Chapter 1

LUMINE MOON

The irritating phone call tone woke me. Ugh... I couldn't even get enough sleep. Who the hell dares to call me this early morning and disturb my sleep? I groaned and reached for my phone above the bedside table. With one eye, I checked which devil dares to wake me.

"It's the devious heiress!"

I fell off the bed, but like a ninja, I quickly got on my feet. I checked the screen again. Waaa! It really is her! In fear, I throw my phone to only the devil knows where after knowing which devil called me.

It's none other than Raiden Morningstar, the devious heiress!

So it wasn't a dream?! I really made a contract with the devious heiress?? Ugh, I'm so dead!

I clasped my hands and prayed: "O, angels in the corners, hear my pledge. If you're kind enough, please kindly prepare my coffin. I don't want to die just rotting somewhere caused by the devious heiress. I want my body resting comfortably in peace too."

When silence reigned over my foolishness, "Ugh, I'm hopeless!" In haste, I ran to the bathroom and took a shower. I transformed into my usual college outfit: jeans and shirt and university jacket. My stomach was growling when I'm tying my shoelace. Forget about breakfast, all I care about is to still feel the morning sunshine tomorrow. I have to survive today!

Hopefully, my apartment is close to the university. The most prestigious Morningstar University.

I may not be rich enough to afford the tuition fees but my brain can afford it. Yes, I'm a scholar. My brain is my only income to afford that school. It is my dream to study at Morningstar, so whatever circumstances I will encounter, I have to swallow my patience and always think positively.

Speaking of scholarship... I met the devious heiress and agreed to her contract.

{ flashback }

A few weeks ago. Morningstar University's spring semester has ended. It's time for the student to relax the mind and body from the draining classes. However, it is the opposite for me. Living alone, I'm working with all my energy to earn money for my daily needs.

I left home long ago. My mother was mad at me. And is still now. Because I follow the path where I can find my father. The world of art. My father left us years ago to fulfill his dream. It was selfish of him to leave us, but still, I want to bring him back. That is the reason why I follow his path. To be in the same world as him, so I can easily reach him, bring him back to my mother's embrace, and complete our family.

All these years, I endured all the pain. I swallowed my pride and patience to finish high school. I stood for myself alone, surviving in the cruel world. Now I'm at university. In a few more years, I can complete our family.

I miss home. But I have to endure more. My younger brother, Aether, keeps me updated about my mother, it is enough to keep my heart at peace. I'm glad he does not hate me. I left home after an argument with my mother, I couldn't give him a proper goodbye. We are still in contact and meet once in a while. He sends me food and always reminds me to watch over my health.

With determination and fate, somehow, I was able to overcome the hardship of having no guardians supporting me. I have been working as a cashier in a chicken restaurant. The manager is good to me and I received enough payments for my rent and daily needs.

I checked the customers. It is already ten in the evening yet a few customers are still eating. The counter is closed, however. Soon we will be closing the restaurant. I'm so tired and sleepy. I want to go home so badly right now.

"Excuse me."

The customer on the corner wearing a black hoodie with a black cap raises her hand. She is a regular customer. Our eyes meet. Does she want me to come to her? She likes ketchup so I always have an extra bottle for her on the counter. After all, she is a regular customer. I grabbed the bottle of ketchup and approached her table. The counter is closed, so I can leave.

When I got closer, the customer and the waiter were not having the best communication.

"I'm sorry ma'am, but we are out of ketchup."

"Are you kidding me?"

"Excuse me, ma'am." I interrupted. "I'm sorry for the inconvenience, here is your ketchup." I place the bottle of ketchup on the table with a smile. I noticed how her eyes scanned my body from head to toe. Oh, she's a fierce character. I nudged the waiter to apologize.

"My sincerest apology, ma'am." He apologized.

The customer crossed her arms above her chest. "I can't accept your apology. I have lost my appetite, you may go." She shoo the waiter away using her hand.

I watched him leave and face the customer. "Is there anything else you need, ma'am?"

"Wrap this for me."

"Will do, ma'am." I smiled as I carried the tray back to the kitchen.

Damn, she's scary.

"Are you okay?" I asked the waiter.

"Yes, no worries. Let me wrap that, your eyes are about to fall."

"Thank you."

I changed into the locker and left the restaurant through the back door. The restaurant is near the apartment I stayed at, so I travel here and there on foot. When I took the shortcut, my hand dragged me to the dark alley.

