CHAPTER 3: The New World

“Take those off.”

Kai froze in the doorway. Mr. Ashford stood in the middle of a room that was all glass and expensive-looking leather.

“Your shoes,” Mr. Ashford said. “They are dirty.”

Kai looked down at his old sneakers. They looked wrong on the perfect, shiny floor.

He took them off. His socks had holes.

A woman in a sharp, clean uniform came out of another room. She looked at Kai like he was trash on her floor.

“This is him?” she asked.

“Yes, Margaret. The tailor comes at two. Clear my schedule for the afternoon.”

“Sir, you have the board meeting at—”

“Move it.”

Margaret pressed her lips together and left without another word.

Kai felt small. The house was too clean, too bright. It felt like it was pushing him out.

“Follow me,” Mr. Ashford said.

They walked through room after room. A library full of books. An office. A dining room with a table long enough for twenty people.

Mr. Ashford stopped at a door and opened it.

“This is your room.”

It was bigger than his uncle’s whole apartment. A large bed. A desk by the window. Shelves of books. Through another door, he saw his own bathroom.

“I don’t understand,” Kai said.

“You will stay here on weekdays. It is easier than traveling here at five in the morning.” Mr. Ashford opened a closet. It was empty. “Tomorrow, we fix how you look. You represent me now. That means you must meet my standards.”

“I can’t take this—”

“You already did. When you signed the paper.” Mr. Ashford turned. His eyes were hard. “I do not allow weakness here. Or mistakes. Or questions. Is that clear?”

Kai’s stomach tightened. “Yes.”

“Good. Rest. We start early.”

The next three days were a blur.

First, they went to stores Kai had never dared to enter. Mr. Ashford picked everything—shirts, pants, shoes that cost more than Kai spent on food in a month.

“Stand up straight,” Mr. Ashford said in the dressing room. He adjusted Kai’s collar, his fingers brushing against Kai’s neck for a second. “You slouch like you want to disappear.”

“Sorry, I—”

“Do not apologize. Fix it.”

Kai straightened his back. His muscles ached from holding the new posture.

“Better.” Mr. Ashford looked him over. Something flickered in his eyes. “We are not finished.”

Next was a haircut. Then a tailor who measured him perfectly. At breakfast, he was taught which fork to use and how to speak without mumbling.

Mr. Ashford watched everything. Sometimes he would circle Kai slowly. Sometimes he stood so close that Kai could feel the heat from his body.

“Again,” Mr. Ashford would say during the lessons. “And this time, do not stammer.”

Kai’s head was spinning. But slowly, things began to change. His back straightened. His voice became clearer. In the mirror, he saw a stranger looking back.

On Friday evening, Mr. Ashford made an announcement at dinner.

“We are going to the school fundraiser. You will come with me as my assistant. This is your first test.”

Kai’s fork hit the plate with a clink. “I can’t go. Marcus will be there. Everyone will—”

“Everyone will see that you are under my protection now.” Mr. Ashford’s voice was sharp. “Or would you rather hide forever?”

The school gym was strange at night. It was decorated with lights and shiny cloth. People in expensive clothes stood holding fancy glasses, laughing too loudly.

Kai wanted to run.

Mr. Ashford put a hand on his lower back. It was a light push, moving him forward. A steady pressure he couldn’t escape.

“Breathe,” Mr. Ashford said quietly. “And remember your training.”

People stared the moment they walked in. The whispers started immediately.

Is that Kai? Why is he with Mr. Ashford? Look what he’s wearing.

He saw Marcus by the drinks table. Marcus’s face turned red when he saw them.

But he didn’t move. He didn’t speak. He just stood there, frozen.

For the first time, Mr. Ashford felt like a shield.

“James.” A woman’s voice, clear and cold, cut through the noise.

Kai turned.

She was beautiful, with dark hair and a sharp dress. But her eyes were dangerous as she looked at Mr. Ashford.

“Victoria,” Mr. Ashford said. His whole body went still. “I did not expect to see you here.”

“Clearly,” she said, her eyes moving to Kai. They scanned him up and down. “And who is this? Another one of your projects?”

“My assistant. Kai, this is Mrs. Victoria Winters. She teaches Advanced Literature.”

A look passed between them. History. Tension filled the air.

“How… ambitious.” Victoria smiled, but her eyes were cold. “I hope this one lasts longer than the others.”

Others?

Mr. Ashford’s hand moved from Kai’s back to his hip. His grip was firm. It felt like a claim.

“They are watching,” Mr. Ashford whispered, his breath warm against Kai’s ear. “Do not react.”

Before Kai could think, Mr. Ashford pulled him closer.

His face was near Kai’s. Too near. His lips were almost touching Kai’s skin.

“Do not move,” Mr. Ashford said, his voice low.

Kai’s heart hammered in his chest. His whole body locked up.

Victoria’s smile vanished.

The world tilted.

What is happening?