Maiden Belle Chapter 5: Moving Out, a winx club fanfic

DISCLAIMER: I DON'T OWN WINX CLUB.

...I'm such a slowpoke when it comes to updating xD I understand I haven't updated in over 7 months, but I've been receiving reviews every now and then.

So, I hope at least some of you have interest. Thank you :)

~ Shields' Household - 9:15 PM ~

"Brandon Alexander Shields, you will pick a girl right this instant! Who will you marry?!" his mother yelled angrily. Brandon's eyes clouded with rage as his fists started to shake in livid anger. He honestly wanted to-

Wait. His eyes were pulled when Stella came into his peripheral vision. She's still here, he thought. His mind started to spin at the conversation from this morning with her. His eyes glinted with delight as an idea popped into his head. Slowly, his lips formed into a smirk as he pointed to his left, "That maid over there."

A hushed silence fell upon the room immediately.

Brandon's eyes fixated on the blonde as he watched her freeze in her tracks. She stopped mid-step as she stood there like a statue. He watched his mother turn to her in shock which quickly turned to a ferocious rage as her eyes landed on the blonde, who now turned around.

Brandon could tell that Stella was afraid judging by how she was blinking so fast and scanning the room left and right. She bit her lip as she stood there dumbly as she didn't let a single peep come out of her.

Brandon's feet slowly moved as adrenaline pumped through his veins. He knew it was wrong and that it was totally uncalled for when he revealed Stella's name. But he couldn't help himself. He had a situation where he was forced to choose from a set of spoilt girls when he literally had an oblivious jewel moving around him.

He clenched his jaw tightly as he watched Stella shake a little while he neared her.

"Dr. Shie—" she stammered questioningly.

Save it, he ignored her surprise.

He halted before her for just a split second before grabbing her by the waist. Stella let out a sharp, surprised gasp as he crushed her against his chest. He took in her features one by one, ignoring the way she froze at their sudden proximity. A hand snaked around the base of her neck as he pulled her closer and leaned in towards her inviting lips. Before she knew what was happening, he captured her soft lips tightly with his own. He loved the way she gasped in his hold.

The tray Stella held slowly dropped to the floor unceremoniously as a metal clang rang throughout the sinfully silent house.

Brandon closed his eyes and kissed her almost roughly with an urgency he never felt before for any other female he ever encountered in his life. He gripped her hair urgently as he felt a rush of emotions cackle through him like electricity.

This is wrong. This is seriously wrong. He could feel her frozen form underneath him but somehow...he chose to look past that. He loved the way she tasted but to his dismay, he had to pull away, considering a live audience standing just a few feet away.

He pulled back after a few moments. He looked into her eyes and saw shock, surprise, and numbness in them. Just what I expected, he thought in amusement. He gently caressed her cheek with his thumb for a brief moment before pulling back and turning around.

He saw everyone looking at him in shock including Heather. No one knew what to say. Musa, however, smirked just a little at the public kiss.

Well damn, boy, Musa snickered.

The shock slowly started to wear off as Brandon wrapped an arm around Stella's shoulders and pulled her closer. She numbly stood there in shock. Brandon smirked a little, choosing to deal with it later. It was almost amusing and a little fun to watch the blonde completely flustered and out of her mind. If he's not wrong...he just deceptively stole her first kiss (unless she was a little frisky rowdy when she was eleven). And he liked that. He liked it a lot. From what he knew, she hasn't stepped out into the world since she was eleven-ish. He imagined that a eleven year old wouldn't go around kissing, but then again...who knew? ...

Silence.

...

Lucas was the first to overcome this unexpected greeting. He swallowed before speaking. "...for how long has this been going on?" he asked hesitantly.

"...A while," Brandon answered vaguely with a shrug. He honestly didn't know what to say. He barely knew this girl for two weeks. But saying that would give him no leverage. So, that wouldn't really be a great standpoint to begin with.

"What's your name?" Lucas asked the twenty-three old female cautiously.

Stella blinked. Huh? Brandon squeezed her shoulders and she snapped back to reality. "S-Stella," she answered squeakily.

"So, Stella...do you love my son?" Lucas asked.

Stella's eyes widened. Love? She looked up at Brandon who subtly urged her to answer with a yes. She turned back to Lucas. "Y-Yes, sir..." Stella gulped.

Lucas sighed and nodded. "Uh...then I have nothing else to say other than expressing my disappointment that I wish you just told us sooner," he said, referring to Brandon.

"Lucas!" Heather gasped in outrage. "You can't possibly be okay with this!"

Lucas shrugged. "Why not? They're adults. They both love each other. Why should we be in the way of that?"

"NO!" Heather defiantly yelled. "YOU!" she shrilly screamed as she marched towards Stella. "YOU GOLD-DIGGER! DO YOU REALLY THINK YOU CAN MATCH UP TO MY SON?!" Heather hollered.

Stella started to squirm in Brandon's hold as she tried to free herself. But his grip remained firm and painfully tight as he held her against him. His eyes narrowed dangerously. From his standpoint, his mother had no right to yell at Stella. Stella came into this house under his protection. She didn't come here on her own. She didn't have any other choice and legally speaking, he was her guardian.

"ANSWER ME!" Heather yelled.

"ENOUGH!" Brandon snarled angrily, silencing the house once more. Stella jumped at his tone. Heather gasped and everyone else instantly went silent. Her eyes grew wide at the brunette's raised tone. He never acted this way with her ever before. "I've always listened to you for the past twenty-six years! But not anymore, mom! If you have a problem with her, you deal with ME. But don't you dare yell at her again," he hissed as his glare only grew stronger with each word.

"I won't have her in my house!" Heather spewed hatefully as she looked at the blonde in raw disgust.

"In that case, you won't have me either," Brandon said coldly, earning a gasp from Lucas and Musa while Heather looked at him with wide eyes.

"I'll find myself a new place," Brandon hissed. His eyes softened just a little as he turned to Stella. "Go and get your stuff," he whispered so that only she can hear. "And change that dress." She turned to him with wide eyes. He slowly let her go and gave her a little nod to tell her to get going.

"You're not really serious!" Heather scoffed in disbelief.

Brandon's eyes followed the blonde for a brief moment as she slowly left to the kitchen. He turned his eyes back to the family before moving towards the stairs. "Watch me." He ignored Heather's statement. "We're leaving. I've been patient, but this has gone too far. I'm done."

Just as he took a step upstairs, an arm grasped his wrist. "You're not really serious, are you?" Musa asked with worried eyes.

Brandon shook his arm free and turned to Heather. "Just because I'm her son doesn't mean that I'm her goddamn puppet," he glowered before going upstairs, taking two steps at a time.

"Heather, this is ridiculous," Lucas said while following the angry brunette upstairs. "He's not our slave. He's our son. It's high time you recognize that."

Musa turned hatefully towards her mother. "What is wrong with you?!" she shouted as she, too, followed her dad upstairs.

Brandon looked up when he saw his dad and sister waltz into the room. He rolled his eyes as he took the clothes from the hangers in his closet and folded them neatly, but hastily into the suitcase.

Musa's eyes widened in panic. "You're serious?!" she gasped. "You're really leaving?!"

"Pretty sure I made that clear, sis," he said coldly as he dumped in more clothes. He was done. As far as he was concerned, he tried to be the ideal son that every parent ever dreamt of. But even he had limits. He obviously wasn't going to stand still like an idiot and let his mother insult the girl he clearly cared about. Besides, it wasn't just about insulting Stella.

For every opposing choice he took against Heather, she kept threatening him with the cliche 'my-house-my-rules'. How far can he take it? He's twenty-six years old, for Christ's sake! When was he allowed to make decisions for himself? When was he allowed to choose? When?! Even his life partner was chosen for him! What right did his mother have to do that? She had a right to help him decide but she most definitely did not the authority to force a girl to be tied with him.

"Brandon, come on. You know how your mother is sometimes. She's just angry, that's all," Lucas tried in vain.

Brandon didn't reply. Instead, he simply zipped up the suitcase. "I'll come back later when she's not here and pick up the rest of my stuff. Don't worry. You'll see me at work."

He took the suitcase in his hands before hastily checking his pockets for his car keys. An arm interrupted him from leaving. "Stop," Lucas firmly ordered. "This isn't the way to deal with your mother."

"It is for now," Brandon said coldly before shaking his father's hand off.

"Brandon, wait!" Musa came in front of him. "Please don't leave," she said with tears in her eyes. "Or better yet, wait! Take me with you."

Brandon chuckled before placing a gentle palm in her hair. "Take care of mom, okay?"

Musa scoffed. "She's kicking my brother out and you want me to be okay with it?! You've got some nerve, pal."

"She's still our mom," he said with a light smile.

"Why can't you stay?!" Musa asked with teary eyes. "...you're all I have."

Brandon wrapped an arm around her and hugged her tightly. "I'm not going far, sis," he told her gently before letting her go. "I'll call you," he replied before kissing her forehead.

Musa and Lucas watched with heartbreak as they continued to stop him. But it was to no avail. Brandon ignored their pleas and descended down the stairs with his suitcase in tow. His eyes brimmed with hurt as he waited for his mother to say something to stop him. If she just...

One word from her to stop and he will. One word from her was all he needed to dump his suitcase back in his closet. But...

Nothing.

Heather stood silent as she watched Brandon drag his suitcase out of the living room. "You'll regret this choice. And when you do, don't bother showing your face here," she hissed as she pushed past everyone and climbed upstairs.

Brandon stopped in his tracks at those words. His eyes turned red but he refused to let everyone show how much that actually stung. Just because he refused to marry the girl of Heather's dreams...he had no place in this family anymore. Brandon took a deep breath, trying to swallow the huge lump that settled in his throat.

Without another word, he touched the knob and turned it. He opened the door and slammed it shut on his way out. A lone tear slipped his eye. He hastily wiped it away. Contrary to how it may sound, he still loved his mom. Who wouldn't?

But...

He only wished that she can understand him. He didn't want to marry someone he didn't love and then end up divorcing a few months later due to 'irreconcilable differences'. He wanted to settle for someone he truly loved and spend the rest of his life with that woman. A little cliche, but that's what he wanted. And so far, he didn't find such a woman yet.

Taking another deep breath, he moved towards the outhouse. He stopped in his tracks suddenly when he saw Stella standing with her suitcase a few meters away. As she was told, she wasn't in a maid outfit anymore. His attention shifted as he walked towards her. "Is that all?" he asked as he approached her.

She mutely nodded.

"Then let's go," he said as he picked up her suitcase in his hands. He walked with their luggage when her voice stopped him in his tracks.

"Please wait," she said softly.

He turned around questioningly. Nervously, she took a few steps towards him. She rubbed her arms up and down nervously as she bit her lip. "Um...I'll leave. There's no reason for you to do it. Sir," she said.

"I'm not leaving because of you," he sighed. "My reasons are my own."

"Then...why are we leaving together? I can go somewhere—"

"Where?" he cut her off firmly. His eyes narrowed as if daring her to question him again. And knowing her, she wouldn't. "You're under my custody, so until I say otherwise, you belong to me. Understood?!"

Stella fell speechless as she looked at the ground. She simply nodded and fell silent once more. "Yes, sir," she said in a low voice.

"Get in the car," he ordered as he picked up their luggage once more before walking towards his black Mercedes in the garage. He heard Stella's light but quick-paced footsteps following behind him. He felt a little bad for snapping at her like that, but he can apologize later. Right now, he needed to figure out what to do about their current situation. He sure as hell wasn't going to let her go anytime soon. Truth be told, he didn't want to. He wanted her by his side.

Especially after that kiss...he felt something shift inside of him. It was more than just a jolt of electricity or a flitter of sparks. It was more of a deep and caring intuition for the blonde that he couldn't quite explain in words.

