7. I hate him

When Alina got to her room, she lay down on the bed to sleep, but after a few minutes of lying there, she kept turning and tossing. For some reason, sleep seemed far away, maybe because she didn’t like the room.

She got up from the bed, picked up her phone, and tucked it into her shorts pocket. Then she grabbed the big black blanket and left the room.

*

The next morning, Liam was already awake. He came downstairs for his early coffee and newspaper when he noticed something unusual on the couch, a small figure curled up under a blanket. For a moment, he couldn’t tell if it was a kitten or a girl.

Curious, he walked closer. It was Alina, sleeping soundly. Her whole body was wrapped up in the black blanket, with only her head peeking out, making her look like a little cat.

As he studied her, he noticed her lips moving. She was murmuring in her sleep. Leaning down, he strained his ears to catch her words.

“I hate him… the devil… he’s so mean to me.”

Liam’s brow twitched. Did she just say she hates him? He stayed there for a moment, staring at her, wondering what to do. Maybe he should just toss her out the window. Why would she say she hated him? Wasn’t he good enough to her? He had even given her his clothes to wear, something he had never done for anyone before.

And yet here she was, badmouthing him in her sleep.

No… she deserved punishment.

With a smirk, he nudged her lightly with his foot. When she didn’t wake, he prepared to kick harder until she finally stirred and slowly opened her eyes.

The first thing she saw was his face, handsome, but with an icy expression that sent a shiver through her. She sat up, hair a messy bird’s nest, eyes still heavy with sleep. Rubbing them, she forced a small smile.

She hated being woken up, especially from her precious sleep. If she had the strength, she would have hit him. But instead, she smiled politely.

That smile… it made something in Liam’s chest lighten for a brief moment. But he hadn’t forgotten her words.

“Good morning,” Alina greeted.

“Are you sure this morning is good for you?” Liam asked, his voice cold.

“Yes… " It’s good,” she replied, confused.

“Alright then, good morning,” he said. “There’s a sports car parked in the garage. I’ll have one of the maids take you there.” He paused before adding, “I want you to wash it. And when I say wash, I mean sparkling clean, so clean you can see your reflection in it.”

Alina blinked. “…Are you kidding me? Wait, did you bring me here for that?”

“Is there anything wrong with washing my car?” he asked.

“Of course there’s something wrong! Do I look like a car washer to you?”

“No, you don’t,” Liam replied calmly.

“Do I look like a slave?” she pressed.

“Nope,” he answered flatly, like a machine.

Her anger spiked. “Then why on earth would you ask me to wash your car?”

“Because you committed a crime, by saying you hate me. No one says that to me and lives… but I’ll let you off lightly this time. And if you think I brought you here just to eat and sleep…”

“When did I say I hate you?” she interrupted.

“Oh, you don’t remember?” he said with a faint smile. “You said it while sleeping, probably dreaming about me. And all you could say was how much you hated me.”

Alina’s eyes widened. She remembered her dream, complaining to her grandma about the ‘mean devil’, and realized she must have spoken out loud. No wonder he looked murderous when she woke up.

“So… you really want me to wash your car?” she asked, hoping he’d change his mind.

“Yes, little kitten,” he said with a smirk. “Wash it well. And until then, no breakfast for you.”

One look at his expression told her there was no point arguing. She grabbed her blanket and stood.

“When you’re ready, ask one of the maids to lead you to the garage,” Liam called after her.

Alina ignored him, stomping up the stairs in protest.

“Don’t break my floor,” he warned. “Or else, you’ll be cleaning the entire house.”

****

Three hours later, Liam had already taken his bath and dressed in casual wear. He went downstairs to check if Alina was done washing the car. If she had finished, he figured she might be eating by now. But when he reached the dining room, there was no sign of her.

He knew she wasn’t in her room, so she was probably still in the garage.

When he stepped into the garage, he was greeted by an unexpected sight.

Alina was sitting on the floor, completely soaked. She had her knees pulled to her chest, hugging them tightly. The car beside her was only half-washed.

For a moment, Liam didn’t know whether to laugh or sigh. Washing the car wasn’t even that hard, it wasn’t like it was filthy. He’d only given her the task as a light punishment. All she really needed to do was spray it down and wipe it with a cloth. But apparently… she was really dumb.

He walked over and looked down at her.

“Hey,” he called.

No response. She didn’t even move, as if she hadn’t heard him.

Liam crouched down to her level and poked her wet hair with his finger.

That was when Alina finally lifted her head. Her golden eyes were brimming with tears, ready to spill.

“Why are you looking like this?” Liam asked.

