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Halo’s POV

Today was the day—the day I would finally meet the love of my life after so many years of waiting. Years of watching him through the lens of a TV screen, scrolling through pictures on my phone, yearning to hold him, to be with him every single moment of the day. It had always seemed like a far-fetched dream, but all of that ended today.

I beamed as I gazed out the window of the large estate the car had just entered. It had been years since I last came here. My reflection in the glass caught my eye, and I frowned slightly at the sight of my black-blue hair, now slightly out of place. As I reached up to fix it, my frown deepened—I wasn’t alone in the mirror.

I turned sharply, my glare cutting through the space between us. "What? Too handsome for you to handle?"

Jessica looked away almost immediately, cowering like a frightened animal. But I knew better. It was all just an act. A snake like her never changed, and I had played these games with her before. Still, she wasn’t worth my time, not today. Nothing could ruin this moment for me.

The car rolled to a stop in front of an enormous ivory-colored mansion, and with that stop came a skip in my heart. It was happening. The moment I had been waiting for.

I clasped my hands together, exhaling slowly to push away any lingering nervousness before stepping out of the car. My bag slid over my shoulder, settling against my side as I walked toward the mansion. Behind me, Jessica struggled to climb out of the car, but I didn’t wait for her.

The moment I stepped inside, I was met with elegance. The air itself felt rich, the kind of wealth that wasn’t just about money but about legacy. The grand chandeliers bathed the room in golden light, casting soft shadows over polished marble floors. Dark oak furniture stood tall, each piece seemingly whispering stories of generations past. It was old-fashioned, yes, but timeless in a way that demanded admiration.

And now, I was finally here.

"Welcome to the Lucian household. I am William, the housekeeper," a man dressed in a pristine butler’s suit greeted me with a slight bow. His British accent was thick, and so was the pride in his stiff posture. His head was held high, and his thick brows arched as though constantly judging the world before him.

I don’t know why I did it, but I mimicked him, replying in a forced British accent, "My name is Halo, the new adopted son. Pleased to make your acquaintance." I even added a little bow, just as he had.

Unfortunately, my playful gesture was not well received. William's frown deepened, his disapproval settling over his face like a thundercloud. He gave me a sharp, reprimanding look, one brow arched high in silent scorn.

"Okay... rude," I murmured under my breath, stepping back.

At that moment, Jessica entered the mansion, moving so timidly it made my skin crawl. I had the sudden urge to slap her—just to shake off the fake innocence she was pretending to wear. I rolled my eyes as William's tone softened when he addressed her, a stark contrast to the cold edge he had reserved for me.

"Read this carefully and memorize every rule in this booklet," William said, handing both of us a thin booklet.

Confusion flickered across my face as I waggled the booklet between my fingers. "What is this?"

William spoke through clenched teeth. "Maybe if you had read the front page before speaking, you’d know."

Before I could give the butler the snarky response he deserved, Jessica stepped in smoothly, ever the teacher’s pet. "A rule book, isn’t it? We’re supposed to learn the rules of the  household and remember every one of them?"

"That’s right," William replied to her with surprising politeness.

I rolled my eyes. I didn’t need a fortune teller to tell me that he had already decided he didn’t like me. Out of curiosity, I flipped open the booklet to a random page. My eyes skimmed over one of the rules, and I immediately frowned.

"What is this? Are you the warden here? Because this is literally a prison rule book."

"Call it whatever you may, boy, but these are the rules laid down by the head of this household. If you wish to stay here peacefully and without punishment, you must obey."

I wanted to object, to push back, but before I could, the air in the room shifted. A presence descended from the grand staircase, and all eyes were drawn to him as if pulled by an unseen force.

My silly fanboy heart pounded so violently I thought I’d collapse. He was real. Again. My flawlessly handsome man in a kimono.

His presence was magnetic, almost unreal. His long, silken hair—so dark it seemed to drink in the light—cascaded down his back, framing a face so perfectly sculpted it could have been carved by the gods themselves. His features were a striking mix of sharp and delicate—high cheekbones, a straight nose, and full lips that held the ghost of a smirk. His deep-set eyes, framed by thick lashes, carried an intensity that could freeze time itself.

The rich fabric of his kimono flowed effortlessly around his lean, powerful frame, its intricate patterns shimmering under the chandelier’s golden light. He moved with a grace that was almost unnatural, as if the very air bent to his will.

Words failed me. No description could do justice to the sheer beauty of this man.

And then—he looked at me.

My breath hitched.

Did… did he remember me? Did he feel it too?

For a fleeting second, I let myself believe it—that spark, that connection. But then, his gaze snapped away, shattering my delusion like fragile glass.

I almost chuckled at my own foolishness. Did I really think it would be that easy? That a single look would be enough to make the most eligible bachelor in Los Angeles fall for me?

No, of course not.

But I had something no one else did. An advantage that set me apart from the sea of admirers who worshipped him from afar.

I had slept with this infamous billionaire before.

I knew exactly what I was dealing with.