An Unexpected Love

Chapter 3

3rd Person's POV

It was yet another day. The events of Saturday still seem to haunt both of them. It's not like it could be predicted. Things still happen in life even if you try to avoid them. You can change the way you live, be it good or bad but not your fate.

Ezabela has been cleared of any medical issues after a few days and was able to leave the hospital. She was surprised that the man would take her home with him. She had refused a couple of times but the man insisted, so she gave in. She kept her gaze outside the entire ride wanting to indulge in nature's beauty. It's been a while since she was able to observe such a sight.

The car suddenly came to a stop and Ezabela looked up to see a dashingly mesmerizing mansion. The guilt feeling of having to stay there erupted again. 'It's only for a while. After I get myself sorted out, I'm leaving,' she thought. "Welcome to my humble abode," Bryce said as he opened the door for her to get out. She simply smiled at him and exited the vehicle but kept a distance between the two not entirely trusting him.

The two walked up to the entrance as the door opens revealing a more beautiful sight. It's as if it came right out of a Disney princess movie, specifically 'Beauty and the beast' but it's a bit smaller. "For the time being you can sit here while I get your room sorted out which should've been done a long time ago," Ezabela was led to what seemed to be the living room while Bryce had head upstairs.

Seated, she slowly took in the contents of the room. There was a huge chandelier sitting in the middle of the ceiling. In front of her was an 85-inch tv set upon a stand with two speakers at the side. And of course, there was a coffee table in front of the couch she was seated on.

The only word she could come up with to describe the interior of this house was 'magnificent'.

Just then she heard the sounds of someone walking down a staircase. "Well, your room is finished, and you are welcome to go ahead and sleep, but first you need to eat something," Bryce said as he walked to the kitchen.

Ezabela turned her head towards the kitchen and was met with yet another beautiful sight. Could this house get any better? "Per doctor's orders, you need to eat three nurturing meals per day as you are severely underweight. According to your doctor, small portions are a good start before you can eat a full-course meal,"

Ezabela was amazed but petrified at the same time. No one had cared about her this much, so why now?

Upon making a quick meal, Bryce made his way toward Ezabela. He had forgotten about her fear of men as she flung herself to the furthest part of the couch when Bryce was passing the plate to her.

"I apologize, I had forgotten," he said placing the plate on the coffee table before going toward another couch in the room.

Ezabela immediately took the plate and started eating leaving Bryce stunned. "Take your time, there is no need to rush," he chuckled.

"I wanted to discuss something with you. I want to offer you an opportunity at the company I own. Of course, you do not have to start right away. You'll be a part of the HR department which will handle a few things like performance reviews, evaluation, the employee schedule, etc. Or you can go to college and further your education," Bryce paused before he continued.

"You can also choose to do both. You can stay in this for as long as it takes for you to be back on your feet. Of course, you can stay even after you're back on your feet. The choice is your self to make," he finished.

He examined the face of the woman in front of him which showed a mixture of emotions. Fear being one of them. "You do not have to decide right now. Think about it for a couple of days then tell me your decision,"

Ezabela had no clue what to do. Anyone would've accepted this offer including herself. The only thing keeping her from doing that was her past and fear engulfed her. "T-thank you," she stuttered. Feeling yet another wave of flashbacks coming she quickly asked with a shaky breath, "By chance, can you show me where the bathroom is?". Bryce looked at her a bit concerned wondering if he had pushed her too far. "Sure," he replied.

The two walked down the hallway and came across a door. "Here it is, I apologize if I had rushed you into this," he said with a guilty look on his face. Ezabela shook her head, "It's fine, I understand. No one helps anyone without expecting anything in return," she opened the door and walked in closing it just before Bryce could protest.

"I don't expect anything in return Ezabela. I understand if it is too hard of a decision for you to make, if you need time, I'll give you time," he said behind the door. He knew he was heard and released a 'I'm sorry' before leaving.

Ezabela slid down the door letting out a sob. She really wanted to accept the offer but she was scared. She didn't want a repeat of what happened to her in such a place. She feared what her 'father' would do to her now that he knows of her location. Even after being told to not visit her anymore in the hospital he insisted on seeing her, although he was stopped by security. The little notes he managed to give her made it clear that he would do anything to keep his abuse a secret. Ezabela was scared to tell Bryce about these notes in fear of him getting hurt too.

It was too late for that as she suddenly heard Bryce's voice. "What the hell is this?!," he shouted. Ezabela knew he found a letter. She quickly left the bathroom and ran to where he was.

Bryce looked up hearing rushed footsteps coming his way. "Ezabela? What is this? Why didn't you tell me he was sending letters?!," she flinched when he raised his voice.

"I-I was scared. I didn't want to drag you into it. You could get hurt because of me," she stated. He began to walk towards her, and she took a couple steps back until her back was against a  wall.

Bryce kept his distance before continuing, "I do not care if I get hurt in the process of protecting you. You are in my home, which I insisted you come to, so it is my responsibility to ensure that you are safe. I will not allow him to hurt you, if I have to take a bullet for you to understand that, I will," he said in the softest voice possible.

It was quiet for a couple seconds until a sob was heard. "I'm sorry, I wasn't thinking. I was just scared t-that I put you in danger and I- I'm sorry," she cried.

Bryce wanted to embrace her but decided against it. He didn't need anything else to trigger her.

"I promise you I am going to help. I need you to trust me, so please tell me when something happens," Ezabela nodded her head, but kept on crying.

He was willing to help her with anything. This warm feeling he had was starting to grow even more. There was no way he had feelings for the woman. Right?