“I look like a homeless person, right? Actually, I thought washing a car was simple… but it wasn’t. When I tried to turn on the water pipe, it wouldn’t work. After a long struggle, I finally managed to switch it on, but just as I was about to spray the car, the pipe twisted and sprayed me instead. Not only that, I slipped while trying to stop the water, and now my hand hurts.”

Liam bit back a laugh.

“You’re twenty years old, but you don’t know how to turn off a water pipe?” he said, amusement in his tone.

“I… I usually stay in my room. I never go out or do much,” Alina admitted, feeling a little embarrassed. If not for her health condition, she would’ve learned these things, but her family never allowed her to do anything.

“Interesting,” Liam said, studying her. He didn’t quite understand her comment about always staying in her room, but he decided not to pry.

“Get up,” he told her. “I’ll have someone else wash the car. Go take a bath.”

“Which clothes am I supposed to wear?” Alina asked, glancing down at her dripping outfit.

“I already ordered clothes for you. They’re in your room,” Liam replied.

Alina raised an eyebrow in surprise. So this devil can actually be considerate enough to buy me clothes, she thought. She stood up and walked away slowly.

When she got to her room, she walked straight into the bathroom and took a bath.

Afterward, she came out, opened the wardrobe and froze.

It was filled with clothes. So many that she stood there for a moment, mouth slightly open, trying to process if they were truly all hers. She ran her hands over the fabrics, feeling the textures. What surprised her even more was that every single outfit was either white or orange.

She frowned. Why would he order only two colors? Is he dumb or what?

With a small sigh, she grabbed an orange gown. In one of the drawers, she found neatly arranged underwear and bras, also in white and orange. Her cheeks warmed. This was the first time a man had ever bought her underwear. Still, she picked a set and put them on.

The gown was soft, ankle-length cotton with a loose, flowing fit that felt light against her skin. The main fabric was a warm pastel orange, while the neckline, sleeve cuffs, and hem were accented with a clean white border. It had short, slightly puffed sleeves and a round neckline, finished with a small white ribbon bow at the center for a touch of charm. It was beautiful on her, and she couldn’t help but wonder how he had known her exact size.

On the dressing table, she noticed bottles of body lotion and oil with a sweet honey scent. She applied them to her skin, enjoying the subtle fragrance. By the time she finished, her stomach was already growling.

She thought of checking her phone, knowing her family might have called, but hunger was stronger. She decided she would check it later. With that, she left the room.

Liam sat on the couch, leisurely sipping his coffee, when Alina walked up to him.

"Why did you buy clothes all in the same color?" she asked, crossing her arms.

Liam raised an eyebrow, his gaze traveling from her head to her toes. He gave a slow nod, clearly pleased with how perfectly the dress fit her. At least his money hadn’t been wasted.

"Don’t be ungrateful. You said you like white and orange," he replied.

"When?" Alina frowned, trying to recall ever saying that.

"When you told me to change the room’s color from black to white and orange," Liam said matter-of-factly.

Alina was speechless. She opened her mouth to argue, but at that moment, her stomach growled loudly. She turned to head to the dining room, but his voice stopped her.

"I have three rules for you," Liam said, his tone suddenly cold.

She turned back to face him. "What are the rules?"

Even though hunger gnawed at her, she gave him her full attention. She didn’t want to unknowingly break any of his rules and end up punished.

"First," Liam began, his gaze locking onto hers, "you are not allowed to leave this house unless I give you permission. You’re mine now, my property. Understand?"

Alina blinked, stunned. What kind of rule was that? She had already been inside a room since she was eight years, and now he wanted to cage her again? What was she supposed to do in this enormous house?

"I understand… but isn’t that a little too mean?" she asked cautiously.

Liam’s eyes hardened, but he continued. "Second, as long as you live here, you must obey everything I say. Even if I tell you to jump into fire, you will do it."

If his first rule had shocked her, this one left her reeling. Still, she gave a slow nod.

"And third," Liam said, his voice dropping lower, "you’re not allowed to hate me, no matter what I do. Break any of these rules, and there will be punishment."

Alina stared into his cold, icy eyes, her heart pounding. "Is that all?" she managed to ask.

"Yes. Why? Do you want more rules?" he said with a hint of a smirk.

"No. I’m fine with that," she said quickly.

"Good girl."

"But I have a question," she said hesitantly.

"Ask."

"What am I supposed to do while staying here? Just sleep and eat?"

A faint smile curved his lips. "Good question. Go eat first… you’ll find out soon enough."

She lingered for a moment, then turned and walked away.