Begins

1639 Words
The following morning dawned earlier than usual for Elizabeth, who awoke with an uneasy feeling swirling in her stomach. She dressed quickly, trying to block out the restless thoughts that clouded her mind, and headed to school, seeking the distraction of her routine. As the first bell rang and morning classes began, she settled into her seat, only to find Lee beside her, a palpable tension hanging in the air between them. He shifted in his chair, creating a distance that felt distinctly unaccustomed. “Hey,” Elizabeth ventured, her voice breaking through the silence. “Hi,” he responded, his tone flat, devoid of the warmth that usually characterized their exchanges. “Did I do something wrong?” She leaned forward, concern etched on her face. With a sudden frustration, Lee slammed his hand on the desk. “Wrong? Of course not. You’re perfect at benching when you don’t want something.” His voice rose unintentionally, revealing the tumult beneath his cool exterior. Elizabeth’s heart sank as she grasped the situation. “Lee, about the party... On my way there, I was robbed. Thieves took my phone and bag because I couldn’t get a cab earlier,” she fibbed, careful to obscure the truth. “I’m sorry.” His eyes widened, a flicker of alarm crossing his features as he turned to her, his gaze piercing. “Are you hurt? We should report this to the police.” “I’m fine,” she replied hastily, glancing away. “I don’t want to escalate anything further.” “Here I was, vexed at you for not coming. It’s my fault for letting you go alone. You’re new here, and I should’ve looked out for you better.” “No, it’s no one’s fault, really,” Elizabeth insisted gently. “Okay,” he conceded, his voice softening. “But next time, we’re going together, even if you take forever to get ready. If you don’t want to go, neither will I.” A laugh escaped her lips, a momentary easing of the tension. As the day wore on, Elizabeth returned to campus, attempting to find solace in sleep, but visions of her conversation with Martin invaded her thoughts, making the burden of her deceit heavier. “Ahhh... why is it always Lee? Please forgive me,” she silently pleaded. As the sun began to set, casting long shadows on the ground, a sleek black town car awaited her outside the dorm. Her heart raced—not just from the long day, but from the weight of unfinished assignments and the emotional storm brewing inside her. Upon arriving at the mansion, the eldest maid, a strict woman named Sarah, guided her not toward the office she anticipated, but to a remote wing of the house. “Mr. Martin is in the gym,” Sarah indicated with a tilt of her head down the polished hallway. “He instructed you to start by organizing his personal correspondence in the study and then bring him tea at nine o'clock sharp.” Elizabeth nodded, her heart pounding in her chest. The expansive quiet of the house was almost oppressive as she made her way to the study—a lavish room adorned with mahogany paneling and the lingering scent of expensive cologne and leather. She worked diligently for an hour, her injured foot throbbing with every movement, before preparing the tea. She approached the gym, where through the glass doors, she caught sight of Martin. He was lifting weights, the muscles of his back rippling beneath a black T-shirt, beads of sweat glistening on his skin. He embodied raw intensity, a stark contrast to the polished facade she had glimpsed earlier that day. Suddenly, he paused, catching her reflection in the glass, an arrogant smirk creeping across his face. He tossed a towel over his shoulder and walked toward her, opening the door with a casual ease that made her heart race. “You’re on time,” he observed, his voice low and resonant within the small space. “Here’s your tea, sir,” she replied, her gaze fixed on the tray in her trembling hands, heat radiating from his presence. He accepted the tray, his fingers brushing against hers, sending an electric jolt through her. “Call me Martin, Elizabeth. You’re not just a maid; you’re my personal assistant.” Panic coursed through her as she pulled her hand away, the reality of the situation closing in. “I... I should return to the study.” “Wait.” He stepped closer, blocking her path, his imposing shadow enveloping her. “The main house is locked from the outside at night—security measures, given what happened to us.” Elizabeth’s breath caught in her throat. “Locked? You mean I’m stuck here?” “I mean you’re safe,” he replied, his voice turning sharp. “Now, go back and wait for me. I’ll be up in ten minutes. We have a great deal to discuss regarding