"Would you like to see your new home?"

Henry's question settled in the space between them, heavy and expectant. The words echoed in Emilia's mind, mechanical and calculated like a robotic message. Was it too soon? Her brain screamed for her to stop, to pull back before she let herself fall, but her heart-the stubborn, foolish thing-urged her forward. Be happy, it whispered. Take the risk.

She turned her gaze to Henry, hesitation flickering in her expressive large brown eyes. Her long, wavy chocolate cherry hair cascaded over her shoulders, framing her smooth complexion and well-defined eyebrows. Her button nose scrunched slightly as she debated, lips full and slightly curved into a gentle expression. She could see the way he was studying her, the way he noticed the slight falter in her breathing, the way her fingers curled into the hem of her sweater. He saw all of it.

Henry leaned in slightly, his voice smooth but sincere. He had a striking and well-groomed appearance, his medium-length wavy brown hair styled in a slightly tousled yet intentional manner. His sharp, symmetrical facial features were accentuated by a strong jawline, high cheekbones, and a well-defined nose. A neatly trimmed beard and mustache added to his rugged yet refined look. His expressive eyes locked onto hers, his slightly arched eyebrows enhancing his charismatic presence.

"Em, I'm not just looking for someone to fill the empty spaces at night. I'm not here for fleeting moments or stolen kisses that don't mean anything." His gaze softened, full of quiet intensity. "I don't do casual—not with you. I never could."

Emilia swallowed, her pulse quickening. He meant that. She could hear it in his voice, see it in the way his jaw tensed as if bracing for rejection.

"I don't know what this is," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "Love has never looked like this for me before."

Henry's lips curved into a wistful smile, his fingers brushing the back of her hand with a touch so gentle it made her shiver. "I haven't felt this way in a long time," he confessed, vulnerability threading through his words. "Hell, maybe ever. And I know it's fast, but I also know it's real."

Emilia inhaled sharply. He wasn't saying this for effect. There was no pretense, no calculated moves. Henry was offering her something terrifyingly raw. And yet, it felt safe.

She shifted on her feet. "It's just a lot."

"I get that." He nodded, then smirked slightly. "What if I put your name on the deed? Would that make you feel better?"

Emilia scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Oh, very smooth, Henry."

He grinned, stepping just a fraction closer. "I mean it. I'll do it right now if it makes you feel more comfortable. But really, all I'm asking is for you to give me a chance. Let me love you, Em. That's all I'm trying to do."

Her heart twisted.

A slow smile crept onto her lips, despite herself. "You make it sound so easy."

Henry chuckled. "It is. You just haven't had the right man showing you how yet."

She let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. "God, you're annoying."

"Annoyingly charming?" He waggled his eyebrows.

"Annoyingly something," she muttered, but the warmth in her chest spread, melting away the lingering doubt. She glanced up at him, really looked at him. The light in his eyes wasn't demanding. It was patient, steady, unwavering.

Before she could overthink it, she sighed. "Alright. Let's go see this so-called new home."

Henry's grin was immediate, as if he had just won the lottery. "You won't regret it."

She arched a brow. "No promises."

Laughing, Henry took her hand and led her toward the car. The drive to 37th Pomegranate Court felt different now-like something new, and unknown was waiting on the other side of it. And maybe, just maybe, Emilia was ready to find out what that was.

__________________________________________________________________________

As they pulled up, Emilia's breath hitched, her fingers tightening slightly against the car's armrest. Before her stood a breathtaking mansion, its silhouette kissed by the hues of the sun rising. Nestled near the ocean, the estate looked as though it had risen straight from the depths of a fairytale. Towering glass walls shimmered with the reflection of the rolling waves, casting a mesmerizing, rippling glow across the pristine white exterior. The mansion's grand spires and curved archways gave it an almost regal, ethereal presence—like the palace of a forgotten ocean queen, perched between land and sea. Blue-tinted windows gleamed like crystal-clear water, catching the last golden rays of daylight, making the entire structure appear weightless, as if it floated above the shore. It was sleek yet majestic, modern yet timeless, a place that didn't just exist—it enchanted.

"So?" Henry smirked as he glanced at her. "What do you think? I personally think it looks like the castle from The Little Mermaid."

Emilia let out a snort, turning to him with amusement in her eyes. "Oh my god, it kind of does! Are you secretly Prince Eric?"

Henry gasped dramatically. "How dare you compare me to such a boring prince? I have way more charm than that guy."

"Oh, absolutely," she teased, rolling her eyes. "Because nothing says charm like comparing your house to a Disney castle."

"Hey," he defended, nudging her playfully. "If you think about it, it's kind of fitting. You're basically a mermaid, and I'm rescuing you from your evil sea witch past."

She laughed, shaking her head. "I don't know whether to be flattered or insulted."

"Go with flattered," Henry winked. "It'll make my life easier."

She shook her head but couldn't stop smiling as she turned back to the house. Maybe, just maybe, this place could feel like home.

