She knew the risk of staying, but she needed to rest. The man's words about her hunger were true, and her stomach rumbled in agreement. His face, though innocent, held a flicker of something she couldn't quite place. Swallowing hard, she nodded, hoping he wouldn't notice the tremor in her hand.
"Alright then, please come inside," the man said, his voice warm and inviting. He reached out, as if to touch her hand, but she quickly pulled back. Trust was a fragile thing, and she wouldn't give it lightly. Not after what she'd been through. She had to be careful, always alert, always on guard. The men of Mr. Danforth were cunning, and they wouldn't hesitate to strike.
Mr. Danforth. She'd known him for years, seen the way he moved, the way he strategized. He was a master of the game, always a step ahead, always playing the long game. He was an old man, yes, but his mind was sharp, his ambition unwavering. He had the money, the power, and the brains to make things happen. And he wasn't afraid to use them.
"I'm Jason" the man said, trying to appear nonchalant about the way she was ignored his handshake and questioning gaze. 
However she knew he was curious about her reaction, but she couldn't explain. Not yet. She had to be careful. Her life depended on it.
But he was still ready to welcome her though, after all he's the only one living in this big house all alone. No family, no friends, just him and the echoing silence. He was desperate for company, for someone to break the monotony, and that's why he welcomed Gina so readily even without knowing her for a day.
Gina stepped inside, taking a seat on the plush sofa he indicated. He excused himself, saying, "Just a minute, I'll be right back. Make yourself comfortable. Watch a movie if you like. I'll get you some water." He disappeared into the house, leaving Gina alone with her thoughts.
"Water?" she thought, her stomach grumbling in protest. She hadn't come here for water, she'd come for food. Everyone knew that drinking water on an empty stomach was a recipe for discomfort, for a churning, uneasy feeling. Water obviously wasn't what she needed right now.
Perhaps it was just a gesture of welcome, a way to offer her something while he prepared the real meal. She hoped so. Her hunger was gnawing at her, a constant reminder of her predicament.  
However she wasn't going to stay long, even after she ate. She had to find a safe place to rest, to plan her next move. This house was just a temporary haven, a pit stop on her long journey.
Gina sat quietly in the house, her gaze sweeping across the luxurious surroundings. The television alone must have cost a fortune, she thought, its sleek design and impressive size hinting at a price tag that could make a fortune for someone else. She couldn't help but marvel at the opulence of the entire parlor, its every corner filled with expensive furnishings and tasteful decor. Millions, she mused, must have been spent to create this haven of comfort and style.
However, Gina wasn't here to admire the house's grandeur. She was here to eat, her focus firmly on the present moment and the task at hand. The apartment's beauty was a mere backdrop, a fleeting distraction in the grand scheme of her life. She wouldn't be staying, she had already decided, and this place, with all its extravagance, would fade from her memory once she left.
What truly baffled Gina, however, was the fact that this man, Jason, lived in this opulent mansion all alone. It was a perplexing thought, a contradiction that gnawed at her logic. How could someone with such wealth choose to live in isolation? It was almost unfathomable, a puzzle with missing pieces.
Perhaps there was a story behind the empty rooms, a secret that explained Jason's solitary existence. Maybe he had chosen to live alone, rejecting the companionship of a partner, or perhaps his family was scattered across the globe, leaving him with a house that was too big for one.
Whatever the reason, Gina couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. There was something about Jason, something about the way he lived, that made her wary. He was undeniably handsome, with dark hair, a strong physique, and piercing blue eyes that seemed to hold a hidden depth. So how on earth would such a handsome man be living alone.
However Gina is not forgetting the fact that she has determined to keep her focus on her own life, on her own survival, and not let herself be drawn into the allure of his charm. For now, she would keep her distance, her heart guarded, and her mind focused on the task at hand: escaping this strange and perplexing city that Mr. Danforth had messed up.
Jason emerged from the house and offered her a cup of water, his concern evident in his eyes. After she accepted it with a grateful nod and drank to her satisfaction, he asked, "What would you like to have? I can get you a drink, something to cool you down. I don't have much food prepared, but I have some fruit in the fridge - apples or anything else you might fancy. Or, if you'd prefer a real meal, I can whip something up for you."
Gina took another sip of water, her stomach already feeling a bit queasy. She had had enough, she decided, and gently set the glass down. She couldn't bring herself to accept another drink, especially not wine. The thought of it made her stomach churn. She was already feeling the effects of the water, its strange taste lingering on her tongue. Wine, with its potent flavors and intoxicating qualities, was the last thing she needed.
"Thanks for the offer," she said, trying to sound polite, "but I think I'll pass on the wine. As for the fruit and food, I'm happy with whatever you'd like to do. I'm sure it will be delicious." She gave him a small smile, trying to convey her gratitude.
Jason smiled back, his hands clasped in front of her. "Okay, that's great. Make yourself comfortable. I'll just go into the kitchen and get started. I really enjoy cooking, so I hope you'll enjoy what I make." With that, he turned and disappeared into the kitchen, leaving Gina alone with her thoughts.
She could have simply asked for fruits, she realized, but the thought of eating something so simple, so ordinary, didn't appeal to her. She craved a real meal, something substantial that would give her the energy to continue her journey. But she was too shy, too hesitant, to ask directly. She had hoped that Jason would understand, that he would offer to cook for her. And luckily, he had.