"uhm, yes it's pretty comfortable" I said, but I could feel the soreness in my neck from my sleeping position. Staring at me weirdly, he said a simple "Okay" before turning around and waved goodbye. Still standing in a daze, I heard footsteps coming down the stairs slowly. Realizing I couldn't hear the sound of footsteps anymore, I turned back to check only to find Mr Damon right behind me. Looking down at me with unfathomable emotions in his deep blue eyes, his face cold and expressionless. I never seem to understand him, he was so good at hiding his emotions that no one could break through him. Seeing as he wasn't saying anything, I asked "Do you need anything, sir?" Tilting my head to the side to stare at him fully. Squinting his eyes are me, he turned around and went back upstairs, completely ignoring my question. Shrugging, I went back to the kitchen. I was already use to his whims. Checking the time, I realized it was already evening and it would soon be time to start head
I watched his face closely, searching for any sign of discomfort, but he simply shifted slightly, his expression relaxing. Letting out a small sigh of relief, I adjusted the towel on his forehead and sat down beside the bed. The room was quiet except for the sound of his breathing...steady, but weak. His fever was still high, and I couldn't help but worry. What if it got worse? What if he didn't wake up anytime soon? I bit my lip and reached for his hand, hesitating for a moment before wrapping my fingers around his. His skin was warm...too warm. "Mr Damon," I whispered again, this time a little louder. His fingers twitched slightly, and after a long pause, his lips parted. "Water..." His voice was barely audible, raspy and weak. Snapping into action, I quickly poured a glass from the jug on his nightstand and lifted his head gently, bringing the rim to his lips. He took a few slow sips before turning his head away, a faint sigh escaping him. I placed the glass back and
Getting in the car, I told him the address and he drove there without saying a word. He seems to be deep in thought. Getting out of the car, I heard my name being called out "Layla!!!" As Ava ran and jumped into my arms. "I missed you" "I missed you too, Ava" I smiled as I hug her. "I'm sorry I was a little late today, I was so busy." I said softly. "It's okay" Ava said in her childish voice, a bright smile on her small round face. "Ahem!!" Hearing Mr Damon clear his throat, clearly asking for attention as we seem to be ignoring him, I turned to him with Ava still in my arms and introduced, "Ava, say hi to my boss...Mr Damon" "Hi Mr Damon, it's nice to meet you" she said childishly, stretching her right hand out for an hand shake. "My teacher said it's respectful to shake someone you just met" she continued. Giggling softly, I stared at Mr Damon's face to study his expression but what I saw shocked me. There was a soft smile hanging on his lips, making him look more breathta
RYAN'S POVEnding the call, I sighed. Files scattered on my desk in front of me. I couldn't do any work cause my mind has been on Layla since the first day I met her....on my bed, looking disheveled.Seeing her on my bed that day, I couldn't take my eyes off her, as she shuffled around for her glasses....I had to force myself to keep my composure.She looked so out of place yet oddly comfortable, like she belonged there but didnât know it yet. Her messy hair, the way she blinked up at me in confusion...it was the first time in a long while that someone had caught me off guard. And damn, did she catch me.I ran a hand through my hair, trying to shake the memory, but it was useless. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw her. Heard her voice.And now, no matter how much work piled up in front of me, none of it mattered. Because my mind was stuck on Layla.Even after finding out about what I did to her in the past, I still couldn't bring myself to stop thinking about her. To stop wanting her
RYAN'S POV *The next morning* Knock knock!! I heard the sound of knocking, pulling me out of my sleep as i groggily opened my eyes. "Come in" I said in a hoarse voice...still feeling drowsy from the sleep. The door creaked open as Layla walked in with a cup of coffee in hand. Staring at her, I swallowed hard. She looked so good...it was impossible to not look at her. Layla tilted her head, watching me as I stared at her. "Good morning Mr Damon" she greeted, bringing me back from my train of thought. I cleared my throat, shifting slightly as I sat up. "Morning" I muttered, my voice still rough from sleep. Layla walked over, placing the coffee on my bedside table with the same practiced grace she did everything else. I shouldâve been used to it by now...her presence, her efficiency, the way she always seemed to be in control...but somehow, she still had this effect on me. "How are you feeling now, Mr Damon?" She asked, tilting her head to the side while studying me. "You
LAYLA'S POV Staring at him warily, I took another step back, ready to run out. Mr Damon seems different, he changed ever since the day he had a fever. Before, he was always cold and distant, barely sparing me a glance unless it was necessary. But nowâŚnow he was looking at me like he saw me. Like he wanted something. And that scared me. I cleared my throat, gripping the hem of my top. "I should go" I muttered, forcing my voice to stay steady. His smirk didnât fade, If anything, it deepened. "Running away again, Layla?" he asked, his voice smooth and teasing. "I'm not running," I defended, though even I wasnât convinced. He took a slow step forward, erasing the space I had just created. My breath caught in my throat as I stared up at him. "You always do" he murmured "Every time I get close, you pull away." I frowned, my heart pounding. "That's because you shouldnât be getting close" I shot back. His eyes darkened slightly, and for a brief second, I thought I saw some