As he approached his car, he set the suitcases down and opened the trunk. Tossing them inside effortlessly, he unlocked the car and told her to sit in the front. Stella wordlessly climbed inside the passenger seat as Brandon took up the driver's side. He saw her stupidly sit with her hands in her lap. Shaking his head at this girl's growing eccentricity, he reminded her to put on the seat belt. Her lips parted slightly in understanding before she put the belt on.

He pulled out from the home before swerving smoothly into the main road. He let out a small sigh, still unable to believe what just happened in the last thirty minutes. "Great," he whispered while clutching the steering wheel a little tightly.

But he had no time to ponder over that anymore. He needed to figure out what to do, like, for example, where the hell he was gonna live. It was so last minute and it was late night already. So he needed to wait at least until tomorrow before he can get a new house for himself.

Taking a deep breath, he shoved the conversation between him and his mother aside. He spared a side glance towards Stella and noticed how she was silent as usual. Her eyes were on her lap as she sat stiffly next to him. She didn't allow herself to relax and instead, she just waited for him to take her wherever he wanted.

"Hungry?" Brandon asked as he drove.

He saw shake her head 'no'.

Can't she tell that I'm trying to make conversation?! he thought in frustration. Ugh. Sometimes, this girl was beyond infuriating. He didn't understand if he should judge her as rude or...if it was just the way she behaved.

Silently, he drove straight to a hotel. The only time she looked up was when he parked and turned off the ignition. The engine hummed till it settled into a deafening silence. He gestured for her to get out before doing it himself. He opened the boot before taking out their luggage.

"We should get inside..." he started but then trailed off when he took in her face of surprise.

Stella looked up at the height of the hotel in surprise as awe graced her features pleasantly. He found himself staring at her as she stood by his car, looking curiously around the parking lot. He couldn't help the small smile that widened on his lips. Of course, this was all so new and different to her.

He smiled before clearing his throat. She immediately turned to him before facing downwards as usual. He sighed at that. Yeah, he needed to talk to her about treating him like a human being. K.

He'll do that right now. "Come on," he said before telling her to follow him.

Without a place to stay at the moment, a hotel is the next best alternative. They can stay here for as long as required before finding a more permanent place to stay.

As they went inside, Stella shook and hugged herself nervously. She felt incredibly insecure seeing so many people roaming around her and chattering loudly. The halls were illuminated with bright golden lights. Chandeliers were hung around and the lights from scintillated off the polished floors.

She followed closely behind Brandon. They stopped at the reception and saw that there was another man in front.

Stella tried to stand still but she felt the urge to run away from here. This place was too crowded and too shiny for her. She started to breathe heavily as she felt dizzy and irreparably scared for a few moments.

"Thank you," the person in front of them said while taking the key card from the receptionist.

Stella gasped when the man turned around. She jumped slightly, making the man look at her in bewilderment.

Brandon turned in question only to see Stella being unreasonably terrified.

"Oh. I'm sorry," the man apologized politely for a reason he honestly didn't know. "Miss, are you alright?"

Brandon smiled tightly and grabbed Stella's wrist before pulling her closer ther a little behind him. "Sorry about that. My...uh...my girlfriend went through a loss recently. She's still a little traumatized by that."

"Oh. I'm sorry about that," the person smiled sympathetically and also out of relief. He left soon after. Brandon let out a sigh of relief before turning towards the receptionist. "A suite room, please."

The receptionist nodded. "Your name and ID, sir."

"Brandon Shields," the brunette spoke while handing over his driver's license.

Brandon turned towards Stella, who looked as if she'll pass out from fear any second. "Stella?" he asked gently before wrapping an arm around her in comfort. "Hey, it's okay."

He watched her look up at him and he was instantly hooked to her honey-colored molten eyes. Wow, he breathed. He felt like drowning and suffocating in those depths before he was interrupted.

"Eighteenth floor. Room 1824. Your room key, sir," the receptionist smiled. "We hope you have a nice stay."

Brandon smiled. "Thank you," he said before taking their luggage. Stella followed behind him wordlessly while keeping her face down. She ignored the people around her even though there weren't that many at this time of night. She clamped her hands into fists before starting to hyperventilate a little.

Brandon sighed a little in relief when he saw the elevators were empty. Stella looked as if she's about to have a panic attack. This was a mistake.

Sighing, he pushed the luggage inside before pulling Stella inside. And that was it.

She completely lost it when the doors shut close. "Woah!" he tried to calm her down when she jumped ten feet in the air and backed herself into a corner. Did she never see an elevator before? Honestly, there were there even before we were born! he thought in concern.

"Stella, you need to calm down," he told her, trying to get her to look at him. She wildly looked around her, but made no other noise.

"Stella, please. It's okay," he gently spoke while moving towards her. She stiffened and looked at him in terror when he moved towards her. "Hey," he said while raising his hands in surrender. "There's no reason to be afraid. Okay?" he spoke softly. "It's just an elevator."

He gave her his hand to take as she latched herself into the corner wordlessly. She panted heavily and his eyes only narrowed in concern. He eyed the floors. Just one more to go. Phew, he thought. That's a relief.

Honestly, if someone's looking at this footage, they'd think that he was kidnapping her or something. "Here. Take my hand," he told her while extending it towards her.

He watched her stare at it for a long moment before raising her own hand. Smiling, he took her hand in his. "It's okay. It's just an elevator. You know what that is, don't you?" he asked with a raised eyebrow. She nodded as she looked around.

"Good," he smiled.

Just then, the elevator let out a ding as the doors opened slowly. A few people came inside and Stella bit her lip to suppress the scream that came her way. Brandon paled at her panic attack. He immediately pushed the luggage outside before taking her hand and pulling her into the hallway.

The doors closed and he sighed in relief. He honestly didn't need people thinking that he kidnapped this girl or something. That would be horrible. "You okay?" he asked. She frantically nodded as she looked at him. Honestly, he could tell that she wasn't but she was just saying it for his sake.

If he didn't have two suitcases in his hands, he would've picked her up or at least held her hand. Sadly, he was in a position to do neither.

He picked up the baggage and went towards their room. She followed him silently and kept her hand in his. She did NOT like this place. It was really full of people and it was too bright for her. The maids in the Shields' household left her alone for the most part except for Ms. Faragonda, who would occasionally make small talk with her. And when she had a minute to spare, she would immediately step out and take a greedy gulp of fresh air.

Brandon stopped in front of their room before unlocking it with the key card. He told her to go inside first before following behind her.

Brandon couldn't even put it in words the immense relief he felt when they were finally inside. Oh good lord. It felt like ages since they stepped out of the car. If he had known it would've been this much of a hassle, he would've prepared himself for it.

Now, she was more than welcome to scream and squeal. To his ironic dismay, she looked like she was just about to do that.

"Stella?" he approached her yet again. She looked at him with her baby brown eyes. It shocked him to see her eyes slightly glistening. She looked like she was about to cry.

He instantly rushed towards her when she started to sniffle. "Hey, it's okay. Why're you crying?" he asked as he placed a finger under her chin. He wanted to do much more than that, but he feared her sanity at the moment. She remained silent.

"Here. Come on, sit," he told her as he led her towards the sofa in the mini living room. She started to perch herself on the floor. He groaned loudly when he saw her sitting cross-legged on the floor.

"Okay. We're gonna lay some ground rules over here," he huffed. "When I tell you to sit, I meant sit on some furniture. Not on the floor."

She immediately bolted up straight at her tone and he groaned again at her immediate compliance. It's official. This girl will be the death of him one day.

"Sit," he ordered and pointed towards the sofa. She looked at him hesitantly and slowly sat down. He flopped beside her. "Okay. Good. That's a start."

She looked at her lap and somehow didn't look like she's gonna cry anymore. Great!

"Stella, look at me. Please," he tried again restlessly. He was clearly tired from today's ordeal and she wasn't making this any easier for him. He knew it wasn't her fault but that didn't stop him from being frustrated.

She turned towards him and he looked away slightly because she was so freaking gorgeous when she's especially up close. He took a deep breath and turned towards her again.

"I need you to talk to me. Alright? I'm not here to hurt you, so you can tell me if there's anything bothering you. Okay?"

She nodded. Silence. Again!

"And...it'll probably be just us for a while," he told her. "I'll find us a house soon, okay?"

Her eyes widened and she looked as if she's about to say something. He snapped his fingers and stuck an index finger pointedly at her. "There. That. You have something to say? You're gonna say it," he told her.

"Um...I don't want to be a bother to you. Sir."

"Oh there's another thing. You're not gonna call me sir anymore. That's just ridiculous. Call me by my name. Okay?" he smiled.

She nodded. "Yes, Dr. Shields."

He groaned and ran a frustrated hand through his mane. "No. Not Dr. Shields. First name. You do know my name, right?"

She nodded. "Dr. Brandon?"

"Oh my good lord," he breathed inaudibly to himself before slapping his forehead. This girl's brain is as thick and dense as a rock. "No formalities, Stella. Just Brandon. Please."

Her eyes widened once more before she nodded slowly. "Yes..um...B-Bran..d-don?" she said so softly that it broke his heart just a little.

He smiled at how endearing and lovely she truly was. "That's right. Next. Are you afraid of me? And be honest."

She bit her lip and looked at him wordlessly, wondering how to answer the question.

He chuckled. "I can tell by the I'm-afraid-of-you look that you're afraid of me." He breathed and placed a gentle palm over hers. "You don't have to be, Stella. I know nothing I say will comfort you at the moment, but I hope you still know that I'll never hurt you," he spoke, sounding very much like a broken record.

Stella simply stared at him before nodding slowly. He only wondered what she understood but anyway.

Moving on.

He had plenty of issues to point out about her and he needed to clarify them all. For starters, the scene back at the house could use a good justification right about now.

"And uh..." he started as he rubbed the back of his neck slightly. "I'm sorry things didn't quite turn out how I told you. That's totally my fault."

She looked at him in confusion. Huh?

He sighed. Oh. Right. Dense blonde head.

"I meant that I'm sorry for kissing you," he spoke out of the blue with a smirk settling on his lips. No, not really, he finished in his mind. If he could do it, he'd gladly do it all over again and hopefully prolong it a little. It would've been even more amazing if she had actually kissed him back but that was a serious over-expectation from his part.

Her eyes immediately widened to the size of saucers as she instantly looked away from him. He smiled and shook his head when she squirmed uncomfortably. Taking a little mercy on her, he grasped her chin to make her look at him again.

"I'm also a friend. If you ever need someone to talk to...I'll be here for you," he said warmly. He truly meant what he said. He hadn't offered his ear since she got here and she deserved this more than anyone. "Okay?"

She nodded, responding a little faster this time.

"Great!" he said as he stood up. "Are you hungry?" he asked as he stretched a little. He looked at himself and saw that he was still in his suit. Well, why wouldn't he be when his parents literally bombarded him with questions the microsecond he got from work?!

Stella slowly shook her head 'no', replying that she wasn't hungry.

"You sure?" he asked again.

She nodded but her stomach suddenly started to howl. She gasped and hugged herself in embarrassment while he looked at her in amusement. "That's another issue right there. Learn to ask for what you want. And don't lie to me."

Stella fidgeted with her fingers as she looked at the floor. "Um..."

"Why is it so hard for you to admit what you want? It's not really a crime to admit what you're feeling. If you're hungry, just say so."

"...But...I'm only supposed to eat twice a day," she said out of the blue.

"...excuse me?" he asked her in a bewildered state. He stared at her. Is this girl serious?! he thought. No wonder she looked like she was underweight.

She blinked at her own memories. Radius would beat her if she was caught eating his food. So she always ate something heavy in the morning before he woke up and another heavy meal in the evening when he went out to get groceries or do whatever else. That was it. She wasn't really supposed to eat anything else. Otherwise, she can expect a really bad-tempered thunderstorm heading her way.

