London was supposed to be a new start for me.

But It felt more like an ending.

A kind of ending where I was suppose to pack my entire life and past in a suitcase and move towards My present that was LONDON.

I wasn’t packing alone.

Jane—my best friend since kindergarten—moved around my room like she always had, opening drawers, folding clothes, deciding what stayed and what went.

“I’m going to miss you,” she said quietly.

“I’m not disappearing,” I replied.

She gave me a small smile.

“Yeah… just really far away.”

The door opened.

Lucas — My boyfriend stepped in.

Lucas and I were in a relationship since highschool

— He looked different.

Quieter.

Like something about this was finally hitting him too.

—

Before I could say anything—

he wrapped his arms around me from behind.

—

I leaned back into him.

Trying to hold onto the feeling.

—

“I’ve heard long distance never really works, Lucas,” I said softly.

—

He turned me around, his hands coming up to hold my face.

“Hey,” he murmured.

“We’ll make it work, babe.”

—

“You sure?”

—

A small pause.

Then—

“Yeah. Of course.” he said in an assuring tone.

—

I nodded.

Because I wanted to believe him.

—

“You know I love you more than anything,” he added.

—

And for a moment—

that was enough.

—

He pulled me closer.

And kissed me.

—

I kissed him back without thinking.

Because this felt real.

Because this was something I didn’t want to lose too.

—

“I’ll miss you,” he said quietly.

“I’ll miss you too.”

—

Jane’s voice came from outside.

“If you guys are done, I still need help!”

—

I let out a small breath, stepping away.

“Coming.” I shouted.

—

As I turned—

I glanced back once.

—

Lucas wasn’t looking at me.

—

I didn’t think about it.

I bid my last goodbye to them and left for the airport with my uncle Edward.

—

The airport felt louder than it should have.

—

My uncle stood in front of me, his expression softer than I had ever seen it.

“You don’t have to go,” he said again.

“I know,” I replied quietly.

—

He pulled me into a tight hug.

“Remember something,” he said.

“I’m there for you. Always.”

—

My throat tightened.

—

“If you don’t feel okay… call me,” he continued.

“I’ll come right away.”

—

“I know,” I whispered.

—

“You’re not alone, kid.”

—

For a second—

I almost broke.

—

“I’ll be fine,” I said instead.

—

He didn’t argue.

He just smiled.

—

Because he loved me enough to let me go.

—

—

The flight passed in a blur.

Voices. Announcements. People.

None of it really reached me.

—

And then i reached at my unwanted destination—

LONDON.

—

I sat in the backseat of the car, watching the unfamiliar streets pass by.

Everything felt distant.

Cold.

Different.

—

My mind kept going back—

to Jane.

to Lucas.

to uncle Edward.

—

And then—

to her.

—

Her voice.

Her face.

Her last words.

—

The hospital room had been too quiet.

Too still.

—

“London,” Mom had whispered.

I remember shaking my head.

“I’m not leaving you.”

—

A faint smile.

“You’re not leaving me,” she said softly.

“You’re going somewhere safe love.”

—

“Mrs. Jennifer Sinclair,” she continued, her voice weak but certain.

“My best friend… since we were kids.”

—

There had been something in the way she said it.

Trust.

Complete. Unquestioned.

—

“I trust her, Noah,” she said.

“With everything I have.”

—

My chest tightened at the memory.

—

“You’ll be safe with her,” she had whispered.

“I know you will.”

—

That was the last thing she ever asked of me.

—

And I couldn’t say no to her.

Even if it meant leaving everything behind.

—

“We’ve arrived.”

The driver’s voice pulled me back.

—

I blinked.

—

“The Sinclair residence.”

—

I looked up.

And for a second—

I forgot how to breathe.

—

The house wasn’t just big.

It was the kind of place that didn’t feel real.

Perfect. Untouched.

—

The Sinclairs weren’t just rich.

They were known.

One of the most powerful business families—

their name tied to industries, influence… control.

—

This wasn’t just wealth.

It was power.

—

And somehow—

I was supposed to live here,

And be a part of a completely different world.

The world that I had only seen in movies.

—

Little did I know, London had its own plans for me.

The car came to a slow stop.

For a moment—

Noah didn’t move.