"Let me go!" I struggled but there are four of them. I recognized these voices. They do like to make fun of me. Why are they so bored with their life?!

"How dare you raise your voice, you peasant!"

I was pushed into the wall and received a few slaps on my face.

"I can't believe it ㅡ how did you manage to enter Morningstar?  Someone like you as cheap as the restaurant you are working at ㅡ was able to study at a prestigious university. What did you do? I bet your IQ is as short as your height."

They laughed.

"Aren't you talking to yourself?" I fired back confidently.

"What did you say?" She sounded irritated.

"You're rich, yes. You're tall, yes. But no money can buy you an IQ. And I bet, your IQ is shorter than my height."

"How dare you talk back!" She raised her hand to slap me.

I was ready to receive another slap, but nothing landed on my face.

"What theㅡ"

A hand gripped her wrist from behind. I could not descry the person.

"RㅡRaiden Morningstar..." One of them.

Did I hear it right? There is no one else in this town who owns that name. I have heard her name before, but I haven't seen her face. I'm so focused on my goal to even care about knowing other people. As I know, she is the granddaughter of the owner of Morningstar University. Just one twerk and it can be hers. She is known as the devious heiress and nobody has ever blocked her way.

"What do you think you four parasites are doing right now? Stop playing games and disappear from my sight." Raiden said in a calm yet cold voice.

It was enough to drive the bullies away.

"TㅡThank you..." I uttered: fighting the pain in my lower lip.

She takes a step closer.

Her this close, I descry her face. She is... that regular customer.

"I don't think you're sincere enough." 

"I, I am..." I don't have enough sleep these days. If she does not appear, I surely will pass out. "I'm really thankful..."

She did not answer right away. Her eyes were buried in mine as if in deep thought.

After a long silence, "Sincerely..." I added.

"If you're really thankful, I can't accept it just like that. You have to work on it."

"Eh? How...?"

"I know who you are. Lumine Moon ㅡ 19 years of age. A freshman at Morningstar University, majoring in Fiber Arts. I bet you already recognized who I am and my reputation in the university you are attending. In that case, you will do as I say. In payment, I will contribute to your fees and scholarship ㅡ you don't have to work anymore."

"Are you telling me... to become your... slave...?"

"You are indeed smart. I'm gonna make this simple for you. You have two choices. Yes or yes?"

"Yes!" Waa! I didn't just say that! "Wait! No, I don'tㅡ"

My mouth was shut by hers.

My eyes widened. She kissed me!

She detached.

A victory smirk curved on her lips.

"Contract sealed."

{ end of flashback }

What did I do to deserve this?! Oh, holy beings I apologize for my thoughts but I hate rich brats. They use their power against poor people and that includes me.

I released a deep sigh in the air as I ran my way to the university. If only she didn't blackmail me, I wouldn't agree to be her slave, but my future is in her hands now.

What choice do I have?

After that night. I halted my steps upon recalling the scenario when she saved me. That night when she kissㅡ damn it! That night when she sealed the contract, she kept on sending gifts to my workplace. However, it is not the gift anyone will expect. It was more like blackmail!

That devious heiress has a copy of my scholarship files. She even took a picture of herself holding it wearing an evil grin on her face. Not just that. One night she came to my workplace and purposely made a scene at the counter. When she was paying with her card, out of the blue for no reason at all she begin shouting at me like a mad customer. She was sprouting my non-existing mistake and even called my manager to talk.

Later that night. For what reason, I was fired!

I got fired because of that devious heiress!

Huff. Okay, Lumine Moon, calm down. I inhale and exhale.

I regretted giving her that ketchup. Had I gone home early, those girls would have not caught me in my way. Would it really change a thing if I had not? Or is this really the fate I should face?... Who would have thought that regular customer was Raiden Morningstar? The girl that everyone doesn't want to bump into, but guess what? I guess heaven wasn't on my side to become her slave.

When I arrived at the floor, I could hear her roar from the hallways.

"Where are you, Lumine Moon!!!"

Ack! She's angry! I hastily ran to the room and slammed open the door. "I'm here!" Hands resting on my knees, I chase my breath. Ugh... I need oxygen, I'm near my death!

Raiden was intensely staring at me: eyebrows arching in fury. She was sitting in the chair in the middle of this empty room. She had her arms and legs crossed.

