My heart skipped a beat as I looked up to see none other than Derrick Stonewood himself standing before me.
I froze.I couldn't move if I wanted to.My breath got caught sharply in my throat.Here he was, the man whose empire everyone admires is standing before me... Inches away.We were so close to the extent that if we both made one wrong move, we would be pressed together tightly.I was literally just right in front of him.Derrick arched an eyebrow, clearly taken aback by my sudden presence.I stammered, trying to find the right words. "I...I'm sorry, sir"Derrick Stonewood stood tall before me. He was even bigger in real life than he was in his pictures. He was about two times my size. He could practically crush me if he wanted to.I had to raise my head just to look into his eyes. His presence was commanding and magnetic.I know I had just met him but I could tell quite some things about him just from his looks.His tall frame exuded confidence. He was devilishly handsome and from the looks of things, he knew it.With a chiseled jawline that could probably slice paper, he had a face that was a masterpiece of masculinityHis piercing blue eyes held a depth that seemed to draw me in. His eyes reminded me of the ocean. I had never seen anything like it up close.His dark tousled hair added an element of ruggedness to his overall appearance.For some reason, I had the sudden urge to stand on my tip toes and run my hands through it.It looked so luscious. It would probably be soft under my fingers.As I stood next to him, I couldn't help but feel a mixture of awe and nervousness.He looked even more handsome than he did on social media or in the magazines. I know the whole female population would kill to stand in front of him.He looked at me with curiosity and another emotion I couldn't quite decipher. The intensity of his gaze made my heart race.A flurry of butterflies danced in my stomach. His proximity to me made me feel hot all over.The fact that we were so close to each other made it impossible to ignore the magnetic pull I felt to him.Every fiber of my being was acutely aware of his presence. Every single hair on my body stood at attention.The way his tailored suit hugged his broad shoulders heightened the attraction I felt. Even from his suit jacket, I could see the fabric grip his muscles.I could imagine those firm hands pulling me closer to him by my waist. He would hold me down firmly without even trying. He seemed that strong. It was as if he possessed a magnetism that was impossible to resist.His captivating aura was impossible to ignore. I was drawn to him, like a moth to a flame.In his presence, I felt a mix of emotions. Attraction swirled towards me.It made me yearn for more and I had just met him.As I looked at him, the world around us seemed to fade into the background. It was just him and me, caught in a moment of undeniable connection.Who is this man?Wait, I know who he is already so that's not the right question.Why does he make me feel this things?I feel as if something has awoken inside me. I don't know what it is but I feel it.Why do I feel this way?I've never been this drawn to a man before.The intensity of his gaze alone could make me melt on the spot.I felt nervous and excited at the same time. Something inside me wants me to be the object of his attention.He arched his eyebrow in confusion "Who are you?"Dear Lord...His voice was deep and hoarse at the same time.It's the kind of voice you'd wish to hear when you wake up in the morning.Just hearing him talk sent shivers down my spine.I can imagine that voice whispering things in my ear... Dirty things... Telling me what he wants to do to me.I could feel my core get hot at the thought.What is wrong with me?Why am I having these thoughts?As he spoke, my eyes landed on his lips.He had the most luscious looking lips I had ever seen.I bet they taste just as good as they look.I wish I could..."Do you by any chance speak English?" he spoke.I gulped.He had an aura of power.He seemed like the kind of man that people bow to his every command just at the sound of his voice. Even I felt that way and I just met him."My-My name is Joan, sir""And? What are you doing here... Joan?"I want him to say my name again.From his lips, my name feels like it was made for him to say it"I'm here for an interview, sir"He scrunched his beautiful face in confusion "Interview? What interview?""For a maid position""A maid? You know what, I don't care. Next time, Joan, watch where you're going"Before I could open my mouth to say another word, he walked past me.His perfume scent lingered in the air.As he walked past, I had the urge to pull him back and sniff him in. He smelled that good.There's no doubt that the cost of his perfume could probably pay my mother's medical bills.I made my way to the bathroom.As soon as I got there, I shut the door behind me and leaned on it.I was breathing heavily. I have no idea why I was out of breath.I felt hot all over which is weird because the mansion is air conditioned all over.I let out a deep breath.The events of today seem so surreal.I just met Derrick fucking Stonewood.I wouldn't have believed this day would come... Not even in a million years.As I stood there, my phone buzzed indicating I had a message. I opened it to check what it was.It read: Hello, miss Joan. You've been hired for the position. You can start tomorrow.The next day marked first day of my job as a maid in the Stonewood mansion. When I got to the mansion, nervous excitement coursed through my veins.Before I left for home, I went back to the people who interviewed me. I was excited and relieved beyond words. They gave me a contract to sign which I did after reading it thoroughly. It was an NDA. It made me promise not to disclose anything that occurs in the mansion. Everything I witness here has to remain a secret. I was required to stay in the mansion five times a week. I begged them to make it four times because of my mom which they obliged to. I was also given a uniform which I was required to wear all the time during work hours.Apart from that, I was satisfied with all the terms given. I was shocked when I heard the salary I would be paid. It was outrageous. No wonder it was strictly by invitation. I knew the salary had to be high when I saw the ladies that showed up. It was enough to cover my mom's expenses with time and