Her fingers tightened slightly around the strap of her bag as she stared out the window.

This was it.

London.

Not just a city.

A decision she never really made for herself.

She stepped out of the car—

And the moment her feet touched the ground, her breath caught.

The Sinclair residence stood before her like something unreal.

Not just big.

Not just luxurious.

Perfect.

Tall iron gates framed the entrance. White stone walls stretched endlessly, untouched by time. Massive glass windows reflected the fading evening sky like mirrors.

It didn’t feel like a house.

It felt like power.

Like a place where everything was controlled.

Including the people inside it.

Noah swallowed slightly.

This is where you live now.

The thought didn’t settle.

Not even a little.

“Miss?” the driver’s voice pulled her back.

She nodded faintly and stepped forward—

And that’s when she saw her.

A woman was walking toward her.

Graceful. Composed. Effortless.

Like she belonged here in a way Noah never could.

But her eyes—

They softened the moment they met Noah’s.

“Noah?” the woman asked gently.

Noah nodded.

Before she could say anything—

the woman pulled her into a hug.

Warm.

Unexpectedly warm.

“I’m so glad to see you, dear,” she said softly.

For a second, Noah didn’t react.

Then slowly—

she hugged her back.

And something inside her eased.

Just a little.

“I’m Jennifer,” she added as she pulled away. “But you can call me whatever you’re comfortable with.”

“Noah is fine,” Noah replied softly.

“Come inside,” Jennifer said gently. “You must be tired.”

The moment Noah stepped in—

everything shifted.

Cool air.

Quiet halls.

A silence that felt… deliberate.

The interior was just as overwhelming.

High ceilings stretched above her. Crystal chandeliers reflected soft light across polished marble floors. Everything was minimal—yet expensive in a way that didn’t need to prove anything.

Noah suddenly became aware of herself.

Her steps.

Her clothes.

Her presence.

Like she didn’t belong in this picture.

“This way,” Jennifer said softly.

Noah followed.

They entered a drawing room that looked straight out of a magazine.

Large windows. Neutral tones. Perfect symmetry.

“Sit, dear,” Jennifer said.

Noah sat carefully, placing her bag beside her.

Jennifer took the seat across from her, her expression soft but thoughtful.

“You’ve been through a lot,” Jennifer said gently.

Noah’s gaze dropped to her hands.

“It must be really difficult for you… leaving everything behind like that.”

Her voice wasn’t filled with pity.

It was calm. Understanding.

“I can’t say I know your pain,” she continued, “but I want you to know I’m here for you.”

A small pause.

“And I’m grateful your mother trusted me.”

Noah’s fingers tightened slightly.

“I hope… we get along well,” Jennifer added.

Silence lingered for a moment.

Then—

“You resemble her so much.”

Noah looked up.

Jennifer’s eyes were slightly glossy now.

“Judy,” she whispered. “You look so much like her.”

Something shifted inside Noah.

A warmth.

A connection.

Like her mother wasn’t completely gone.

“Especially your eyes,” Jennifer added softly. “They’re exactly like hers.”

Noah swallowed.

“I don’t know why my mother trusted you,” she said quietly.

A pause.

“But if she did… I believe it’s what’s best for me.”

Relief flickered across Jennifer’s face.

“Thank you,” she said gently.

Before anything more could be said—

her phone rang.

She glanced at the screen.

“I’m so sorry, I have to take this,” Jennifer said, standing. “We’ll talk later. You can rest… or explore the house if you’d like. I’ll see you at dinner.”

Noah nodded.

And just like that—

she was alone again.

The silence returned.

But this time—

it felt heavier.

Noah stood slowly and began to walk.

Through long corridors.

Past paintings that looked far too expensive to even look at.

Until she found her room.

The door opened—

and she froze.

It was perfect.

Too perfect.

But what caught her attention was the balcony.

She stepped out.

Cool air brushed against her skin.

And then—

she saw the pool below.

People were there. Laughing. Talking. Living like this place wasn’t intimidating at all.

Her gaze moved—

And then stopped.

He stepped out of the water.

Slow. Effortless.

Water traced down the sharp line of his jaw, disappearing into the open collar of his shirt. His shirt hung loose, unbuttoned, exposing just enough to make it impossible not to notice.