I can tell she is completely annoyed by me. It has been thirty minutes since I received those missed calls. She hates it so much when her calls are left unanswered in under a second.

"What time do you think it is?"

I checked my phone. "It isㅡ" I immediately shut my mouth when I received goosebumps from the deadly stare. I gulped and straightened my posture and told her my reasons. "I mean, it is still six in the morning and the class will start later at nine. I was still in my deep sleep when you spammed with calls."

"Tsk! How dare you make a reason. Being my slave, you should wake up in the time I gave you. Oh well... since this is your first day as my slave, I will let you off this time, but no more excuses next time or you are out of this university."

I can feel my soul flying away from my body. I sigh secretly and nod. "Yes, master."

"Good." She responded in a dry tone.

Somehow, her expression has calmed down.

"So... Why did you call me this early?"

She just answers by shifting her eyes to the things above the table. There was an envelope, a cake with a lit candle, and a velvet blue jewelry box.

"What are those for?"

"You have feet for a reason. Go ahead and check it for yourself."

I obeyed with mixed emotions of excitement and nervousness. I'm having a bad feeling about what is before my eyes. I walked to the table. I read what was written on the cake, but I couldn't read it. It was written in Japanese characters. She has a half-blood.

"Uh..." I turned my face to her. "What does it mean, Raiden?"

She raised an eyebrow and rose from the seat. She walked toward me without breaking eye contact. "First of all. We are not that close for you to call me by my first name. Second," she paused and looked at the cake. "That means: Welcome to Hell."

I gulped. Why did I end up being under her hands? Just by the thought of 'welcome to hell' I don't think my life will last longer.

"Now open the envelope".

I shifted my eyes at the envelope. I reached for it, opened it, and read. Rules were written above and below are our names for the signature.

There are five rules written:

Talk back and you're dead. I won't accept lame excuses. You better don't lie to me.

Be there on time when I need you or you'll wake up one day in hell.

Don't leave my side unless I say so. Just as simple as that.

I owned you so I can do whatever I want for you. You don't have a choice but to follow my commands.

You are mine. Only mine, Lumine Moon. So better be loyal to your master or you're out in Morningstar.

I gulped upon reading the rules. It makes me tremble just by reading the rules. This is too much! Huhu!

I faced her. "What do I get from following your orders?"

"Free study in Morningstar." She plainly responded.

"Aside from that," I had something in my mind and I'm curious as hell. "What exactly is your point in doing this? Who knows if I will transfer to another school and look for a job again to support myself?"

"I know you can't transfer to another university."

How can she respond so calmly and confidently?

"How can you be so sure about that? I can study at another university though."

"As simply said, you must stay in this university and must graduate in this university because it is the best university for you to bring back the piece that was lost."

The piece that was lost?... I frowned. Did she dig my background that far?... I drop my gaze to the floor. "What do you even know about me," I mumbled.

She was right about it. I wanted to bring the lost piece back, but that lost piece has torn my heart. Not just mine, but my mother and brother too.

After calming myself, I raise my gaze back at her. "If that's really what you believed, so be it. What about the first question?" I raise an eyebrow.

She did not respond, just staring at me for a long second. Then she begins taking steps forward without breaking her stare. I was intimidated by her actions which made me step back until my back hit the table. She pillared her hands on my sides: cornering me and leaned her face closer to my ears.

"You will know at the right time."

I can feel a surging heat on my face from the close contact and when her whisper tickles my ear. This close, I can feel how warm her body was. I can't help reacting to it.

She leaned away and opened the box. There are two rings inside. She took my hand and inserted a ring on my ring finger. It is a plain silver ring with another Japanese alphabet written around it.

"This ring means you are tied to me. Lost it and you will take the most unexpected punishment."

"Unexpected punishment? What punishment is worse than this? Being your slave doing this and that is already a punishment." I mumbled the last sentence.

"Stop mumbling and dissing me. I'm evil, yes. I'm a bad person, yes. And so? You don't have a choice cause I own you. Whenever you stare at me with an obvious look in your eyes, I can tell your thoughts. The next time you dismiss me, I will guarantee you a not-so-sweet punishment."

I pout. Never thought I would get busted. I feel like being scolded by my parents. Ugh... O, ground, swallow me now.

"Come to your senses and let's proceed to your place." She begins walking out of the room.

I shook my head to regain my senses. "Wait ㅡ What? My place?" I carried the cake, envelope, and box, and followed her out. "Why would you come to my place?"

