Olivia woke up with a heavy head. She hadn't slept well. Thoughts of last night's gala, her parents' betrayal, and Soren Smith's cold, dark gaze kept her tossing and turning until the early hours of the morning. Just as she was about to drift into a deep sleep, a sharp knock sounded on her door.
A maid stepped in, her tone sharp and impatient.
"Get up! Breakfast is ready. Young Master is waiting."
Olivia rose slowly, feeling tired and uneasy. She took a quick shower and dressed in a long, flowery dress—soft pastel with delicate patterns that made her feel almost normal for a moment.
she combed her hair, Olivia went downstairs.
In the dining room, soren Smith was already seated. Olivia immediately lowered her head, unable to meet his piercing gaze. Fear gripped her, but she forced herself to move forward and sit quietly.
Without a word, Soren pushed a paper toward her. "Read this after breakfast," he said calmly.
Olivia nodded silently. Breakfast passed in tense silence. Once Soren finished eating, he stood, gave a curt nod, and left for work.
Olivia picked up the paper. It was a contract. As she read, her eyes widened in shock. The rules were strict and terrifying:
Party B (Olivia) cannot have physical contact with Party A (Soren).
Party B cannot invade Party A's privacy.
Party B must not enter the forbidden rear room.
Party B must maintain proper appearance in the mansion and during events.
Breaking the rules would lead to strict punishment, decided solely by Party A.
At the end of the contract, a chilling note read:
"Obey fully, or face the consequences."
Shivering, Olivia signed her name. She returned to her room, cat on the bed, and stared motionless at the wall. Her thoughts raced: Sold to a ruthless mafia boss… What will my fate be?
Before she could think further, another knock came...ugh....what's with this annoying knock, can't even have a moment of peace?.
She stood up to open the door. This time, the maid looked different—sharper, colder, ruder.
"Get up," the maid snapped. "Young master wants you to learn what a mafia boss's wife must know. You're going on a tour of the mansion. Learn your way around."
Olivia hesitated for a moment, then nodded. Maybe I can find a way to escape if I know the mansion well.
The tour was exhausting—rooms after rooms, hallways twisting and turning endlessly. By the time they returned, she was drained. Another maid had prepared food. Olivia ate quietly before returning to her room, feeling bored and restless.
She sat near the window and couldn't help but admire the view. The garden below was breathtaking; flowers bloomed fresh, their sweet scent filling the air. If only I weren't so cold inside…
Feeling a little thirsty after hours of staring blankly, Olivia stepped out of her room and spotted a friendly-looking maid nearby. She called her over.
"What's your name?" Olivia asked.
"Lily," the maid replied shyly.
Olivia smiled. "Could you get me a cup… a cup of juice?"
Thirty minutes passed, and Lily hadn't returned. Olivia frowned, starting to feel impatient, she stood up to go look for .
Downstairs, Olivia spotted Lily being bullied by the mean maid who had taken her on the mansion tour earlier.
"What are you doing to her? Let her go!" Olivia shouted, her voice sharp.
The mean maid glared at her but finally stepped back and walked away. Lily trembled, her hands shaking.
"You shouldn't have come… she'll be angrier now," Lily whispered.
"Does she always treat you like this?" Olivia asked softly, concern written all over her face.
"Yes… ever since I started working here," Lily admitted. "She's jealous of anyone prettier than her daughter. No one dares report her because she's close to the young master."
Olivia's eyes narrowed. "How about I make you my personal maid? That way, no one can bully you anymore."
"Ma'am… are you serious?" Lily asked hesitantly, but the joy in her voice can't be hiding.
"Yes," Olivia said firmly. "Now let's go back to my room. When the young master returns, I'll tell him my decision."
"ok ma'am "
Later that night , Olivia ate dinner alone, wondering why soren wasn't back yet , she called a maid she saw nearby
"Excuse me pls"
"Yes, madam. What can I do for you?" the maid replied politely, though a hint of impatience lingered in her voice.
Is Soren always this late from work? Olivia thought, frowning. She ignored the maid's tone and asked, "Does the young master always stay this late outside?"
"Not always, ma'am, but he often stays out late," the maid replied. Then, with a sarcastic edge, she added, "Probably has a mistress somewhere, I suppose."
Olivia's eyes narrowed. Was she mocking me, or just speaking the truth?
"You can go," Olivia said coolly. The maid left, wondering if Olivia hadn't heard her remark—or if she was simply pretending.
Olivia went and settled in the big sitting room, deciding to wait for Soren so she could discuss Lily's situation with him. Minutes passed slowly. The house was silent except for the soft ticking of the clock. Gradually, weariness overtook her, and she fell asleep on the couch.
Later that night, around 2 a.m., Soren returned home, exhausted. Olivia had already fallen asleep on the couch.
He paused for a moment, looking at her sprawled on the couch. Is she just stupid or what? Waiting and lying in this uncomfortable position… does she think she's his real wife or something? he thought, a hint of irritation flashing across his mind.
Regardless of his thoughts, his gaze softened slightly.
With a cold gaze, he lifted her effortlessly and carried her to her bedroom. He placed her gently on the bed and covered her with a duvet.
Then, silently, he walked to the forbidden room.
No one knew what happened in there but when he emerged his clothes were bloodied. Soren went straight to the shower, leaving only silence in the mansion.
---
The next morning, sunlight streamed through the windows, mixing with the sweet scent of flowers. Lily knocked gently.
"Miss, it's morning… Young master is waiting."
Olivia's eyes fluttered open. She stood slowly, remembering how she had fallen asleep on the couch after waiting for Soren.
Wait… did he bring me back to my room? she thought, a gentle smile creeping onto her lips. Perhaps he's not the monster I painted him to be.
"Miss?" Lily's voice called again.
Olivia shook herself from her thoughts. "I'll be right there," she said. She took a quick shower, dried her hair so it fell in soft waves over her shoulders, and dressed in a simple, comfortable outfit before heading to the dining room.
Halfway through breakfast, she told Soren about her decision to make Lily her personal maid. He listened silently and agreed—on one condition: she must obey his rules.
Breakfast passed by in a blur. Once he left for work, Lily hurriedly moved her things into Olivia's room, overjoyed to finally have protection.
The day stretched long and empty. Olivia wandered the mansion, her thoughts heavy but a little lighter, knowing at least Lily would be safe.
Feeling bored and having nothing to do, Olivia asked Lily to continue the rest of the mansion tour since she hadn't finished it earlier due to exhaustion.
When they reached a locked door, Olivia's curiosity flared. This door was different from all the others.
"What's behind this door?" she asked, eyes narrowing.
"That… that's the forbidden door," Lily whispered, her voice trembling. "Nobody can enter. No one knows what's inside."
Olivia's heart raced. Her hand hovered over the door handle. Just one peek… one tiny look. What's the worst that could happen?
"Ma'am, what are you doing? You can't go in there!" Lily warned nervously.
I know… I shouldn't go in… Olivia thought, the rational part of her mind screaming. But her curiosity was too strong. Just one peek… one tiny look. What's the worst that could happen?
She pressed her hand against the door, her heart thudding loudly in her chest, echoing in the silence.
Just as she was about to turn the handle, a voice, calm and chilling, cut through the quiet:
"Olivia."
Her hand froze on the knob.