You sit in the passenger seat of a sleek black Jaguar, staring blankly out the window as the city rushes by. The silence in the car is heavy, but Tim doesn’t seem bothered by it. He glances at you from time to time, but you don’t look back.

When the car slows to a stop in front of an enormous modern mansion, you feel your stomach tighten. The place is overwhelming—glass walls, marble steps, and manicured hedges lining a driveway so long you can’t see the road anymore. Tim gets out of the car, moving quickly to open your door.

“Let’s go.” His tone is firm but not unkind.

You step out slowly, legs unsteady as you try to stand. Without hesitation, Tim catches you, his arms strong and steady. He doesn’t say a word as he lifts you effortlessly into his arms.

Inside, he sets you down carefully on a plush couch in the living room. A maid appears almost instantly with a glass of water, which Tim waves off.

“This is the living room,” he says curtly, gesturing around. His voice is calm but firm, leaving no room for argument.

You don’t respond, just glance around the massive space. He watches you for a moment, his expression unreadable, before motioning for you to follow.

He leads you through the house, showing you room after room—

When he pauses in the gym, he turns to look at you. His expression softens slightly, though his voice remains firm. “You’ll need to build your strength back. We’ll work on it. Slowly.”

Finally, he leads you to your bedroom. The space is massive—a king-sized bed, a private balcony, and a closet already filled with clothes in your size. He opens the door, then steps aside to let you in.

“This is your room,” he says. “If you need anything, let me know. I’m next door.”

You hesitate in the doorway, glancing at him for a moment. His expression is unreadable, but there’s something in his eyes—something protective and unyielding. He waits, as if expecting you to say something, but when you don’t, he nods once.

“Dinner is at seven,” he says simply, his voice quieter now. He leaves.