THE INTERVIEW

Aaron

The Uber slowed to a stop, and for a full five seconds, I forgot how to breathe.

There it was—

Z Mansion.

Towering. Extravagant. Beautiful in a way that felt impossible.

It rose from the ground like a dark crystal palace, all sharp lines, tall glass panels, and glowing gold lights running along the edges like veins of wealth.

Nothing about it said “home.”

Everything about it said power.

The gates opened before I even stepped out of the car. Silent. Smooth. Almost… welcoming.

Or warning.

I gripped my bag tighter and walked through the entrance path, feeling like an ant crawling into a dragon’s den. The doors of the mansion were tall enough to swallow me whole.

Then they opened.

A man stepped out.

Tall. Clean-cut. Sharp suit. Eyes that didn’t smile.

“Aaron?”

His voice carried authority and quiet threat.

“Yes… That’s me.”

He nodded once. “Good. I am Z Slate. “You’re quite early”

I forced a chuckle.

“You know what they say about the early birds”

He stared blankly like he was clueless about what I was saying.

“Early bed gets the worm,” I said.

“What worm,”

“Come on, even a two-year-old knows that” I replied.

His gaze stayed on me too long scanning my face.

“Follow me”

I followed him into the mansion, trying not to stare at everything—dark marble floors, golden pillars, glass stairs, a chandelier that probably cost more than my entire life.

Slate didn’t look back as he walked.

“Z has instructed that your duties be explained immediately.”

My heart hammered. “Duties?”

“Yes.”

We turned into a long hallway lit by warm amber lighting.

“You will clean. Wash. Organize. Ensure every corner of this mansion is kept to Z’s standard.”

“What standard is that?” I asked carefully.

Slate didn’t pause. “Perfection. No excuses.”

I swallowed.

“And cooking,” he continued. “Simple meals unless instructed otherwise. You will be given menus and schedules.”

So this was real.

A mansion job.

A mysterious employer.

Responsibilities are way bigger than my paycheck at the club.

“And,” Slate added, “you report directly to me. No one else. All orders from Z come through me. All questions go to me. Understood?”

I nodded slowly. “Yes.”

“Good.”

We reached a large study room with tall shelves and a long black table. Slate placed a folder on it and slid it toward me.

“Your contract.”

I sat down. The paper felt thick, expensive, intimidating. Everything inside the folder was neat—typed duties, salary information, and rules.

Rules like:

– No exploring private wings.

– No asking personal questions about Z.

– No unapproved communication.

– No leaving without notice.

– Immediate dismissal for breaking any rule.

I exhaled.

“This is… a lot.”

“It is simple,” Slate corrected. “Follow the contract, and your life becomes easier. Z rewards loyalty generously.”

His tone left no room for negotiation.

I picked up the pen.

My hand trembled.

Just a little.

Then I signed.

Slate collected the papers immediately.

“We’ll review and get back to you within twenty-four hours. Until then, follow your normal schedule and wait for our message.”

That was it.

No welcome.

No handshake.

No glimpse of Zayden.

Nothing.

I stood, staring around the mansion one last time.

“I won’t meet him?” I asked before thinking.

Slate’s eyes sharpened. “No. Not until he decides it.”

“But he offered me the job—”

“And he also decides when you’re worthy of his presence,” Slate said, cutting me off. “You may go.”

My cheeks warmed.

Worthy?

Of meeting him?

Slate led me back to the main hall and opened the door. The cold evening air rushed in.

I stepped out.

The doors shut behind me the moment my foot crossed the threshold.

Too fast.

Too smooth.

Like the mansion itself was swallowing its secrets again.

I stood at the bottom of the steps when my phone buzzed.

I expected Slate.

Instead, the message came from an unknown number.

My heart flipped.

“You looked good in there, You’ll look even better under me.”

I froze.

My pulse stopped.

What is this? This person wanted to play kinky?

I’m a diva at this game, may the best player win.