in his warmth.

"You should find a room that's soundproof when it rains. You almost dropped the mug," Julius grunted, moving away from me. The mug remained secure in his strong, firm fingers, his grip steady.

Heat flooded my cheeks. "I didn't mean to... It's just... the thunder..." I couldn't bring myself to meet his gaze, embarrassment coursing through me.

He sighed, handing me the mug. "Perhaps a coffee will help calm your nerves."

"It's not mine... It's—" I began, but he cut me off.

"I made it for you to calm your nerves. Why don't you go to your room and return when the rain and thunder no longer trouble you," he stated, his words more command than suggestion.

Speechless, I accepted the coffee, my hand still trembling, fearing I might drop the mug. "Thank you," I mumbled shyly, but he had already returned to his previous position, staring blankly outside.

As I ascended the stairs, I stole one last glance at him. Julius remained motionless, as though the moment hadn't occurred.

A jolt of panic shot through me when I realized I hadn't finished washing the dishes, and I was startled to see darkness outside the window. Hastily, I jumped out of bed, ran a comb through my messy hair, and tied it up. Taking the mug from the nightstand, I savored the memory of the creamy coffee on my tongue. I had never tasted anything so delicious before; even the most renowned cafes couldn't compare.

How did he do it? Did he have a special technique? I pondered as I hurried downstairs. Entering the kitchen, I was taken aback to find the table set with food. My eyes darted to the sink—it was spotless, devoid of any dishes waiting for me.

Then, I noticed Julius at the countertop, opening a drawer and retrieving a can of peanut butter.

"You're awake," he remarked, glancing at me while closing the drawer with a neutral expression. Turning around, he walked over to the table and placed the peanut butter next to the refrigerator.

"I didn't mean to oversleep and forget to clean the dishes. I'm sorry, I should–”

"It's done, but don't forget next time," he interrupted, pulling out a chair and sitting down. "Let's eat." He gestured to the chair across from him.

The aroma of the beef steak and fried fish made my stomach rumble, but this was the first time I'd had dinner with him.

"Don't worry, it's not human flesh," he added with a grin.

I placed the mug on the sink before taking my seat at the table. The Mayor began eating, and I followed suit, starting with the fish and then digging into the beef steak.

The savory taste exploded in my mouth, and I couldn't help but savor every bite. It was delicious. But who had cooked it? Did he order it from a restaurant? Or perhaps a chef had come to prepare this sumptuous meal?

"Who made this?" I couldn't resist asking.

"Why? Doesn't it taste good to you?" Julius inquired between bites.

"No, it's amazing," I replied, spearing another piece of steak with my fork.

Julius chewed thoughtfully before answering, "I did."

I stopped eating, staring at him in disbelief. "You did?"

"Can't believe that? I can cook my own food, you know," he smirked, resuming his meal. "Just because I'm a man?"

"No, it's not that. I just assumed you hired someone to cook or ordered food online," I explained, noticing Julius had stopped eating. His gaze shifted to the front door.

"Go to your room, now!" he ordered abruptly.

"Is something wrong?" I started, but before I knew it, he was already behind me, gripping my arm and urging me to stand.

"Now, go!"