Page 52 of Code of Heart

At the very end, they reached a cul-de-sac. Tall white stone walls wrapped around a massive estate, its entrance marked by an intricate set of wrought-iron gates. They swung open as Levi approached, his car gliding forward like it belonged there.

Aurelia followed hesitantly, eyeing the gleaming volcanic stone driveway, the curated garden beds, the towering modern structure waiting at the top of the slope.

Levi’s car disappeared into a side garage. She parked where he directed, easing into a circular drive that wrapped around a ridiculous water feature.

Of course, there's a fountain,she thought. All these extravagant homes, like Starhaven, had a fountain.

She stepped out of her car, stunned into silence.

It was breathtaking. Sharp angles, expansive glass, soft lighting spilling from inside, marble staircases, and four garage bays.Four.

He met her gaze from the open garage bay, leaning casually against the outside wall like some fashion cover story come to life.

With a flick of his chin and a devilish smirk, he motioned for her to follow through the side garage. Which, as it turned out, was less a garage and more of a fleet warehouse. Each bay housed two different luxury vehicles. Nothing about it was practical.

It was a showroom.

This is insanity,she thought.

Not envy. Not awe. Only a complete and utter disconnect from everyday life.

Once inside, Levi stopped before her, hesitating, shyness suddenly taking hold. “Would you care for the grand tour?”

She forced a smile. “Lead the way, good sir.”

He relaxed a bit at her tone and offered his arm. She kicked off her heels and looped her arm through his, preparing herself for what she was about to see.

The house was…as stunning as she expected it to be.

Every room on the lower level was an architectural marvel. Floor-to-ceiling windows, clean modern lines, custom lighting, luxury designer furniture arranged with perfect intention.

But not an ounce of life.

Even the kitchen was immaculate. Commercial-grade appliances. Black quartz counters that shimmered like obsidian. A breakfast nook tucked beside massive windows that openedonto a panoramic view of the hills and coastline. Beyond that, a glittering infinity pool hugged the backyard like a jewel.

It waseverything. And yet…

Somehow, the bowl of fruit on the table, the stack of unopened mail, and the few dishes in the sink were the only signs that a human lived here.

Those small touches?

That was the real heart of the home.

And they were heartbreakingly rare.

The rest of the tour was a blur. There was a game room, theater, bowling alley, speakeasy, and an obscure metalsmith forge…all of which looked to be built for show, not for living.

She was surrounded by museum-grade perfection. All of it cold, curated with too much space and too little soul.

Finally, they ascended the grand staircase to the second floor, which had even more white walls. More shadowless lighting. More nothingness.

At this point, she didn’t bother counting the bedrooms.

When Levi led her to the last one, the primary suite and his bedroom, her breath caught. It should have been the most personal space in the house. But it was like the others with cream bedding, flawless wood furniture, and stunning architecture. It was beautiful. And sterile…and soempty.

No clutter.

No warmth.