Elise carried the empty glass out of Reiner's room. Her steps were slow, trying not to draw attention, but the faint sound of her footsteps on the wooden floor betrayed her presence. Once in the kitchen, she placed the glass in the sink and began washing the dirty plates and glasses that had piled up.
The dining room adjacent to the kitchen was quiet. However, the silence didn’t last long. Elise noticed someone entering the kitchen with a casual stride. She didn’t need to turn around to know who it was—the faint yet luxurious fragrance gave it away. Eva.
"Elise, isn’t it?" Eva’s voice sounded friendly, almost too friendly. Elise turned slightly, nodding politely.
Eva sat down on a chair in the dining room, taking a slice of bread from the basket on the table, and began spreading strawberry jam with deliberate slowness.
“Have you been working here long?” she a
The morning light seeped gently through the slightly parted curtains, casting a warm glow over Reiner’s room. Elise moved cautiously, tidying up the spacious space. With practiced hands, she replaced the air freshener, wiped the small table, and laid out Reiner’s clothes neatly on the sofa. Earphones nestled in her ears caused her to occasionally nod her head to the rhythm of the song she was listening to, her body unconsciously swaying lightly.On the bed, Reiner slowly opened his eyes. He had been awake for a while but chose to stay quiet, observing Elise’s movements. A smirk formed on his lips as he watched the maid working with a serious expression that, somehow, appeared endearing. Unaware that she was being watched, Elise murmured softly to herself."Why do I have to work in someone’s room while they’re still asleep? What a strange rule..." Her voice was low but loud enough for Reiner to catch.&nbs
Elise was wiping down the kitchen table while chatting with Will, who had just finished placing groceries in the pantry. Their conversation was light, revolving around the daily routines of the large estate. Elise gave a small smile at Will’s joke, though she remained focused on her task.“So, are you getting used to things here?” Will asked, leaning against the wall, his curious gaze resting on her.Elise nodded slightly. “Yes, though there are still a few things I need to learn.”Will grinned. “Good. But be careful. This house is full of unwritten rules. Don’t misstep, especially with—”Before Will could finish, a loud voice boomed from the direction of the stairs.“Elise!”Reiner’s deep voice echoed, making Elise stop mid-motion. The other staff in the kitchen turned to look, exchangin
The night grew late, and Elise held her breath as she stood in front of Reiner's slightly ajar bedroom door. The dim light from within made the room appear both grand and intimidating. But she had no other choice. Her younger sister Lily’s music player might have fallen into this room when Elise was tidying up earlier that morning. It was an important item, and she couldn’t leave without finding it.Elise stepped inside cautiously, her movements barely making a sound. Her heart pounded in her chest, threatening to burst out. Her eyes swept over the quiet room, her feet slowly moving toward the area near the laundry basket. There was nothing there. Frustrated, Elise began searching other spots, checking the small table by the bed and the tall bookshelf in the corner.Her search was interrupted when something fell from one of the shelves. A faded photograph fluttered gently to the floor at her feet. Hesi
After finishing a simple dinner with her younger sister, Lily, Elise sat on the old chair on their house's porch. The rain was still falling softly, creating a soothing symphony of nature, though her mind was crowded with unanswered questions.Elise gazed at the wet streets, trying to ease the tension lingering since the incident in Reiner's room. Yet, curiosity kept haunting her thoughts."Why do all the servants always quit working at that house?" Elise murmured softly, almost like talking to herself.During her time working there, she often heard stories from other servants. That grand house, despite its splendor, seemed to have an atmosphere that weighed people down. Some mentioned Reiner’s name with fear, while others simply shook their heads when asked about the family. Even Will, usually friendly, was extraordinarily cautious when speaking about his employers.Elise recalled a conversati
Part 17That morning, Elise tried to calm her mind, attempting to ease the lingering exhaustion in her body after a long night. Mr. Abraham's study felt quieter than usual, the only sound coming from her brush as she dusted the untouched bookshelves. However, as she ventured deeper into the room, a conversation from Mr. Abraham's office caught her ear—a familiar voice, though the tension in the air was palpable.Mr. Abraham and Reiner were engaged in what sounded like a serious discussion. Elise paused for a moment, cautiously approaching the door to listen more closely."…why do you keep bringing this up? Do you think I don’t already know?" Mr. Abraham’s voice was firm, accompanied by the sound of a chair shifting."I just want this resolved," Reiner replied, his tone much colder. "We already know what happened with that shipment. I’ve gone through everything. But some
