In the Billionaire's Den

Salvatore Villa – Julian’s Bedroom 

Julian's eyes snapped open, his chest heaving as he struggled to catch his breath. Another nightmare, his constant companion over the past twelve years, haunting his every waking moment. They all spoke the same message. Revenge. Impending danger. And the haunting past. But this time, there was something different. He saw a figure, shrouded in shadows, with a face that refused to take shape. He couldn't fathom if it's a male or female. Julian's mind recoiled from the memory, his thoughts fragmenting like shards of broken glass.

He threw off the covers and rose from bed, striding barefooted to the window. Sliding the curtains, the city skyline stretched out before him, a twinkling expanse of lights that contrasts his inner darkness. Julian's gaze drifted upward, his eyes locking onto the dark canvas of the sky. For a moment, his mind went blank, the chaos of his thoughts stilled by the vastness of the universe. 

The knock at the door intruded the peace he was just immersed in, shattering the spell that held him. "Come in," he called out, his voice low and even.

The door swung open, and Theo stepped inside, his expression a mask of professionalism. He's a young, muscular man with cold eyes bulged under a glass and a stern face that gives nothing away. 

 "Good morning, sir. I have the report from Milan. Our new product line is exceeding projections." He handed a tablet to Julian Salvatore.

Julian nodded, his deep blue eyes glowing beneath the tablet’s dim light. His lips curled into a faint, calculating smile. "Good. Approve the budget allocation as discussed."

Theo hesitated, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Sir, did you... have the same nightmare again?"

Julian's gaze drifted back to the window, his expression unreadable. "Yes."

Theo's voice softened, a rare occurrence only displayed when he's with Julian. "How are you, sir?"

“Today's seemed a bit different but it's nothing to worry about.” His thoughts turned to Miss Yvonne, the one person who seemed to understand him. "How is she?" he asked, his voice a little softer.

"She's stable, sir. Sleeping now." Theo paused, his expression serious. "I also wanted to inform you that the new maid from the agency would arrive today. Miss Yvonne approved her selection herself."

Julian's eyes returned to Theo, his gaze piercing. "Very well. Keep me informed and make sure she sticks to the rules. If not, you know what to do.”

Theo bowed and left.

As Theo departed, Julian's thoughts lingered on the mysterious figure from his nightmare, and his decision about employing a new maid, a female at that. Since his parents’ death, not once had he allowed a female worker in his home. Not until now. Only Miss Yvonne, his childhood cook and nanny had been the exception. But If that's what she wants, then so be it.

***

As the car drove through bustling streets of Tokyo, I couldn't fathom or explain the emotions swirling inside me. For the first time in twelve years, I was leaving the hellhole where every day was a mix of terror and hope, crushed beneath the weight of despair. The thought of escape had always seemed like a distant dream, a wishful thought that would never materialize.

As my thoughts suddenly drifted to my panic state yesterday when Marcus dropped the bombshell of going on the deadly mission, a sad, self- depreciating smile lingered on my lips. How could I not think of the positive side of leaving the hellish underworld I've been caged all my life. 

Yet, here I was, surrounded by the city's vibrant energy – fresh air, stunning scenery, and the hum of human activity. It felt surreal, like I'd never truly lived as a huma

As I gazed out the window, my mind began to wander, and I drifted into a dreamlike state. I didn't know for how long I had slept but the car door opening jolted me awake. "We're here, miss," the driver said, his voice gentle.

I nodded and stepped out. My eyes widened as I beheld the Salvatore Empire's majestic structure. In the heart of Tokyo, the sleek, modern architecture stood tall, reflecting the power and wealth that lay within. High walls, electrified fences, surveillance cameras, and skilled guards patrolling the perimeter made it clear: this wasn't just a residence, it was a fortress, which made me curious and anxious about the enigmatic owner, Julian Salvatore Edelman. 

From the briefing I had earlier at the agency, the rules of the villa were ironclad. Only handpicked male staff were employed, chosen for their loyalty and expertise. And one exception stood out: Miss Yvonne, the family's trusted cook, who had served for decades and had become a part of the family. And it seems I've broken the rule now.

A soft voice broke my trance. "Hey, Miss." I turned to see a warm smile approaching me. "You're welcome, Alexa. I'm Miss Yvonne. I selected you myself." She patted my hair like a child, and for that moment, I felt an indescribable warmth within me. It was a gentle, loving gesture I'd never experienced before.

"Come with me," she said, leading me to the entrance. As we walked, I couldn't shake off the feeling of being watched. The men's gazes made my skin crawl, eerily reminiscent of Marcus's menacing henchmen. What deceitful strings had Marcus pulled to secure my entry into this foreboding estate?

"Good morning, sir," I heard the guards greeted in unison, their deep voices ringing with respect. My curiosity piqued, I wondered who commanded such reverence.

As I craned my neck forward, I saw him. Julian Salvatore Edelman, the billionaire. His every step exuded power and control, his long strides radiating confidence. Behind him trailed Theo, his assistant. Julian's face was a masterpiece. It was perfectly carved, stoic, with thick eyebrows, a sharp jawline, and a slightly pointed nose. His broad shoulders and flawless skin completed the picture, reinforcing his reputation as the city's most handsome billionaire.

As he strode forward, unaware of my presence with his piercing gaze fixed on his iPad; I couldn't take my eyes off him and in an instant, our paths collide. I stumbled, and Miss Yvonne rushed to steady me. "Oh no, Alexa! Be more careful here, please." The iPad slipped from his hand, but Theo swiftly retrieved it.

"I…. I..." I stammered, frozen under Julian's cold, unblinking gaze. Miss Yvonne intervened, her voice urgent. "She's the new maid from the agency. She'll be more careful from now on, and—"

But Julian didn't wait for her to finish. He turned and walked away, Theo close behind. Miss Yvonne took my hand, leading me into the mansion. "You have to be careful, dear. Come with me," she said gently.

As we walked, I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. A strange and familiar feeling, as though he's been in my life before, curiosity, and a hint of fear of what all of this holds for me. 

But the moment I stepped inside, my breath caught in my throat and every emotions flew away, replaced by amusement. 

Holy crap!

This place wasn’t just a villa, it was a damn palace in disguise. The outside had already hinted at wealth, but it didn’t even come close to what waited inside. My eyes widened, darting everywhere, trying to take it all in. Massive crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceilings, scattering sunlight into tiny rainbows that danced across the intricately carved walls. The marble floors shimmered like they’d been kissed by the sun. Every step felt like I was walking through a dream I had no business being in.

It was undeniably breathtaking.

The hallway stretched on like something out of a fairytale, it was lined with artwork that looked centuries old, delicate engravings I was too scared to touch, and China vases that probably cost more than anything I’ve ever owned in my entire life. My head kept turning, eyes wide and restless. I couldn’t help it.

So this is what power looks like...

The thought hit me hard. A weird mix of awe, envy, and disbelief settled in my chest. I wasn’t supposed to be here, not really, at least not as who I am right now; a spy.

“Alexa, you can explore the building later, okay? Let’s get you settled in first,” Miss Yvonne called, glancing over her shoulder with a knowing smile.

I blinked, caught in the act of gawking. “I’m sorry, ma’am,” I mumbled, feeling my cheeks heat up. “It’s just... so beautiful.”

She chuckled softly. There was something almost motherly in the way her face softened. “You’re pure and innocent, aren’t you?” I saw the thought flicker in her eyes, though she didn’t say it out loud.

“You looked just like her,” I heard her mutter instead, a glint of sadness flicker through her eyes which made me felt a deeper curiosity and connection with everything. Have I been here before? Is this the first time I'm meeting these faces?