CHAPTER FIVE
1160 Words
The sound echoed through the room, piercing through the silence.
The sting burned through my skin, spreading slow and hot, but I refused to make a sound.
My fingers curled against the desk, my nails digging into the polished wood as I forced myself not to react the way he expected.
I wasn't going to give him that satisfaction
I straightened immediately, yanking my dress back down, my chest rising and falling harder than I like.
I turned and our eyes met. “Is that all?” I said, my voice low, but steady, even as my pulse refused to calm.
He grabbed my arm and pulled me towards him in one swift motion.
“Careful,”He said looking at me intently
“Or what?” I cut in holding his gaze
For a second, I thought he’d snap again. But instead, he smiled.
“Oh, you’ll find out,” he said, and then let go of my arm, turned away and walked back to his desk, and poured himself another drink like nothing had happened.
“Get out.” he said with a commanding voice.
Of course…. I didn’t move immediately.
His eyes snapped back to me. “I said—”
“I heard you,” I cut in.
I walked to the door, opened it and stepped out. The door shut behind me with a quiet click.
Only then did I realise how fast my heart was beating.
I had barely taken a few steps into the hallway when I saw Clarisse standing there waiting.
Her posture was stiff, like someone barely holding their rage together, the faint marks on her arms were hidden beneath long sleeves, but her eyes burned with deep hatred.
“So,” she said softly, her gaze dragging over me.“You're coming from his study.”
I met her gaze, and walked towards her without slowing down. “Looks like it”
Her jaw tightened. “I have served this house for years,” she said, her voice sharp beneath the calm. “I have never been called into his study.”
I shrugged lightly, “First time for everything.”
Her hand curled slightly at her side.
“Don’t get too comfortable,” she hissed. “You're nothing here, just a temporary problem.”
I leaned in slightly, my voice low “funny
…. because temporary things don't usually scare people this much.”
Her lips tremble with restrained anger. “You think you can handle him?” she asked quietly. “You don’t even understand the kind of man you’re dealing with.”
I smiled slightly. “Neither do you,” I shot back.
“Girls like you,” she said slowly, “they don’t last here.”
I stepped closer, closing the space between us. “Then I guess I’ll just have to be the exception.”
We stood there for a moment, neither of us backing down.
Then I brushed past her, my shoulders hitting hers slightly and walked away.
I didn't stop until I got to my room.
Not long after, I heard a knock on my door.
“Who's there?” I asked.
“It's me… Sofia” she replied.
I relaxed slightly. Sofia, the only person I feel free talking to in the house.
“Come in,” I said.
She rushed in immediately and started checking my body for any bruises. “Are you okay?” She asked with concern written all over her face.
“I'm okay” I replied letting out a small laugh.
“Are you sure, she pressed further. “You were in his study for a long time.”
I shrugged. “Nothing happened.”
“Nothing?” she asked, looking at me with her piercing gaze.
“Yes,” I replied.
She gave me a long look like she didn’t believe me, but she didn't push.
“Okay” she said softly, sitting beside me.
We talked for a while, before she finally left later that night.
The next morning, I stepped out of my room ready for the day's work.
But the mansion felt too quiet, I walked to the hallway and saw all the maids and guards lined up like they were waiting for someone.
I walked over to Sofia, “What's going on.”
Before she could answer, the sound of a car echoed from outside.
A sleek black sports car pulled up in front of the mansion, gleaming under the sunlight.
The passenger door opened and a man stepped out, tall, impeccably dressed, and with a charming smile.
He had the same commanding presence as Leonardo, but his aura was lighter, and undeniably magnetic.
“Who's that?” I asked quietly.
Sofia leaned closer and replied. “Damien Blackwood.”
He walked in and everyone bowed, except me.
His eyes scanned the room casually, until it landed on me.
“Wow” he muttered, like he had just found something entertaining.
“Well” he said casually, his lips curving into a slow smile, “and who exactly is this?”
No one answered. I crossed my arms.
“Someone who doesn't like being stared at,” I replied flatly.
He laughed heartily.
“Interesting,” he murmured, stepping closer.
Before he could say anything else.
“Damien.” Leonardo’s voice cut through the room.
Damien's attention shifted immediately, he turned slightly, a grin spreading across his face as he walked towards Leonardo.
“Brother” he said, pulling him into a brief but firm embrace.
Leonardo returned the hug and patted his back.
For a second the tension around him disappeared, and then he smiled.
I froze. I didn’t think he was capable of it.
Still alive, I see,” Damien said casually.
Leonardo smirked faintly. “Disappointed?”
“Always.” he replied smiling sheepishly
Leonardo's gaze moved past him briefly to me. Back earlier than expected,” he said calmly.
Damien shrugged, completely at ease.
“You know me. I get bored easily.”
Damien's gaze flicked back to me again. “Seems like I came at the right time too.”
Leonardo’s jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. “Don’t start,” he said flatly.
Damien smirked. “Relax. I’m just observing.”
Damien turned back to me fully this time.
“So,” he said, tilting his head slightly. “You’re a new face.”
I raised a brow. “Depends on who's asking.”
He laughed softly. “Interesting” His eyes dragged over me slowly, like he was already figuring me out.
Leonardo stepped forward slightly, positioning himself just enough between us.
Damien noticed and smiled.
“Enough,” Leonardo said sharply.
“Get to work,” he said to me without looking back.
I didn’t argue, I turned and walked away, even though I could still feel Damien’s gaze on my back.
And somehow….. I had a feeling my problems in this house had just doubled
- Writer
