He is beautiful

Elena's POV

Tall. Brooding. Dark-haired, with an expression carved in marble. His suit molded perfectly to his body, and the air shifted as he stepped in, commanding presence without a word.

Mrs. Hartley rose to her feet and wrapped her arms around him. “My darling.”

He returned the hug briefly, then his gaze moved—and locked onto mine.

My stomach fluttered.

For reasons unknown, my heart skipped a beat. His eyes, perfectly carved eyebrows, dark hair, red small lips, and a perfect jawline...

He is beautiful.

He’s way more handsome in person.

I’ve never seen beauty like his.

It’s safe to say he’s pretty. I mean, those chiseled features did justice to his divine face.

Sebastian and Mrs. Hartley exchanged pleasantries for a while—while I just stood there, admiring him.

Joyful screams filled the living hall as Mena caught sight of Sebastian.

I was stunned. So she could be joyful?

I’m truly amazed.

She threw herself on him for a hug, and he hugged her tightly.

“You were coming home and didn’t feel the need to inform me?” Her lips jutted out in a small pout.

Oh wow.

Mena the storm is this... adoring?

My shock knew no bounds. Smiles were all over her face.

We all stood, waiting for the perfect moment to welcome him. Lisa was at my right, Zara at my left.

After a few seconds of Mena’s dramatic welcome, we greeted him in unison.

“Welcome, sir,” we chorused with a slight bow.

“Thank you,” he responded.

I raised my head to meet his eyes.

His gaze didn’t move—piercing into my soul.

My stomach fluttered once more. My pulse spiked, sending shivers down my spine.

“Where’s Nora?” he asked.

Who’s Nora? I haven’t heard that name before.

“She resigned a few days ago. I hired another housekeeper to fill her space,” Mrs. Hartley replied.

Oh, she’s the one who quit because of Mena’s nonsense.

So he actually pays attention to workers? Impeccable.

Seems he took after Mrs. Hartley—at least one child with manners and concern.

Sebastian gave a curt nod. “I’m off to freshen up,” he said, then walked up to his room.

“What are we having for lunch?” the storm—Mena—asked.

Why ask, though?

Not like she wouldn’t barge in and find out anyway.

Lisa answered. If it were up to me, I’d have played dumb.

Minutes later, Sebastian came downstairs—looking like a vision.

His physique was showcased perfectly by the short-sleeve body-hugging top he wore.

Broad shoulders, well-defined abs, and those arms... got me tripping.

Ugh, my gosh.

This man is sexy.

His presence had me spiraling and flustered all at once.

“Helen, serve the chicken curry,” Lisa ordered. And I obeyed.

I wanted to serve Mrs. Hartley first, but she insisted I serve Sebastian before her.

I had barely placed a few spoons into his soup bowl when he held my hand.

His grip was gentle—yet it gripped my soul.

My stomach fluttered again.

“That’s enough, thanks,” he said.

He let go of my hand, but the damage was done. His touch had already ignited something in me.

Our gazes kept locking throughout lunch—pulling me into a trance.

“He’s your boss’s son,” a subtle voice whispered in my head as my hormones betrayed me—especially when I caught how he took the chicken out of the fork.

Fuck.

I need to get out of here.

The rest of the day passed with him stuck in my mind like a stubborn melody.

What’s wrong with me?

My period was a few days ago, so why this sudden admiration... this fluttering over his physique?

Oh well.

I’m here for work. Nothing else.

---

Sebastian’s POV

She’s just a maid.

But she got my pulse racing.

Her smile... her gaze… did things to me.

Damn.

She’s beautiful—just like her.

The perfect curve, the way she walked, those lips, and that gaze.

I never expected to be intrigued by a maid.

Maids and workers were never on my radar.

But this one—she just tore down that list.

I held her hand at lunch on purpose.

Just to feel that soft, feminine skin.

Succulent.

Irresistible.

My business trip wore me out. Endless meetings, hours of flying. But the moment I saw her—my exhaustion vanished.

I need to see her often. That kind of beauty and curve deserves attention. My attention.

“Sebastian!” Mena called out, snapping me out of my thoughts.

Yeah. Mena—the only one who knew how to drain and brighten me at the same time.

My ever-chaotic little sister.

“Knock, at least.”

“It wasn’t written. Was it?” she threw back, as usual. “Besides, it’s my room too. We both have equal rights, remember?”

Always playing her tricks. Getting under my skin.

“60:40. Remember?” I reminded her.

Sure, the mansion was in both our names. But I had the upper hand.

Not like this chipmunk ever acknowledged that.

“Whatever,” she sneered. “How was the trip? Did you meet any hotties?” she probed.

Oh boy.

She never stops.

“It was a business trip. Not some hookup meet.”

“Even so, I’m sure you saw hot ladies. But you were too work-focused to notice—or even spend a night.”

“Oh wow. Didn’t think of that,” I replied dryly. “Fucking every skirt in sight while I’m busy shouldering multiple companies.”

“You know, sometimes I wonder if you’re straight.”

The fuck?

It’s always the audacity for me.

“Young lady, I don’t need your validation for my sexuality. In fact, I could screw your boyfriend just to prove it.”

“Ew! What the fuck is wrong with you?!”

“Oh? Not doubting anymore?” I smirked.

“I was just looking out for you.”

“Well, thanks... but no thanks.”

“Enjoy your celibate life,” she said, laughing as she walked further in.

Nice one. She played her tricks well.

“Speaking of your boyfriend, when do we get to meet the poor man bold enough to date a chipmunk like you?”

“Well... that’s on pause.”

“Why?” I asked, more curious than I expected.

Her face fell. “Caught him in a compromising situation. With his bestie.”

“Ha. Must’ve taken your foolish advice—screwing around like you always insist I do.”

“Don’t be stupid,” she snapped. “I didn’t encourage that. In fact, I made sure to be spontaneous in bed to satisfy him.”

My little sister... isn’t little anymore.

“He doesn’t deserve you. You’re worth way more than that,” I said, watching her face light up with a smile.

“Smiling like a fish head, I see.”

“We’ve got the same smile, you know,” she sneered, walking out of my room.

Come to think of it…

Maybe I really do need to blow off steam.

It’s been years.

And just like that—she flashed through my mind again.

Yeah.

She’s just... perfect.