"MAID FOR THE BILLIONAIRE: LOVE UNDER THE MASK OF HATE"

Chapter 001 Elena’s POV You will forever remain a useless piece of garbage. The words jolted me awake, as if someone had poured ice water over my head. My chest heaved, my breath came in and out, and sweat clung to my skin. My heart pounded so hard I blinked at the ceiling. I could not get away from him no matter how many evenings went by. Every time he humiliated me in front of the house, his sly grin and the joy in his eyes glistened. The laughter that ensued was still infectious. opened. or opened, and Sonya hurried in. Panic filled her eyes as they widened and expanded. Holding my quivering hands, she skidded to a stop next to my bed. ElWhat! What happened? You shouted; I heard you! I worked to slow down my breathing. My throat felt as though gravel were all around it. Though my voice broke, I managed to say, "Just a dream." She spoke softly and anxiously. "I'm OK." Though they tasted like a lie, I compelled the words out. "I assure you." Sonya didn't seem convinced. She sighed, shook her head, coughed, and bit her lips. Fine. Please try to come downstairs soon. I’ll make breakfast.” She squeezed Andy's hand and then left the door open as usual, just in case. I buried my face in my hands and pulled my knees to my chest as she walked away. Elena, gather it all. This kind of falling apart is unacceptable. The morning light spilt through the thin curtains, creating long shadows across the floor. I drew myself out of bed and let out a quivering breath. It felt as though I had spent the night, and in some ways, I had. Downtown, Sowa was at the stove, frowning deeply as she turned pancakes. I groaned at the scent of something burning. I said, gliding into a chair at the small, battered kitchen table, "You're burning it." She shot back, then grinned, knowing this. “Maybe you should cook if you're an expert. " I attempted to respond by shrugging my shoulders. The pancake, completely blackened, rested on a platter before me. "A masterpiece of culinary art." I jabbed at it with my fork. "Looks like charcoal." "That's nicer than going without food." She smiled, but it fell short of her eyes. We ate quietly for a few minutes. The kitchen felt as if the house itself was struggling to breathe. Memories, weighing heavily and unwelcome, pressed in on me. Our house didn't always feel this way. It felt alive at once. Back then, Mom Alina still showed concern. Before she set off to pursue some wealthy man capable of my dad's support: I immediately found the name Grigori Antonov to be poisonous. His bus, a burnt-out vehicle, caught fire and sank. He tried everything, including medications and alcohol, to alleviate the emptiness. He turned to us for support when that proved insufficient. His resentment was like an unannounced storm. He was quiet one minute, blankly staring at the wall. Biting had become almost habitual for him, and habit touched a bruiser My skin bears the imprint of my memories, not just my mind. Keeping my voice low, I said, "Sonya, have you got everything ready for school?" She nodded, eyes glued to her plate. Surely. I'm not sure, though, how long I can keep passing off everything as normal. "Pretend a little longer," I said, not liking the bitterness in my voice. We will come out of this. Somehow.” Her eyes shot to me, sharp and dubious. "You really believe that?" The front door slammed open so violently it shook the walls before I could respond. Our heads swung towards the sound. Grigori staggered in, wild-eyed and gassing fresh smoke and alcohol. His clothes were disorganised, and his lips turned disgusted when he saw us sitting at the table as though nothing was wrong. "This is what's happening." His voice fills the room. led around the Breakfast was sent for me?" My stomach spun. With her fork midway to her mouth, Sonya stopped. Though my pulse was pounding in my ears, I said, trying to keep my voice steady, "You weren't home." "Was home not where I was?" He staggered nearer and laughed, kicking over a chair. "That qualifies you to eat without your old man?" You have to sober up, I mumbled. “What was that?” He lunged at me before I could respond; his hand slammed against my cheek. I bit back a cry as pain burst across my face. Shrivelled, dropping her plate, Sonya hurried to shove him away. Her little fists pounding against his chest, she yelled, "Get off her!" But it resembled trying to move a mountain. She gasped as he shoved her aside and crashed into the wall. Hot and relentless, rage tore in my chest. I scrambled to stand, my chair clattering to the floor. My voice got loud and rebellious. "Don't you dare touch her!" Grigori's lip began to curl. "Or, rather, are you stopping me?" You're stopping me? His laughing was cruel and bitter. "You believe you might shield her from me?" My mind flew into anarchy for a moment, and I fought and screamed. From what standpoint should I act? A wild thought flickered through my mind like a spark. Perhaps she would be safe if I got him out of the house. My heart hammering against my ribs, I moved between them. "If you want to fight, fight me." He snarled and grabbed my arm with a bruising grip. “Gladly.” But the distant sound of sirens wailed before he could do more. He turned his head towards the window, his eyes narrowing. "What the heck...?" "Maybe the neighbours got enough of your trash at last," I said. "You gave the cops a call?" His voice came out as poisonous. Sonya shook her head, terrified. "We non-did!" Still, it mattered nothing. His face turned to reflect panic. He pushed me back, snatched a jacket off the hook, and staggered towards the rear door. "This isn't over," he spat, vanishing into the alley behind our house just as flashing lights covered the street. I hunched against the wall while labouring. My face throbbed, and my hands shook, but relief flooded my chest like a wave. Hurrying over, Sonya put her arms around me. "Are you fine?" Indeed, I said, clutching her tightly. "For now." She pulled back just enough to meet my eyes. Elena, we cannot live like the present any more. I said, knowing this. And we won't either.