Chapter 2: New life 2

The iron gates swung open with a quiet hum, revealing a long driveway lined with perfectly manicured hedges. Ariana's breath caught as the house came into view, it wasn't just a house, it was a masterpiece of modern architecture. Floor-to-ceiling windows gleamed in the afternoon light, reflecting the sprawling gardens that surrounded the property. The white stone exterior was accented with dark wood panels, and a fountain stood proudly in the circular driveway, water cascading down its tiers in a soothing rhythm.

"Miss, let me help you with your bags," the butler said politely, reaching for her luggage.

"No, thank you. I can manage," Ariana replied, tightening her grip on her suitcase.

The butler's lips pressed into a thin line, his nostrils flaring slightly as he made a face that clearly said stubborn girl. But before she could protest further, he'd already taken her bags with practiced efficiency.

"This way, Miss."

Ariana stepped through the double doors into a grand foyer that took her breath away. Marble floors stretched before her, polished to a mirror shine. A crystal chandelier hung from the high ceiling, casting prisms of light across the walls. A sweeping staircase curved upward to the second floor, its railing gleaming.

That's when she heard footsteps.

A guy was descending the stairs, tall, with tousled brown hair and an easy smile. He had that casual confidence of someone who'd grown up with wealth but didn't flaunt it.

"Well, well, looks like we have company," he said, his voice warm and teasing.

On the couch to her left, another guy looked up from his phone. He was leaning back, one arm stretched across the back of the sofa, dark hair falling slightly over his eyes. But the moment those eyes landed on Ariana, his entire demeanor changed. His lips parted. He just... stared.

She was beautiful, no, more than that. There was something about the way she stood there, slightly defiant despite being in unfamiliar territory, her eyes bright and cautious all at once. Her hair caught the light from the chandelier, and for a moment, Ethan forgot how to form words.

"Dude, you gonna say something or just gawk at her?" Max called from the stairs, grinning as he reached the bottom.

Ethan blinked, snapping out of it, a flush creeping up his neck. "I-uh-hi. Welcome."

Max chuckled and walked over, extending his hand. "I'm Max. That's Ethan over there, currently experiencing a system malfunction." He shot Ethan a knowing look. "And you must be Ariana. Ivan mentioned you'd be staying with us."

"Yeah, that's me," Ariana said, shaking his hand cautiously.

Ethan finally stood up, running a hand through his hair nervously. "Sorry, I....yeah, welcome. It's nice to meet you." His voice came out a bit higher than intended, and Max snorted.

"Real smooth, E."

Ethan shot him a glare but couldn't help the small smile tugging at his lips. "Ignore him. He thinks he's funny."

"I am funny," Max corrected, turning back to Ariana with a friendly grin.

"So, Ivan's not here right now, but he should be back later. In the meantime, we'll show you around. This place is massive, easy to get lost."

"Where's he?" Ariana asked, trying to ignore how Ethan was still looking at her like she'd just stepped out of a dream. She was happy and couldn't believe this was ivan's house. She couldn't believe all this was even happening......Ivan Garcielle, the face of luxury campaigns across every magazines she'd been flippering through. The singer whose voice had gotten her through countless late night sessions, whose music videos she had watched on repeat, whose interviews she has saved in her playlist. And now, she was going to leave with him. She finally moved her eyes to the guy who was staring at her direction. He was undeniably handsome.....his face card and his body looked all...... perfect. Wow. Ariana smiled at him and he smiled lightly.

"Come on," Max said, gesturing toward the stairs. "Let me show you to your room."

As they headed toward the staircase, Ethan hung back for just a moment, watching her walk.

Wow, he thought again, still a bit dazed.

Max glanced back and caught his expression. "You're doomed, man," he whispered with a smirk. Ethan didn't even argue.

______

Max led the way up the sweeping staircase, talking animatedly as they climbed. Ethan followed behind, trying very hard to act normal and failing spectacularly, he kept sneaking glances at Ariana when he thought she wasn't looking.

"So this hallway has like, six guest rooms," Max explained, gesturing broadly. "Ivan's room is at the end, off limits, obviously. He's weirdly private about his space. Mine's over there.

"......and your room is right here." Max stopped in front of a white door with elegant gold handles. He pushed it open with a flourish. "Ta-da!"

Ariana stepped inside and her jaw literally dropped.

The room was enormous. A king-sized bed sat against the far wall, dressed in crisp white linens with a mountain of plush pillows. The headboard looked like it cost more than a car. Floor-to-ceiling windows took up the entire left wall, offering a breathtaking view of the gardens and pool below. There was a sitting area with a velvet couch, a desk that looked like it belonged in a CEO's office, and a chandelier, because of course there was a chandelier.

Ariana walked slowly into the room, running her hand along the smooth surface of the desk. "This is... insane."

The butler appeared with her bags, setting them down gently near the closet before giving a small bow and leaving silently.

Ethan finally spoke up, leaning against the doorframe. "If you need extra blankets or pillows or anything, just let us know. There's an intercom system, but honestly, we're usually just downstairs or in our rooms."

"And the kitchen is fair game 24/7," Max added.

Ariana found herself smiling despite everything. They seem to be friendly.

"So," Max said, clapping his hands together. "Want the full tour? Pool, home theater, game room, the works? Or do you want to settle in first?"

Before Ariana could answer, her phone buzzed. She pulled it out and her expression shifted slightly as she read the message.

"Everything okay?" Ethan asked, genuine concern in his voice.

"Yeah, just... my Mom checking in." She typed a quick response and tucked the phone away. "A tour sounds good, actually. I'd probably get lost trying to find my way back downstairs anyway."

"Smart choice," Max said. So now, let's start with the fun stuff. Game room first?"

They filed out of the room, Max leading the way with Ethan bringing up the rear. As they walked down the hallway, Ethan found himself next to Ariana.

"So, uh... how are you feeling?" he asked quietly. "About all this, I mean. It's gotta be... a lot."

Ariana glanced at him, surprised by the sincerity in his voice. "Honestly? I'm still processing. This morning I was in my tiny apartment, and now I'm in a palace." She said and Ethan smiled.

They descended a different staircase, apparently there were multiple, and Max pushed open a door to reveal what looked like an arcade had a baby with a luxury lounge. Pool table, air hockey, vintage arcade games, a massive TV with every gaming console imaginable, a bar area with a popcorn machine and mini fridge.

"Welcome to paradise," Max announced dramatically. "This is where we spend most of our time when we are free" He said.

"Do you want to play?" Max asked.

"You're on," Ethan grabbed a cue. He looked at Ariana. "You play?"

"I've played a few times," she said cautiously.

"Perfect!" Max started racking the balls. "Fair warning: I'm terrible in this game"

The sound of the front door opening echoed through the house, followed by heavy footsteps.

All three of them froze.

"That'll be Ivan," Max said, suddenly looking more serious. "Right on time."

Ethan shot Ariana a look that seemed to say *here we go.*

The footsteps grew closer, and then a voice, deep, commanding, with an edge that could cut glass, called out from the foyer.

" Ethan"

Ariana's heart started pounding. She was finally going to meet Ivan.