Before i left, Milo had insisted we eat something.
He didn't take no for an answer.
By the time food arrived, the office smelled warm and comforting, actual home cooked meals, not club food. We ate together quietly, the earlier heaviness replaced with something simpler.
Something kinder.
When we finished, i stood.
I'll resume tomorrow, i told him.
Milo smiled. I'll be waiting.
That simple sentence made something in my chest loosen.
I left the club with lighter steps than i'd arrived with.
When i got back to Darren's villa, the guards at the gate barely spared me a glance.
No questions.
No hesitation.
They simply opened the gates and let me in.
I walked straight inside without greeting anyone.
As i passed through the corridor, voices drifted toward me.
Low. Careless. Cruel.
Young Master left earlier than usual today.
Not even breakfast.
He must be avoiding that one.
They giggled.
He came back not too lomg ago and didn't ask about him.
He probably doesn't care.
Laughter.
A sharper voice followed.
Please. Everyone knows the only person young master loves is Alex.
Star's just an opportunist.
Then someone scoffed.
I heard he's promiscous.
Of course he is. Bastard son of a mistress.
That's why the Young family threw him out.
The venom in her voice burned deeper than any slap.
Trying to seduce an Enigma like Darren Song, another maid laughed. Does he really think he's in the same league?
More laughter.
Dream on.
My steps never slowed.
I didn't confront anyone.
Didn't shake.
Didn't cry.
I walked away silently.
Once inside my room, i shut the door quietly.
Then leaned against it.
I exhaled.
Took my bath and changed into my sleepwear.
Placed my bag neatly beside the bed.
I sat down and stared at the ceiling.
And then, a small smile broke through.
I had a job.
I opened my bank app on my phone.
The account i'd opened months ago, back when i didn't even know if i'd survive the year.
Soon, i would have my own money.
My own freedom.
The thought felt unreal.
Then my phone rang.
Grandma Song
I answered immediately.
Hello, ma'am.
Her voice was cheerful.
I'm calling to let you know i'll be out of the country with my husband. We'll be gone for some time.
Oh.
She continued easily.
It seems Darren will be travelling as well.
Business trip. He'll be gone for a while too.
My fingers tightened slightly around my phone.
If you need anything at all, don't hesitate to tell me, she said. While Darren is away, use the time to learn high society manners and presesntation. I do not wat you embarassing my grandson, Star.
I understand, i replied quietly.
Good. Take this time seriously.
Yes, ma'am.
Then the call ended.
I set my phone down.
And for the first time since i'd arrived, i felt relief.
Darren wouldn't be around.
Neither would his grandmother.
Which meant, i could breathe.
I could focus on my job.
I could build something of my own.
No pretending.
No pressure.
No playing lover.
Just me.
I laid down and closed my eyes.
Tomorrow, i would start work.
Back in Darren's study
The study was quiet.
Too quiet.
Darren stood by the window, lights below reflecting faintly against the glass. His jacket lay abandoned on the couch. His sleeves were rolled up.
Even restrained, the air around him carried the faint chill of an Enigma's aura.
A knock sounded.
Come in.
Beth entered and bowed.
Young master.
He didn't turn.
There is something i should report from today, she baegan carefully. About Star
Don't.
Her words cut off instantly.
Darren finally turned toward her, eyes sharp.
I don't want to hear anything concerning him.
The room cooled.
Beth lowered her gaze and said nothing more.
After a moment, Darren inhaled and straightened.
I leave for a business trip tomorrow morning.
She looked up immediately.
I expect you to ensure things continue running smoothly while i'm gone. No mistakes.
Yes, young master.
Darren dismissed her with a slight wave.
She turned and left the study.
And the door closed quietly behind her.