The gates swung open as Malric accelerated the car into the parking lot.
Midnight had already fallen, and most of the workers had retreated to their quarters, leaving the mansion eerily quiet.
One of the guards rushed toward him.
"Welcome home, sir," he said, breathless.
Malric handed him the car keys and was about to turn toward the entrance when his eyes caught a car parked at the far end.
"What happened to that?" he asked, his voice calm but sharp.
The guard glanced nervously at the vehicle and hesitated.
"It's… it's the car Madam used earlier today. From what I heard… a car suddenly made a sharp turn and almost hit it. I don't know where the crazy bastar____"
He froze mid-sentence as Malric's glare pinned him in place.
"What did you say?" Malric's voice was ice.
The guard swallowed hard, thinking his boss was furious about his wife.
"Don't worry, sir. She's alright. Nothing serious happened," he said nervously, attempting a laugh.
The laugh died on his lips as Malric grabbed him by the collar.
"Who did you call a crazy bastard?" Malric demanded, recognition flashing in his eyes.
The guard could only stammer, "S-sorry…"
Malric released him, straightened his shirt, and softened his tone just slightly.
"I think you have a lot of work to do rather than standing here," he said.
"Y-yes… very much," the guard replied, retreating in long strides.
Malric entered the house, heading directly to the built-in cabinet that housed his wine collection. He poured himself a glass and drank quietly, not bothering to switch the lights on.
Suddenly, light footsteps echoed through the hallway. Someone was tiptoeing into the kitchen.
He turned sharply and saw a shadow slipping across the room. Raising an eyebrow, he followed silently until he found her, a woman gulping water as if her life depended on it.
He studied her silently: long hair cascading down her slim back, legs slender and graceful, neck glistening with sweat as stray strands clung to it.
Stepping forward, he grabbed her hand.
A loud scream tore from Elysia's throat. Reflexively, Malric covered her mouth, pressing her against the wall to prevent her from making a scene.
Elysia struggled, kicking toward him without success, she threw her leg with the intention to knee him, but Malric caught her leg instantly
.
"Not there, you little crazy woman. Unless you want it between your legs," he hissed, a twisted smile on his lips.
Elysia froze, eyes wide as her eyes landed on his face. Memories of the café rushed back, these same eyes that she saw earlier.he was dangerously close but her silence only to vanish under his next words.
"What! You want it that badly? Too bad. It never happens with little girls, you know."
What does he think of me? Elysia's anger flared. She bit his hand and shoved him away.
"You bastard! I am not a little girl I'm twenty-four, crazy!" she shouted, storming out of the kitchen with long strides, leaving him perplexed.
Crazy bastard. The words echoed in Malric's mind, it was the second time hearing it.
He ran a hand through his hair, staring at the spot she had occupied. Finally, he turned and went to his room.
Cold water splashed on his bare back as it slowly pooled on the marble floor. So much had happened since leaving the prison, and his mind was a chaotic storm.
---
The next morning, Elysia woke early, preparing herself for her first day at work. Having passed the interview, she needed to make a strong impression.
Descending the stairs cautiously, she was surprised to find breakfast already laid out but one single-serving plate caught her attention.
"Miss, you have to eat before leaving for work," Mr. Storm said with a smile.
"Don't worry. He won't be out anytime soon," he added casually.
Elysia frowned, wondering why he felt the need to point that out.
Since arriving at the mansion, she had noticed the staff's perfection and punctuality. Their smiles were constant, almost too perfect but she had yet to understand the secret behind them.
Outside, Marco, the driver, waited.
"Good morning, Madam. Hope your day goes well," he said warmly, flashing a charming smile.
The drive was smooth, taking less than an hour. Upon arrival, she was surprised to see Luna waiting. Luna grabbed her hand and pulled her aside.
"Oh, Elysia! If people saw you arriving in that car, they'd think you're the boss's wife or some big shot coming for business," Luna whispered with unbelievable expression
Elysia frowned. "The car? I don't care. It's expensive, but that doesn't mean anything. Most owners of such cars are big shots."
"Who's your husband, really?" Luna asked, suspicious.
Elysia shook her head. "It's… complicated."
Luna grinned mischievously. "I know! But you should switch to a less flashy car. I think I've figured him out." She scrolled through her phone. "From what I researched, your husband isn't rich enough to own luxury cars." Luna was confussed
Elysia glanced at the phone but the man in the picture wasn't the one she had met yesterday this one was different. Confusion crossed her face.
"It's not him," she murmured.
"His father is the one who attended the marriage instead of him that is why you don't know him. What's his name again....?" Luna whispered.
"Yes. Mr. Storm. His son is very rebellious he didn't want to attend the wedding," luna said slowly.
"Why?"
Luna leaned closer, whispering. "His son is… gay. That's why his father is trying to settle him down with a girl."
Elysia's jaw dropped. "No! He is not the one."
"Remember those three men who came to the company yesterday?"
"What about them"Luna asked, trailing off.
"Ooh no don't tell me....."
"IMPOSSIBLE" exclaimed Luna with her voice louder this time
Before they could speak further, a man in his early fifties appeared.
"And what are the two of you gossiping about here?" he asked.
Both of them turned around
Luna froze. "Oh! Hell no… I'm dead!"