Two months later It's been two months since I started avoiding Mr Damon, making sure I wasn't in his presence for more than five minutes. I stuck to my plan religiously...keeping my distance, limiting our interactions, and making sure I was never alone with him for too long. At first, I thought heâd push back, try to corner me again like he always did. But to my surprise, he didnât. He let me have my space. Or at least, thatâs what I wanted to believe. Because even if he wasnât physically closing the distance between us anymore, I could feel his eyes on me whenever we were in the same room. He never stopped watching me. Never stopped making me aware of his presence. And the worst part? It was working. Because no matter how much I tried to ignore him, my body still reacted whenever he was near. My pulse would quicken, my skin would tingle, and my mind would betray me with thoughts I had no business thinking. I hated it. And yet, a small part of me...one I refused to acknowled
"I know you're engaged to Miss Olivia" I said again, making sure my voice was loud and firm. Ryan let out a slow, measured breath, his eyes never leaving mine. A flicker of frustration crossed his face, but there was something else there too...something deeper, something I couldnât quite read. "So thatâs what this is about" he muttered, raking a hand through his hair. His expression was unreadable now, his usual mask slipping back into place. "You think that changes anything?" I blinked, taken aback by how casually he dismissed it. "Of course it does!" I snapped. "Youâre engaged, Mr Damon. To someone else. You canât just..." I gestured between us, feeling my face heat. "This...whatever this is...shouldnât even be happening!" Ryan sighed, shaking his head. "You donât understand." "Then make me understand," I challenged, crossing my arms over my chest. "It's just business, it doesn't matter and you shouldn't think about it" he said, his expression unreadable. "I don't care, I'm j
LAYLA'S POV Staring at Ryan's back as he talked to some men... probably his business partners, I was lost in thought but also aware of the curious gaze on me. Swirling the drink in my hand, I noticed Ryan glancing back every second to make sure I was still in place. I couldnât help but wonder what exactly he was thinking. Was he worried about me? Was he just trying to keep up appearances? There was so much I didnât understand about him, about this whole situation. I took another sip of my drink, trying to blend into the background as best as I could, but it was hard when all the attention seemed to be directed at me. The soft murmur of the room faded into the background as I focused on the swirl of my drink, the ice gently clinking against the glass. A few moments later, I noticed a few more people glancing my way, some of them clearly trying to figure out who I was. It wasnât just the men, but even some of the women. They all seemed to be sizing me up. My discomfort grew wi
RYAN'S POV Hearing the clinking sound of heels, I raised my head and my breath immediately got caught in my throat. Layla has always been a very beautiful lady, but at this moment...she looks mesmerising, stunning... alluring even. I couldn't take my eyes off her. God, I don't think I'll be able to control myself from touching her. I want her badly, my body needs her, I could already feel myself getting hard as I stared at her. Swallowing hard, I forced myself to calm down as different images of her naked underneath me surfaced in my head. Clenching my fist, I pushed the thoughts aside. "You look stunning" I complemented her. "Thank you" she replied, her cheeks turning pink underneath her natural makeup, making her look even more beautiful. Gulping, I turned around before saying, "Let's go" in a cold tone, masking my lewd thoughts. Getting into the car, I handed her a black masquerade mask with feather on the side, looking elegant and classy. I was dressed in a blac
I froze, my hand hovering over a dress as the words sank in. âWeâre going to a masquerade ball?â I repeated, my voice barely above a whisper. The shock in my tone was unmistakable. Ryan turned slightly, glancing at me with a sharp look. âYesâ he replied, his voice calm, as though this were the most normal thing in the world. âYouâll need a proper dress for it.â I blinked, still trying to process what he had just said. âBut⌠I didnât know about thisâ I said, the words tumbling out before I could stop them. âWhy would you take me to a ball? I donât even⌠fit in there.â Ryanâs gaze softened just a fraction, but his expression remained as unreadable as ever. âYouâll fit in perfectly" he said, the slight edge to his voice almost making it sound like a command. I stared at him, unsure of how to respond. âBut I...â I started, but he cut me off. âChoose something. The ball is tonight. We donât have time to waste.â The pressure was building, and I felt my chest tighten. He didnât give m