DERRICK'S POVI was in my office sorting out some of my work papers.I did my best to focus on my work. I really did. However, no matter how hard I tried, my thoughts kept drifting back to.... Her. Joan.Yes,that's her name. Every single time I closed my eyes, I could see her gorgeous face. Her image was imprinted in my mind, refusing to leave.This is unusual because I just came in contact with her yesterday.I had never met anyone so beautiful... Anyone so mesmerizing. Yes, that's the word. She had the most beautiful pair of brown eyes I had ever seen. I could look at her forever. She had such captivating beauty and an innocent demeanor. She stared at me innocently. I could destroy her if I had the chance. I can imagine doing dirty things to her. She had such a small frame. She was so small that I could crush her with my bare hands if I wanted. I could pin both hands on top her head with one hand and I wouldn't need to use all my strength.Her curves showed in the tight dre
DERRICK'S POV "How's your end of the business?" I asked my sister; Irene "What are the updates?" We were both seated in my office. She sat in front of my desk. She looked focused as she looked for answers to my questions. She typed away on her MacBook as she gave me the documented details she had. "I ran updates on the trap houses here in the city" She responded. "And? Did you go there yourself or did you make use of the spies?" "I went there myself. The spies are working but with what's happened with Bones, I don't want to risk it. We can't trust anyone anymore" I nodded in understanding. She's right. The incident with Bones made me double check all my underground businesses. I thought the few men who were close to me could be trusted. Turns out you can't trust people after all. We have to be more careful. We can't afford this kind of incident again. It's only a matter of time before people start to put two and two together. "How are the houses in Mexico?" I asked her.
DERRICK'S POVI sat at my desk in my office. I tried to focus on the countless papers in front of me yet no matter how hard I tried, my mind always shifted to her..... JoanHer face was etched into my mind. I couldn't help but admire her. She was so strikingly beautiful, and her figure in that dress....I didn't even want to think about it too much. If I did, I would definitely have a hard on. The dress did a good job in bringing out her curves. I liked the view of her in it and I was sure I would like what was underneath it even more. I closed my eyes, allowing myself to imagine Joan in that short maid uniform. I imagined her walking towards me slowly while looking at me with whole time. I just want to grab her by the neck, turn her around and roughly pin her to the desk. After that, I'll raise up her dress and look at her panties. I was sure her underwear would be soaked for me. She's probably attracted to me like I am to her. I can imagine the curve of her ass. I wondered what kind
JOAN'S POVThe clock on the wall struck midnight, yet I couldn't sleep. I was too disturbed by my thoughts. I laid in my new luxurious bed, surrounded by luxury furniture that seemed to belong in a palace rather than maid's room. Emily had graciously shown me to my room earlier, and the sight of it had left me in awe. It was bigger than I anticipated. I sat up in bed and stared at the place for the hundredth time. I couldn't believe it. The room was twice the size of my shoebox apartment. I couldn't believe I had been given my own space, complete with a personal bathroom. I actually expected to share a room with someone or even two people. I didn't expect to have a space as large this all to myself. I sat there, feeling happy and grateful. Earlier, I texted Bea to tell her how everything was going. I also called the doctor to find out how my mom was doing. He told he she hadn't woken up yet. I was worried. My concern for my mom filled my thoughts. I just wanted her to be okay. Look
DERRICK'S POVI couldn't believe it. How could I have missed that stain on my shirt? I shook my head as I walked away. I wondered what Joan must think of me. Wait.... Why do I care what she thinks anyway?As I walked, Joan's image lingered in my mind. I remembered everything that happened. The feeling of her hand on my body stirred something inside me, something I couldn't place my finger on. She was so... Gentle. She wasn't even scared of me. I recalled the feeling of her soft touch on my shirt as she pointed out the stain. The warmth of her hand sent waves of electricity down my spine. I could feel the heat radiating off her body at that point. In that moment, all I wanted to do was pull her close to me. I wanted our bodies to rub together. I swore at myself for entertaining such thoughts. She was just a maid, after all. She was a nobody. I shouldn't be having these thoughts about her. I had never felt this attracted to a woman before. Still, no matter how hard I tried I couldn't