His hair was damp. Slightly messy.

Effortless.

But it was his eyes—

dark, steady, unreadable—

that made her pause.

There was something about him.

Something that didn’t feel safe.

And yet—

she couldn’t look away.

As if sensing it—

he looked up.

Their eyes met.

For a second.

That was enough.

Noah stepped back immediately.

Like she had been caught.

Her phone rang.

Jane.

“Finally!” Jane’s voice came through.

Noah let out a breath. “Hey.”

“So? How is it? Rich people? Mansion life?”

“It’s… overwhelming,” Noah said honestly.

She walked absentmindedly, still talking, until she reached the kitchen.

“I met Jennifer. She’s nice.”

“Just nice?” Jane teased.

Noah opened the fridge, scanning for something to eat.

Nothing felt familiar.

She closed it—

And froze.

He was standing right there.

Too close.

For a second—

Noah forgot how to breathe.

Up close…

he wasn’t just attractive.

He was intimidatingly beautiful.

Water still traced down his jaw. His shirt hung open. His presence—heavy.

Her phone slipped from her hand.

Clattering to the floor.

“Shit—” Noah muttered.

He didn’t react.

Instead, he casually opened the fridge beside her and took out a water bottle.

“So… this is how you greet people?” Cole said, twisting the cap open.

“I didn’t see you,” Noah replied quickly.

He stepped forward.

She stepped back.

The distance between them stayed the same.

“So you’re the unwanted guest we have in the house,” Cole said calmly.

The words hit.

“I didn’t choose to be here,” Noah replied firmly.

He stepped closer again.

She stepped back—

until her back hit the counter.

“I didn’t think so,” Cole said quietly,

“not when you were giving yourself a full tour.”

A voice cut in—

“Cole, what’s taking you so long?”

Another guy walked into the kitchen casually.

“I’m dying here. Pass me the water.”

Cole.

The name settled in her mind.

“I was just saying hi,” Cole said, glancing at Noah,

“to our new friend.”

He leaned slightly closer.

“Your name?”

“…Noah.”

“Noah…” he repeated softly.

Then louder—

“Our new friend, Noah.”

Something about it annoyed her.

Cole grabbed the water bottle and turned to leave—

but just before walking out—

he glanced back.

A faint, mocking smirk on his lips.

“Enjoy your meatloaf, Noah.”

That did it.

“Dick,” Noah snapped.

Cole paused for a second.

Then turned his head slightly—

just enough to look at her again.

His eyes met hers.

Sharp. Calm.

Unbothered.

Then he walked away.

Noah bent to pick her phone—

And froze.

A low growl filled the room.

She looked up slowly.

And her breath stopped.

A massive dog stood in front of her.

Huge. Terrifying.

It stepped closer.

She stepped back.

Until she hit someone.

Warm. Bare.

“He hates people who hate me,” Cole’s voice came from behind her.

“Please… could you just get this thing away from me?” Noah said quickly.

“I don’t do things for free,” he replied calmly.

“What do you want?”

“Say please.”

Noah clenched her jaw.

“…Please.”

A pause.

“Back, Monster.”

The dog immediately stepped away.

Noah exhaled shakily.

“…Monster?” she murmured.

“Yeah… fits,” she added under her breath.

She turned—

And froze again.

Cole was right there.

Too close.

Again.

“It’s better we stay out of each other’s way,” Cole said calmly.

“Works for me,” Noah replied.

And she walked away.

Upstairs, Noah closed her door behind her.

Her heart still hadn’t settled.

Her mind replayed everything—

his voice

his eyes

the way he stood too close

And she hated it.

Hated that it affected her at all.

Downstairs—

Cole stood still for a moment.

Watching the empty space she had left behind.

Something about her reaction lingered.

Not fear.

Not weakness.

Something else.

Something… interesting.

And just like that—

Noah’s first day in London

had already begun to change everything.

Noah lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling.

But she wasn’t really seeing it.

Her eyes slowly closed—

everything came rushing back.

The kitchen.

The way he had appeared out of nowhere.

The way he stood too close.

The way his voice dropped when he spoke.

And then—

the pool.

Water dripping from his hair.