Henry took her hand gently as he unlocked the door, his fingers warm and steady against hers. With a soft click, the grand entrance swung open, revealing an interior as opulent as its exterior. Emilia stepped inside cautiously, her eyes widening as she took in the sheer decadence of it all.

Towering ceilings stretched above them, adorned with recessed lighting that cast a soft glow over the space. The walls were a natural monotone, a seamless blend of warm taupe, soft creams, and muted grays that exuded sophistication. Every inch of the home screamed high-end luxury, from the polished marble floors to the sleek, minimalist furniture strategically placed throughout the massive open floor plan. Floor-to-ceiling windows lined the back wall, offering an uninterrupted view of the vast ocean beyond, the waves rolling gently under the dimming sky.

Emilia turned to Henry, still wide-eyed. "I thought you said you owned a penthouse?"

Henry let out a deep, amused laugh, closing the door behind them. "I do," he admitted, smirking. "But you deserve something more."

She blinked at him, heart hammering against her ribs. "Henry, this place is... unreal."

He shrugged as if it were the most casual thing in the world. "It's just a house. I can't wait to see what you turn our home into."

Her stomach flipped at his words. Our home.

She glanced around, noting how pristine yet lifeless it all felt. Despite its undeniable beauty, the space lacked warmth, personality. It was a blank canvas waiting to be filled, and the possibilities were endless.

Henry led her further inside, showing her the grand living room with its oversized sectional and fireplace, the state-of-the-art kitchen outfitted with sleek black marble countertops and gold fixtures, and the expansive dining area that could easily seat a dozen people. Each room was luxurious, meticulously designed, yet untouched waiting for someone to breathe life into it.

"I know it's a little... boring right now," Henry admitted with a small grin as he watched her take it all in. "But that's where you come in."

Emilia turned to him, something warm settling in her chest. She had never imagined a future like this, but standing here, in this grand, empty house with Henry beside her, she could almost see it.

Before she could say anything, Henry suddenly scooped her up into his arms, lifting her bridal style with effortless ease. Emilia squeaked, her hands gripping his shoulders as she kicked her legs slightly. "Henry! Put me down!"

He only laughed, holding onto her tighter as he started walking toward the grand staircase. "Nope. You're mine now. Besides, I have to carry you across the threshold of the master bedroom. It's, like, an unwritten rule or something."

She groaned playfully, wiggling in his grip. "I can walk, you know!"

"Where's the fun in that?" He winked at her before continuing his way upstairs. "Besides, I love holding you. You fit perfectly in my arms."

Emilia felt warmth spread through her chest at his words, her protests fading as she rested her head against his shoulder. "You're impossible."

"And yet, you adore me already," he teased, grinning as he nudged open the double doors to the master bedroom.

The room was the definition of modern luxury. Surrounded by glass walls, it had an airy openness that overlooked the endless ocean. A massive bed sat in the center, draped in pristine white sheets, flanked by two sleek black end tables. Everything was simple yet impossibly elegant, a balance between refined taste and understated comfort.

Henry stepped inside, glancing around dramatically before smirking down at her. "And here we are-your new palace, my queen."

She rolled her eyes at his theatrics but couldn't deny the way her heart skipped a beat at the sight of it all. "It's... beautiful, but it's also so-"

"Dull?" he finished for her with a knowing grin. "Yeah, I know. It needs something."

Emilia looked up at him, her lips curving into a small smile. "Like what?"

Henry shrugged. "You."

Before she could react, he gently dropped her onto the bed, making her bounce slightly as she let out a startled laugh. "Henry!"

He grinned, leaning over her with one hand braced on the mattress. "What? Just making sure you get comfy."

She shook her head, looking up at him with amusement in her eyes. "You are impossible."

He smirked, his gaze softening as he reached up, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "And yet, you're here. With me."

Emilia swallowed, her heart hammering as she stared into his deep, expressive eyes. Maybe, just maybe, this house could become a home after all.

Henry's gaze darkened with something deeper, something that sent shivers racing down her spine. Slowly, he leaned in, his breath warm against her lips, teasing and unhurried, giving her every chance to pull away. But she didn't-she couldn't. Her heart was pounding, her body alive with anticipation as his lips finally met hers.

The kiss was molten, fierce, yet unbearably tender. His lips moved against hers with a passion that stole the air from her lungs, his hands cradling her face as if she were something precious. She melted beneath him, her fingers gripping the fabric of his shirt, pulling him closer, needing more. A soft sigh escaped her as he deepened the kiss, his tongue tracing along her bottom lip before slipping inside, claiming her in a way that made her toes curl.

The world around them disappeared, lost in the intoxicating heat between them. He tasted like warmth and promise, like something she didn't even realize she had been yearning for. Every brush of his lips, every lingering touch sent sparks crackling through her veins. It was desperate and consuming, yet so heartbreakingly gentle-like he was memorizing her, like he was afraid to let go.

Finally, he pulled away, his forehead resting against hers as he caught his breath. His thumb brushed over her kiss-swollen lips, his eyes dark and filled with something raw, something unspoken.

"I'm falling for you, Emilia Everett," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

And just like that, her heart was no longer hers to protect.