Lethal Lilac

CHAPTER 12

Heartbeats

The golden rays of the morning sun spilled through the massive windows, illuminating the dining hall with a soft, inviting glow. Tahimik akong bumaba sa hagdan, ang malamig na marmol na tila dumadampi sa ilalim ng aking mga paa. My lilac silk pajama, its lace trimming brushing softly against my skin, clung delicately to my frame. Ang sleeveless na pang-itaas ay mahangin, sakto lang ang haba para matakpan ang baywang, habang ang shorts ay tila masyadong maikli para sa lamig ng silid.

Pagpasok ko, naroon siya—Grant. He sat at the far end of the long dining table, legs crossed elegantly, a steaming cup of coffee in one hand, and a newspaper held firmly in the other. Suot niya ang kanyang anti-rad glasses, na lalo pang nagpaangat sa kanyang mala-Adonis na mukha. His black coat rested over a crisp white shirt, tailored to perfection. Sa kanyang kandungan ay ang paborito niyang pusa, isang kulay-abong tabby na tahimik na naglalaro ng buntot nito habang purring.

“Morning,” a voice broke the silence. Lumingon ako nang bahagya at nakita si Schneider—Grant’s old business partner, someone I had met before. He had that easygoing smile, wearing a casual suit that made him seem like he was always ready for an adventure, even in the middle of a serious meeting. His cheerful demeanor felt like a complete contrast to the tension in the room.

“Hi, Lilac!” Schneider greeted, his voice light and playful. “You’re looking... comfy this morning!” He chuckled as he took a sip from his own cup of coffee, completely unfazed by the tension.

I gave a small nod, trying to ignore the strange weight of Grant’s gaze on me. I could feel it, though—his eyes seemed to linger longer than usual, his expression unreadable. I wasn’t sure why, but something in me felt like he was... irritated? Was it because of my short pajama?

But why would he care? I couldn’t figure it out.

Tumalikod ako, binasag ang tila yelong espasyo sa pagitan naming dalawa, at naglakad palabas ng silid.

My feet led me to unfamiliar hallways, the air growing colder as I neared the east wing. Ang kaliwang bahagi ng mansyon ay tila nakalilimutan ng lahat. There were fewer lights, and the silence was almost deafening. It felt eerie, yet oddly familiar.

“Lilac,” a voice called out behind me. My heart stopped for a second. It wasn’t loud, but it was firm.

Dahan-dahan akong lumingon, only to find Grant standing just inches away.

His black coat framed his broad shoulders, while the pristine white sleeves underneath were rolled slightly. Suot pa rin niya ang kanyang anti-rad glasses, making his sharp features more pronounced. His dark eyes were locked on me, a mixture of something unreadable flickering in them.

“I told you not to wander here,” he said in a low, measured tone. Ang init ng kanyang hininga ay tumama sa gilid ng leeg ko habang nagsalita siya. My chest tightened, but I ignored it.

“I just... wanted to see,” sagot ko, ang boses ko’y halos isang bulong. I turned away, not wanting to see whatever emotion his face might reveal.

Nagulat ako nang bigla niyang inilapit ang sarili niya. Without another word, he bent down and swept me off my feet, carrying me in a bridal style as if it was the most natural thing to do.

“Grant!” I gasped. Hindi ko alam kung paano mag-react.

His grip was firm but careful, his expression unreadable.

“You don’t listen,” he muttered under his breath. “If you can’t stay out of trouble, then I’ll make sure you don’t find it.”

As he carried me, the faint scent of his cologne—woodsy, masculine, with a hint of spice—filled my senses. It was intoxicating, and before I knew it, my heartbeat quickened. Hindi ko alam kung bakit, pero parang may nagbabago.

I looked away, my face blank, yet my mind was restless.