JOAN'S POVThe next day, Miss Sullivan and I stood in the armor room. She taught me how to clean the armors till they were spotless and shiny. Since nobody comes up here often, the armors are usually covered with dust. She told me that I have to clean it from time to time. I made a mental note in my head to remember that. I looked at the armor room in awe. I didn't know that people could keep this kind of stuff in their houses.The walls of the room were lined with rows of shiny suits of armor. Each piece stood proudly on display. The armors there were of different sizes and designs. They looked old, like they had been here for many decades. I scanned the room, admiring all of them. I had never seen real armors before. Apart from the armors, weapons were displayed on stands or hung from hooks on the wall. There were different types of weapons there - swords, axes, shields and many more. The room made me feel like I was in a movie set in an ancient Era. I stood beside Miss Sullivan, w
JOAN'S POVI laid on my bed, staring at the ceiling. I couldn't sleep. My mind was filled with so many thoughts.I was worried about my mother. She was still unconscious. I called the doctor and the nurses earlier. They all assured me that she was fine. Even with that, I couldn't help but worry. I hoped she would be okay. Everyday, the fear of receiving a tragic phone call haunted me. I feared that the call that would shatter my world completely. I prayed that the call would never come. I felt like a ticking time bomb. I closed my eyes, trying to force myself to sleep. But every time I did, memories of my mother's smiling face would show up in my head. Tears pricked at my eyes. I missed her so much. I wished I could be by her side. A knock on my door broke through my thoughts. I hesitated. Who could it be at this hour? My mind raced with possibilities. The knock sounded again. I slipped out of bed and walked to the door."Joan, it's Emily," a familiar voice whispered from the other
JOAN’S POVThe evening was busy but I didn’t mind. I wanted everything to be perfect. After everything Derrick did for me, I wanted to do something for him too.I stood in the kitchen as I supervised the activities around me. Pans sizzled, knives chopped and I ticked all the boxes of everything we need.“It’s going well, isn’t it?” Ms Sullivan asked with a smile as she walked out of the kitchen.“Sure is” I called after her. Tonight’s dinner had to be perfect, and I was determined to make it so.“Careful with the sauce, Emily,” I said, pointing at the simmering pot on the stove. “It needs to thicken just a little more.”Emily nodded as she stirred. The chef gave me a quick thumbs-up as he continued cooking. I laughed. When everything was finally prepared, I helped Emily and Sarah set the long dining table in the dining room. I made sure everything looked alluring to the eye. I even decorated the table with flowers.“Thank you, everyone,” I said with a grateful smile once the table w
JOAN’S POVI had spent the last few days sewing in my sewing room. My mind was focused only on the fabrics and my designs. I had never felt happier.I was sewing again! I was actually sewing again. And this time, I had everything I ever needed and even more. Designing again was a breath of fresh air for me. It was the one place where I felt in control.But that morning, as I adjusted a piece of fabric, Emily entered the room with a smile."Joan," she said "Sir Derrick has called for you."I froze, the needle halting mid-stitch. Derrick? It had been days since I last saw him. I hadn’t seen him since the engagement. Irene told me he had gone on a business trip."Really?" I blinked, trying to hide the excitement I felt. "I—of course. I’ll go right away."Emily smiled at me, and I could see the curiosity in her eyes. "He’s in his study. And, Joan... I’ve been meaning to tell you—your pieces, they’re incredible. You have such a talent."I looked at the mannequins that were now clothed in t
JOAN’S POVThe next day, I sat on the edge of my bed, staring at my phone. Notifications flooded the screen. My phone buzzed so much I thought it might actually explode. My name was plastered across every news article, headline, and gossip column: The mysterious Joan Hathaway—The Cinderella Bride of Derrick Stonewood.It felt surreal. A part of me wanted to smile, to feel special, but the amount of hate pouring into my inbox shattered any feeling of happiness I wanted to have. I got a lot of hate messages in my I*******m message box. Don’t even get me started on the comments.“You don’t deserve him.” “Gold digger.” “He could do so much better.”And the worst—death threats.I sighed and opened I*******m, immediately setting my page to private again. The comments there were worse. I received a lot of rage from strangers who thought they knew me.A knock on the door startled me.“Come in,” I called, quickly putting my phone down.The door opened and Emily popped her head in. Her face li
