The mafia lord’s imposter

Chapter 5

After the incessant blaring of the alarm, I lazily hauled myself out of bed. The clock had struck 6 a.m., and I had to be downstairs, so I took a quick shower.

The maid’s uniform clung snugly to my skin. I tied the apron strings behind my back as I made my way to the door. I was about to step outside when I met Amelia blocking my exit. Her face lit up with an unsettling smile the moment she saw me.

"Do you need me for anything?" I asked softly.

"Ah, yes, darling. Xavier asked me to give you this," she said, handing me a key.

"What’s this for?" I asked, turning the silver key over in my hand.

"It's for the room opposite his. He wants you to clean it thoroughly," she said as she walked away, leaving no room for questions.

Wasn’t that one of the rooms Rosa forbade me from entering? Why would he want me to clean it?

Gathering the cleaning supplies, I made my way to the room. The doorknob was coated with years of grime. After a few struggles, the door creaked open, and I was met with darkness.

After fumbling for what felt like an eternity, I finally located the lamp switch.

My eyes adjusted to the dimly lit room, and that’s when I saw it — a dark stain smeared across the floorboards near the center. It looked old, dried… but unmistakably blood.

My feet had barely moved closer when a hand seized mine, dragged me back, and pinned me to the wall.

I looked up to see a shadowy figure. I tried to speak — to explain — but my voice was gone.

"What are you doing in here?" Xavier’s voice was cold enough to raise goosebumps across my arms.

"I was..." I began, but before I could finish, his hand wrapped around my neck and slammed me harder against the wall. I clawed at his wrists, but his grip only tightened.

“You shouldn’t be in here!” He roared like a lion ready to pounce on its prey. And I was the prey.

"Xav—" I gasped, but my voice cut off as he lifted me off the ground.

“Don’t you dare say that name in here.” His words came out in a low, almost broken growl. For a moment, his expression wasn’t just angry — it was pained, like my very presence had reopened an old wound.

Then, without warning, he flung me backward. My back collided with the hard floor outside the room.

"I’m sorry, okay?!" I managed to cough out, clutching my throat. Tears blurred my vision and spilled freely.

Xavier’s gaze flickered for just a second then the cold mask returned, though this time he didn’t look as unhinged as moments ago.

“Where did you get the key?” he demanded, taking a step closer.

“Your girlfriend told me you wanted me to clean the room.” I eyed him warily, inching back a little.

“Why would you be cleaning my house?” His brow furrowed.

“I’m your maid, remember? Rosa gave me this ugly uniform yesterday.”

“Oh,” he said, glancing at my uniform. “Rosa must have been confused — but we can’t blame her, can we?” Xavier smirked slightly.

“I’m going to let this slide, but this is the last time you’re seen near that room. Understood?”

“Okay,” I whispered, still massaging my sore neck.

“Now get me my coffee, maid.”

He locked the door behind him and walked away, leaving me standing in the musty corridor, cursing him silently. My hands shook as I gathered the cleaning supplies—then I froze.

A girl about my age stood in the hallway, half-hidden behind a large potted tree. Her lips curved into a knowing smile.

“That went well,” she said softly, smirking like she’d just watched a show. “Honestly, I didn’t think you’d survive when I saw you trying to go in there.”

I shot her a look. “If you knew I’d get in trouble, why didn’t you stop me?”

She shrugged, tilting her head toward the locked door. “Because I wanted to see what would happen. What did you see?”

“Nothing,” I lied quickly. The memory of the dark stain sent a chill down my spine. I pinched my palms, trying to push it from my mind.

"You're braver than you look."

I folded my arms. "Or stupider."

She grinned and held out her hand. "I'm Talia."

I hesitated but shook it. "Jade."

“Jade.” She repeated, as if testing the name.

I tried to head to the kitchen alone, but she fell into step beside me, eventually leading the way as I was still a little disoriented.

“So, where’d they drag you in from? You don’t seem like maid material,” Talia said, eyeing my uniform.

“Sicily,” I said shortly. “I’m… not supposed to be here.”

That made her pause. “Interesting.” Her expression turned thoughtful, as if mulling over my words.

When we reached the kitchen, Talia brewed a fresh pot of coffee and poured it into a steaming mug. The rich aroma filled the air.

With the cup balanced on a small tray, I made my way to Xavier’s office. It should have been a short walk down the corridor, but I took a wrong turn and ended up outside in the field. Luckily, Talia spotted me and redirected me to the office door before leaving.

Thank God it wasn’t Rosa. She would have cursed me out before showing me the way.

I took two deep breaths before gently knocking and stepping inside.

Xavier sat behind his imposing desk, one hand propping up his jaw while the other twirled a black pen between his fingers. His gaze was distant, fixed on something far beyond the papers scattered in front of him.

I approached and set the coffee down, but he didn’t look up.

I was almost at the door when I heard his voice. “I know, princess, but we just have to postpone it.”

The warmth in his tone stopped me in my tracks. I turned and noticed the earbud in his ear.

“Oh,” I mouthed silently as his voice rose again.

“Your list is too long! Where am I supposed to find Bunny the Clown for your birthday on such short notice? Or an event planner? My staff are skilled, but they’re terrible planners.”

Bunny the Clown? The most popular children’s entertainer in the city? The file never mentioned Xavier having a child.

His head lifted, and when he saw me still standing there — clearly eavesdropping — his brow furrowed. He coughed, or rather faked a cough, and said into the call, “Next year, princess.”

Then he removed the earbud.

Since I was already caught, denying wasn’t an option.

“Do you have a child?” I blurted.

“Do you have any shame?” Xavier shot back, making my cheeks burn.

“I just thought I should let you know I used to be an event planner — back in my broke days.”

“Leave,” he said flatly, not even considering my offer.

“Okay.” I muttered, heading for the door.

“If you can get the Clown before noon, you can try,” Xavier added casually.

My heart leapt. I wasn’t thrilled about offering unpaid services, but this was a step closer to my plan.