Beneath His Vows

Tests and Whispers

Selene’s POV

The morning sunlight spilled through the tall windows, painting the marble floors gold. Selene followed Rosa down the grand hallway, her shoes clicking softly. Every corner of the house felt enormous, every shadow alive with something she didn’t understand.

“First task of the day,” Rosa whispered, handing her a small list. “Start with the study. Dust the shelves, organize the papers on the desk, and make sure everything looks perfect.”

Selene nodded, heart thudding. She could do this. She had to.

The study smelled of leather and polished wood. Books lined the walls, some stacked neatly, others leaning as if they’d been hastily returned. Selene set to work, careful not to disturb anything.

The door opened without warning. Clara stepped in, her heels clicking against the floor, wine glass in hand, eyes narrowing the moment she saw Selene.

“Well, well… the little maid,” Clara said, voice sweet but sharp enough to sting. “You actually dared to come here, didn’t you? To think someone like you belongs in a place like this…”

Selene’s cheeks burned. “I… I’ll be careful, ma’am,” she murmured.

Clara laughed softly, circling her like a predator. “Careful? Oh, I’ll make sure you’re terrified enough to remember your place. Don’t touch anything unless you want to break it. That would be so… fitting.”

Selene’s hands shook as she continued her work. Every word, every glance from Clara made her feel smaller, worthless, and out of place.

Rosa appeared in the doorway, frowning at Clara. “Leave her alone,” she said firmly.

Clara smirked, ignoring Rosa completely. “Oh, don’t look at me like that. I only tell the truth.” Then, with a last disdainful glance, she spun on her heel and left, heels echoing down the hall.

Selene let out a shaky breath and sank onto the edge of a chair. “I… I don’t think I can do this,” she whispered.

Rosa knelt beside her, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Yes, you can. You just have to survive her. One step at a time. I’ll be here.”

Selene hugged her knees to her chest, staring out the window at the sunlit city. Maybe surviving in this house wouldn’t just be about doing her work perfectly. Maybe it would be about learning how to exist while someone hated her for even being there.

And somehow, with Rosa beside her, she felt… she could try.

Evening calms

Selene’s POV

By evening, Selene’s arms ached and her legs were stiff. She had worked from morning, moving through the study, polishing surfaces, organizing, dusting… every task a reminder of how out of place she felt.

Rosa finally smiled at her. “That’s enough for today. Go… take a breather.”

Selene nodded, her uniform dusted with a thin layer of sweat and cleaning polish. She made her way to the rooftop—a quiet space she had discovered earlier in the day. The city sprawled beneath her, lights twinkling like distant stars.

She almost turned back when she saw him.

Damian.

He was leaning casually against the railing, hands in his pockets, looking calm, untouchable. Her heart skipped a beat. She wanted to turn away, to escape, but something rooted her to the spot.

He noticed her hesitation.

“Come here,” he said quietly. Not a command, not cold or sharp—just calm.

Selene’s legs moved before her mind could catch up. She stepped closer, careful, unsure.

“Busy day?” he asked, his voice low, calm, not a trace of the cold authority he usually carried.

“Yes… very busy,” she admitted, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

He nodded, looking out at the city for a moment. “You’re holding up well.”

Selene’s chest tightened. “I… I’m trying,” she said softly.

There was a pause. No teasing. No dominance. Just… him. Calm. Watching her.

For the first time since arriving at the house, Selene felt a strange kind of peace. Not comfort exactly. Not warmth. But something… steady.

“I’ll leave you to your evening,” he said after a moment, stepping back. “But… good work today.”

Selene nodded, heart still racing, and watched him walk away. The city lights reflected in her eyes, but all she could think about was the quiet, calm man who had just spoken to her like she mattered—even for a little while.