"...Is that how you lived so far?" he asked in concern as he sat back down next to her.

Stella let out a small frown. Her mother would dote on her when she was young. Stella eventually forgot how pampered and loved she was the moment she stepped foot into her father's house.

"It doesn't have to work like that anymore, Stella," Brandon told her. "If you're hungry, you're more than welcome to eat. You can eat however much you want to. I'm not going to hit you for that," he said, feeling absolutely disgusted at such a vile idea. Hunger is such a terrible, terrible thing.

That bastard...he let a child go hungry for an inexplicable reason and hit her for it.

Brandon didn't like the frown on her face. He didn't like seeing her so vulnerable and fragile.

Taking a deep breath, he decided to change the topic. "So, what would you like to eat?" he asked as he pulled out his phone. He gently pulled her closer beside him before turning towards his phone. She gasped slightly at the contact before falling still. Brandon smiled and pulled up the restaurants near them.

"Where do you want to order from?" he asked her.

She looked at him with wide eyes. "I...I can choose?" she asked innocently.

"Of course," he smiled as he wrapped a tender arm around her. He wondered how it would feel if she was strong again. He wanted to see her rise from this state. He wanted to see her as an independent and strong woman. And he'll help her. He'll help her become that. He'll turn her into a woman who doesn't have to depend on anyone but herself.

When he held her this time, she didn't seem so scared as she looked at the phone. "Can...can I see that?" she asked in wonder.

He chuckled and nodded. "Here," he said while handing the device to her. She stood blankly for a second as she turned the phone around and looked at it curiously. They sat on the couch once again and Brandon merely watched her in fascination. She looked so in awe at touching his phone. In fact, she was awed by every single thing, no matter how simple it is.

She let her eyes fall on the bright screen as she looked at the list of restaurants. She obviously knew her way around a phone.

"I don't know what to choose," she suddenly said as she slowly handed his phone back to him.

He took it back. "Hmm. Chinese? Do you like Chinese? Pizza? Chicken?" he asked, knowing she has to be at least distinctly familiar with those items. "What do you normally eat?"

"Fruits and salad," she answered. "And others, I suppose."

His eyes widened. "FRUITS?! Are you kidding me?!" he huffed.

"Certain kinds of fruits don't make you hungry that easily," she pointed out in her defense.

He instantly fell in awe when he saw a little smile erupt from her lips. She's so beautiful, he thought in fascination at one of the sweetest smiles he'd ever seen. If he thought she was pretty before, then this just took the cake. Stella looked her best when she smiled. He wondered how her laugh must be like.

"I...I...um...I don't usually eat anything else," she told him as she looked at her lap. "Maybe occasionally..."

Her voice brought him back to reality. "I'm sorry, what? Oh. Oh!" he stammered like a fool. She was too distracting for her own good. "Okay. Then...is pizza okay for you?" he asked.

"I...I can't pay you back though," she said nervously.

"You don't have to," he smiled kindly down at her. "You'll never have to pay for anything."

"...Oh."

"Well then. I'll order the food. And you can change your clothes and relax. There's a TV over there." He smiled at her once more before unwillingly standing up to give her some space.

But he liked this new turn of events. This was the longest conversation he has had with her so far and it didn't involve her crying to insanity.

He smiled to himself. Honestly, this was probably the only positive thing that happened so far today. His frisky little arrangement with Mitzi and family, the heated argument, and him getting kicked out. All in one day. Yay. And how could he forget?

The kiss...it hardly feels real. It's definitely the highlight of his mundane day. He smirked to himself and unconsciously touched his lips for a moment longer than necessary. A deep breath left him as his lips craved to meet hers again.

I need a cold shower, he muttered to himself. He took off his suit black jacket as his feet turned towards the bedroom where two king-sized beds lay in the center. He heard Stella's footsteps behind him and wondered what she was up to now.

"I'll wash that," she said as she reached for the jacket.

"No, it's okay. There are laundry machines down in the lobby," Brandon explained.

"Oh. Then I'll go do it right now," she said, continuing to reach for his jacket.

Brandon chuckled and shook his head. "Not today," he said while grasping her flying wrist. "You'll eat first and then you'll rest. Tomorrow is going to be different."

Stella blinked. "Huh?"

"As you can see, we're both homeless right now. So I need to find a house for us."

"Oh. Is it easy?"

He smiled. "There are plenty of condos on the real estate market. So yes, it's easy."

"Oh. That's..um...that's good."

He nodded before letting go of her hand. He tossed the jacket on one of the king size beds. Loosening his tie, he removed the cuffs on his shirt before rolling the sleeves till his elbows. He went over to his suitcase before removing a hoodie and sweatpants. "Do you mind if I shower first?" he asked Stella.

She immediately shook her head no. He nodded with a thanks but wondered why he even bothered to ask. She would just act and reply to accommodate to his needs, forgetting her own. He didn't like it one bit, so he just pretended that she was a normal person and acted as so.

A while later...

"Thank you," Brandon smiled as he handed the delivery boy the money as well as a good tip. He took the pizza and locked the door shut before moving in to the bedroom. He glanced towards the bathroom where Stella was showering. He smiled to himself before setting the pizza on the table and relaxing on one of the beds. He wanted them to eat together.

On the inside, Stella turned off the shower and immediately got dressed. She dried her wet hair as best as she could with the towel. She looked at herself timidly in the large mirror before instantly averting her eyes away, feeling extremely insecure and self-conscious of herself.

She stepped out a few minutes later in a blue and white plaid set of pajamas. She let her hair fall loose and past her shoulders as she dried her feet on the mat. She bit her lip as she rubbed her arms, trying to warm herself from the cold.

Brandon curiously waited for her to come inside. He heard her step out, so where the hell is she? Please don't tell me she's gone into rock mode again, he sighed as he dragged himself out of the bed with an annoying groan. He went to the mini living room and turned towards the bathroom where the blonde simply stood there. He suppressed a smile at how cute she looked.

"You done? I'm famished, you know," he said with crossed arms.

Her eyes widened as she slowly blinked, not understanding what he meant. Brandon groaned and raked a frustrated hand through his hair. "Are you even from this planet?" he sighed as he dragged her arm towards the bedroom. She wordlessly followed him with hurried footsteps.

"Here," he ordered her to sit either on a chair or on the bed. She chose the chair (just like he expected) and slowly sat down as she watched him. "Eat," he demanded while telling her to take a slice of the pizza. "We're going to eat and we're going to watch a movie. Understand?" he asked with a pointed glare.

She nodded immediately, obviously spooked at his demanding orders. Brandon sighed and bent to her level by standing on his knee. He didn't know what to do to make her trust him or at least see him as harmless. He took her hand in both of his.

"Is there anywhere else you'd rather be? Do you want to be somewhere else? Am I scaring you that badly, Stella?" he asked in a gentle, yet sad sigh. For some reason, it hurt him. It hurt him a lot to see her look so vulnerable in front of him.

She merely blinked. "I..."

"Don't be afraid to speak out. I'm only here to help you. But I can't do that if you're not honest with me," he told her.

Stella looked him. Her eyes darted repeatedly between her encased hand and his hopeful eyes. "You...you're a good man," she finally said.

"Really?" he chuckled. "You really think so? Or are you just saying that?"

"You are. I don't know why you care for me or why I'm worth your time, but I do believe that."

His response fell short at her reply. He didn't know why he cared for her. He honestly didn't. And he definitely didn't know why she's worth his time. She barely gave him hers.

"Can I ask how you were as a child?" he suddenly asked.

"...As a child?" she asked. He nodded and silently told her to go on. "I don't really remember," she shook her head. "My mother always treated me like a princess. And then she died. Then I went to my dad's house. I had to drop out of middle school too."

He frowned. Not really the answer he was hoping for. He stood up and she followed him with her eyes. "Eat," he said quietly while moving away from her, not knowing what else to say. He sat on the bed and took a slice of the hot pizza.

He sighed and switched on the TV and channeled to HBO. He glanced over at Stella who unsurely poked at the pizza. She stood up and looked up at him. He waited with bated breath when she slowly walked over to him.

"Does this have chicken in it?" she asked with a small frown.

"I'm sorry, are you a vegetarian?" Brandon asked. She nodded. He cursed himself for forgetting to ask. "I'm sorry, Stella. I didn't know."

"Oh. Um...it's okay," she nodded. She slowly turned around but stopped when he grasped her wrist.

"Would you like something else?" he asked.

She shook her head. "No, it's fine-"

"No, it isn't. We can go out or I can order something quickly," Brandon offered while slowly standing up. She looked at him in silence for a moment before looking around the room.

"Can we?" she asked with hopeful, but averted eyes. He suddenly started to smile. Finally! She asked for something! Brandon thought jubilantly. Oh hell yeah! This was serious progress.

"We can go downstairs. I'm sure there's something down there," he asked.

Stella nodded. "Can I go like this?" she asked as she referred to herself.

He chuckled. "In your pajamas? Yeah, you can. Come on."

He turned the TV off and set the pizza aside before getting up from the bed. He grabbed the room key, his phone, and his wallet before going towards the door. Stella followed right behind him. They stepped out of the room before walking down the hallway towards the elevator.

Brandon turned when he felt a tug on his arm. He saw her looking up at him curiously. "Can I ask you something?" she asked.

He nodded with a light smile.

"How old are you?"

"Twenty-six."

"Ohhhh." She simply smiled at him and he was shocked to see such a reaction from her.

What's so great about being twenty six? he asked himself, wondering if he forgot something important. Nonetheless, he couldn't help but smile back at her. It was refreshing to see her walking around with something other than a dead look. Plus, her smile simply blew his breath away.

"Why?" he asked with interest. They turned around the corner. Brandon pushed the down arrow to the elevator and they both waited.

"Oh. Um. Nothing. It's admirable to see you so...I don't know," she trailed off softly. "You don't seem afraid of anything."

He cocked an eyebrow. "Really?" Seeing a nod escape her bashful and shy face, he couldn't help but chuckle. "Well, thank you."

He continued glancing at her. For some reason, she didn't seem so hollow and robotic. In his house though...dear lord.

He honestly thought he rescued a robot, judging from the way she behaved monotonously. Whatever the case, he was just glad that she didn't seem so traumatic around him.

Well. At least one good thing came out of walking out of the house.

The elevator suddenly arrived to their floor with a ding. The doors chimed open and they both stepped in. Just as the doors shut close, Stella let out a small gasp. Brandon let out a startled grunt when she bumped into him and huddled into a corner.

"Stella?" Guess he spoke too soon.

"No, no, no..." he heard her frantically mutter under her breath. Her face contorted to one of fear as she clutched her head. His eyes widened when she suddenly looked as if she's about to pass out.

"Stella, what's wrong?" he tried to touch her when she let out a frightened squeal.

"No, please!" she opened her eyes with nothing but fear in them. Tears erupted in her eyes as she started to shake.

And that's when it clicked to him. It's not the elevator that scared her. It's the dangerously narrow space.

Claustrophobia, he finished flatly in realization. He eyed her in concern, not knowing what to do. "Stella, calm down. Please," he gently said as he hovered over to her. Her frightened face touched a nerve in him. "There's nothing to be afraid of," he gently told her but his words fell on deaf ears.

She started to sniffle. Her breathing escalated and Brandon watched her hyperventilate. God, she's going to have a panic attack, he thought frantically. Brandon immediately punched the stop button and the elevator stopped at the fourteenth floor. When the doors chimed open, he grabbed her hand and pulled her outside before letting go.

He watched as Stella started to breathe heavily. She looked at the elevator in fear before slowly stepping back from the thing. The frozen blonde stayed still for a mere moments before taking a few timid steps backward.

"Stella—" he started as he moved towards her cautiously.

Stella let out a final breath as she took a 180-degree turn and bolted.

