Naked Encounter

  I couldn’t sleep properly from overthinking.

  It sounded less like a job and more like bait.

  Unable to ignore the uneasiness in my chest, I searched online for stories about maid scams. Eventually, I made an anonymous post on Reddit, describing the offer without revealing too many details.

  The responses only left me more conflicted.

  Some people insisted I had stumbled upon the opportunity of a lifetime.

  Others accused me of making the whole story up because no employer would offer such generous benefits.

  A few warned me to trust my instincts.

  By the time I put my phone down, I felt no closer to an answer.

  Now I was having mixed feelings cause it was indeed too good to be true. What if there is a catch? What if my employer was a murderer? Or even a psychopath? What if…

  

  [Honk!] 

  

  My train of thoughts were interrupted when I heard honking outside. The agency told me that the car will arrive at ten.

  

  I looked at the clock and it was exactly ten o’clock.

  

  I got up and looked out at the window and saw a black car waiting outside. I then received a message from the agency saying the car had arrived.

  I closed my eyes for a moment.

  “You can do this, Cassie,” I whispered to myself.

  Then, despite the knot in my stomach, I grabbed my suitcase and headed downstairs.

  …

  As soon as I stepped outside, curious eyes followed me.

  Some of the hostel’s guests watched with obvious envy as the expensive-looking car idled near the curb.

  The rear passenger door opened, and a young man in his late twenties climbed out with an easy smile.

  “Miss Cassandra?”

  “Yes.”

  “I’m Colton.”

  He offered a polite nod before taking my suitcase.

  “I’ll be driving you to the estate.”

  His warm demeanor eased my nerves a little.

  Once my luggage was safely stored in the trunk, we began the journey.

  For nearly an hour, the city gradually faded behind us.

  Towering buildings gave way to quiet roads lined with towering trees and carefully maintained gardens.

  We soon arrived in front of two huge gates, and the moment it opened, I was practically in awe with what I saw. 

  “Wow.”

  Colton chuckled.

  “That’s usually everyone’s first reaction.”

  As we drove deeper into the estate, I admired the breathtaking scenery.

  “It feels like a palace.”

  “In some ways, it is.”

  He smiled.

  “This particular estate belongs to the Valerius family among other estates they possess."

  “The Valerius family?”

  “They’re one of the five most influential families in the world. Sir Azrael is the current head of this estate.”

  I blinked.

  “I’m sorry… I don’t really know much about them, I just came from the country.”

  “Really?” He looked at me weirdly. “I wouldn’t have guessed that at all.” He said, leaving me confused,

  “I grew up working here. Sir Azrael has helped a lot of families over the years, including mine.”

  The respect in his voice was unmistakable.

  Who exactly was this boss of ours?

  Before long, the mansion stood directly before us.

  I swallowed hard as we stopped in front of the huge mansion.

  

  It was modern with a touch of archaic design. Beautiful cannot even encompass the beauty of this place.

  

  “Let’s go. My mom is waiting for you.” Colton said.

  

  …

  

  Before we even reached the front steps, an elderly woman marched toward us.

  Her expression was stern enough to make me instinctively straighten my posture.

  “You’re late.”

  “Mam, it’s barely ten.”

  “You know I dislike tardiness.”

  Colton sighed dramatically.

  “Sir Azrael isn’t even home.”

  She shot him a look that immediately silenced him.

  Then her attention shifted to me.

  “So you’re the new maid.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  Without warning, she took my hand.

  Her sharp eyes carefully examined my face before studying my hands.

  “You don’t look like someone who’s worked this kind of job.”

  I blinked.

  “I’m sorry?”

  “Your hands are soft.”

  She frowned thoughtfully.

  “And your complexion…”

  She looked almost puzzled.

  “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you came from a wealthy family.”

  Heat rose to my cheeks.

  People had always commented on my appearance.

  My aunt often joked that I had inherited everything from my father, especially my unusual golden eyes.

  Unfortunately…

  That was one of the few things I knew about him.

  “I thought the same thing,” Colton admitted.

  His mother immediately smacked his shoulder.

  “Less talking. More parking.”

  He rubbed his arm dramatically before disappearing with the car.

  The woman turned back to me.

  “I’m Elizabeth.”

