Punishment

Selene POV.

"Huh?" I muttered with my eyes wide open.

He smiled, waving the pancake to my face. "The pancake was asking you a question and I helped in saying it out loud. Do you love pancakes or not?"

When I realized he was trying to make a joke, I couldn't help but laugh softly. 

It was unexpected, and I couldn't deny that I was shocked. "I haven't tasted it yet," I responded shyly.

"I thought you don't eat something warm," he said, his gentle smile cutting through the heaviness that had settled in the house.

"Of course I do," I replied, my heart warming at his kindness. It was such a stark contrast to the way Young Master Leon constantly criticized me.

 I took a spoonful of the pancake, savoring the rich flavors. "This is delicious! You are a great cook!"

Now I know who did the cooking before I was employed. It must have been Young Master Lewie, everything about him says it all.

Young Master Lewie helped me settle in the dining room, and he sat across me, his expression softening as he watched me eat. "I’m glad you like it. I heard from your uncle you’ve been through a lot, and I just want to make sure you’re taking care of yourself and you should learn how to stand for yourself"

His concern made me feel seen, and I couldn’t help but smile. 

"I appreciate it. It means a lot to have someone looking out for me unlike..." I swallowed the remaining words when I realized that I had almost talked about Young Master Leon.

It seemed Young Master Lewie already knew what I wanted to say, he chuckled, making my face red from blush.

Just then, Leon strolled into the room, his presence cold and imposing. He glanced at the pancakes on the table, his lips curling into a faint smirk. "Is that what you call food? You should be eating something healthier."

My stomach twisted at his words, but Lewie quickly interjected. "She already gave her best and you should appreciate that"

Young Master Leon shrugged, unfazed by Lewie’s defense. "A Lazy brat will always be a brat, I wonder how her uncle was able to convince you to give her the job?"

I felt the sting of his comment, but Lewie shot Leon a warning, which made me feel a little bit safer. "Enough, Leon. She’s trying, and that’s what matters."

Leon rolled his eyes and left the room, his dismissive attitude hanging in the air like a storm cloud. I sighed, grateful for Lewie's support but frustrated by the ongoing tension. 

"Don’t let him get to you," Lewie said softly, his eyes filled with concern. "You’re stronger than he or anyone else thinks."

"Thank you so much, Young Master." We had the pancakes for dinner, and I didn't forget to give my Uncle his portion. 

Only Young Master Leon took the milk. Instead; I think he needs it because the words coming out of his mouth need something to make them sweet.

After washing the dishes, I retired to my bedroom; I dozed off immediately after my body touched the bed.

The next morning started with footsteps on the staircase, prompting me to get out of my bed. I walked downstairs with my eyes half closed. 

However, my eyes flew open when I saw my Uncle holding a suitcase alongside some luggage.

"Uncle?" I called out, rushing to his side. "Are you going somewhere?" My face was etched with curiosity as I awaited his response.

"Young Master Lewie is going on a business trip, and I need to go along with him."

 Hearing his response made me sad, but I was able to hide the pain of him and Young Master Lewis being away for a while.

"Take care of yourself, Ella," He said as he descended the staircase, holding his coat firmly.

"Thank you, sir," I muttered slowly, fighting the sudden feelings of sadness in me.

 At the door, I couldn't shake the feeling of the storm that was brewing, knowing the wrath of Young Master Leon was coming my way.

As I prepared breakfast, I tried to focus on my tasks, determined to keep things running smoothly.

 I set the table, pouring glasses of water and arranging plates, but a flutter of nerves danced in my stomach at the thought of Young Master Leon’s cold demeanor.

When I finally called him to breakfast, he strolled in, with a nonchalant and aloof face. 

I forced a smile, hoping to make the best of the situation. "Good morning, Leon. I made your favorite."

He glanced at the spread, unimpressed. "Let’s see if it’s worth my time."

I filled his plate and reached for the water pitcher nervously, my hands trembling slightly.

 Just as I poured, I felt my grip on the cup slip. Water splashed across the table and landed squarely on his shirt.

"Oh no! I’m so sorry! Kindly forgive me, Young Master," I exclaimed, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment as I felt the heat of the moment.

Leon’s eyes narrowed, and a deadly gaze crept onto his face. "You are the clumsiest maid I’ve ever seen."

A moment of silence emerged as Young Master Leon stood up and took a glance at his shirt. I could see the change in his demeanor and how his knuckles turned White instantly.

 At that moment, I knew the trouble I'd forgotten myself into.

Thinking of a way out, I fumbled to grab a cloth, but it only seemed to make things worse. "I didn’t mean to! I...."

He cut me off, his voice icy. "Maybe a little punishment is in order. You can’t just throw water around like that. It’s unacceptable."

My heart raced, confusion mingling with fear. "Punishment? What do you mean Sir?" I asked, my heart racing with each moment passing. I didn't expect I would end up this way in front of him, and the fear of the punishment caught me.

Leon leaned back in his chair, his gaze piercing. With a clear audible voice, he said with an authoritative voice. "From now on, you’ll be my maid. You will be

answerable to only me, and I expect you to do your job properly based on my order alone!”