your... duties.” As he turned away, Elizabeth's gaze lingered on the heavy door, realization dawning that the million-dollar debt was more than a monetary obligation—it was a leash, with Martin holding the other end. At the she paced the study, clock ticking ominously, anxiety mounting with each glance at the time. “What does he want? What will he say? I’m terrified." Elizabeth hurriedly cleared Martin's desk, her books spread out as she tried to feign focus. The door swung open, and in walked Martin, clad in a fitted white shirt and gray sweatpants. The fabric clung to his athletic frame, accentuating his defined abs. "You're working or reading?" His voice was deep and husky, carrying an intimacy that sent a thrill through the air between them. The heat radiating from him contrasted with the coolness of the room. "Yes, I’m reading. I have an RP test tomorrow," she stammered, her voice trembling slightly as she fought to maintain her composure under his intense gaze. "Wow, so you really want to be great?" Martin approached, each step deliberate, until he settled onto the stool beside her. The proximity made her heart race. "Yes, I have to make my community proud and help those who need support there," Elizabeth declared, determination flooding her eyes. Martin couldn’t help but admire her—a caring girl shaped by a difficult past, an irony that tugged at his heart. He leaned closer, a teasing smile playing on his lips. "Excuse me, sir..." "It’s Martin. How many times do I have to tell you?" His voice held a blend of annoyance and warmth. "Sorry, but can you please enlighten me on what I’m meant to do as your PA? Serving tea and arranging documents can't be all there is, right?" "Well, that's part of it. But PAs should be close, you know? You’ll organize my schedule, book my travel, serve me tea when I’m here, and most importantly, help me unwind when I’m in distress." The last words rolled off his tongue with a flirtatious hint, sending shivers down her spine. She found it hard to maintain eye contact. "Distress? And by that, you mean…?" Her voice wavered, not from fear, but from the charged atmosphere surrounding them. "You’ll see." A smirk crept across his face, mysterious and alluring. As time passed, Elizabeth struggled to concentrate with Martin's intense gaze boring into her. "Sir... I mean Martin, it's past 10 PM. The campus lights out at 11, and they check each dorm by 11:30. If I miss the count check, I could be in serious trouble." Martin raised an eyebrow, feigning confusion. "So you want to leave without my permission?" "I just... I'm asking if I can return to campus." His laughter echoed within the opulent walls of his mansion, a sound that was both light-hearted and rich. "Very well then, but I’ll drop you off." "No, I think I can walk or take a bus." Her voice turned pleading, hoping to assert her independence. "I said earlier that your safety matters, right? So I’ll take you back." "But I don’t want to disturb the driver; he’s quite nice," she protested gently, a soft smile crossing her lips. "Fine, I’ll drive." He rose, heading toward the door to grab the keys to his sleek BMW. "Please, I don’t want to disturb you." Her protests fell on deaf ears. "Aren't you going to pack up? Or should I help with that?" He flashed a teasing grin. "No, no, I’m coming!" she rushed, gathering her things in a flurry, only to realize she left her mother’s necklace behind. Outside the campus gates, Martin parked the black BMW, which blended seamlessly with the shadowy night. "Thank you, but please, next time—" "No, I will keep doing this until I know you’re safe. By the way, how’s Lee?" he asked, curiosity tinting his tone. "He’s fine, but I feel bad for hiding this from him." "Why? Because he’s your friend? Friendship doesn’t mean you have to share everything. Sometimes, you need your privacy." Their eyes locked in the dim light, Elizabeth's lips parted while Martin’s gaze shifted from her eyes to her mouth. She quickly looked away, heart racing. "Thank you. Um, could I come by at 6 tomorrow instead of 4, please?" "Of course, but I’ll tell the driver that," he replied, a hint of dominance in his tone. "Thank you." She stepped out and entered the campus grounds, but Martin remained, watching her every movement, captivated by the sway of her hips. A feeling long dormant stirred within him—a raw desire that made him feel alive. After ensuring she was safely inside, he revved the engine of his BMW and drove into the night, a smile breaking across his face. This was just the beginning
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