  “The head housekeeper.”

  Her voice carried quiet authority.

  “Follow me.”

  …

  The interior of the mansion was even more impressive than its exterior.

  Crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead. Elegant paintings decorated the walls. Every piece of furniture looked carefully selected. 

  As we walked through the grand hallway, one portrait immediately caught my attention.

  It was a family portrait. Everyone looked dignified. Powerful. But my eyes were drawn to the young man standing near the front. He was tall, confident, and incredibly handsome.

  His hazel eyes looked almost alive. There was something strangely familiar about him. 

  Did I see him before? 

  Sigh. What am I thinking? It’s impossible for me to have met an aristocrat like him.

  “Cassie.”

  Elizabeth’s voice snapped me back to reality.

  “Don’t fall behind.”

  “Sorry.”

  She led me downstairs before stopping outside a room near the kitchen.

  “This will be yours.”

  When she opened the door, I froze. The room was far larger than I expected.

  A comfortable bed. A wardrobe. A desk. Even a private bathroom.

  It was nicer than anywhere I had lived before.

  “I know what you’re thinking,” Elizabeth said.

  “The Valerius family takes care of the people who work for them.”

  She fixed me with a firm look.

  “So I expect the same level of dedication in return.”

  “I understand.”

  “There are only three housekeepers assigned here. I’m one of them. My son helps with transportation. And the third housekeeper is Mia, but she is currently on leave since her daughter is sick.”

  She folded her arms.

  “Your responsibilities are simple. Keep the house clean. Assist when instructed. And most importantly…” She looked directly into my eyes. “Respect the rules.”

  I nodded.

  “I have one question.”

  She gestured for me to continue.

  “The agency mentioned that our work hours are only before breakfast and after dinner.”

  “That’s correct.”

  “So… we’re free during the day?”

  “Yes.”

  “But if I ever hear you’ve been causing trouble inside or outside this estate, you’ll be dismissed immediately.” She gave me a sharp look. 

  “…”

  “Understood.”

  “Good.”

  “You’ll start tomorrow.”

  After she left, I released a long breath I hadn’t realized I was holding.

  She was intimidating… But fair.

  For the first time since arriving in the city, I finally allowed myself to believe that maybe everything would work out.

  If I managed my schedule carefully… I could still go back to school.

  …

  I must have fallen asleep while unpacking.

  When I woke up, darkness had already settled outside.

  The mansion was unusually quiet.

  Feeling thirsty, I made my way toward the kitchen and poured myself a glass of water.

  Only then did I realize how hungry I was.

  I wanted to ask before taking any food, but I couldn’t find Elizabeth or Colton anywhere.

  After searching the kitchen, the dining room, and what felt like every hallway in the mansion, I somehow found myself standing in front of a pair of tall glass doors.

  Curiosity got the better of me.

  I pushed one open.

  Cool evening air brushed against my face, and my eyes widened at what I saw.

  “Whoa.”

  An enormous indoor pool stretched before me, its crystal-clear water shimmering beneath the ceiling lights. The room was so elegant that it looked like something out of a luxury resort.

  The surface of the water was perfectly still.

  “Hello?” I called but no one responded.

  No one was here. As I looked around, something caught my eye. 

  A pair of black swimming trunks lay folded on one of the lounge chairs.

  I blinked.

  “Someone forgot these.” I picked them up without thinking.

  They were probably expensive, judging by how soft the fabric felt. Whoever owned them would probably be looking for them later.

  “I’ll just bring these inside before they get misplaced.” I had barely turned around when a loud noise suddenly came from behind me.

  [Splash!]

  I nearly screamed.

  My heart jumped into my throat as I spun around.

  The once-still water rippled violently. Then… Someone emerged from the pool.

  For a split second, my brain refused to process what I was seeing.

  A tall man climbed effortlessly out of the water, droplets cascading down his broad shoulders as he pushed his wet hair back.

  I couldn’t help but be mesmerized by this person. His body was so toned and full of muscle that every movement he made looked like it was out of a movie.

  My eyes travelled from his chest to his abs, I was about to look away but as my eyes drifted lower, I saw the enormous thing that was dangling lifelessly between his legs that made my entire body froze.

  Oh… my… gosh.

  He wasn’t wearing anything!