"Stella, wait!" he called after her before breaking into a full sprint. Honestly, people are going to be scared or annoyed of the noise at this time of night. His eyes narrowed as she ran. Damn, she's fast, he thought impressively. But not fast enough to outrun him.

Stella's cheeks pulsed with blood as she sprinted down to the end of the hallway and towards the stairs. She sighed in relief at the exit sign for stairs. Turning around the corner, she pushed open the double doors with enough force for them to slam them open. Her hand touched the railing when two strong arms wounded tightly around her.

"Not so fast, young lady," Brandon retorted in a peeved voice.

"No, please! Please let me go!" she desperately cried out in fear as she clawed the sleeves of his shirt, trying to pry herself free. However, Brandon proved to be much stronger than she gave him credit for.

"Calm down. Or else people are going to think that I've kidnapped you," he told her annoyed.

He let Stella go and turned her around so that she faced him. As he released her, she stepped back from him again and reached for the railing once more. "Would you quit running for a minute?!" he hissed.

"He'll hurt me again! He'll hit me! Please! He's coming! Please, please, please!" Stella cried like a madwoman, sending Brandon into confusion.

Who? he thought while looking around

"Stella, there's no one here—" he started.

Stella madly shook her head as her senses went to the brink of insanity. Tears started to slide down her cheeks as flashes of torturous nights invaded her. Brandon realized that she was nowhere near done with her anxiety attack. It broke him to see her like that. He grabbed her shoulders again and called out her name. "Stella, stop!"

"No, I—!" she shook in his arms as she closed her eyes tightly shut.

"Stella—"

"He's coming!" she cried. "He—"

"Ste—"

She backed herself against the grey wall and shakily fell into a pit of madness.

And that was all it took for him to go livid. Unable to take her frightened cries anymore, he did the only thing that came to his mind.

Stella instantly fell silent in shock when a pair of warm lips encased hers. Her eyes remained closed as he caressed her trembling lips with his own. Brandon wrapped a gentle arm around her while another traveled to the base of her neck. He removed her plastered form from the wall and pressed her to him instead. The kiss was gentle and lasted for a succinct moment before he slowly pulled back.

Stella slowly opened her eyes moments later and looked shocked. She shakily looked up at him who simply gazed at her with a profound concern. Brandon held her small form in his arms and gently embraced her. He didn't regret what he just did. He did what he had to do. Simple. Or at least, that was the justification he gave himself. At least she didn't look so insane anymore. "There's no one here, Stella," he whispered in her ear. "You're safe."

He heard a small sniffle from her as she listened to his voice. Frowning, he wondered what triggered the attack. It didn't a brainer to figure out that 'he' referred to her imprisoned bastard of a father.

"Are you okay now?" he asked her softly while rubbing his arm up and down her back gently.

Stella slowly nodded. Sighing in relief, he slowly patted her hair. "Shall we head down?" he asked.

Stella immediately shook her head 'no'. "Please, no," she whispered.

"Upstairs then?" he asked.

She shook her head again.

He chuckled. "Stella, we can't stay here all night."

"...Can I use the stairs?" she pointed. "You can take the elevator."

He rolled his eyes. "After seeing your episode just now? Yeah no. We'll both use the stairs. Come on," he said while offering her his hand. She slowly took it with hesitation as they started to climb stairs again. Brandon called Pizza Hut once again and placed a vegetarian order. He should've done that before. It definitely would've saved him a headache and an oncoming migraine.

One hour later...

"You have got to kidding me," he sighed out of incredulity. Stella stared at him with timid eyes.

He sighed again as he looked at the cardboard tray in front of him. "...you made all that fuss for two slices...?" he asked with narrowed and pointed eyes. The blonde shifted from one foot to the other uncomfortably. She simply looked at the floor as she fidgeted in his intense stare.

He sighed and raked a hand through his hair. He ordered a large pizza and she leaves ten slices of pizza behind. He didn't have a problem with her leaving the food but he wondered if she had enough. "You sure you'll be fine till tomorrow?" he asked with a raised brow. She nodded immediately.

"Great," he said sarcastically and disbelievingly. "Well then, go to sleep."

Stella nodded once more and started to move towards the living room. Brandon raised an eyebrow and lunged forward to grab her wrist. "Excuse me, where are you going?" he asked with a narrowed look, already having a faint idea.

She innocently pointed towards the door. "I'll sleep on the floor." This answer took him by surprise. He was expecting the sofa in the living room but he so didn't expect her to sleep on the floor.

He took a deep breath, struggling his very best to not lose his cool. Honestly, she made him angrier than his mom did. "No, you'll sleep here," he ordered while tossing a look towards the other bed.

Her eyes widened in saucers. "W-What?"

"You're. Sleeping. On. The. Bed," he stated firmly. He pointed to the other bed which welcomed the blonde with pristine white sheets and thick comforters.

Stella uncomfortably fidgeted before slowly walking over to the bed. He kept his eyes on her until she sat on the bed before turning away and grabbing his suitcase. He pulled out his laptop before switching off the lamp on Stella's nightstand.

He frowned as he thought about earlier events. As if reading his mind, his phone pinged with a text. He took it from the nightstand before unlocking it. He smiled slightly when he saw that it was from his sister.

Where are you? :O :O

He chuckled. Instead of replying, he called. She picked it up in less than one ring.

"Hey, Muse," he answered with a small smile.

"You sound oddly happy for someone who got kicked out," Musa snickered.

Brandon rolled his eyes. "I'm gonna ask dad to take care of my issue tomorrow."

"Perks of being rich. You lucky dork. Why didn't you take me with you?!"

The brunette chuckled at her bark. "You're the only way for me to know what's going on inside of the house," he answered while typing something into the laptop.

Musa laughed. "Well, that's easy. Mom's fuming and barking at the kitchen staff. Poor women. And dad's like right here. He's looking into a list of houses like you asked."

"Tell him I said thanks."

"You're welcome, son," Lucas smiled as he took the phone from Musa. "I'm not proud of what happened, but I am proud of you for standing up for yourself."

Brandon smiled. "You're not mad at me, dad?"

"If you put it that way, yes, I am. But there's nothing I can do to change your mother. She's just way too stubborn. By tomorrow, I'll find a suitable house. Is uh...is Stella with you?"

Brandon cast a surreptitious glance towards the bed where he saw her presumably sleeping. "Yeah, she is. I can't just leave her, dad."

"I know, son. Believe me, I know. Anyways, get a good night's rest. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Bye, dad," Brandon smiled before hanging up.

He sighed before texting Sky about the new developments without giving too much away. Honestly, this was just too much drama. And Sky knew how to keep his mouth shut and stop any nasty rumors.

~ 1:30 AM ~

Brandon yawned and shut his laptop down before moving to put it back into his suitcase. He had told Sky earlier to manage the office until notice. Brandon moved to lay back on the bed to get a good night's rest when a flash of yellow caught his eye.

Brandon turned to his left to see Stella sleeping silently on the furthest end of the other bed. His interest piqued as he slowly slipped from his own bed and tiptoed over to where she laid. He dragged a chair and sat in front of her, observing her silently.

There was no frown on her face nor the robotic expression she usually carried around. In fact, her face appeared tranquil and fresh. She slept on her stomach with her hands underneath her head. Brandon neutrally watched her sleep. She was beautiful to look at really but he somehow couldn't wipe the frown away from his face.

"...mostly be temporarily admitted to an institution for the psychologically unfit..."

Brandon shut his eyes as the conversation with Nabu from weeks ago played in loop. Now Nabu's logic was slowly starting to make sense. But Brandon didn't have the heart to do that. Stella wasn't crazy or 'psychologically unfit'. She's just vulnerable. But...time can heal. Time has the greatest power to heal any wound.

"...all those years and Stella never stepped out of the house..."

The brunette deeply frowned as he gazed at her.

"...I had to drop out of school."

He didn't forget the look she had. It was a mixture of pain and hopelessness. She had no choice. Radius probably hit her too much that she eventually stopped going to school. The only thing was that she dropped out at the end of the year. So, people assumed that she transferred to another school and didn't bother questioning.

"...For crying out loud, the last picture we have of her is dated to over a decade ago..."

That's another thing. Where was she all these years? What was she doing? It hurt his heart to know that she did nothing but do Radius's bidding.

"...has been abused for twelve years..."

"...When people experience traumatic...for years...they're bound to go crazy..."

She became so emotionally withdrawn. In fact, to see her still so sane was still a surprise to Brandon. Twelve years and she seemed psychologically okay.

That is, until her episode in the elevator.

He didn't really understand on the way up. He thought that she never saw an elevator before but then again, she's not really from the Ice Age. Then he deduced that she's terribly afraid of closed spaces. But he can't just toss her in an institution for the mentally unfit. She didn't deserve that.

He suddenly smiled when he remembered her voice.

"You're a good man."

These words from her drove a jolt of electricity within him. He wanted to keep that trust she had on him. It was the first honest thing she ever said to him and to him, it really is precious.

Tomorrow, things will be different. He realized that the only way to make Stella forget all of those years is to...keep her happy. Piece of cake.

...

Hopefully.

...

"Good night, Stella," he whispered with a small, caring smile before getting up from the chair.

~ The Next Morning - 8:30 AM ~

Brandon groaned sleepily when he felt a repeated pressure on his shoulder. He blinked irritably. Seriously? He chooses to sleep peacefully for one night when he's being rudely awakened by something again.

With a frustrated growl, he sharply pulled the blankets down from his face and sat up straight. "WHAT?!"

He heard a small gasp. Opening his eyes, he opened them to see Stella jump a foot back in shock. He blinked rapidly as he remembered the last night's events. "Oh. Sorry, were you waking me up?" he asked sleepily while raking a hand through his hair.

"Your phone has been ringing for a while now," she pointed to his nightstand. He groaned and turned towards the buzzing device and saw that it was Sky. He picked it up with a miffed sigh. "What...?!" he answered testily.

"...Dude, you're sleeping?!" Sky snarled. "You have a meeting in two hours, so you better get your ass here soon!"

"Sky, I told you I wouldn't be coming until further notice!" Brandon nearly shouted into the phone.

"Yeah, well, get your dad in here, you dimwit!" Sky barked into the phone.

Brandon's eyes widened as he bolted straight up. "Oh shoot. I forgot about that," he groaned while rubbing his face. "I'll be..." he trailed off soon when he saw Stella sitting silently in a chair. "Actually, I'll call you back." With that, he cut the call, ignoring Sky's protests.

Brandon stood up and yawned before going straight for the bathroom to freshen himself up.

Within minutes, he stepped out again after doing his everyday business. He rubbed his eyes a little sleepily, not at all wanting to go to work. He let out a tired sigh, wondering if he should just call it quits for today.

Making up his mind, he walked over to his bed and picked up his phone. He dialed his father's number and yawned while waiting for him to pick it up.

"Morning, son," Lucas greeted pleasantly.

Brandon rubbed his eyes tiredly. "Dad...I don't feel like going to work today. Can you fill in for me? I think I have about three meetings today."

"No worries. Check your email when you're free though. I sent you a list of properties that you can look at."

"Thanks, dad. You're the best!"

"I try," Lucas chuckled.

The two bid each other a good day before hanging up.

Brandon collapsed on his bed again, having no intention of leaving anywhere today. He honestly needed a vacation and a few days off.

Honestly, taking a week-long vacation sounds so much more fun than going to work and spending time with files. His father can fill in his place, so it's okay.

"Would you like some coffee?" a sudden voice interrupted him.

Brandon sat up slowly and saw Stella standing up before walking over to him. Oh...her face was so much more soothing to look at than the frustrating, boring files at work. "No, come here," he asked before patting the space beside him.

Stella blinked a few times before slowly stepping towards him. She sat beside him, feeling a little weird and different.

