The maid and the billionaire

CHAPTER 2

She had just finished the chores they asked of her, so she hurried to take a shower to freshen up and be presentable. As usual, she wore her maid’s uniform after bathing, then tied her hair into a neat ponytail. She gently dusted baby powder on her face and applied a soft pink lipstick on her lips.

Stepping out of her room, she made her way to the kitchen to help set the dining table. The arrangement was already decent, but she couldn’t help but refine it a little—straightening the cutlery and filling the vase in the center with fresh water.

DOMINIC had just finished his own shower. He emerged from his room dressed casually in khaki shorts and a plain white T-shirt. It was Gavin’s birthday, and somehow the foolish boy had decided to celebrate it at *his* home.

Gavin, like Dominic, was wealthy, owning several businesses in the Philippines. More importantly, he was the son of Garry Velarde—Dominic’s uncle and the richest of their relatives.

When Dominic stepped into the kitchen, his eyes immediately fell on the new maid. She was facing away, absorbed in arranging the table. He found himself momentarily frozen, leaning casually against the doorframe, watching her.

She was stunning. There was no denying it. The curves of her body, the effortless grace in her movements—it stirred something unexpected inside him. Even though she wasn’t doing anything intentionally provocative, he felt an undeniable pull toward her.

He swallowed hard, scolding himself.

She’s your maid, Dominic. Control yourself.

“When you’re done here, clean my bedroom next,” he said quietly, his eyes deliberately avoiding hers. Without waiting for a reply, he turned and left, trying to escape before desire could cloud his judgment.

God, what’s happening to me? he thought in frustration. I’m Dominic Velarde. I don’t do this.

Meanwhile, Vernah was inwardly fuming.

“That man is impossible!” she grumbled. “He can’t even call me by my name. Just orders and ignores me like I’m invisible! And I’m beautiful—there’s no reason for him to avoid me like I have the plague!”

Annoyed, she hurried to finish her task before Dominic could reappear and make her day even more difficult. When she reached his bedroom, she slowly turned the doorknob and stepped inside.

She immediately dropped the cleaning cloth she was holding.

The room was almost entirely black.

Is this hell? she wondered.

Only a few things—like the white pillow, the gray ceiling, and parts of the wall—broke the darkness. The bedsheets and comforter were jet black. The floor was glossy black marble, and the sofa was deep black leather. Black lamps cast a soft, warm glow. A large black-framed dragon painting dominated one wall. The study table and chair were also black leather, perfectly matched by black wooden shelves adorned with neat decorations. A black-and-white rug lay at the entrance, and the large black glass window added a modern edge.

Despite the cool air conditioning, she found herself sweating, her heart beating a little faster. Maybe it was nerves.

She quietly started cleaning. The room wasn’t dusty, and the only personal item was the striking dragon painting. She carefully arranged the scattered papers and books on the desk.

When she finished, she sighed deeply.

*Finally done.*

Her stomach growled loudly, and she blushed at the sound.

*I’m starving... but I can’t eat yet. The guests probably haven’t arrived.*

She wiped the sweat from her skin with a towel and left the room, carefully placing her cleaning supplies in the storage area. Then she paused, closing her eyes briefly.

*Hold on, Vernah. Someday this will all be over. You’ll be free.*

---

Downstairs in the living room, Dominic called out to his cousins,

“Brad!”

Caleb, Gideon, Rowan, and Gavin—the birthday boy—were sitting comfortably, chatting and laughing.

“What took you so long?” Rowan asked as Dominic settled into a vacant chair.

“I was watering the plants in the garden,” Dominic replied, then glanced at Gavin sipping whiskey.

“Happy birthday, man,” he said with a genuine smile.

Gavin returned the smile and downed his drink.

“Let’s eat. I prepared lunch, then drinks after,” Dominic announced cheerfully.

“You haven’t changed a bit, cousin,” Gideon teased.

Dominic smirked. “I’m still me.”

Laughter filled the room.

Then Caleb’s eyes wandered toward the kitchen.

“Who’s that?” he asked, nodding in Vernah’s direction.

Dominic followed his gaze. Vernah was busy washing dishes, focused and tireless.

“Your new maid? Or maybe your new sexy muse?” Caleb teased with a sly grin.

Dominic’s expression darkened. “She’s my maid. Aling Mariet took leave because her daughter’s pregnant.”

Dominic’s eyes flicked toward Vernah again. There was something about her—something unexpected.

“You shouldn’t keep her as just a maid,” Caleb joked. “Why not make her your wife? You’re not getting any younger, you know.”

Dominic gave Caleb a sharp look. “Shut up.”

Caleb only laughed harder, joined by the others.

“If you don’t want her, maybe I will,” Caleb teased, flashing a playful smile.

Dominic rolled his eyes but couldn’t suppress a small smile of his own.