Chapter 1

Seven years ago...

Freya's p.o.v

"Everyone gather around, " Agnes clapped her hands as all the maids assembled at the staff quarters, meters away from the kitchen.

It is only 9:00 in the morning and everyone as usual, are changed into their maid attires and frock—a typical situation for every worker at the Slade's mansion before leaving for their duty post. It is not unusual to have Agnes summon us this way, for it could only mean one thing.

An emergency or important guest arrival.

And as the head maid of the Slade's mansion, it is only normal and ideal she informs us before hand about whatever it is.

Everyone settled in the staff quarters in no time and Agnes began her announcement.

"Today, we will be having an important guest in our midst. Mr. Edmond's eldest son will be arriving from abroad and I want to make it clear to everyone of you that there will be zero tolerance for procrastination or laziness," Agnes's stern face warned, then turned to Juliana. "I hope you understand what that means?"

Everyone chuckled. No doubt, Juliana can be slow with her duties sometimes and that irks Agnes a lot. Poor woman! I don't blame her. She is a single mother and would usually take care of her two kids at home before coming to work.

I could see the hurt in Juliana's eyes, but it seems my smile and facial expression of her not taking it personal calmed her a bit. Thus, reciprocating me with a smile.

"Now, everyone go back to your duty post. But we shall be assembling back by 11:00 except for Alice and Gwen who might still probably be busy with the meal preparation. However, it shouldn't exceed 12— both with the meal preparation and setting the diner. He will be arriving by 12:30 and I want everything perfect before then. Understood?"

"Yes, Agnes ma'am," Everyone chorused.

"You are all dismissed."

Everyone dispersed to their line of duty, but Agnes called me behind. "You. Come here," she signalled at me.

"Mr. Edmond's son is a big fan of neatness and God forbid a situation where he arrives and complains about the slightest dust— even just on a finger."

"Yes, ma'am," I nodded.

"You will be in charge of his room from this moment onward, till he returns. I'm sure the room is pretty much in a mess with cobwebs and dust roaming the air already and I know it's a lot of work. But please, do what ever it takes to see that it's cleaned to perfection, not close to but perfection!"

Again, I nodded.

I am just a year old at the Slade's and even though it's true that the house is as huge as a titanic, I can't ignore the fact that some rooms have been left untouched —locked and left the way it was for as long as I can remember.

I heaved a sigh, steeling my mind and self for what lies ahead.

Agnes handed me a key. "Here is the key to the room. It's six rooms away from the study upstairs."

I retrieved the key from Agnes's hand and with that being said she left.

I packed the necessary materials and equipments needed for the cleaning the room outside first as it door swung open. My jaw dropped at the glimpse of the view in front of me.

Damn Freya. This is going to be a lot, lot, lot and lot of work.

I ignored the condition of the room and began to clean, starting with getting rid of the cobwebs first with the broom. The king size bed was a complete mess and in one swift, I took off the bedding, removing the bed sheets.

Minutes turned into hours and hours into deadline. I look up to see what says the time.

10.30 a.m.. Good, Freya. Good.

I finished my entire cleaning ten minutes later, laying a new sheet over the bed and taking note of the surroundings for any signs of dirt or dust. None.

Perfect!

I returned the equipments back to the store before heading back to the staff quarters as told.

Agnes entered shortly after.

"Good job everyone..."

Agnes's speech was cut short by the car honk heard from outside.

"Well, that's it I guess. Here comes Mr. Edmond's son, everyone," Agnes said, excusing herself.

"I heard he's been in the States since like age ten and Martha didn't want him back home anytime soon," Gloria, one of the workers at Slade's known for her busybody, lies and backbiting, murmured to two other girls next to her.

I shook my head at the lies that comes out of that lady's mouth sometimes. How can a mother not be happy to see her own child after so many years?

"I heard he's hot too and looks pretty much like Mr.Edmond," Camilla, one of the two girls chuckled out loudly like an idiot.

The second girl fanned her body with her hands as if the air conditioner around only made her hot. "Oh, God. I can't wait to see him then," she swooned.

"What a pity!" Juliana said as she stood beside me at a distance in the quarters where I am standing. "Bunch of fools those one."

I raised my brow and smiled, attesting to the truth behind what Juliana had just said.

"How are your kids?" I inquired, changing the subject. "And how's your son's health?"

"They are doing fine. He is a lot better now. Thanks Freya, "Juliana said. "How's your grandma too?"

"Ah, grandma's kicking— hale and hearty as always,"we giggled.

Juliana was the first person I met when I started my job at the Slade's mansion and we have been nothing but close friends ever since.

"Hey, Freya. Hey,Juliana," Craig, one of the many gardners at Slade's greeted. He is a year older than me and had told me about him being interested in me one time, but I declined.

I discovered that not only does he have a pregnant girlfriend, but also for a fact that I'm not attracted to him in any way at all.

But still, he persist. And that only gives me the slightest irk.

"Hey, Craig," Juliana replied and I kept schtum, not saying any word.

"Hey, Freya. Are you mad at me or something? I just..."

I felt my blood began to boil at his question and as my gaze fell on him to reply him, Agnes's presence cut me off instead, causing me to back down.

"For those who still haven't finished with their duties, you all may go back to continuing and you Freya come with me now."

My heart skipped. "I'm in trouble. Could I be in trouble? " my inner self kept chanting. "What could I have possibly done wrong to warrant such attention or urgency?"

I kept swallowing as I trail behind Agnes. She paused.

"Freya, I need you to take the mop, broom and everything you need and go now to Mr. Edmond's son's room to clean the mess there."

My heartbeat raced normally again.

"I had thought that I had done something wrong or that my cleaning wasn't up to satisfaction."

"There's absolutely no cause for alarm. You did well. There was just a minor accident that's all."

I did as told and in no time I was back in his room. The smell of the scent that welcomed me captivated my senses—it was manly, sweet and inviting. I took it all in. As I stand behind the door, my gaze fell on him.

His back.

I stood frozen in sheer admiration as his broad shoulders tapered down to his chiseled back, the muscles flexing with each movement. He should be at least "6'5. His dark blond hair accentuated his good posture and fit physique, adding to his allure, and making my heart skip a beat.

I felt a flutter in my chest at the glance of the Dybala tattoo on his left hand and I gasped as my eyes continued to trace the lines of his back—the way his muscles shifted beneath his skin.

It felt surreal. Like I had been caught under a spell, unable to tear my gaze away from the sight of him. I felt a sense of vulnerability wash over me as I felt drawn to him in a way I couldn't explain — a way that made me feel both excited and terrified.

His view from behind was more than just a physical sight. It was a glimpse into the kind of man he probably is: strong, confident and captivating. I thought that will be all.

...Until he turned around.