Reiner sat at the large desk in his room, his vacant gaze fixed on the scattered documents before him. His thoughts drifted back to the conversation he had just had with his grandfather and father. The name Padma Lawrent echoed in his mind again—the woman whose beautiful face had once filled his heart. She appeared like a shadow, impossible to erase. Five years had passed, yet the memories refused to fade.He let out a long sigh, trying to dispel the emotions clawing at him. The stillness of the room was broken only by the ticking of the clock on the wall. But there was something he couldn’t ignore—something larger than just memories. The missing oil shipment, the constant flow of information, and the doubts gnawing at his mind. Was Padma connected to this? Her family? Or perhaps... the past?“Sir, why are you lost in thought again?” Danny's voice interrupted his reverie, a subtle reminder of his presence as he
The night was late, yet the streets remained busy with vehicles passing by. Reiner walked along the sidewalk, hands tucked into the pockets of his suit jacket, his steps heavy from the several glasses of alcohol he had consumed. Though his face remained cold, his mind was consumed by the name Eva had just mentioned.Eva, dressed in a striking red gown that clung perfectly to her figure, struggled to keep up with Reiner’s longer strides. The sound of her high heels echoed on the pavement, adding an awkward rhythm to the silence between them."Reiner," Eva called out, her voice sweet and coy, trying to catch his attention.Reiner merely snorted, not slowing his pace."Is it true, what I heard earlier?" Eva continued. "Padma. Who is she? A woman you once loved?"Reiner halted in his tracks. He turned, his sharp gaze piercing enough to make anyone feel insignificant. Yet Eva st
Just as Reiner entered the narrow, dimly lit road leading to Elise's residence, his phone vibrated. Danny’s name appeared on the screen, and without hesitation, Reiner pressed the green button.“I’ve got news about that oil transport truck,” Danny’s voice sounded rushed.Reiner gripped the steering wheel tighter. “What? Did you find it?”“I can’t explain over the phone. We need to meet in person. But... this is big, Rei. Really big.”Reiner paused for a moment before ending the call without further response. His eyes focused on the narrow road ahead, but his mind was already overwhelmed with troubling possibilities.“Elise, come out for a moment,” he said the moment they arrived in front of her house.Elise frowned, hesitating to follow his instruction. “What’s going on? Why do you look so
Elise walked slowly toward the large sofa in the middle of the room. She felt confused and nervous as she realized how silent the hotel room had become. But her thoughts were interrupted when she heard the sound of water running in the bathroom. Reiner was still in there, probably washing his face after stepping out onto the balcony ten minutes ago.Feeling safe, Elise sat at the edge of the sofa, the satin robe wrapped around her moving slightly with her anxious breaths. She kept thinking, "Why did he have to choose this outfit? Why not just buy regular pajamas instead?" Occasionally, she glanced at the bathroom door, hoping Reiner wouldn’t come out suddenly.But without her realizing it, the bathroom door slowly creaked open. Elise, who had been only stealing glances, now turned her head fully and instantly froze. In front of her, Reiner stood with slightly damp hair and his shirt sleeves rolled up to his elbows."Why are you sitting there like a frighte
"I'm sorry, Sir. I ruined your event."Reiner merely glanced at Elise, his eyes briefly sweeping over the red stains on her clothes. She looked messy, yet she remained composed as if the incident hadn't affected her much.The car stopped in a well-lit area. Several stores lined the street, and the atmosphere was much quieter, far from the event's previous commotion."Wait here."Without waiting for Elise’s response, Reiner swiftly opened the door and stepped out, striding into one of the nearby stores. Elise sat still, lost in her thoughts. Guilt filled her heart."So careless..."She muttered under her breath, smacking her thighs alternately, cursing herself. Anxiety took over, making her feel even worse about the disaster she had caused.The car door suddenly swung open again, startling her. Reiner returned, holding a paper bag whose contents were still unknown. He tossed it onto the seat beside her without a wor
Reiner pulled Elise away from Padma, his steps quick and firm until they reached a quieter corner of the room. Once he was sure they were far enough from the crowd, he released his grip. His gaze was sharp, almost intimidating.Reiner: “Don’t talk to anyone without my permission. And remember… never, ever say that you’re my servant. Understand?”Elise bit her lip, holding back the urge to respond with more than just a nod. But Reiner’s piercing stare was enough to keep her from arguing.The atmosphere in the art gallery was still buzzing with the chatter of the elite guests. Elise resumed following Reiner’s steps, though her gaze was distracted by Padma’s sharp eyes, still watching her with a sneer.In her heart, Elise thought, I remember her. She’s the woman from the photo in Mr. Reiner’s room.Trying to distract herself, Elise started observing the paintings hanging on the walls. Most were abstract, their confusing colors making her feel out of place. But as she shifted slightly to
