Guests

  My legs felt strangely heavy as I followed Darren through the second floor.

  The closer we got to the study, the louder my heartbeat became.

  This is it.

  I’m getting fired.

  We stopped before two large oak doors.

  Darren knocked twice. “Sir, Miss Cassie is here.”

  “Come in.” A deep voice answered from inside.

  I swallowed hard.

  Darren opened the door before stepping aside to let me in.

  The study was just as grand as every area in this mansion.

  Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves covered one wall, while sunlight poured through the tall windows overlooking the gardens.

  Azrael stood by his desk, dressed in a charcoal suit. He looked up from the documents in his hands as I entered.

  I don’t know if I actually took a good look at him last night, but he looks even more handsome during the day. 

  His appearance might even rival the most attractive Greek God Apollo.

  “You may leave, Darren.”

  “Yes, Sir.”

  The door clicked shut.

  I stood stiffly near the entrance waiting for the bad news to escape from his lips.

  “Good morning, Sir.”

  He nodded once, “Morning.” He said, barely glancing at me.

  Oh no… he was really mad last night! I’m dead. I’m really getting fired.

  An awkward, suffocating silence settled inside. I lowered my head, waiting for the inevitable.

  “Cassandra.”

  “Y-yes?”

  This is it! I will have to return to the countryside after this.

  Tears pooled in my eyes, threatening to escape, but I pinched myself to hold it all back in.

  Azrael slowly opened his mouth to talk and I felt like the whole world was collapsing on me.

  “My cousins will be arriving this afternoon.”

  I blinked.

  “What?”

  “I’d like you to assist Elizabeth in serving them while they’re here.”

  “…”

  “That’s all?” The words escaped before I could stop them.

  One of his eyebrows lifted. “Is there something else you were expecting?”

  My face instantly warmed.

  “N-No!”

  I shook my head so quickly my ponytail swayed.

  “I was just…”

  “You were just?”

  “Nothing.”

  He looked at me for a moment before giving a small nod.

  “Then you may go.”

  Relief washed over me.

  “Thank you, Sir!” I bowed politely before hurrying out of the study.

  Only after the door closed behind me did I finally exhale.

  Yey! I’m still employed.

  Hmph! That jerk Colton! I’ll throw this good news to his face. 

  …

  The mansion grew livelier as the afternoon approached.

  Extra dishes were prepared. Fresh flowers decorated the dining room. Elizabeth was so busy telling me all I needed to know.

  “Remember,” she reminded me, “Sir Azrael’s cousins visit seldom so it is important they enjoy their stay here. Be courteous and remain obedient. And don’t worry, it’s not usually this busy. Just today and some other important occasions.”

  I nodded. “I understand.”

  Around three in the afternoon—

  [Ding dong.]

  “They are here,” Elizabeth said. “Cassie, go get the door.”

  “Okay!” I smoothed my apron before hurrying towards the entrance.

  At this level of cautiousness I wouldn’t be surprised if we were actually hosting a king and queen.

  Taking one last calming breath, I opened the massive front door.

  A tall man stood outside.

  For a split second… I forgot how to breathe.

  He was strikingly handsome, with sharp features, warm amber eyes, and an easy smile that somehow made him look approachable despite his imposing height.

  He studied me with obvious curiosity.

  “Well.”

  His smile widened.

  “I don’t believe we’ve met.”

  I blinked.

  “N-No…”

  He extended a hand.

  “I’m Rafael.”

  His gaze lingered on mine.

  “And you are?”

  “Hi, I am Cassie.”

  “Cassie,” he repeated, as though committing the name to memory.

  “That’s a pretty name.”

  Heat crept into my cheeks.

  “Thank you.” I said, avoiding his gaze

  Before either of us could say another word, another luxury car rolled into the driveway.

  Three more men stepped out.

  One looked calm and refined. Another wore an amused grin. And the last carried himself with quiet confidence.

  Rafael glanced over his shoulder and looked unimpressed at the three.

  “Looks like everyone made it.” He snickered.

  They all greeted and high-fived each other with casual familiarity before entering the mansion together. 

  “Where’s the host?” One guy asked.

  “You know Azi, he doesn’t care the least about us coming here,” the other guy laughed.

  “Let’s just go in.” 

  They all passed by me as I stood aside.

  “Now who is that beauty?” The brunette guy asked, staring at me.

  “A new maid.” Rafael answered. “Don’t trouble her, let’s go.” He said and I couldn’t be more thankful.

  Phew! That was close.

  But I must admit. Good-looking must simply run in this family’s genes.

  …

  Later that afternoon, I was stuck in the kitchen and heard they were now all gathered beside the indoor pool.

  Elizabeth instructed me to bring refreshments.

  Honestly, this house is so big, why do they only have a few helpers? 

  I carefully arranged a tray with iced drinks and fresh fruit before carrying it outside.

  They were all topless. And as much as I wanted to ogle their bodies, I resisted. Okay maybe a little peak? 

  “Sir, your drinks.” I said.

  “Just put it there.” Azrael said coldly, dismissing me quickly as he turned to his cousins to talk while occasionally glancing towards my direction.

  What’s wrong with him? Is he upset or something?

  “Thank you.” Rafael accepted a glass with an easy smile.

  “So…” He leaned back in his chair.

  “You’re new here?”

  “Yes.”

  “When did you start?”

  “Yesterday, sir.”

  He laughed softly.

  Our conversation remained light. He asked where I was from. Whether I liked working here. How I was settling in.

  To my surprise, he was remarkably easy to talk to.

  “So you’re planning to go back to school?” Rafael asked.

  I nodded.

  I didn’t know how long we were talking but it must have been almost ten minutes now. He was really nice to talk to, unlike his cousin over there who was throwing me glares every now and then. 

  I thought this Young Master was kind and reasonable? I mean sure he didn’t fire me over the incident last night and I was thankful for that, but what is with his attitude right now?

  “As soon as I save enough.” I replied to Rafael.

  “That’s admirable.”

  “Thank you.”

  Before I could say anything else.

  “Cassandra!” 

  A cold and grumpy voice cut cleanly through the conversation.

  Azrael stood a few steps away from us, dark clouds looming over his head.

  “Yes sir?”

  “Come here.” He commanded coldly, his eyes switching between me and Rafael.

  I quickly excused myself and walked over.

  The moment I was within earshot, he spoke quietly enough that only I could hear.

  “I asked you to serve my cousins.”

  “I am serving them.” I replied, confused.

  “I didn’t ask you to entertain them.”

  I frowned.

  “We were only talking.”

  His eyes shifted briefly toward Rafael before returning to me.

  “Your attention belongs to your work and me, not to them.”

  “I wasn’t neglecting my duties. Sir Rafael just started asking questions, so I answered.”

  He held my gaze for a long moment. Then his voice dropped another degree.

  “Just… don’t talk to him.” I opened my mouth to ask what he meant,

  “But—”

  “That’s enough.”

  His tone wasn’t loud. Yet it left no room for argument.

  “Go inside.”

  I stared at him for a heartbeat before lowering my eyes.

  “Yes, Sir.”

  As I walked back inside, I couldn’t help feeling frustrated.

  What was that about?

  I hadn’t done anything wrong.

  (Third Person POV)

  Behind Cassandra, the conversation by the pool resumed.

  Rafael watched her disappear through the glass doors before turning toward Azrael with a knowing smile.

  “You’re awfully strict with the new maid.”

  Azrael picked up his drink and threw him a nasty glare.

  “Mind your damn business.”