"...I'm going to look for a house for us to live. Do you want to stay here? Or will you come with me?"

Stella's eyes blinked with curiosity. "I don't mind either," she replied slowly while shaking her head.

"Then will you come? I'd like it if you did."

Stella turned to him with wide eyes. "You...would...?" she asked softly with confusion.

Brandon nodded, knowing that he wanted her with him today. In fact, he never felt lazy to go to work...until today. And he didn't need a brainiac's help to know that it was because of her.

"We can grab some breakfast and start looking," he smiled, hoping to her cajole her into joining him.

"Okay," she shrugged pleasantly.

"Great!" he grinned. "Get ready then," he told her.

"I already showered," she told him.

"Already?" he raised an eyebrow, earning a nod from her. "Okay then. Give me a few minutes," he told her. Stella nodded.

He smiled before standing up and moving towards his suitcase. He stopped when he felt a tug on his arm. Turning around, he saw Stella looking at him a little nervously.

"Um..." she started but trailed off hesitantly. "Never mind," she murmured before letting his hand go.

"No, no, tell me," he urged her before bending on his knee to her level. "Are you okay?"

"Can I...can I use your phone?" she requested in a low voice. Brandon's heart melted at her earnest and hopeful voice. She was so unsure of asking him for such a measly thing while people in this world demand everything with greed.

"Of course you can," he smiled before handing the device to her. Her eyes lit up visibly as she took it from his hands. He continued to stare at her while she frowned after switching the phone on.

She turned the screen towards him which asked him for his security pattern. "Here," he turned the screen towards her and told her to look while he drew the pattern. The phone unlocked and showcased his home page.

"Thank you," she said softly as he nodded. He stood up before moving towards his suitcase. He wondered why she wanted it. Was she going to call someone to pick her up or something? He didn't particularly like the fact that she may want to get away from him.

But then again...it's her life.

Brandon dismissed the notion before picking out casual wear and heading towards the bathroom.

Meanwhile, Stella traversed curiously in his phone before opening up the web browser. She typed something with bated breath and bit her lip at the address that popped up. Her eyes became even more vulnerable and fragile as she continued to glance at the address.

Brandon stepped out many minutes later, clad in dark jeans and a light blue polo shirt. He entered the bedroom while rolling his full sleeves till his elbows. He walked to the dress to don his watch on before addressing the blonde who sat quietly on his bed.

He started to set his hair before catching the forlorn expression on Stella's face in the mirror. Concerned, he turned around and approached her. "Stella? Are you okay?"

Stella looked up at him before staring at the phone again. "Can I ask for something...?" she asked in a quiet voice.

He hummed a yes before bending to her level. "Can you please take me here...?" she bit her lip while showing him the address on his phone.

Without feeling the need to look, he immediately spoke up. "Of course I will."

"Really? Today?" she asked hopefully.

"Really," he confirmed. "And yes. Today."

"Thank you...B-Brandon," Stella spoke with gratitude while her lips curved upwards into a small smile.

He nodded in reply, wondering why she wanted to go somewhere all of a sudden. After her panic attacks and vibrant displays of spaces barely twelve hours earlier, he thought she made it crystal clear that she'd prefer to be isolated.

Guess he was wrong. And he didn't mind being wrong this time.

"Are you ready?" he asked while standing up and applying the finishing touches to his final look. He cast a surreptitious glance at her and observed her faded jeans and plain black, full-sleeved tee. He frowned but didn't comment. Those clothes looked really old and outdated.

The blonde nodded to his question earlier before standing up. She stopped before him before handing him his phone.

He took it, along with the room's key card and his wallet. "C'mon," he hummed before they stepped out into the hallway again.

Brandon's eyes widened when he realized that they have to take the elevator. They were eighteen floors up. Walking down the stairwells is going to take just about forever.

Turning around in the room again, he opened it with the magnetic strip of the key before pushing her inside.

She stared at him bewildered as they both tumbled inside of the room again.

"Alright. Stella, we're gonna have to take the elevator," he pointed to her.

Her eyes widened. "W-What?"

He rolled his eyes. "We have to take the elevator. We're literally on the eighteenth floor."

She blinked. "Can I take the stairs...?"

"What about when you have to climb up again? Are you really going to climb eighteen flights of stairs? It's not as easy as it sounds," he pointed. While it was considerably easier for him, he didn't think she was as athletic and fit as he is. It would strain him as well.

"Um...okay..." she replied sadly before staring at the floor.

His eyes dimmed at her distressed eyes. He neared her before placing a hand on her shoulder as a form of comfort. "Why are you scared of an elevator...?" he asked softly.

"It...It reminds me of...of..." she trailed off sadly while tears brewed in her golden brown eyes.

"Tell me," he gently coaxed her. Seeing her upset made his heart cringe, but he just had to know what she went through. He needed to know the specific extent of her abuse, so he can provide her the best care, love, and comfort she truly needed and deserved.

"Whenever I messed up really badly, he threw me in this dark attic," she sniffled while using her hands to gesture the size of the attic. It was practically a matchbox.

His eyes widened as she revealed the reason behind her recoils yesterday. His face turned dark with fury at the disgusting insect of her so-called father. How can one have the heart to harm and break an innocent child?!

"Please. Don't cry, Stella," he gently comforted her and hugged her to himself. She started to sob into his chest and it only broke his heart further.

"You need to be stronger than this," he tenderly commanded. "By being upset and crying, you're still letting your father win."

She sniffled at his words as he pulled back from her and slowly wiped away the tears that stained her porcelain cheeks.

"There's nothing to be afraid of. I will never hurt you and I will never dream of doing something sadistic to you. I'll never let anyone or anything hurt you either."

She seemed to believe him, seeing that she stopped crying.

"Forget what happened and just take my lead," he offered her his hand. She stared at him for a long moment before slowly reaching for it.

Encasing her small hand into his larger one, he grasped it firmly before intertwining his fingers with hers. They both stepped into the carpeted corridor once again before moving towards the elevator.

Stella's stance grew rigid and stiff as they approached the bend.

They halted before the doors before Brandon hit the 'down' button. Even though it was a good number of seconds before the doors chimed open, it felt like the shortest time ever to her.

Stella started to shake as she stepped into the elevator which didn't go unnoticed. He pressed to go to the first floor before the doors shut close. She let out a frightened squeak and started to hyperventilate.

"Stella, it's okay," he told her firmly while turning her to him. He tugged on her wrist and pulled her into an embrace, feeling her trembling and sniffling against his chest. Stella whimpered when her face brushed into his chest. His chest was filled with warmth as he wrapped his arms around in concern. She honestly didn't understand why he even cared for someone like her.

"It's okay. You're safe," he repeated over and over near her ear. He admitted that he really loved touching her. Hugging her felt so right and genuine that he started to look for excuses to do it again and again.

He hated the way she trembled and quivered with fear in his arms. She was too beautiful and undeserving for this.

His gaze from her ruptured when the elevator slowed down. He looked up to see that it stopped on the twelfth floor. Someone must be getting on. He could hear loud voices on the other end.

The doors opened and a loud, bubbly family of five entered in with outrageous laughter. Brandon's eyes widened when Stella only shook further in his arms. He held her firmly against him and gently spoke to her. "See? Nothing happened," he whispered as to not get the attention of the unsuspecting family. Two adults and three teenagers were laughing at something he didn't really care about but they were all dressed as if they're going to the pool.

Stella's eyes blinked a few times at the people in this narrow space. Another person and she'll scream. She unconsciously raised her hands and clutched Brandon's shirt tighter.

After what felt like a complete eternity, the elevator slowed down to a smooth stop at the first floor.

The young adults waited until the family got down and went a good distance away before slowly stepping out. Brandon finally let Stella go and lifted her face. "Are you okay?"

She started to breathe normally once again and he could see the immense relief clearly radiating from her eyes.

"See. That wasn't so bad, was it?" he smiled while patting her back.

She stared at him incredulously. She honestly felt like she was gonna die in there! Nonetheless, she nodded.

An hour later...

The two had a continental, buffet breakfast that's usually served in hotels till a certain time in the morning.

They sat at a table on opposite sides of each other. Brandon couldn't get over how awed and surprised as she ate the food with peace. Obviously, he knew that she did eat that stuff before.

But...she always had a threat behind her back and could never eat in peace. But not today and not the days that will come after.

He initially led them to a secluded table before sitting down and eating quietly. They didn't talk much, much to his disappointment.

Baby steps, I suppose, he thought with a shrug.

After they're done, they instantly went for the houses that Brandon's father recommended.

After a while, Brandon pulled up in front of a penthouse accompanied by a real estate manager. He told Stella to get out of the car before parking it properly.

He switched off the ignition and leapt out.

Stella blinked in surprise at the size of the house. This is practically a mansion! Why would two people need something that was ten thousand times their size?! It was a little too much, in her opinion, but maybe it's because she grew up as a total recluse.

"So, this is a new house?" Brandon asked the realtor with interest.

"Yes! It's one of the newest models out in the market and there are, of course, plenty of others if you're not satisfied with this one," the realtor grinned widely, obviously hyped that he found a rich party. "You're more than welcome to take a look around. It's not furnished though."

Brandon nodded before marching up the steps. That's when he realized that Stella wasn't following him. Sighing, he shook his head. She was still standing on the lawn like a total idiot. Honestly, why am I so surprised? he shook his head. "Stella!" he called before waving for her to come with him.

Her eyes widened at the call of her name before she started to run towards him. He watched with amusement as she ran faster towards him. If only it was under different circumstances, he casually thought. He didn't deny it anymore. He liked Stella. But he didn't know if it was sympathy he felt for her or genuine affection. Hopefully, time will reveal everything.

"Yes?" she asked while letting out short, fast-paced gasps.

He shook his head. "What're you doing over there, dimwit? Aren't you going to look around?" he chuckled while urging her to get inside.

Stella stared at him with hesitance. "But...why? It's your house. I'm okay with whatever you take."

He took a deep breath at the dense block of ice before him. Aren't girls supposed to be at least a little perceptive of such things? Can't she tell that he maybe, sort of liked her?!

Hell, he even kissed her twice! TWICE! And that too, yesterday! Freaking yesterday! How could she just forget about them like that while he's here craving for more?! He didn't know if he or she was the idiot here..

"I know you are," he shook his head in disappointment, wondering why he even tried for her attention. She didn't even care for him other than following him around and obeying his orders like a puppy. "You'll be living here too. So I want you to like it as well," he smiled.

Her eyes widened. "You do...?" she asked in confusion.

"Yes. I do. Now, off you go," he shooed her inside while following her.

The house was completely empty and devoid of any furniture. It was two-storied, not counting the attic or basement, and came with a pool, jacuzzi, gazebo, and other recreational amenities. It was pretty decent and all but for some reason, Brandon didn't really like it.

He checked the master bedroom while Stella casually looked around the kitchen.

Brandon frowned for a moment before coming back downstairs to find Stella. After looking around in a few rooms, he found her, unsurprisingly, in the kitchen. Classic of her, he chuckled.

"So...what do you think?" he asked her.

"It's your choice," she told him sweetly.

"I'm asking for an opinion, Stella," he sighed. He cocked an eyebrow and silently told her to voice her honest opinion.

After debating for a few seconds, she spoke up. "Um...I don't...like it...?" she replied nervously with honesty.

He raised an amused eyebrow, obviously surprised. "Heh. Neither do I," he chuckled. "Why don't you like it though?"

"I think...um...I think a house should have really good lighting," she told him softly. "And this house is really dark."

So she likes the sun too, he observed. That's quite ironic, considering she's really uncomfortable in the open spaces and in public.

"Then why the hell are we still here?" he chuckled. "C'mon, let's go and look for some more."

Stella followed him outside where Brandon told the realtor that they'd like to see a few more choices.

Hours later...

