Chapter 4 Need help

Liyana’s POV

I should’ve said something back in that room.Any normal human response.

But my brain had short-circuited somewhere between “five years” and “Uncle Mat”.

So yeah.Now I was standing in the middle of Matthew Everleigh’s penthouse, to co-live with him for five years.

Floor-to-ceiling glass windows.

A skyline view to die for. Minimalist décor that screamed ‘I have too much money to clutter’,absolutely unlike my parents who had an entire art museum in our living room.

Everything was black and grey around here.

I slipped off my heels near the entrance, wiggling my toes against the cold marble floor.

“Jesus,” I muttered, looking around. “Do you live here or run a secret villain operation?”

Behind me, I heard the soft click of the door shutting.

“Depends,” his voice came, smooth and way too calm. “Are you planning to behave?”

I turned.Bad idea.Because there he was, right on top of me, I mean towering over me.

No hat this time.No glasses.Dark hair, slightly messy. Sharp jawline. Eyes that looked like they knew too much and weren’t planning on sharing.

And that suit—

God.

“Stop staring,” he said casually, walking past me.

“I,umm,I was not staring,” I snapped immediately (I was absolutely staring).

He hummed like he didn’t believe a word of it and loosened his tie as he moved further into the apartment.

And for some reason—

That tiny movement did something very illegal to my brain.

Nope nope nope! The fuck!

Abort.Abort!

My face heated instantly,because suddenly memories rushed in — seven-year-old me, sitting cross-legged on the floor, holding a plastic ring I’d stolen from somewhere.

“I’m going to marry you when I grow up,” I had declared very seriously.

He was younger, but still way older than me.May be in his late twenties.

“Is that so?” he’d teased,crouching down to my level.

“Yes,” I’d insisted. “You’re the prettiest.”

Kill me!!! Somebody kill me! I groaned, dragging a hand down my face. “Oh my God.”

“What?” he asked from across the room, pouring himself a drink like this was just another Tuesday.

“Nothing,” I said quickly. “Just… remembering how I should’ve been erased from existence at age seven.”

He shook his head and then chuckled.

That sound— that sound felt so familiar.

Another memory hit me as I stood rooted there.

Me at maybe eight or nine, clinging to his arm at some family event.

“Don’t go talk to other pretty girls,” I had whispered dramatically. “You’re mine.”

And he was trying—trying very hard—not to laugh while my parents looked both amused and mildly concerned.

I pressed my lips together hard to stop myself from actually screaming.“Wow,” I muttered. “I was… something.”

“You still are,” came his voice from not very far.

I shot him a look. “Excuse me?”

He took a sip of his drink, completely unfazed. “Just more talkative now.”

I crossed my arms, leaning against the edge of the table. “You could’ve at least warned me.”

“About what?” he asked.

I gestured vaguely at him. “This whole…set up…”

There was a pause.

I became very aware of the space between us.

Back then, when I was a kid, the age gap didn’t mean anything.

He was just Uncle Mat, Dad’s best friend who showed up sometimes, brought me chocolates, and let me cling to him like a koala.

But now— I was twenty one. And he was at least in his early forties. And suddenly, that gap didn’t feel invisible anymore.

It felt like something else entirely. I cleared my throat, looking away first.“Five years,” I said, trying to sound casual. “That’s… a lot.”

“Hmm.”

“That’s not a reaction,” I frowned. “You’re supposed to say something like ‘yes, unfortunate but necessary’ or ‘I’m deeply sorry for ruining your life.’ or ‘don't worry we will work around it.You are free to live your life!’”

“I’m not sorry,” he said simply.I blinked.“And the last part isn't happening. You will have to learn to adjust!”

Well.Okay then.

I pushed off the table, walking a little closer without realizing it. “You seriously expect me to just—what—live here? With you? For five whole years?”

His gaze settled on me.“Yes.Unless you are planning on renouncing all your assets.”

I let out a short laugh, shaking my head. “You’ve got to be kidding.I attend college and fyi, it's on another continent.”

“I don’t joke about things like this, Liyana.Your college is not a big issue. You can transfer or attend classes online.”

The way he said my name—

Not kiddo.

Not the way he used to.

Just—Liyana.Fuck!

My chest tightened slightly.

“This is insane,” I muttered. “I have a life there. Friends. I can’t just—”

“Your parents did too.Now they don't.However,you are now the one burdened with their legacy,” he cut in calmly.

I stopped.

His voice didn’t rise.But something about it—Shifted.

And suddenly—This didn’t feel like a conversation anymore.It felt like a decision that had already been made.Without my consent.

I frowned, my irritation flaring again. “You don’t get to make my decisions...”

His eyes held mine.“No,” he said quietly.“Your parents did.”

I opened my mouth, ready to argue,properly this time,like adults.

But before I could say a word—

His phone rang.

He just glanced at the screen.And something in his expression changed.So subtle I might’ve missed it if I wasn’t already watching him like a hawk.I saw his jaw tighten.

“Please,excuse me,” he casually walked out.

I stood there for a second.

Then two.

“Are you serious right now?We were in the middle of a life altering discussion.Literally,” I snapped, throwing my hands up.

Of course he wasn't there to listen.

I started pacing.Back and forth across the stupidly empty hall. “Five years?” I muttered.I let out a dry laugh, dragging my fingers through my hair.“This is insane. This is actually insane.”

My eyes scanned the penthouse again. “Nope,” I said out loud. “Not happening.” This place would kill me, if I didn't drown in depression before that.

I reached into my pocket and pulled out my phone.The screen lit up.A bunch of missed notifications.Messages.Calls.

I just turned and started walking.

“Where the hell is my room?” I muttered, opening random doors.

I slipped inside one and shut the door behind me, locking it with an audible click.

I leaned back against the door, exhaling sharply.“Okay,” I whispered to myself.I tapped on Rhea’s name.Pressed call.“Pick up, pick up, pick up—” I muttered under my breath.

“HELLO?” Rhea’s voice came through.

Relief hit me instantly.“Hello!” I said quickly, pushing myself off the door and pacing again. “Where are you guys at? I need help.”