The next day, I actually woke up before my alarm clock went off. That never happens, so yeah, miracle status. I got ready, slipped into my maid uniform after a quick shower, and stepped out of my room.Tiffany passed me in the hallway and greeted me. I grinned and greeted her back. The hallway was quiet—too quiet. When I reached the Servant's Hall, I spotted Miss Pen talking to the executive chef, and they looked deep in convo.The moment she saw me, Miss Pen dismissed the chef and walked toward me. Her eyes scanned me from head to toe."Amara, change into something casual. You're no longer working as a maid."My jaw dropped. I automatically covered my mouth in shock. Was this why Ryou didn't yell at me last night? Because he was planning to fire me? Was he seriously kicking me out?"Wait... am I being asked to leave the mansion?" I asked, double-checking.Miss Pen chuckled and shook her head. "You're not being kicked out. You’ll still be staying here, just not as one of the staff."M
dad left after our talk. I tried to convince him to stay the night, but he insisted he had work on the farm—something about planting rice and pineapples tomorrow. Even if I wanted him to stay, I knew he wouldn’t, so I didn’t push it.Before long, I heard footsteps behind me.“Amara, come to the dining hall. Dinner’s ready.”It was Miss Pen’s voice. I turned to see her standing by the stairs, waiting like she already knew my real name. Honestly, I wasn’t surprised anymore—probably everyone in the mansion knew who I really was.I walked toward her but kept my eyes on the floor. I stopped right in front of her, waiting for her to say something—anything—but she just gestured for me to follow her to dinner.As we walked, I wondered why she didn’t ask or get mad at me for lying and messing everyone over.“Oh, and after dinner, you’ll be moving to your new room upstairs,” she added.My feet froze. She kept walking, but when she noticed I wasn’t following, she glanced back.“Why do I have to
I stood frozen at the front door, heart pounding as I stared at the man I never thought I’d see again—my father.He stood up quickly and rushed toward me, pulling me into a tight hug.I glanced over at Ryoushin, who was watching us with a serious, unreadable look.When he caught me staring, he turned away and walked toward the stairs. Lorenzo followed close behind.Miss Pen gently tapped my arm before my dad and I were left alone.“Hey, kiddo. How have you been?” he asked, cupping my cheeks in his hands.I just stared back, disbelief heavy in my chest—couldn’t believe he was actually here.Slowly, I pushed his hands away and swallowed the lump blocking my throat.“What are you doing here?” I finally asked.He didn’t answer right away. Instead, he pulled me down beside him on the couch.“Didn’t Mr. Castillian tell you I’m here?”I looked away, crossing my legs tightly. So he did know I was here, but kept it from me. My grip on my dress tightened. I heard him sigh.“I never expected you
He set me down on the ground, but I almost collapsed into a sitting position. I felt soft and soggy—like overcooked spaghetti noodles. Good thing I grabbed onto his arm tight before I totally melted.Once I caught my strength back, I pinched him hard.“Could’ve at least told me,” I grumbled, snatching up the plastic bag I’d dropped earlier.He chuckled quietly. I gave him a sharp glare.“Tss. At least we got out.”“Should I be thanking you for that?” I shot back sarcastically, fixing my messy hair.I glanced around the apartment and noticed the window we’d come through was now closed.“Was that you?” I pointed.He just nodded.At this point, I wouldn’t be shocked if one day he could fly a freaking car.I hurried him ahead because Bubbles had been sniffing us nonstop, and I didn’t want any nosy neighbors or other tenants spotting us.“Where’s Lorenzo waiting?” I asked, glancing back at him.He followed close behind, took the two heavy plastic bags from me, and carried them with one han
I couldn’t even find my voice. My hands were shaking—guilt, worry, nerves all crashing over me like a tidal wave.She walked right into my room and shut the door behind her. Locked door? Yeah, I have no idea how she managed that.“E-Elyse…” I stammered.She smirked, then turned her gaze to the guy next to me. The smile dropped. She straightened up, folding her arms like a pro.“So… what do we have here?” Her voice was sharp. My mouth wanted to open, but Ryoushin stepped right in front of me, blocking the way.I peeked at Elyse from behind him and caught her serious stare locked on Ryoushin. Their eyes met like they were silently trading secrets. I frowned and saw her clench her fist.“See? I knew it. You’re not human,” Elyse said, half teasing but dead serious enough to make my lips tremble.“W-what do you mean?” I barely managed.Ryoushin’s fist clenched too, but he didn’t say a word. Elyse stopped laughing, adjusted her glasses, then gave me a cold warning.“Alright. I’ll leave you
I plopped the plate of food on the bed and set the glass of water on top of the cabinet. Without a word, I grabbed a slice of bread, shoved some pancit canton in the middle, and handed it to him like it was a gourmet meal.He stared at it like it was a piece of alien tech.“What is that?” he asked, nose scrunched in total offense.“It’s food,” I deadpanned.“You call this food?” he said, practically gagging at the sight of noodles stuffed in bread.I rolled my eyes so hard I almost saw my past mistakes. “What do you think it is, a chew toy?” I shot back, my tone full of sarcasm.He clicked his tongue and tilted his head. “No crème brûlée French toast? No tartine? Not even a croissant?”I stared at him, unblinking.Oh. My. God.What else did I expect from Ryoushin Luchiano Castillian—a man who probably thinks “brunch” is a basic human right?I snatched the noodle sandwich out of his hand and crossed my arms. “FYI, Mr. Castillian, this isn’t your bougie-ass mansion. So quit acting like