The two returned back to the hotel after finalizing one house. It was urgent and a pretty quick progress for one day but it felt like it was the right one.

It was a beautiful home and the reason Brandon liked it at first glance was because the house had ample ventilation for sunlight to enter in. He loved the outdoors in general, so he can't stand a house that's dark and dull even during daytime. Even Stella told him that she liked it. Without further delay, he told the realtor that he'd take it and also urged him to get started on the paperwork for the house.

Brandon relaxed back on his bed, whipped from today's sightseeing. He arched his back against the head of the bed before relaxing and sinking further into the plush mattress. Hotels did really have some of the best mattresses. He took out his laptop to relax and turn in for the night while waiting for Stella, who seemed to be completed with her shower.

He smiled to himself and ignored the giddy grin inside of him. Despite tirelessly searching for a house, he was quite happy with the day.

Literally. He was. He felt free and almost...lighthearted for some reason, but it didn't take a brainer that the source of his new feelings was Stella.

Of all the two weeks he's been wordlessly trying to make contact with her, she finally acknowledged his presence and spoke to him!

It must be his old house and his mother. Stella wouldn't make eye contact with anyone in there. At least one good thing happened from getting kicked out, he chuckled to himself.

He didn't really understand why he gave such an importance to the blonde, but for some reason, he didn't mind. He wanted to give her special attention. A part of him felt sorry for her and the other part craved to unravel the hidden mysteries behind this girl.

He looked up from the bright screen of his computer when the door to the bathroom unlocked and Stella stepped out. She came out slowly while smoothing her fully-covering pajamas. He involuntarily kept his eyes on her as she combed her hair with her fingers before tossing it into a low ponytail.

Wow, he breathed with restrain. He honestly can't get over how stunning she is. Doesn't the idiot realize it? he shook his head with incredulity. She looked so simple, so basic. Her outfit was barely noticeable, but something was her overall appearance just...

It took his breath away. She took his breath away.

She finally looked up and he instantly snapped his eyes away from her, not wanting to be embarrassed at getting caught red-handed.

He quietly noticed her walking up to her bed before sitting cross-legged on it quietly.

He frowned. Somehow, she's been really silent since they had gotten back to the hotel. And he wondered why that's a big shocker.

As ironic and strange that sounds...she was quieter than normal.

"Stella?" he called.

She turned to him mutely before moving to hop off the bed. He raised his hand to stop her, indicating for her to sit back down. "Are you okay?" he asked.

The blonde nodded before resuming her cross-legged position again.

"You sure...?" he asked again.

She nodded once more while staring at her lap quietly.

For some reason, he just snapped at her a shrug, he turned back to his laptop, feeling irritated and slightly angered by her mute responses.

If she didn't want to talk, then so be it. Why was he wasting his time on someone who wouldn't even look him in the eye?! I can do so much better, he scoffed.

His body heated with irritation while typing something furiously into his computer. Maybe he was paying too much attention to the blonde. FINE, he snapped to himself. "If she wants to be that way, then why do I have to give a flippin' care about her?!" he muttered irritably to himself.

There's only so much he can do. He's a human too! He's been extremely patient with her and had been trying to get her to open up but if she wants to be stubborn as hell, by all means, go right ahead!

Be my guest, he scoffed.

~ The Next Morning - 7:00 AM ~

The next morning, Stella was up way before him as usual but was silent. He got up, got dressed, and readied himself, but still...not a peep emerged from her. He might as well just change in the goddamn room. He's been changing in the bathroom because of her, but he might as well just do it here. She's been acting non-existent anyway.

"I'm heading to work but I'll see you in a few hours," he informed her with a little irritation in his tone. He wasn't too pleased with this girl right now. She's SOOOOO disrespectful! Well, he's not going to worry about her and think about her other than for a decent formal courtesy from now on.

There was no peep from her (again, not really that surprising this time) but from his peripheral vision, he could see a nod from her. She was sitting in a chair, but her body was stiff and she was staring gloomily into her lap.

Would it kill her to give him a decent reply?

He shook his head at her depression. He honestly didn't understand why on earth she was having mood swings out of the blue. It was ridiculous!

A part of him wished to YELL the hell on her and tell her to get a freaking life and stop living in the past, but another part of him still gave a damn about her feelings. A tiny part of him regretted bringing her out of the house. He should've just told Musa or somebody to keep an eye on her and left the house on his own.

No offense to her, but she wasn't really good company when it came to certain hours of the day. She made him uncomfortable and cautious of himself. He knew he was berating her because of his own temperaments, but it was her own fault.

Stupid airhead, he muttered to himself before grabbing his things and his briefcase.

Stella stood up as he turned to leave before following him till the door.

"Be careful and stay safe," he told her a little carelessly. He turned around to glance at her once more but stopped for a second. There was an unmistakable amount of sadness visible in her eyes, even more so than usual and that scared him.

Brushing it off as possibly nothing, he turned around to leave.

Who knew that would turn out to be one of his biggest mistakes?

~ Shields' Conglomerates - 8:30 AM ~

Sky barged in uninvited and glared unhappily at his friend/boss. "Brandon, where the heck have you been, dude?!" he nearly shouted.

Brandon sighed and rubbed his forehead. "Why? What's wrong?" he asked dryly.

"The land that Radius sold to us! If we don't get his daughter's signature, then we go to hell!" Sky demanded. "Did you get it signed?!"

"Why will we go to hell?" Brandon yawned and crossed his leg over the other, obviously not feeling the mood to do anything today. "He sold it. We brought it. End of story."

Sky stared at him like he was crazy. "It's not his to sell and it's not ours to keep," he snapped. "If that girl someday files a case against us in court and demands her property back, then we'll have to give it. What're we going to do if the site is fully developed?! Our company is going to sued as hell and we'll facing a public scandal in the form of a lawsuit!"

"Okay, fine! I get it!" Brandon interrupted sternly. "I'll work on it!"

"You better," Sky replied with a frown. "The faster you do it, the faster we can proceed on our plans."

Brandon nodded before he pulled out a drawer in his desk. He sighed as he took the first stack of papers.

A frown seeped into his features as he stared at the words that would hand over Stella's legal property to him with one signature. But what if she doesn't want to? he thought while staring at the documents.

Meanwhile, back at the hotel room...

Stella took a deep breath as she paced around the suite hastily. She bit her lip as her heart constricted with pain and fear, but...this was just something that she had to do.

She waited far too long for an opportunity like this.

She looked around the lone room, trying to get her breathing in check. There was nothing of interest here to her, so there was no reason on why she couldn't do this. The timing is perfect! Brandon wouldn't be back until a few hours later.

Making up her mind, Stella took a deep breath before going to the front door. She bit her lip as she turned the handle and pulled the door open before stepping out before she could have the time to regret her move.

She let out a few deep breaths before peeking around. Good. No people around.

She went down the hallway, continuing to peep and peek cautiously around her surroundings. She stopped near the bend where the elevator was before staring at it in complete fear. She blinked rapidly out of trepidation and dread before starting to back up immediately. She turned around sharply before trying to calm her breaths down.

With a few, fast-paced breaths, she walked forward towards the end of the hallway before opening the doorway to the stairs. There was no way that she can take an elevator.

In moments, she disappeared behind the exit before going down the stairs.

Many hours later...

~ The Same Hotel - 6:30 PM ~

He unlocked the room with the key card before stepping inside. He set his bag down and casually looked around the room for a sign of the blonde. Interestingly enough, she wasn't anywhere within his line of sight. He went further inside of the suite into the bedroom. "Stella?" he called out before turning towards the bathroom. "Maybe she's in there," he sighed in relief.

He went to the bathroom and moved to knock on the door but stopped when he saw that it was partially open. "Stella? Are you inside?" he called while knocking on the door. He frowned at the silence before he slowly pushed the door open.

She wasn't in there.

His eyes narrowed as he searched the suite again even though it wasn't that big. He dropped his bag and other office-related stuff in a corner before taking the room key and going out of the room.

He jogged to the elevator before impatiently heading to the lobby again. The elevator couldn't head down any slower. I should've been back sooner, he chided himself as anxiety squeezed the walls of his heart.

"Where is she?!" he panicked under his breath while walking quickly around the hotel's amenities.

He checked the pool, the laundromat, the lobby, the bar (even though he's pretty sure he'll kill her if he saw her in here), and other public facilities. Remembering her panic attack last night, he even climbed the eighteen freaking flights of stairs on his way up!

He panted as he reached the top and loosened his tie when slick sweat started to form on his body, wetting his formal shirt. But that was the least of his problems right now.

Where was this girl?!

He checked the room once more in case she's back, but to his severe disappointment, she still wasn't there. It was official.

Stella wasn't in the hotel.

"Then where could she have gone?" he sighed in paranoia.

His eyes lit up suddenly when a light bulb went off in his head. His eyes gleamed with a newfound hope at his own suggestion. "Maybe she went to her old house?!" he grinned before grabbing his car keys, wallet, and phone before running out of the room again.

He honestly had NO clue why on earth she would go to that hellhole. Did she even know how to go there? Whatever. Searching anyway was worth a try.

He knocked on the door loudly. "STELLA!" he shouted in panic before going around the house. The keys to the house aren't with him. They were somewhere in a file that included the documents which proved that he was the legal guardian of Stella. And that file is at home in his room. Seeing that they got kicked out less than forty-eight hours ago, Stella couldn't have had possession of the keys either.

He sprinted back to his car and hopped inside. "Where could she be?!" he growled to himself below slamming the steering wheel out of sheer frustration.

Without further adieu, he pulled out of the driveway and swerved a little aggressively onto the streets.

Many minutes later, he turned up at the hotel again, hoping that she probably came back from wherever the hell she went to.

He hurriedly parked his car before going inside. Another thin film of sweat threatened to break out onto his face as he waited at the elevator. Every second of wait seemed like an eternity. After a few forevers, the elevator dinged and he went in. His fingers slammed on the eighteenth floor. He impatiently tapped his fingers on the metal rod around the elevator.

A few minutes later, he entered the room with a dull, helpless sigh. He collapsed on one of the couches in the living room, hopeless on what to do. He put his head into his hands, wondering where she could've went.

A knock on the door suddenly interrupted him and his eyes widened happily. "Oh thank god!" he exclaimed in relief. His feet couldn't have moved faster towards the door. He practically flew to open the door. He twisted the handle before opening the door.

But his wide grin faded into a small frown as he viewed the persons on opposite side of the door.

There were two police officers standing in their uniforms staring at him a little sternly.

"Brandon Shields?"

Brandon's eyes narrowed slightly. "Yes...?" he replied in confusion.

"Good evening. I'm Officer Williams and this is Officer Hunt," Williams greeted before they both pulled out their respective badges. "We need to ask you a few questions."

"Uh...sure," Brandon nodded hesitantly before moving sideways to let them in.

They sat in the living room of the suite. Brandon sighed and prayed for this (whatever this is) to be over quickly.

"You seemed a little disappointed to see us as if you're expecting somebody else," one of the officers observed casually.

"Yes, actually," Brandon replied with a sigh.

"Mr. Shields," Williams addressed.

"Dr. Shields," Brandon corrected politely before answering their question. First of all, it would be REALLY nice if policemen acknowledged his stature. And second...the only people that he'll prefer being called as a 'Mr. Shields' are the ones that are actually very close to him like Faragonda, for example. He didn't mind if that was the case.

The policemen nodded before Hunt spoke. "Our apologies."

"So, we're curious to know. Why are you suddenly living in a hotel when you have a perfectly good house fifteen miles away?"

Brandon sighed. "Um...that's a little personal, but I moved out of my house about two days ago."

They nodded. "Okay. Any particular reason? And are you staying here alone?"

"I'm twenty-six years old, officers. I wanted a place of my own. This is just a temporary residence," Brandon explained while gesturing to the suite. "And no, I'm not," he answered the second question.

