Chapter Two

“You're late,” he repeats, eyes narrowing at the dark figure frozen at the entrance. The lights remained off, obscuring her face. He was seated at the far end of the room, watching her closely.

His stepmother had said she was sending someone over, to await him at his quarter. He arrived at the mansion earlier than expected, and found no one.

Arrow was the only one among his brothers who often visited the mansion. The others disliked the idea, but he insisted on it.

After all, he finally had a sister, and he adored Lauren, spoiling her silly. Even if she was from another mother, It didn't matter. Why not?

They had always given him special treatment anytime he visited the mansion. It was solely for the purpose of relaxation and taking a good break from his hectic work.

“I'm….I'm so..sorry for coming late, sir,” Lorna stuttered, her voice quivering. She looked terrified.

Was she doomed? What would happen to her if he were to report to her mistress?

“One thing I hate,” he said coldly. “is tardiness. Get inside and lock the door.”

Arrow turned on the light with a firm tap. The sudden brightness stung her eyes, His deep voice sent chills down her body.

He was exhausted from his trip. As an Independent man on his own, he’d already handled his needs himself. Waiting on a maid for assistance made him feel dependent, and he hated that.

Trembling, Lorna obeyed. She turned and locked the door. Then slowly, she took one step at a time away from the shadows.

Each step she took revealed more of her as she moved towards where he stood, her figure gradually came into the light. Arrow went still.

He gazed at her, momentarily speechless.

She was beautiful. Petite, with wise eyes that gave away her fear but yet, strikingly stunning. Her beauty left him mesmerized, stealing the words from his mouth.

“You’re new?” It was the first question Arrow found himself asking. Though the words came out slower than usual.

Amongst other maids around the mansion, no one had caught his attention this way. But her? He was already finding it difficult not to stare.

“No..no, sir,” she responded. A feeling of uneasiness settled inside her as she shifted uncomfortably under his gaze.

She had never encountered a man this intimidating. He was so tall that she barely reached his chest.

“Why're you late?” he asked, again. Knowing his stepmom, she was not one to tolerate tardiness from her workers too.

“I..I..I had gone to change my dress, it got dirty earlier, sir.” she stammered out, fiddling with her fingers.

Why was he asking such questions? Was he going to report this to her mistress?

Lorna felt she was in deep trouble already. One wrong word from her, it might provoke the handsome stranger in front of her. She had not made eye contact with him from the moment she stepped in.

“Come closer.” He instructed her, motioning with a slight curl of his finger.

Her legs moved hesitatingly, each step slow until she stood right in front of him.

“What's your name?” Arrow asked. He couldn't deny it, he was intrigued.

For the first time, he was interested in a woman at first sight. Yes, he had met different women across the country, during business trips, special occasions. But he was rarely interested in them.

“ L..Lorna, sir.” It came out almost like a wince, avoiding eye contact with him. Arrow's lips curved into a small smile. What a unique and enchanting name.

Lorna's head was filled with multiple thoughts but she dared not to speak up.

Why would a man of his kind care about a lowly maid like her?

He was definitely making inquiries about these details to file a complaint against her.

Because why would this man be interested in anything concerning a filthy maid like her?

His eyes remained glued to her face making her nervous. Squinting, Arrow noticed the outline of fingers that stood out in angry red, on her face.

He felt a rush of emotions inside him.

What was it? Protectiveness? Possessiveness? He couldn't tell. All he knew was that, in that moment, something inside him sparked to life.

Why was he so angry because she was hurt?

She was only a maid, why was he bothered so much?

it was bound to happen, right?

Yet something flared inside him, fierce, dangerous…..He hated that he cared, why? he felt this sudden need to protect her. He couldn't explain what he felt, but it was there, deep and irresistible.

“Who did this to you?” His voice was low, demanding.

With a swift movement, he pulled her closer to him. His hand gently turned her face to the side for a better view.

Their eyes, finally met. He was staring deep into her soul as if there was something hidden inside those eyes, filled with fear and uncertainty. All she saw was sincerity in his, and she had felt safe at that moment.

Her body stiffened against his touch, but beneath the tension, something else unfamiliar stirred. She felt his warmth, from his touch.

His scent enveloped her, a subtle mix of vanilla and citrus drifted from him, stirring something forbidden inside her. Something she tried to suppress.

No one had ever been this gentle with her.

She blinked rapidly, speechless.

Her heart pounded inside her chest as she struggled to maintain her composure.

What was this feeling?

It wasn't just his words, it was his actions, his touch, the way he looked at her.

His presence made her feel exposed and vulnerable.

Telling him it was his mother’s fingerprints on her face felt wrong, she needed to be careful with her words.

“Do not lie to me.” Arrow said, his voice hardened, his eyes daring her to speak the truth.

What was he doing? He shouldn't feel like this.

Stunned, Lorna swallowed, she finally gave in.