"Just continue straight ahead and take the next right turn. Keep going until I instruct you to stop," Alex replies in a firm tone.
The taxi driver carries out the instructions swiftly, navigating through the streets until they reach the designated location. Alex thanks the driver and hands him a generous tip, insisting that he keep the change.
"Sir, this is too much, your fare is $50," the taxi driver protests, a mix of surprise and gratitude in his voice.
"Don't worry about it, keep the change as a tip," Alex insists, his indifference evident.
The taxi driver, unable to argue further, thanks him and drives away, leaving Alex and the girl standing outside the secluded house.
As they approach the gate, Alex taps a panel on the wall, revealing a camera for facial recognition. The system scans his face, confirming his identity, and the gate opens, granting them access.
"Welcome back home, Master Alex," a robotic voice greets him, its tone devoid of any warmth.
Alex nods silently, acknowledging the automated greeting, and proceeds towards the entrance door, which opens automatically as he approaches.
Once inside the house, Alex carries the girl through a short walkway, leading to a room that resembles a parlor. The room is spacious, but sparsely furnished, lacking the typical gadgets and equipment one might expect to find. There's a single couch and a table in the right corner, and a staircase leading to the second floor behind them.
Gently, Alex lays the girl down on the couch, making sure she is comfortable. He then leaves the room through a door on the left side, entering a space filled with numerous shelves, resembling a mix of a library and a medical store. The shelves hold books and various supplies, including drugs, liquid bottles, and cotton.
With a focused determination, Alex retrieves the necessary items to tend to the girl's wounds. He carefully cleans and dresses her injuries, his hands moving with practiced efficiency. There is a sense of detachment in his actions, as if he has done this many times before.
Once he finishes tending to her, Alex sits beside her, watching over her with concern. Though his demeanor remains distant, there is an underlying commitment to her healing. He wants nothing more than for her to recover swiftly, so she can leave and move on with her life.
Days pass, and the routine becomes a familiar pattern. Alex diligently attends to the girl's physical needs, providing her with nutritious meals, administering medication, and offering comforting words. Their conversations revolve around her recovery, her progress, and the importance of rest.
Despite the gratitude the girl feels for Alex's care, a sense of wariness begins to grow within her. She can't shake the feeling that there is something off about the house, something she can't quite put her finger on. It is not only the locked doors and restricted areas that pique her curiosity, but also the enigmatic aura surrounding Alex himself.
Both Alex and the girl harbor wounds and traumas, causing them to be guarded and closed off from the world. Alex, driven by a hidden agenda, remains distant, shutting himself away behind walls of indifference. The girl, on the other hand, carries her own burdens, making her cautious and hesitant to fully trust him.
During one of their conversations, the girl cautiously reveals her name as Joanna, though she feels a twinge of caution for sharing even this small piece of personal information. It is a calculated risk, a way to establish a connection while still maintaining her guard. Alex registers the name, his eyes briefly flickering with Suprise before settling back into their usual cool gaze.
Days turn into weeks, and as the girl's strength begins to return, her curiosity intensifies. She wants to understand the secrets that surround the house and the mysteries that enshroud Alex. However, her inquiries are met with resistance, as Alex dismisses her questions, emphasizing that her focus should be on her recovery.
One evening, as the girl's departure draws near, she gathers her courage and confronts Alex about her impending leave. She desires answers and clarity amidst the enigmatic circumstances that brought them together. However, Alex remains evasive, brushing off her inquiries with a dismissive wave of his hand. He reiterates that her recovery is the only thing that matters.
As the tension between them grows, the girl becomes increasingly determined to unravel the truth behind Alex's motivations and the mysteries of the house. She wants to break free from the constraints and limitations imposed upon her, to understand the secrets that lie within.
And so, on the day of her departure, as she stands at the threshold of the house, the girl's heart feels heavy with a mixture of gratitude for Alex's care and a growing determination to uncover the truth. She turns to face him, her voice trembling slightly as she proposes her unexpected request.
"Alex," she says, her voice filled with a mix of nerves and determination. "I... I propose... I would like to work for you. As a maid or any other role you see fit. I want to repay your kindness and show my gratitude."
For a brief moment, surprise flickers in Alex's eyes, but it quickly fades, replaced by his usual detached expression. He opens his mouth to decline, ready to dismiss her request, but before he can utter a word, the girl drops down to her knees. Her unwavering gaze meets his, her voice steady despite her position on the floor.
"My name is Joanna Milligram," she says, her voice carrying a sense of newfound strength. "I am determined to be a diligent and loyal worker. Please consider my request."
As soon as Alex hears her full name, a sudden flash of recognition passes through his mind. His eyes darken, revealing a hint of something haunting beneath his stoic exterior. In that moment, he realizes that Joanna Milligram might have a connection he can use to achieve his goals.
A heavy silence fills the air as Alex struggles with conflicting emotions. The memory, like a specter from the past, lingers in his thoughts. It carries with it a weight that is both burdensome and intriguing.
Finally, after what feels like an eternity, Alex speaks in a cold and detached voice, his tone devoid of any warmth or emotion. "Very well, Joanna Milligram. You may stay and work for me. But remember, this is strictly a professional arrangement. Do not expect any special treatment."
Joanna's face lights up with a mixture of relief and determination. She rises from her kneeling position, a sense of purpose burning within her. Though she can't fully comprehend the shift in Alex's demeanor, she accepts the opportunity with gratitude.
"Thank you, Alex. I will do my best," she says, her voice filled with determination.
With that, Joanna gathers her belongings, ready to embark on a new chapter as an employee in Alex's enigmatic household. Little does she know the true extent of the secrets and complexities that lie within the walls of the house, nor the role she will play in unraveling the mysteries that surround her employer.