His shirt clinging slightly to his body.

That effortless, careless confidence.

The way he looked at her—

like he already understood something about her

she didn’t even understand herself.

Noah exhaled slowly.

Annoying.

That’s what he was.

Arrogant.

Infuriating.

And yet—

her mind refused to let go of him.

Why?

A soft knock broke the silence.

Noah’s eyes opened instantly.

“Miss Noah? Dinner is ready.”

“Okay.”

The dining room felt exactly how she expected—

perfect.

Controlled.

Like even conversations here had rules.

“There you are,” Jennifer said warmly. “Come, Noah.”

Noah stepped in.

“This is my husband, Daniel,” Jennifer said.

Daniel Sinclair looked at her—

and unlike everything else in this house,

his welcome felt… real.

“Welcome, Noah,” he said. “Nice to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you too.” Noah replied.

“And this is my daughter, Judy.” Jennifer said.

The name hit Noah.

For a second—

That name made her felt nostalgic.

She was reminded of—

A voice. A memory. A warmth she could never touch again.

“Hi!”

Noah blinked.

A little girl stood in front of her—bright eyes, soft smile.

Innocent.

Untouched.

Noah smiled without realizing.

“Hi, Judy.” Noah said politely.

She had just settled into her seat when she heard—

Footsteps.

Slow. Familiar.

It was COLE.

He entered.

“There you are,” Jennifer said.

He walked over casually and leaned down, placing a soft peck on her cheek.

“Here I am.” he said softly.

Like a perfect son.

Like he wasn’t the same person who cornered her in the kitchen.

“Cole, you are late!” Judy said with a pout and crossed arms.

He smiled—actually smiled—and ruffled her hair.

“I know. I’m sorry, princess.”

Daniel watched them with quiet amusement.

Jennifer smiled.

Everything felt… warm.

Normal.

And Noah was admiring their happy little family.

A soft smile appeared on her lips without even realizing.

But at the same time she was in disbelief that—

This is the same guy.

“Cole, this is Noah,” Jennifer said.

A brief pause.

Then—

“Nice to meet you, Noah.” he said with a teasing expression.

His tone was smooth.

Too smooth.

Like he was pretending this was the first time we met.

Like he was enjoying it.

Noah met his eyes.

He knew.

Of course he knew.

“Nice to meet you too,” she replied with an expressionless face.

He took the seat directly in front of her.

And just like that—

the tension returned.

Dinner began.

Soft clinks. Quiet voices.

But beneath it—

something else.

His gaze.

Not constant.

But precise.

Every time she looked up—

he was already watching.

And every time—

he looked away just in time.

Like a game.

And she was already part of it.

“Where’s Monster, Mom?” Cole asked casually.

The word hit like a trigger.

Monster. Noah murmured.

The memory flashed—

the growl

the fear

the way her body had frozen

A small sound escaped her before she could stop it.

Everyone looked at her.

Silence.

Cole leaned back slightly.

A faint smirk playing on his lips.

“What happened, Noah?” Jennifer asked gently.

Noah swallowed quickly.

“It’s… hot,” she said, glancing at the soup.

Jennifer smiled softly. “Be careful, honey.”

“Monster must be asleep,” she added. “Have you met him yet?” Jennifer asked Noah.

Noah opened her mouth—

“Yeah, she has,” Cole cut in smoothly.

All eyes turned to him.

He didn’t look away from Noah.

“She finds him cute.”

A pause.

“Really cute.” Cole said In a way as if he was teasing Noah.

Noah shot him a look.

Sharp. Annoyed.

He held it.

Unbothered.

Amused.

Noah placed her spoon down.

“I’m done,” she said quietly.

She stood before anyone could stop her.

“Thank you for dinner.”

Jennifer looked slightly surprised. “Already?”

“I just need to take a call,” Noah added.

And before anything else could be said—

she walked away.

Her phone was already ringing.

It was Lucas.

She picked it up as she stepped outside.

“Hey…” she said softly.

“Finally,” Lucas said. “I thought you forgot me after reaching London.”

A small smile slipped onto her lips.

“Not possible.”

“So? Mansion life treating you well?” Lucas asked.

“It’s… different,” she said, walking slowly.

“Different how?” Lucas asked curiously.

