Chapter 1 Unspoken Desires

• Celia Monroe stood in her bedroom, the familiar scent of her childhood home lingering in the air as she slowly packed the last of her belongings. The soft hum of her parents’ voices echoed from downstairs, busy with the final preparations for their overseas move. But her thoughts were miles away—focusing entirely on one thing: him.
• Alexander Hawthorne.
• He had been a fixture in her life for as long as she could remember. Tall, charming, and impossibly handsome, Alexander was her father’s best friend and business partner. Their families had shared countless holidays, vacations, and family dinners. And for years, Celia had been captivated by him, even though she kept her feelings tightly locked away. The age gap—more than a decade—always felt like an insurmountable barrier, one that kept her heart in check even as her body betrayed her with thoughts of him when she was alone.
• But now, everything was changing. Her parents had been offered a job transfer overseas, a rare opportunity that came with its own sacrifices. As a result, they had entrusted Celia to Alexander’s care. They had reassured her that it would be a temporary arrangement, only until they returned in a few months.
• Yet, to Celia, it felt like a lifetime.
• Her hand hesitated over the clothes in her closet, unsure of what to pack for her new life at Alexander’s estate. The thought of living under the same roof as him filled her with equal parts excitement and anxiety. Could she keep her feelings in check? Would she be able to endure seeing him every day, knowing full well that the forbidden nature of her affection would remain a secret?
• “You’ve got this, Celia,” she muttered to herself, trying to steady her racing thoughts. It’s just a few months. It’ll be fine.
• But deep down, she knew she was lying to herself.
• A soft knock on the door interrupted her spiraling thoughts. She turned toward it, already knowing who it was.
• “Celia?” Her father’s voice carried through the door. “Your mother wants to have a final word with you before we leave.”
• Celia took a deep breath, swallowing the nervous lump in her throat. She forced a smile and opened the door.
• Her father stood in the hallway, his usual business-like demeanor softened by the vulnerability in his eyes. “Everything ready?” he asked, a hint of concern in his voice. He wasn’t used to leaving Celia behind, and even though she was an adult now, his protective instincts still ran deep.
• “Almost,” Celia replied, trying to sound upbeat. She didn’t want to make this harder for him. “Just a few more things to pack.”
• Her father stepped closer, resting his hand on her shoulder. “I know it’s not easy, sweetheart. I hate leaving you like this, but you’ll be safe at Alexander’s. He’ll look after you.”
• Celia nodded, forcing herself to meet his gaze. Safe. The word sounded almost too simple for what she was feeling. Yes, Alexander would look after her—of that, she had no doubt. But the kind of care he could give her was the last thing she could allow herself to imagine.
• “I’ll be fine, Dad,” she said, her voice steady despite the whirlwind inside her. “I’ll make sure to keep in touch. You know, once you’re gone, I’ll get busy and be distracted. You won’t even have time to miss me.”
• Her father’s lips quirked in a sad, knowing smile. “I think you’re selling yourself short, but I’ll take your word for it. We’ll check in as often as we can.”
• Celia’s throat tightened, and for a moment, she wanted to say more. To confess how difficult this was going to be for her. But she bit her lip, unwilling to burden him with the secret she carried. Instead, she wrapped her arms around him in a quick, tight hug.
• “I’ll miss you,” she whispered.
• He hugged her back just as tightly. “Take care of yourself, Celia. You’re stronger than you think.”
• She pulled back, forcing another smile. “I will, Dad. Don’t worry.”
• Her father left, and moments later, her mother appeared in the doorway. Margaret Monroe was a woman who exuded calm and grace, her silver hair a perfect reflection of the wisdom and experience she carried. She was always composed, but Celia could see the slight tremor in her mother’s hands as she held the handle of the door.
• “Are you ready?” her mother asked softly.
• Celia nodded. “I am. It’s just… I never expected things to happen this way.” Her voice wavered a bit, betraying the emotions she was trying to suppress.
• Margaret’s eyes softened, and she crossed the room to sit beside Celia on the bed. “I know, sweetheart. This is a big change for all of us. But we trust Alexander. He’s always been a good friend to your father—and to you.”
• Celia nodded, trying to ignore the warmth that spread across her cheeks at the mention of Alexander’s name. “I know. I just don’t want to be a burden.”
• Her mother smiled gently, brushing a lock of hair from Celia’s forehead. “You won’t be. Alexander is more than capable of looking after you. But remember, if you ever feel uncomfortable or want to come home, don’t hesitate to let us know.”
• Celia swallowed, grateful for her mother’s concern. “I will, Mom. I promise.”
• After a long, meaningful look, her mother stood up. “Well, I’ll let you finish up. Your father and I need to head to the airport soon.”
• Celia nodded again, watching as her mother left the room, the door clicking softly behind her. The moment of solitude stretched on, and Celia sank back onto her bed, staring at the ceiling.
• Her emotions were a tangled mess. There was the excitement of being under the same roof as Alexander, the man who had captivated her heart for years. But there was also the fear of what this proximity would mean for her. She had spent so many nights dreaming of him, wondering what it would feel like to be with him in a way that went beyond family dinners and casual greetings.
• This is real now, she thought, her pulse quickening at the mere thought. I’m going to live with him. I’m going to be with him every day.
• Her heart raced, a mix of anticipation and anxiety swelling within her. Could she keep her desires hidden? Could she keep pretending that her feelings were nothing more than an innocent crush, when they had become something deeper—something far more dangerous?
• The sound of the front door closing below broke her out of her thoughts. She quickly gathered the last of her belongings, her hands shaking slightly as she packed them into the suitcase. The time had come. She would leave behind the comfort of her parents’ home and step into a new chapter of her life—one that was filled with so many unknowns.
• As she took a final glance around the room, she couldn’t help but wonder if, just maybe, this unexpected arrangement could be the beginning of something more. Something that could change everything.
• But how far is too far?
• Her gaze shifted toward the window, the view of the world beyond seeming to offer endless possibilities. As she zipped up her suitcase and headed for the door, Celia knew one thing for certain—this move would challenge everything she thought she knew about herself.
• And perhaps, for the first time, she was ready to face those challenges.