JOAN’S POVThe kiss lingered on my mind, stealing every ounce of focus I had. Derrick’s lips against mine, so unexpected, so electric—it was all I could think about as he led me by the hand into the hall. His grip was firm yet gentle, like he didn’t want to let go. My heart raced, not just from the memory of the kiss but from the interioe of the hall we stepped into.The room was breathtaking. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling, their crystals scattering light like tiny stars. The elites were all here—politicians, business associates, and socialites. Women wore shimmering dresses adorned with jewels, and men were well dressed in tailored suits that screamed wealth and power. It looked like a scene straight out of a movie.Derrick stopped to speak with the governor, a man I had only ever seen on television. My awe must have been obvious because Derrick leaned in and whispered, “Breathe, Joan.”The governor turned his attention to me, and brought out his hand for me to shake.“It’s a ple
JOAN’S POVThe room was filled with activity as my glam team moved around me with their palettes and brushes in hand. My makeup artist, Sophie, leaned in to add the final touch of shimmer to my cheekbones, and I tried to hold still, but my hands were trembling in my lap. It wasn’t nerves from being in the spotlight—I should have been used to that by now. I’d walked countless red carpets, smiled for cameras, and played my part in the perfect image Derrick and I had been carefully crafting.But tonight was different. Tonight, Derrick was going to propose.The audience wouldn’t know it was fake, of course. This wasn’t just any event; it was the beginning of our contract marriage. I tried to focus on the strokes of the makeup brush, but my mind kept drifting to what tonight meant.I always dreamed of getting married—falling in love with someone who looked at me like I was their entire world. The kind of love that made my mom’s eyes light up when she talked about my dad. But that wasn’t wh
JOAN’S POVI hummed as I stitched the hem of a simple dress. Sewing always brought me a sense of peace. It was a way to center myself when the world outside felt overwhelming.A sudden knock on the door broke my concentration, and I set the dress aside.“Come in,” I called, pushing a stray lock of hair behind my ear.The door opened to reveal Emily. When she saw me, her face lit up with excitement.“Joan!” she exclaimed, stepping inside.“Emily!” I got to my feet, crossing the room to hug her. “What are you doing here?”She pulled back with a huge smile “I have the most amazing news. You’ll never believe it.”I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “What is it?”Emily glanced over her shoulder, as if checking for eavesdroppers, before turning back to me. “There’s someone here to see you. A fashion designer.”I blinked in surprise. “A designer? What kind of designer?”Emily grinned, practically bouncing on her heels. “Not just any designer. Hart Couture.”I froze. The name sent a jolt through
DERRICK’S POVI sat at my desk, staring at the stack of papers I wasn’t reading. Santi and Ace were talking from across me but I barely heard them. My mind was elsewhere—on her.Joan.It had been days since I’d seen her. She hadn’t crossed my path in the mansion, and as much as I hated to admit it, I missed her. The way she glanced at me when she thought I wasn’t looking, her quietness, and, dammit, even the way she seemed to avoid me sometimes.Why the hell was I thinking about her?I’d never let a woman occupy my thoughts like this before. Women came and went. They were mere distractions in my world of deals and power. But Joan wasn’t like the others. She was innocent, beautiful and …different. I couldn’t put my finger on it. And the way she’d stormed out of the dining room that night when the stripper danced on me…A feeling of guilt tightened my chest. I hadn’t cared then, but now? Now, it irritated me to know I might’ve been the cause of that flicker of hurt in her eyes. What the
JOAN’S POVFor days, I hid myself in my room, avoiding everyone and everything. I didn’t want to see anyone and neither was I in the mood to do anything.I focused on the fabric in my hand as I sewed. My fingers worked mechanically, weaving the thread into the fabric, but my mind was far from focused.Derrick.His name alone sent an ache through my chest. I hated how much space he took up in my thoughts. I shouldn’t have felt anything for him. He was cold, detached, and utterly infuriating. And yet, every time I closed my eyes, I saw him.I saw him with her. The way his hand lingered on her waist. A stripper. He acted like I wasn’t even there, like I didn’t exist. Well, to him I didn’t. I was just a pawn in the grand scheme of things.Tears stung my eyes, but I blinked them away. I couldn’t do this to myself anymore. Derrick didn’t care about me. Our marriage, if it could even be called that, was a contract, plain and simple.So, why did it hurt so much?I stabbed the needle through t
JOAN'S POVIt was well past midnight when I slipped downstairs to the kitchen. I couldn't sleep so I decided to get a glass of milk to calm myself down. Just as I got the milk I needed, the muffled sound of voices caught my attention. I could hear a low argument coming from down the hallway. Curiosity got the better of me as it always did and I found myself walking closer. I stayed behind a pillar, straining my ears to catch every word.It was Derrick and Henry. They were both arguing about something. "You're hiding something, Derrick." Henry said "How long do you think you can keep it a secret?"Derrick’s response was calm "You have no idea what you're talking about, Henry. Stay out of my affairs, or you’ll regret it."I held my breath as I pieced together what little I could from their exchange. It was clear there was a rift between them. Just then, the sound of footsteps approaching shocked me. I ran back to the staircase, making my way up as silently as possible. Once I was in