She hesitated.

“Complicated.” Noah said.

He laughed lightly. “You always overthink.” Lucas said.

“Maybe.”

“I miss you,” he said softly.

Her steps slowed.

“I miss you too.” Noah said softly.

For a moment—

everything felt normal again.

Familiar.

Safe.

She kept walking—

until she reached the pool.

The water reflected the night sky.

Still. Quiet.

“Call me tomorrow?” Lucas asked.

“Yeah.” Noah said with a soft smile.

“Promise?” Lucas asked.

“Promise.” Noah said softly with a smile.

She hung up.

And was looking at the reflection of the beautiful night sky at the pool .

“So… someone’s got a boyfriend.”

The voice came right next to her ear.

Low. Close.

Noah gasped.

Her phone slipped—

her balance shifted—

and suddenly—

she was falling.

A hand caught her wrist.

Strong. Firm.

Of course—

It was one and only THE COLE SINCLAIR.

Again.

Noah was inches away from him.

Too close.

Her breath uneven.

His grip tightened slightly—

not pulling her away.

Not letting her fall either.

Just holding her there.

Like he was deciding.

“Careful,” he said quietly.

A pause.

“Or don’t.” he said with a smirk.

His fingers loosened.

And she slipped.

Splash.

Cold water surrounded her instantly.

Cole looked down at her.

A slow smirk formed.

“Oops,” he said casually. “My hand slipped.”

He bent slightly, extending his hand.

“Need help?”

Noah looked at his hand.

Then at him.

And pulled.

Hard.

The next second—

Cole hit the water.

For a moment—

everything went still.

Cole’s POV

Water ran down his face as he pushed his hair back—

and then he saw her.

Noah stood right in front of him.

Closer than before.

Her hair, now darker, clung to her face—

strands falling messily across her forehead, brushing her cheeks.

Drops of water slid slowly from the ends—

tracing down her neck—

disappearing beneath the line of her collarbone.

His eyes followed it—

then moved back up.

Her lips—

slightly parted.

Not saying anything.

Not backing down either.

And then—

her eyes.

They looked like two drops of coffee in a cloud of milk—

warm, deep—

but right now,

there was nothing soft about them.

They held his.

Unblinking.

Unapologetic.

She stepped closer.

Slowly.

Deliberately.

The space between them shrinking—

inch by inch.

Cole didn’t move.

Didn’t step back.

Didn’t speak.

And that was the part that didn’t make sense.

Because he always moved first.

Always controlled the moment.

But right now—

he wasn’t.

For a second—

it felt like something had caught him off guard.

Held him there.

Stilled him.

Like a pause he didn’t choose.

She stopped just inches away.

Close enough that her presence felt unavoidable.

“We’re even now,” she said Proudly.

Silence.

Heavy.

Unspoken.

Then she stepped back.

Breaking it.

Just like that.

She turned—

climbed out of the pool—

and walked away.

Without looking back.

Cole didn’t move.

Didn’t speak.

He just stood there—

water dripping from his hair, his shirt clinging to him—

eyes still fixed on the place where she had been standing seconds ago.

For a second—

it felt like everything had gone… still.

Too still.

His brows pulled together slightly.

A faint crease forming.

What… was that? Cole murmured.

The moment replayed—

not fully

not clearly

just flashes

her stepping closer

her eyes on his

the way he didn’t move

His jaw tightened.

Slowly.

“She really thinks…” he muttered under his breath.

A humorless scoff followed.

“She really thinks she can just walk in here…”

A pause.

His eyes darkened slightly.

“Like she owns everything.” He said annoyingly.

Another second of silence.

Heavy.

“And control the moment?”

His voice lower now.

More certain.

More guarded.

“No.” He said in anger.

He ran a hand through his wet hair, pushing it back—

rougher this time.

Like he was forcing himself back into place.

Because whatever that was—

that second

that shift

that something—

it wasn’t staying.

Cole stepped out of the pool—

water dripping around him—

but paused.

Just for a second.

His eyes flicked toward the direction she had gone.

Something unreadable crossed his face.

Quick. Controlled. Gone.

“Let’s see…” he murmured quietly.

Because no one

walked into his world

like they owned it—

and got away with it.