They seemed a little less interested with his reason and more curious on why he's not alone. They also made little notes here and there as the brunette explained.

"Who are you staying with?"

The brunette's eyes unconsciously lit up which did not go unobserved by the two policemen. "Stella," Brandon breathed hopefully. "Stella Solaria." Do they know her?! Is that why they're here?! he started to get visibly excited.

"How is she related to you, Dr. Shields?"

"I'm her legal guardian," Brandon answered instantly, hoping against hope that at least they know where she is right now.

"Yes, we're aware of the recent update about you. But why? Why are you her guardian? She's obviously an adult," Hunt narrowed his eyes curiously.

Brandon sighed a little uneasily. Obviously, it wasn't a colorful backstory. With difficulty, he explained what happened as briefly as possible without trying to fidget too much.

"So...you pretended to buy her...in order to save her...?"

Brandon shrugged. "You can say that." He put his head into his hands worriedly. "She's not here. I don't know where she went and I'm really worried."

Williams and Hunt looked at each other before they stood up. "...Dr. Shields, you'll need to come to the station with us," Hunt informed.

~ New York City Police Department - 7:15 PM ~

Brandon's eyes widened as he stumbled in front of a caged room in total panic and hurry. Apparently, the blonde was inside this room and she's been here for about an hour or two now. The police officers told him sternly that she hasn't answered any of their questions so far. Since she got here, she's been terrified unreasonably of them and started to cry immediately when they neared three feet anywhere within her area.

The two security officers in front of him glanced at him sternly before opening the door for him. The brunette thanked them curtly with haste before rushing inside.

He didn't know if his heart stopped or started to race too fast for him to register when he saw the blonde sitting in a chair in the middle of the room like some kind of criminal. Her eyes were producing endless tears. She looked up at the noise as he entered and their eyes locked. He stared at her unblinkingly. There was a table in the middle of the room and...

Stella's hand was handcuffed to it.

She stood up slowly as his feet moved.

"Stella!" he breathed in immense relief.

Brandon looked around the room she's been stuck in for the past two hours. The walls were a dull grey and nothing else adorned it. But he was pretty sure that were invisible cameras lying around, observing their moments. But he didn't care for any of that. His cause of worry and panic was sitting right there in front of him, less than twenty feet away. He remembered that she had a terrible case of claustrophobia. She must be so terrified right now.

His panic turned to relief slowly, but his demeanour changed to that of anger instantly when he remembered what he had to go through to find her whereabouts. He turned back to her again and fell raw anger course through him. His eyes furiously narrowed at her as he clenched his fist tightly.

He approached her slowly before observing her fatigued and tired face. "What the hell is wrong with you?!" he finally asked with a dark glare blazing in his eyes, not really caring about the fact that they were both in a police precinct. "Are you insane?!"

"What were you thinking?!" he asked incredulously in concern. Grabbing her shoulders, he addressed her firmly, "Where did you go?!"

Stella sniffled as she looked up at him with beady, amber-brown eyes.

"Answer me, dammit! Where the hell were you?!" he snapped. "And WHY wouldn't you answer anyone's questions!?"

She bit her lip before taking out a slip of crumpled paper from the pocket of her jeans. "Here," she whispered in a small, scared voice, answering his first question.

He glared at the random address. That wasn't quite what he asked. He snatched the paper before crumpled it into a small ball. Chucking it aside, he glared viciously. "What the hell is here?! What is here that's worth you nearly landing in jail?!"

She sniffled. "...My mom."

Brandon's voice fell speechlessly as his grip on her slackened instantly into a dull hold. He stared down at her, who was beyond heartbroken. Pain reflected back from her eyes.

A graveyard, his subconscious answered for him mechanically, remembering that her mother passed away a long time ago.

Was this the address where she wanted me to take her yesterday? he blinked in shock as he stared at her.

He fell speechlessly as a wall of guilt slammed into his conscious. He froze on the spot while trying to catch his momentarily stopped breath.

He promised. He promised her that he'll take her there yesterday, but they've been looking for a decent house all day that he forgot. And...he was tired too. That was why she was so quiet, he diagnosed, realization finally dawning on him. He raked a hand through his hair, frustrated with himself as he pieced all of that together.

Without another word, he let her go and encircled his arms around her instantly as she immediately broke down and cried into his chest. "Shhh, I'm so sorry," he told her gently. "I'm so sorry," he repeated while glaring at himself in disgust. How dare he?!

"Please don't cry, Stella," he pleaded and tenderly held her against him. "I'm so, so, so sorry."

"I'm so sorry," he whispered while pulling her back and gently cupping her face. Holding her like this...it just felt so right.

"Why would you go out alone?" he asked, fire still blazing in his eyes. "Didn't you know how worried I was?"

"I...I...I didn't want to burden you more than I already have," she hiccuped with a sniffle.

His eyes softened immensely at her foolish concern for him. His thumbs stroked her cheeks while wiping away her hot tears. "Silly girl, why would you ever be a burden to me?" he whispered with care while hugging her back again.

"I'm sorry, Brandon," she cried into his chest.

He rubbed her back before patting her hair. "Calm down. Don't worry, you're safe now," he shushed her. "Just let me go and take care of this, okay?"

"B-But—"

"I said I'll take care of this," he reassured her. "It's not safe for you to go out like that. What if you ran into some muggers or goons? How would you even defend yourself?" he chided her.

"What would you have done if the police didn't bring you here? It's a blessing that you're here and not anywhere else," he told her sternly. He had been freaking out ever since he realized that she just poofed out of the hotel without a word. She had no phone and no money with her, so exactly HOW the hell was he supposed to find her?!

He went to the old house she grew up in but no. It had been empty ever since Radius was arrested. And he particularly had no intention to let her go back there. That house was a monster to her and didn't protect her when she needed comfort and love. And he hated that house. If it was up to him, he'd demolish it right away without regret.

"When you want to go somewhere the next time, you let me know," he warned her while shaking his index finger up and down at her as if to emphasize his point.

She nodded. "I will." She sniffled and rubbed her eyes.

He smiled. "There. Now stop crying or the police will arrest me, thinking I'm the villain here," he chuckled while trying to lighten up the situation.

She sniffled and nodded.

"Alright," he breathed and let her go. "Stay here and I'll be back in a few."

In the next two hours...

"Dr. Shields, Ms. Solaria will have to remain in our custody. Her suspicious behavior around citizens is quite alarming."

"Please. This won't happen again—"

"And how can you guarantee that?" they drilled sternly. "How can you prevent her from going out into the public?"

"With all due respect, she's not dangerous," Brandon said defensively. "She's vulnerable and a VICTIM of intense domestic abuse. She IS getting better. Throwing her in an asylum is going to destroy her and I can't let that happen to her!"

"We advise you to be calm," they said with stern caution.

Brandon sighed. "I apologize. But, she's not dangerous. She wanted to visit her mother and she's extremely anti-social. She's not suffering from trauma or insanity. I plead to take responsibility for her from now on and I will make sure that this doesn't repeat again until she's better."

The police continued to interrogate Brandon about two adults' relationship. He showed them the scanned copies of the appropriate documentation of how he was a legal guardian to the blonde and that it was all just a misunderstanding. The officers didn't understand what to make of Stella since she hasn't been spotted anywhere in the country for the last decade.

As if trying to prove their point, the policemen showed him the footage near a few traffic lights.

Brandon's eyes widened as he stared at the screen unblinkingly. Stella looked terrified at some points and there were videos of her running around like a loon, barely being able to suppress a panicked scream. Her behavior was erratic and people dodged out of her way in panic.

Obviously, people will be terrified as hell and thus, they called the police.

His jaw nearly dropped open as his eyes remained fixated on the screen. Even though the cameras were a little far away from her, the fear on her face was clear as crystal.

After drilling for a long time, the officers let the brunette call Nabu as a verified witness and two hours later, they let the adults go, provided that they take care from the next time.

~ Hotel Room - 11:30 PM ~

Brandon locked the door behind him while Stella watched him. "Phew," he breathed in relief. "I'm so glad that's over with," he sighed out of relief before removing his suit jacket and tossing it on the coat hanger.

He saw Stella, who didn't make even a single peep but was staring at him with lost eyes. "Hey, what's wrong?" he gently nudged her.

"I'm sorry, Brandon," she sniffled. "I won't go anywhere again."

He raised an eyebrow and breathed, trying to calm himself at her insinuations. Her innocence is endearing sometimes, but other times, he wanted to slap it out of her and yell at her to wake the hell up. Brandon shook his head and patted her head softly. "Stella, that isn't the way, okay? You are allowed to go out but not alone. Not yet anyway. I don't trust you when you're alone outside. I was constantly scared today because I kept thinking of the worst."

He sighed and rubbed his forehead. This was just too much for one day and he needed a breather. After a hectic day at work and at least one hour of relentless searching and another two hours of police station formalities, he was beat. He was tired. He's more than ready to call it a night.

"You didn't eat anything all day, did you?" he narrowed his eyes suspiciously.

"I'm not hungry," she murmured.

He shook his head before walking up to her again. "I don't care. When you're with me, you WILL eat, whether you like it or not," he gently warned her.

"I'm sorry," she sniffled while innocently looking up at him with big, baby brown eyes. His breath hitched at their proximity. How could anyone be so damn beautiful?! he breathed in wonder. Despite the tears, she was stunning. Her face looked healthy and youthful but a bright red and swollen from incessant crying.

Shaking his head to exercise some control, he replied to her, "I'm just happy to see you safe," he murmured sincerely. He didn't know what he would've done if anything had happened to her.

"But...aren't you angry? I wasted your time—"

Unable to resist, he let out a deep sigh. "Then don't repeat it again. Wherever you want to go, just let me know and I'll take you there. Don't just run away again. Okay?"

She nodded. He paused for a few seconds before asking. "Do you want to go to your mom tomorrow?" he asked softly.

Her eyes widened to the size of saucers immediately. "Can I?" she asked back.

"Well, just be ready by the time I come back from work. I'll be back sometime around eleven in the morning and I'll take you. Then, we'll have something to eat on the way."

A tearful, but happy smile broke out on her face. "Thank you!" she nodded with a sniffle.

His eyes widened when she, for the first time, suddenly, out of nowhere, threw her arms around him. Her slender arms hugged him almost tightly. He probably gave her a thousand hugs by now but she never really reciprocated any of them. He'd feel awkward as hell but he couldn't help it. Holding her felt so right and so soothing. She would fit perfectly in his arms and her touch would be soft as velvet. He enjoyed it so much that he'd pathetically start looking around for just about any reason to hug her.

He felt his breath knocked out of his chest at the sudden, unexpected force. He wound his arms around her gently before letting her tears soak his shirt. "I'm here for you," he whispered before patting her hair.

~ The Next Afternoon - 12:50 PM ~

As she stared at her mother's grave in disbelief, tears fell faster from Stella's cheeks. Her legs tumbled as they gave away. She slumped into the dirty, mossy floor while her eyes messily watered.

The grave was a mess, covered with leaves, moss, kudzu, and other flora growing everywhere around unkempt.

"Mom..." she sobbed while reaching up to touch the cold stone.

...

Brandon watched her from many meters, wanting to give her some privacy. He sighed before crossing his arms. He couldn't imagine what that must be like. He frowned as he watched her say something that he couldn't quite hear. Tears streamed down her cheeks as her body started to shake. He wondered if he should intervene but...a part of him forced him to keep his feet rooted.

He figured that he should let her just cry her heart out even though it broke his heart. She had years of bottled pain inside and she should have a chance to let it all out. She lost her mother at a tender age and had to then move with the devil himself.

He closed his eyes with a frown when he imagined Radius slapping Stella. That hideous sound echoed in his ears and his eyes immediately jolted open. He glanced towards Stella and saw that she was still incessantly crying. Her body was shaking and she looked like she was on the verge of collapse.

