Luke drove clamly. He tapped his fingers on the steering wheel, while humming to some songs.
'He can sing,' Naila realised. She looked away then. He did not say anything much. He did not wish to upset her more than she already was.
The car smelled good too and he was driving a little slower.
"Is this okay?" He suddenly asked. "Are you feeling okay? Are you nauseous? "
"No, no, I'm good. This is fine," she replied and sat looking outside the window.
"Let me know if you are uncomfortable," he said and continued driving.
"Luke. I still don't think what we did was right," she said again.
"I can understand what you mean. I just wanted to help you, thinking what I did was the right thing. I was really angry at that time. They were not treating you correctly. They believed random rumors but not you. So, I...," he explained. He sounded really calm. He sounded like he really cared. Naila has never felt this warmth before, while having a conversation with a man. Naila just nodded and did not say anything further about it. They indeed wronged her, doubted her and it hurt.
"And we are home," Luke said as he drive into the gate. He drove a little down the road and arrived at his cottage. He stepped out, opened the gate, and walked back to the car.
Luke parked the car. He opened the trunk and took the luggages out. Naila stepped out and looked around. The door number read 24.
He managed the luggages and opened the door. It looked really adorable.
The cottage had a warm, inviting interior that felt both elegant and lived-in. The moment Naila stepped inside, she was greeted by the soft glow of lamps and the faint, comforting scent of wood and freshly brewed coffee.
A spacious living room occupied the heart of the cottage. Two large, comfortable couches faced each other across a thick, patterned carpet, with a wooden coffee table between them. The furniture was tasteful, made of rich wood and soft fabrics that complemented the cottage's rustic charm. A few decorative vases rested on the table, filled with fresh flowers and delicate branches.
The walls were adorned with beautiful paintings, each framed in wood or muted gold. Some depicted quiet landscapes, while others showed abstract patterns in warm, earthy colours. They added character to the room without making it feel crowded.
Large glass windows with wooden frames stretched along one side of the living room, allowing plenty of natural light to filter inside. During the day, the sunlight fell across the carpet and illuminated the many indoor plants arranged around the room. Tall leafy plants stood in the corners, while smaller ones rested on shelves and window ledges, bringing a touch of nature indoors. Beyond them, the surrounding trees stood close to the cottage, their branches swaying gently in the breeze, visible through window.
Beyond the living room was a dining area with a sturdy wooden table surrounded by comfortable chairs. A simple pendant light hung above it, casting a warm glow over the table. The kitchen was situated just beside the dining area, separated by a low wooden counter. It had wooden cabinets, stone countertops, and a wide window above the sink that overlooked the garden.
The cottage had two bedrooms, each furnished with a comfortable bed, bedside tables, and large windows overlooking the surrounding greenery. A small study and library occupied another corner of the house. Bookshelves lined the walls, filled with books of different sizes and colours. A writing desk stood near the window, accompanied by a comfortable chair and a small reading lamp.
At the far end of the library stood a small stone chimney with a fireplace beneath it. A few logs were stacked nearby, ready to be lit on colder evenings. Above the mantel hung a painting, while a couple of decorative vases and framed photographs added a personal touch. The room was peaceful, the kind of place where one could spend hours reading without noticing the passing tim
The entire cottage felt thoughtfully arranged, with every piece of furniture and decoration contributing to its charm. It was the kind of place that made one want to settle into a couch with a book, listen to the rain against the windows, and forget about the world outside.
"This feels surreal," Naila said, looking around the place.
"You like it?" Luka asked, smiling, looking extremely satisfied.
Naila paused and looked at him. She did not reply. She shook her head and then shurgged. She did not wish to admit.
"Liar," he teased her.
"Come with me," he said and led her to the bedroom. The door were opposite each other. "This is my room," he said pointing to the one on the right and this will he yours," he said, turning to the left. He opened the door.
He walked in. "I will change the sheets," he said. It was a decent room. It had a coat in the middle. The tall window made the room look bright. There was a bedside table, a dressing table and a chest drawer too apart from wooden wardrobes.
"That's okay, tell me where it is, I will do it," she stopped him.
"That's okay. I will show you everything around slowly," he said and placed all her luggages one by one, bringing them into room.
"I will do it," Naila felt burdened.
"Naila, relax," Luke held her hand and stopped her when she tried to take the carton suitcase from hus hand. "Let me do it."
Naila stood there awkwardly, watching him do the work.
"You should feel relaxed, when one else is helping you," he told her.
"I..," Naila did not know what to say to that.
He grabbed her hand. She was shocked and did not expect that. He opened her palms she gripped tightly unexpectedly. He smiled a little. He knew. He understood. He took something out from his pocket and placed it in her hand. "Here are the keys," he said. "Keep them safe. You have one copy, and I have one," he explained. "Incase you miss them, let me know quicly as possible."