The sun was warm, but it didn't reach her bones.
Oakley sat on a stone bench beneath a flowering tree, fingers gently brushing over a blooming petal. The quiet of the villa was eerie, not peaceful. Too many things were unanswered. Too many eyes watched from nowhere. It made her feel uncomfortable and vulnerable to the unknown.
She heard the sound of a car pulling up at the front.
Curious, she stood and walked back toward the house. Staffs moved quickly past her — cleaner uniforms, alert faces.
No doubt. Someone important had arrived.
From the hallway, she saw the man step through the entrance. Dressed in a sleek navy coat and silver cufflinks, he moved like someone who knew he belonged everywhere. His dark brown hair was tussled and messy but in an attractive way – maybe too attractive. His eyes were kind — too kind, maybe.
He smiled when he spotted her standing off to the side.
"Well, hello there." He said, with an easy grin. "You must be new. I'd definitely remember a face like yours."
Oakley blinked. Her voice caught. "I… just got here."
"Welcome, then." Ian said, bowing slightly. "Ian Smith. Occasional guest. Frequent headache."
She smiled awkwardly, unsure how to respond. He laughed, sensing her discomfort but not taking offense.
Before she could speak again, a distant voice called from deeper in the mansion. Anthony.
"I should go," Ian said. "But I hope to see you around, Miss...?"
"...Oakley," she said.
"Pretty name. See you around."
And just like that, he was gone — vanishing as he walked up the stairs.
****
The corridor outside Bryce's study was cold and quiet.
Daniel stood there — always did — like a shadow glued to the wall. Silent. Watchful.
He heard the footsteps before he saw the man.
Ian turned the corner, pausing as he caught sight of Daniel. For a second, he looked lost — like he was trying to recall something but had forgotten what it was.
"Daniel, right?"
A nod.
Ian gave a crooked grin. "You're always quiet. Never say anything. Why?"
Silence stretched between them. Neither of them doing anything to break the quietness, until Daniel gave up the silent battle.
"Talking is of no use. It invites memories I'd rather not relive."
Ian blinked, smile faltering. "...Deep." Then he chuckled, trying to brush it off. He clapped Daniel on the shoulder, meant to move on — but hesitated. Just for a moment. His eyes lingered.
Then he was gone.
Daniel didn't move. Not for a long time, still living in the moment.
.
.
.
.