Deciding that she cried enough for today, his feet instantly moved towards her in concern.

He stopped just behind her before falling to his knees as well. "Stella?" he softly said before placing a hand on her shoulders.

She jumped slightly before turning around to see him.

He cast her a comforting look, unable to do anything else. How was he supposed to remove the pain from her heart? How was he supposed to repair her? How? She looked like a total mess.

He pulled her into a gentle hug and let her cry in his arms. She gripped his shirt unconsciously while she sobbed. He took a deep breath before letting his lips hover near her ear. "Let it out and...let go," he softly said. Let everything go..., he finished while sadly staring at her.

A few hours later...

They came back to the hotel. Stella politely turned his offer down to grab something to eat and frankly, he expected it. He took her back, figuring that she needs to just rest for a day or two before hopefully...deciding to just let everything go.

He sat in the bedroom, whereas Stella sat in the living room where a wall separated them both.

He stole glances at her every once in a while, just to see how she's doing. She didn't cry anymore but occasional sniffles and tears did escape from her eyelids. She always looked deep in thought as she sat motionlessly.

He sighed before standing up from his bed and going over to the entrance of the living room. There wasn't a door or anything like that.

He cleared his throat and knocked on the wall with his knuckles which seemed to get her attention. She jumped and sat up startled before looking at him with wide eyes.

"Sorry," he raised his hands up in surrender. "I didn't mean to scare you."

"Are you okay?" he asked quietly while leaning against the wall.

She looked up at him for a long moment before lifting herself off the couch. She slowly walked over to him before halting still just a foot before him.

"Thank you," she whispered as her tears leaked endlessly. "Thank you. I'll never be able to repay you. Thank you so much," she sniffled while moving closer and wrapping her arms around his torso. He froze for a second as she sniffled in his arms.

He hugged her back gently. "You don't have to thank me, Stella. It's nothing," he told her with a gentle smile.

"No...it's everything to me," she cried silently. "I've never been this happy ever in my life," she sniffled.

"Are you really that happy?" he asked softly as he pulled back.

She nodded while wiping her tears away. "Thank you," she told him repeatedly with a sad, yet grateful smile.

"Anytime," he smiled back.

"Thank you for rescuing me. I know I never said that, but no words can ever express what I feel," she sniffled. "You didn't have to, yet-"

"...I did. I had to do it," he cut her off with an unreadable emotion. She stared up at him, continuing to captivate him and letting him see specks of her true self.

Almost a week later...

Brandon and Stella finally moved into the new house. The move was officially complete with all the necessary documentation and legal authorization.

The two checked out of the hotel before Brandon drove them up to the new villa. It was a beautiful house with a summer-green, neatly trimmed lawn in the front, along with a spacious backyard. The backyard accompanied a pool that was not only pleasing to swim in but also one that held aesthetic features like naturalistic waterfalls and decorative, reflective tiles.

The house itself had an urban, yet vintage touch to it as it brightly gleamed spotlessly in the sun. It was a pastel white in color with a cozy atmosphere on the inside.

It was furnished with the most basic necessities such as food, water, current, etc.

Parking the car in the garage, the two stepped out. Brandon went around the back to get their luggage out while Stella followed him inside.

"Woo!" he sighed as he stepped inside, followed by the blonde. "Home, sweet home!" he greeted the silence while Stella looked around the barely furnished house. Velvet curtains framed the windows. The inner curtains remained drawn, allowing sunlight to flood the room while rendering the beautiful view over the ocean in the distance. The rest of the house wasn't too furnished except for random chairs and couches here and there.

"...Do you think we should go shopping?" Brandon asked while frowning at the silent house. It felt so desolate but then again, it was pretty new.

Stella blinked, wondering why he was asking her.

Setting their luggage down, Brandon sighed as he made his way inside and looked around. "Stella," he called.

She immediately responded, "Yes?" Walking up to him, she asked. "Are you hungry? I'll check the kitchen—"

Brandon face-palmed before grabbing her arm. "Is feeding people all you ever think about?" he huffed. "Anyways. Go inside and pick a room for yourself."

Her eyes widened. "What?! A room?!"

He raised an eyebrow. "Uh yeah? Where else will you sleep?"

"But..." she looked around hesitantly. This place was just way too rich and luxurious for her. Hogging up a whole room is definitely not necessary!

"Stella, no buts, please," he asked tiredly while rubbing his forehead. "You're tired and frankly, so am I," he sighed.

"Okay. Um...that one," the blonde pointed to a random room far into the hallway past the living room.

He chuckled and shook his head at her quick reply. "Well, I'm heading upstairs. Good night."

"Good night," she replied.

A short while later...

Stella stood at the bottom of the stairs, debating on whether or not to go up. After a few minutes of stupidly standing around, she made a courageous decision for the second time ever in her entire life. The first time was literally breaking out of a hotel to go see her late mother.

Upon reaching the top of the stairs, she blinked rapidly at the long hallway that broke out into a number of rooms. The doors were closed. She wondered which room he's in before seeing bright light underneath one of the room doors. Smiling faintly, she walked towards the room.

She took a deep breath before curling her hand into a loose fist and knocking on the door.

Brandon's eyes widened to hear a small knock from the other side of his room. He instantly bolted up straight from his relaxed position before placing his laptop aside.

He instantly walked over to his door. It wasn't locked, so she could've just entered if she wanted to. Quickly twisting the knob and opening it, he was met with her beautiful face.

"Hey, what's up?" he asked with excitement.

"Hi," she smiled up at him, taking him by complete surprise. She definitely topped the list for the best smile he has ever seen in his entire life.

"Um...what would you like for breakfast tomorrow?" she asked.

Unwillingly returning from his trance, he raised an interested eyebrow. "You don't have to make breakfast for me. I mean, you're not required to do that."

"You'll eat outside tomorrow?" she asked in confusion.

He shook his head. "No, I mean that you're free to do whatever you want. You're not obligated to do anything for me," he smiled.

"Ohhhh," she nodded in understanding. "But...I want to do it for you," she shyly told him. "...Can I?" she asked.

He watched in endearment as she gave him a lovely smile. His chest rose and fell a little unevenly as his heart started to race. "In that case...it's up to you. I'm not really that picky."

"Waffles?" she offered. "Or pancakes? Or is there anything you'd like?"

He thought for a moment. "Pancakes is fine."

She nodded. "Okay. Um. I'm sorry if I disturbed you," she said softly before retreating from the door. He shook his head, silently saying that there was no need to apologize.

"Stella?" he called when she turned away from him.

She instantly turned towards him. "Yes?"

"Good night," he smiled.

She shyly gave him a sweet smile that made his breath hitch. "Good night."

~ The Next Morning - 6:30 AM ~

Brandon descended down the stairs, nearly dressed and ready for the day.

"Good morning," Stella said while greeting him from the bottom of the stairs.

He looked up and grinned back at her. "Good morning, Stella," he greeted in enthusiasm. She somehow seemed to be in a really good mood since a few days. He wondered if it was her visit to her mother last week that brought the change. Nonetheless, he sure as hell wasn't complaining.

"...Breakfast is ready," she pointed to the dining table.

"Thanks," he nodded before adjusting his tie and shirt cuffs.

Stella followed him to the table and stood beside him as he sat. His eyes widened when he saw a batch of about a dozen pancakes lying in front of him. He frowned a second later when he saw a big bowl of freshly cut, assorted fruits.

"Are these fruits a part of breakfast?" he frowned in distaste. "Really?"

"Why? Don't you like them?" she asked him back while filling his plate with them.

"In the mornings? Hell no," he grimaced while picking at the assorted fruit salad with a fork. "Stella, this is a big no-no."

What happened next took him by complete surprise as a giggle left her lips. She laughed softly before putting in more fruits on his plate. He watched her in complete awe as her eyes temporarily shut close.

"You should eat healthier," she smiled down at him. "Or I can trade in fruits for veggies, if you'd like."

He grimaced even harder. "Is that a threat?" he playfully glared at her.

"No, it's a reality," she grinned back at him like it was the most natural thing to do.

He rolled his eyes playfully. "Aren't you gonna eat?" he said while gesturing for her to sit.

"I can eat later," she shrugged with a small smile.

"Eat all you want later, but you'll also eat right now," he ordered before pulling her down by her wrist in the chair next to him. She gasped slightly before composing herself.

A little hesitantly, she served herself mostly fruits and two pancakes. He watched her as she ate quietly.

"Will you come home for lunch?" she suddenly asked.

He thought for a moment. He turned to her with a small smirk. "Do you want me to?"

Seeing the snide grin on his face, she looked taken aback and a little spooked before a taint of red coated her cheeks. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to say it that way-" she stammered before he interrupted her with a chuckle.

"Stop taking everything so seriously," he laughed. "I was just teasing you."

"Ohhhh."

"I probably won't come," he admitted. "So, if you need anything..." he trailed off suddenly. She didn't have a phone with her. How the hell will she even communicate with him?

"I'll come home for lunch," he said, changing his mind. There was no way in hell he was going to leave her alone for hours without having a way to check up on her.

"But please. Don't just randomly run off somewhere. Okay?" he asked.

She nodded.

"We need to get you a cellphone," he muttered to himself. "Also, make a list of what more we need for the kitchen. We'll go grocery shopping again."

"We?" she asked in confusion.

"You need to get out of the house more," he told her, earning a slow nod from her. She stared at her plate of food before frowning to herself.

He placed an assuring palm on top of her hand. "For how long will you stay inside? Hidden away from the world?" he asked her, making her look up at him.

"Do you even understand the situation you're in?" he asked softly. "Stella, people don't even know that you exist."

"And no, that's not your fault," he added quickly. Stella nodded slowly as he continued. "It's perfectly safe and if you don't like it, we'll return right away. Okay?"

She bit her lip slightly before looking up at him. "...Will y-you be there?" she asked.

He smiled before leaning in. "Of course I will. Who knows? Maybe you'll enjoy it too."

She nodded.

About forty minutes later, he finished his breakfast. Honestly, he's not the type of person to spend a long time on consumption of food. But...watching Stella and talking to her just...felt really great. She wasn't the most conversational person out there, but she was making SERIOUS progress. And to him, that's all he needed. He wanted her to be okay.

He stood at the front door, collecting his keys and other important stuff for office. "Bye," he smiled.

She had a faint smile on her lips. "Have a good day," she shyly waved.

"...You too," he nodded, a little disoriented by her mesmerizing smile. He turned around and left the house in a happy mood. His morning had been SO much more pleasant than he had initially anticipated. It was almost enjoyable and he looked forward to times like that. He didn't speak much with her because she's such an introvert, but if this was how she's going to act, then he really had no problem with it.

He left to work on that day, unable to suppress the growing smile on his face.

For the first time ever in his entire twenty-six years of existence, he felt free.

The freedom that his house didn't offer.

The freedom to...entertain the possibility of...falling in love and enjoying every single moment of it.

Preview for the next chapter...

"I never knew grocery shopping would be such a hassle," he grumbled under his breath.

...

He chuckled at the amusing blonde. She refused any help from him. "Uh...Stella, the car's right here. You don't have to carry a hundred bags at once."

She wheezed and panted. "I'll carry these hundred at once or die trying rather than making two trips."

He shook his head as he picked up the trail of tomatoes she left on the way to the kitchen.

...

"She can't be trusted," Heather snarled. "Look at her! She stole a thousand dollars right under your nose!"

Sweat glistened on her forehead when she felt the four pairs of eyes on her.

...

Hi, everybody! I'm so sorry if this chapter downright sucked, but I deleted half of the chapter and moved it to chapter 6 because the length was too long, I guess. And I didn't know where to cut off this chapter.

If anyone is still interested, I'll see you in the next one :)

Thank you and have a great day/night!