The car rolled to a slow stop in front of a grand hotel, the kind Iâd only ever seen in magazines or on TV. âParadise Hotelâ was written in bold, elegant letters across the top of the entrance, and the entire front of the building gleamed under the afternoon sun. A doorman stepped forward instantly, opening the car door. I stepped out slowly, glancing up at the tall, luxurious building. It was beautiful, but it felt out of place in my world. Like I didnât belong here. Without a word, I followed Mr. Damon as he walked toward the massive glass doors. His stride was confident, like this place was just another one of his many assets. Daniel trailed quietly behind him, calm and composed as ever. No one looked at me twice, but I felt every step. Like I was walking into a place that wouldn't remember me even after I left. Inside, the hotel was even more impressive...marble floors, towering chandeliers, and the soft sound of music playing somewhere in the background. A middle ag
Feeling drowsy, I decided to rest a little. The soft hum of the jet, paired with the gentle vibration beneath my seat, made it hard to keep my eyes open. I glanced at Mr. Damon and Daniel. Ryan was focused on the tablet in his hands, his expression sharp and unreadable, as always. Daniel sat near the back, still and silent, almost like a shadow. Relieved that neither of them was paying me any attention, I let my body sink deeper into the seat. Just a short nap, I told myself. My eyes fluttered shut, and slowly, the noise around me faded into a quiet blur. For a moment, I forgot where I was. Forgot the weight of everything. "Layla...Layla!!" The voice echoed, distant but unmistakable. I turned around, and there she was...my mom. She stood a few feet away, dressed in the same soft sweater she used to wear when I was a child. Her arms were open, her face calm, gentle...the way I remembered. "Mom?" I whispered, my voice trembling as I took a hesitant step forward. But
The next day Waking up to the sound of my alarm, I stood up hurriedly to prepare breakfast for Ava like I did every other mornings. Bathing and getting her ready for school was already so easy for me. As we ate breakfast, I explained to Ava that I won't be the one to pick her up for the next three days, and she shouldn't worry. "Why? Where are you going?" She asked in her sweet, childish voice. "I'm just going to be away for work, baby. I'll be back before you know it" I reassured her. "Can't Ava come with you?" She asked childishly. "No Ava, but I promise to take you with me next time" I promised, smiling softly at her. "Okay" she pouted. "Don't pout, a beautiful lady is going to take care of you while I'm gone, so make sure you behave, okay?" I asked. "Okay" she answered with a smile this time. Smiling back, I stared at her. I wasn't ready to part from her, even if it'll only be three days. We haven't been apart from each other before, except when I go to work.
RYAN'S POV Staring at her retreating back, I sighed. Fuck, why did I say that? Why did I make a promise I know I won't be able to keep?. Walking back to my sit, I sat down and opened the drawer on my right, bringing out the document in its. On the top of the opened file was Smith, written boldly. I ran a hand down my face, my jaw tightening as I stared at the file. Smith. The name alone was enough to send a wave of frustration through me. I flipped through the pages, my eyes scanning the information I already knew too well. Layla thought she could just walk away...but she had no idea what she was up against. Her name wasnât on this file, but it might as well have been. Because whether she realized it or not, she was already caught in the middle of something far bigger than just being my maid. And no matter what I had promised her, I knew one thing for sure. I couldn't let her go. Picking up my phone, I dialled a number and called. "Hello sir?" The voice on the o
"I know you're engaged to Miss Olivia" I said again, making sure my voice was loud and firm. Ryan let out a slow, measured breath, his eyes never leaving mine. A flicker of frustration crossed his face, but there was something else there too...something deeper, something I couldnât quite read. "So thatâs what this is about" he muttered, raking a hand through his hair. His expression was unreadable now, his usual mask slipping back into place. "You think that changes anything?" I blinked, taken aback by how casually he dismissed it. "Of course it does!" I snapped. "Youâre engaged, Mr Damon. To someone else. You canât just..." I gestured between us, feeling my face heat. "This...whatever this is...shouldnât even be happening!" Ryan sighed, shaking his head. "You donât understand." "Then make me understand," I challenged, crossing my arms over my chest. "It's just business, it doesn't matter and you shouldn't think about it" he said, his expression unreadable. "I don't care, I'm j
Two months later It's been two months since I started avoiding Mr Damon, making sure I wasn't in his presence for more than five minutes. I stuck to my plan religiously...keeping my distance, limiting our interactions, and making sure I was never alone with him for too long. At first, I thought heâd push back, try to corner me again like he always did. But to my surprise, he didnât. He let me have my space. Or at least, thatâs what I wanted to believe. Because even if he wasnât physically closing the distance between us anymore, I could feel his eyes on me whenever we were in the same room. He never stopped watching me. Never stopped making me aware of his presence. And the worst part? It was working. Because no matter how much I tried to ignore him, my body still reacted whenever he was near. My pulse would quicken, my skin would tingle, and my mind would betray me with thoughts I had no business thinking. I hated it. And yet, a small part of me...one I refused to acknowled