"I have wasted my precious time waiting for you. In exchange, you will pay for the waste. As you said, the class will start at nine, so I will take my rest in your place at the moment."

"But do you know where my house is?" I quicken my pace. She walked too fast! Or is it just because my legs are short and so are my steps?

"For someone smart ㅡ you sure don't have common sense, don't you? Obviously, you will lead the way." She rolls her eyes.

I pout at the hurtful words. Ugh, yeah right! "I said so."

When we exited the campus, I led the way. My apartment is just in the corner of the area. In a minute, we arrived at my apartment. We stop at my unit door. I was struggling to open it because of the stuff I was carrying.

Ugh! This devious heiress did not even help me!

I turned to face her and was about to ask for help ㅡ but when I realized how close our face was, I immediately turned my face away. I didn't know she was standing behind me.

I feel a sudden heat growing inside me. Was it because of her gaze? I think I was just intimidated. However, her gaze was different just now. It was warm and filled with security. I turned my head over my shoulder again, trying to witness those eyes ㅡ but guess what?

She raised an eyebrow. "Don't expect me to help you." She speaks so emotionlessly.

I will take back what I said! She's not warm at all!

The doorknob creates a clicking sound.

Ugh, finally the door is open. I pushed the door using my feet. The devious heiress behind me did not even have a little heart to help me at the moment! I walked in, proceeded to my kitchen, and placed the cake on the table.

I heard the door shut followed by a tiring sigh. I returned to the living room and found the devious wandering her eyes in every corner of the room.

My apartment is not big. I don't have someone to share the space with. I don't have many things, just clothes, and a few items. I eat outside so I don't use the kitchen. Yet I have a water boiler for hot drinks. The room is maintained clean and neat.

I didn't utter a word, letting her roam.

Afterward, she sat comfortably on the sofa: crossed arms and legs. I heard her let out a sigh again. She looked so tired. She shut her eyes and gently rubbed her temple.

What's wrong with her? Did she really wait for a long time? Did she get tired because of me?

I suddenly felt guilty seeing her like this.

Wait... It's not my fault... Ugh... Was it really not?

"For how long will you keep staring at me and standing there like a creep? Aren't you going to make tea for me?"

I was about to curse myself for making someone wait and tired, but when she said that ㅡ I changed my mind! Why should I get worried over someone as arrogant as her? Tsk.

I turned back to the kitchen without saying a word. Ugh... I'm so annoyed. She makes me so annoyed every time. It is her specialty.

I plugged the coffee maker, poured water into it, and put in a bag of Jasmine tea. Of all tea, I love drinking Jasmine tea. It is subtly sweet and highly fragrant. As I waited for the droplets to finish, I mumbled different kinds of spells to punish that devious heiress.

"Shimmie shimmie kokobop," I mumbled the last spell, but of course who am I kidding? I'm not some sort of witch or something with power.

After a minute, the tea is done. I grab a teacup, and teaspoon, and put them in a tray as well as the glass carafe. With all my strength I carefully carry it into the living room and place it on the glass center table.

I now only realized Raiden was already laying down on the sofa: arms still crossed above her chest. The sofa just exactly fit her height and the devious heiress I saw earlier disappeared ㅡ had turned into an angel.

No kidding. She looked so angelic right now.

How can it be possible for someone to look like an angel?

Her skin looked so soft. I had this strange curiosity to touch it. But nope ㅡ what am I thinking? To be honest, I wish she was still like this when she is awake. I know that is far from possible. However, I do still believe that there is still a softness remaining in her heart.

"Do you stare at people as a habit or not ㅡ are you planning in your mind how to kill me?" She said as she sat up, rubbing her nape.

That startled me! My soul nearly leaves my body. I wasn't aware she was awake. I should not have assumed! That softness belief is way far from possible! I really can't understand this arrogant and devious heiress. Tsk!

"No, I wasn't. I just thought you needed some rest, so I did not disturb you." I sat on the couch across from hers and poured tea into her cup.

She remained silent. Her gaze was focused on what I was doing.

"Where is the cake?" She looked at me emotionlessly. "I didn't buy it just to display it on your cheap table."

I gave her a smug face as she said those harsh words. I get on my feet to prepare her a slice. I stamp my feet on each of my steps as I head to the kitchen. Ugh! She never fails to get on my nerves!

