An Initial Look at Vulnerability

Silence pervaded the ride back to Cole's mansion, making each moment seem like an hour. Kaitlyn's remarks and the muttering of critical eyes at the luncheon were replayed in my head. I felt deep down that I didn't belong in Cole's world.

I broke the intolerable silence by blurting out, "Say something."

Cole's expression was unreadable as he looked at me from behind the wheel. "Ariana, what do you want me to say?"

With my arms crossed, I said, "Anything." "Unless you like to watch me get lost in my awkwardness."

With a deep sigh, he tightened his grasp on the steering wheel. "It wasn't as horrible as you believe."

I gave a dry laugh. "Really? Because from my vantage point, it seemed like the circus's opening act, with me as the naive clown.

His mouth quirked as if he wanted to smile but refrained. "Most people wouldn't have handled Kaitlyn the way you did."

I whispered as I looked out the window, "She almost ate me up."

"Not totally," he responded, his tone suddenly softer. "You retaliated by biting back. With her, that's more than most people do.

Uncertain if his words were intended to console me or simply to fill the void, I remained silent. In any case, after that, the ride home felt less oppressive.

---

As soon as I entered the mansion again, I kicked off the agonizing heels. As I padded into the living room and collapsed onto one of the soft couches, my toes ached with pleasure.

My voice was muffled against the couch as I murmured, "I don't know how you do this."

"What do you do?" Cole leaned against the doorway and inquired.

I raised my head to look him in the eye and said, "Live in this world." "The forced smiles, the never-ending criticism... It wears you out.

He untied his tie and came to sit across from me. He appeared less like the untouchable billionaire and more like a human for the first time. All he said was, "You get used to it."

I leaned back and said, "I don't think I could." "Not if I don't lose myself first."

Cole looked at me for a while, his face unreadable. "You don't have to," he said.

His words lingered between us, and for a split second, I believed I caught a glimpse of something—perhaps regret—in his eyes. Or was it another thing?

---

I decided to hide in the garden later that night. The refreshing night air was a pleasant diversion from the oppressive heat of the day. Above, unaffected by the turmoil of the earth below, the stars gleamed like jewels.

I located a bench beside a tiny fountain and took a seat, allowing the sound of the running water to calm my jangled nerves.

My tranquility, however, was fleeting.

"Will you mind if I join?" The silence was broken by Cole's voice.

He was standing a few steps away, hands in his pockets, when I turned around. In the warm glow of the yardlights, he appeared less menacing, almost friendly.

I scooted over to make room and responded, "Yes."

He took a seat next to me, and this time, the silence between us felt strangely cozy.

After some while, he remarked, "I didn't think I'd see you out here."

I confessed, "I needed a breather." "There was a lot today."

Cole looked at the fountain and nodded. "Ariana, you underestimate how tough you are."

I looked at him and scowled. How come you say that?

He remarked, "The pressure Kaitlyn put on you today would have caused most people to crumble." However, you didn't. You didn't back down.

I whispered, "I barely survived."

He turned to face me and asserted, "But you did." "That's what counts."

I was surprised by what he said, and I noticed something sincere in his eyes for the first time. It wasn't the icy, calculating look I had become accustomed to. This was different—more delicate, more defenseless.

"Why are you treating me nicely?" Before I could stop myself, I asked.

Cole gave a small smile. "Do you think the worst of me all the time?"

"Is it my fault?" I fired back.

His grin vanished, and he briefly glanced at Hurt. He murmured, leaning back against the bench, "Fair enough."

Once more, we sat quietly while the sound of the fountain filled the air between us. I glanced over at him and saw, for the first time, the thin lines of fatigue on his face. My chest hurt for some reason because he appeared to be a guy bearing the weight of the earth.

He asked abruptly, "Why do you allow people like Kaitlyn to affect you?"

The question caught me off guard, and I blinked. "What do you mean?"

His voice was low as he replied, "You underestimate your strength." "Remember that no one like her can make you forget it."

His remarks resonated with me, and I found myself looking at him intently, looking for any hint of dishonesty. However, there was none. Cole Montgomery didn't appear to be the untouchable billionaire for the first time. He appeared to be human.

Before I could answer, the silence was broken by a harsh ring. Cole's face hardened as he read the screen after taking his phone out of his pocket.

"What is it?" I inquired, feeling saddened by the abrupt shift in his attitude.

He stood up suddenly and stated, "We have a problem."

"What sort of issue is it?"

His jaw tensed as he paused. "The type that is impatient."

"Cole—"

He said, "I'll explain later," and started to go.

My chest constricted with anxiety as I watched him fade into the darkness. It wasn't good, whatever was going on.