"Marco, don't!" I screamed, running into the living room.
He stood there like a storm in human form—muscles tight, eyes burning, gun in his hand.
The maid who called me a beggar was on her knees, shaking violently.
His chest rose and fell with pure rage.
I had never seen him like this.
"YOU CALLED HER WHAT?" he roared.
The whole mansion went silent.
Even the walls felt afraid.
The girl sobbed, "B-Boss… I didn't mean—"
"Shut up," he hissed, stepping closer. "You made my woman cry. YOU THINK YOU CAN TALK TO HER LIKE THAT?"
My heart dropped.
He was losing control fast.
"Marco, please," I whispered, reaching for his arm.
He didn't hear me.
His anger blinded him.
"Marco!"
I tugged harder.
He turned so suddenly that his arm hit me—not hard, but enough to make me stumble backward and fall.
His eyes widened instantly.
The gun slipped a little in his grip.
"Zara…"
His voice cracked.
The rage disappeared like smoke blown out by the wind.
He rushed to me, dropping to his knees.
"Sweetheart—" he touched my cheeks gently, checking me everywhere. "Did I hurt you? Zara, look at me. Are you okay? Talk to me."
I nodded slowly, shocked.
"I'm fine… I'm fine."
His jaw clenched with guilt.
"I didn't mean to—" He inhaled sharply like the guilt was suffocating him. "I would never hurt you. Never."
But his eyes drifted back to the crying maid.
And the monster returned.
He stood up slowly, gun tightening in his hand.
The girl screamed, "Please boss! Please—"
"Marco, stop!"
I grabbed his arm desperately.
He didn't move.
"Marco, PLEASE!"
My voice shook.
He still didn't move.
So I did the only thing I could—
I stepped in front of him…
and gently pulled the gun out of his hand.
His eyes widened.
For a moment, the entire room froze.
He looked at me like I had just done the impossible.
Like I had pulled him out of a nightmare.
Then…
He smiled.
A slow, dangerous, almost proud smile.
"Only you," he whispered.
He cupped my cheek softly.
Then he turned toward the hallway.
"LUCA!"
Luca ran in instantly.
"Yes boss!"
"Take her out. She will never work for me again. Make sure she knows what happens when someone disrespects Zara."
"Yes, boss."
The girl was dragged out, screaming apologies.
Marco didn't even look at her again.
His eyes stayed only on me.
Then he faced the entire staff who were watching from the corners.
"LISTEN TO ME," he growled.
Everyone straightened in fear.
"If anyone—ANYONE—in this mansion touches Zara, insults her, or even speaks to her without respect—"
He paused, his voice cold as death.
"I will handle you myself. And I will be ruthless."
No one dared to breathe.
Then he turned to me.
"Come on," he said gently, lifting his hand for me to hold. "You need fresh air."
"Where are we going?" I whispered.
"Shopping," he said. "Anything you want. Clothes, shoes… all of it. You're not a beggar. You're mine."
He kissed my forehead softly.
And for a second, I forgot he was a dangerous man.