I inhale and exhale. Alright, Lumine. Just calm down. You will get used to her arrogance one day. Just bear her frostbite words to save our dream.

I return to the living room, carrying a plate with a slice of cake. She was having tea. I put the cake in front of her. She takes a bite of the cake without saying thank you. Only someone as arrogant and sadistic as her can do that.

Yeah, right? ㅡ She's my master, I get it. I don't deserve thanks. I rolled my eyes from my thoughts. Nevertheless, she did well today. The cake has a strawberry flavor and I like it. My ultimate favorite is strawberry. Thanks to it, my day will not be as tiring as it is. I got my favorite to energize me.

I also started drinking tea. I was hungry since I did not have time to eat when I rushed to meet her. However, my appetite has gone because of the crazy thoughts in my head. Letting a devil walk into my place is not a good idea. What if she will murder me here: put me in a suitcase or just leave my lifeless body in the bathtub? I gulped over my horror imagination.

I take a sip of the tea. Slowly, I crawl my eyes at her. To my surprise, she was glaring at me. She looked so mad. I looked away. I think my body will be burned by her glare. What's the matter with her again??

She places the cup of tea down. I could tell even without looking directly.

"Did I not tell you?"

Her voice was calm. Yet I could feel my life is on the edge of her tongue. I immediately look at her.  She rose from her seat without taking her eyes off me: looking down at me with a burning glare. She took a step closer. I can feel my body shivering a little.

What is it now?? What did I do to anger her??

I couldn't read what was inside her mind. This devious heiress is so hard to read. No wonder no one has gotten on her nerves. Well, except me. I sighed at the harsh truth.

"Have you forgotten already?" She continued.

Her gaze was like caging me. I tried to shift my eyes somewhere else but I ended up looking at her. I couldn't escape her gaze. No matter how I tried to look away, her gaze is pulling me back to hers. She rested both hands on the couch's arm supporter: completely cornering me.

Is this it? Am I going to die now? What did I do? What's happening?! My head spun like crazy just at the thought of the end of me. Oh, god, spare my life. I'm still young, huhu.

"Stop talking inside your head if it is about me. Was I not clear enough a minute ago? Even if you don't voice it out, I could read it in your eyes." She paused, eyes on me still.

I just noticed that those eyes suddenly become... saddened? Just a moment ago, her eyes were flaming. Why are they glum right now? What's wrong with her exactly?! Am I going to die now ㅡ that's why she's looking at me like that?! I gulped. I could feel my eyes become watery.

She leans closer to my left ear and whispers words I barely understand. Her warm breath coming from her mouth was distracting my sense of focus. It's giving me chills all over my body. She pulled back and stood straight. I looked at her after quickly regaining my senses, but I wasn't able to see her face as she had her back facing me. I was about to ask her what she whispered but she was already pacing towards the front door.

Hand on the knob, she turned her head a bit to her left side without directly facing me. "I enjoyed the tea. See you around the campus."

The door shut with force.

That scared me. She was really mad... I wander my eyes around the room to assure reality. I was indeed alone. I shift my eyes to the teacups in front of me. What had just happened? Why did she suddenly leave?

I frowned in confusion: trying to recall the words I have said. As I remember, I said nothing, but it was true I did talk in my head. Am I too obvious for her to read my thoughts?

A smile formed on my lips. I just made the devious heiress Raiden Morningstar out of my house. Does this mean I won? Will she not bother me again? Is the contract already canceled? Should I throw a party? I chuckled from my little happiness.

By the thought of it, recalling the look in her eyes, I am really bothered by her sudden change of emotion. I mean, it is not likely for someone like her to have that side. And also... the words she whispered. I did hear it, but I couldn't clearly understand why. And her sudden walk out.

Ugh! I can't really understand her! Is she on her period or something? Or not ㅡ is she a tsundere? Why does her mood change from time to time?

I take a deep breath.

I still don't understand her clearly, but what I am sure of is, my life won't be like the life I imagined before. It will not be as simple and easy as it is. I have learned that knowing or meeting a new character in your life has to do with your future. And so it is true, that devious heiress is already holding my future.

This is our first meeting being master and slave. Meeting her today was already hard. I know the upcoming days being with her ㅡ being under her power to be exact ㅡ will be the toughest times of my life.

I sighed and rested my elbows in my lap, covering my face with my palms. I silently groaned hopelessly.

Better prepare yourself, Lumine.