The fading twilight was welcomed by the glow of crystal chandeliers hanging majestically from the ceiling of the art gallery. Elise walked slowly behind Reiner, trying to adjust to the elegant atmosphere around her. The soft scent of roses mixed with expensive perfume filled the air. Small groups of people stood in circles, conversing in refined and polite tones, some of them casting glances at Elise as if she were an intruder who didn't belong.Her gaze dropped to the plain dress she wore, making her feel even smaller among the women draped in luxurious evening gowns and sparkling jewelry. Unconsciously, Elise took a step back, trying to make herself invisible.Noticing the growing distance between them, Reiner stopped and turned to her with a sharp gaze. "What are you doing, Elise?"Elise gasped. Her fingers gripped the hem of her dress, feeling as if all eyes were now on her. "I’m sorry, sir… I don’t want to make you uncomfortable. This is not my p
Reiner strode into his office with firm steps, his tie slightly loosened after a long morning meeting. Hanna, his always neat and efficient secretary, knocked before entering with a folder in hand."Mr. Reiner, this is the marketing team's report for the last quarter."Reiner took the folder without looking at it. "Put it on the desk. What's next on my schedule?"Hanna opened her tablet and quickly scanned the schedule. "There's a meeting with the finance team at three in the afternoon, followed by a discussion with a partner company client at five."Reiner nodded, sat in his chair, and opened the report. "Make sure everyone is on time. I don't want any delays."Hanna hesitated for a moment before speaking softly. "Additionally, there's an invitation from Mr. Alex Robinson for an art gallery event tonight. It was delivered personally this morning."Reiner stopped reading, raising an eyebrow at Hanna. "Alex Robinson? How
"Elise, stop daydreaming! There are still plenty of dishes!" Greta's sharp voice rang out from the dining table.That morning, the kitchen was filled with the clatter of plates, the sound of running water from the sink, and the hurried footsteps of servants busy with their tasks. Elise stood in the corner of the kitchen, her hands occupied with washing dishes, but her mind drifted to the events of the previous night. Greta’s words and Reiner’s attitude continued to haunt her.She quickly shook her head and moved faster, trying to shake off the unease. But the awkwardness remained. She could feel the eyes of the other servants watching her from a distance, their gazes full of suspicion. As always, they all seemed to side with Greta.The tense atmosphere shifted slightly when Will entered the kitchen. He carried his usual relaxed aura. "Morning, Elise," he greeted warmly, grabbing an apple from the fruit basket on the table. "Did you sleep well?"Elise glanced at Will briefly, forcing a
Chapter 27Elise walked briskly down the long corridor, trying to control her thoughts that kept replaying Reiner’s actions in the room earlier. The warmth of his lips on her fingertip still lingered, and every time she thought about it, a shiver ran down her spine.“Focus, Elise,” she muttered to herself, clutching the plastic bag filled with broken glass shards tightly.As she neared the exit leading to the disposal area, a voice called out from behind her.“Elise!”She flinched and turned around, finding Will standing there with his arms crossed. His face held a warm smile, but Elise couldn’t immediately respond—her mind was still adrift.“Oh, sorry, Will,” she said hastily, her voice slightly shaky. “I was lost in thought and didn’t notice you.”Will stepped closer, glancing at the plastic bag she was carrying. “What’s that?”Elise lifted the bag slightly. “Broken glass. Mr. Reiner dropped it earlier.”Will frowned as his eyes accidentally caught a small red scratch beneath her th
While in the room with the other maids, Elise felt a deep unease. She could barely close her eyes to sleep."Where is she going?" Greta asked Sofia as they saw Elise hurriedly leave the room."I don’t know," Sofia replied.Elise stood in front of Reiner’s door, catching her breath after running up the stairs. She tried to calm herself, but the worry in her chest wouldn’t subside. Hesitantly, she knocked.The first knock received no response. She tried again, louder this time, but still, no answer. Instead, the sound of something falling inside the room made her heart sink.Without thinking, Elise pushed the door open and stepped in. The sight before her made her freeze momentarily. A broken wine bottle lay shattered on the floor, its contents spreading like a pool of blood. In the corner, Reiner stood unsteadily, his eyes bloodshot, his face haggard, like a man who had lost his way."Careful, sir!" Elise called out, app
The hotel corridor was silent, with only the echo of shoes clicking against the marble floor. Reiner walked quickly, followed closely by Hanna, who was busy scribbling notes in her planner. As Reiner turned a corner, his body collided with a woman.“Ouch!” the woman exclaimed, trying to steady herself.Reiner frowned, his sharp gaze fixed on her. “Aren’t you watching where you’re going?” he asked coldly, his voice low yet weighted with authority.The woman looked up, her eyes meeting his. Her expression shifted immediately as she recognized the man before her. “Reiner…” she whispered, disbelief lacing her tone.Reiner tensed for a moment but quickly masked it. His eyes narrowed as though analyzing her. “Padma,” he stated flatly. There was no warmth in his voice, only her name uttered like a gust of cold wind.Padma tried to smile, though his frosty demeanor left her feeling uneasy. “It’s been so long. I didn’t expect to run into