Leo stepped through the front door with cautious and faint steps while his arms were strained under the weight of the dozens of shopping bags. His freshly trimmed hair brushed his forehead lightly as he moved in his new elegant suit.
His heart felt giddy, it was the best day of his life. He got to eat such tasty food and even got so many gifts. He got married and the man was really kind to him. It's all felt like a dream to him.
A dream from which he was about to wake up. As he entered further, he stopped in his tracks when he came across his family who were gathered in the living room like predators waiting for their prey. Leo gulped, his heart racing as fear crept into his bones.
For a split second, the Ward family just stared at him in shock. The slender figure standing in front of them was dressed in an impeccably tailored suit, his hairs were neatly styled, and he looked like a young master from one of the elite families. Selene's cigarette paused halfway to her lips. Kyle squinted his eyes and then rubbed them to make out the figure standing in front of them.
And when the recognition hit them, their faces twisted in shock which soon melted into disgust.
"What the fuck?" Selene hissed, rising slowly from her seat. Kyle barked a laugh that died into a sneer. The sister's mouth curled in revulsion.
Leo froze and his gray eyes dropped to the floor, he clutched the bags tightly. He took hesitant steps forward until he stood before them in the center of the room.
"Look at it," Selene circled him like a vulture, eyes raking over his suit, shoes, and the clean hair. "The little mute bitch thinks he's a fucking prince now. All dressed up like some rich boy toy." She reached out and flicked the lapel of his jacket hard enough to make him flinch. "Who the hell do you think you are?"
"Holy shit. It's actually the beggar, I thought some pretty rich kid got lost." Kyle rose as well, towering over the already trembling boy. He grabbed one of the bags from Leo's arms and peered inside. "Designer shit? Man, this is fucking hilarious. That rich bastard is already spoiling you. Hit the jackpot, didn't you?"
Leo curled into himself, fingers biting into the bag handles until his knuckles went white. His gaze never lifted from the floor, lashes shaking with dread.
"So? Did you actually marry him, you worthless little cunt? Or did he just dress you up to take you for a quick fuck and dump you back here?" Selena asked.
Leo kept his head lowered at her nasty words.
"Answer me, you deaf freak!" Her hand struck his cheek making Leo's head snap sideways and his ears rang. The force knocked the breath out of him causing the bags to slip from his grasp and hit the floor, while he himself dropped to his knees.
For a second, he couldn't breathe. He clenched his jaw to swallow the pain back. His lip trembled and he bit down hard until he tasted metal. Kyle picked up the bags and pulled out the things one by one. There was everything from sweaters and coats to pristine shoes Leo had never owned before.
"Tch! What do you even need them for?" When Kyle pulled out a soft blue sweater, the one Leo loved the most in the mall, his eyes widened forgetting all the pain.
He extended his hand to reach it but a sharp heel crushed down on his hand. Pain shot through him mercilessly. Leo sucked in a broken breath, shame burning hotter than the sting in his cheek. It was the way she looked at him like he was something beneath her shoe.
The stiletto crushed his fingers against the floor. Leo's mouth opened in a silent scream, eyes squeezing shut as tears finally spilled over. His shoulders shook with suppressed sobs.
"You think you're something now, huh? Sniffed a bit of money and suddenly you're too good? You're still the same filthy beggar we dragged in from the gutter. And you always will be."
Kyle laughed mockingly and kicked one of the bags across the room. "Thousand-dollar coats for the mute trash. Bet Hale just dressed him up so he doesn't stink near him."
The sister snatched a box, ripping it open to reveal leather shoes. "These probably cost more than your entire pathetic life." She hurled them at Leo's hunched form, and one struck his shoulder hard enough to bruise.
Kyle twisted the blue sweater Leo had been reaching for. "Aww, the little princess likes blue." He tore it down the front loudly. "Not anymore."
Leo's breath caught on a silent sob as he profusely shook his head. He tried to crawl forward, reaching for it with his uninjured hand, but Kyle kicked him in the ribs. The blow drove the air from his lungs, his arms wrapping around his middle as pain bloomed intense and nauseating.
Selene finally lifted her heel. Leo's crushed hand throbbed horribly, his fingers were already swelling, skin was broken and bleeding. He cradled it against his chest and rocked slightly, anguish tears streaming silently down his flushed cheeks.
"Get up!" Selene snapped.
When he didn't move fast enough, Kyle hauled him up by the collar and punched him once in the stomach hard. Leo doubled over, gagging silently.
"Fucking disgrace," Kyle spat, face inches from Leo's. "You think that rich bastard actually wants you? He married you because you're a quiet little hole he can use and ignore. A mute fucktoy. That's all you'll ever be. He'll get bored in a week and throw you out like trash. You'll come crawling back here, begging for our scraps again."
Selene lit another cigarette and blew smoke in Leo's face. "Did you forget why he picked you, you stupid little shit? Because no one else would touch a broken mute freak like you. He dressed you up because you stink of poverty. He cleaned you up so you don't embarrass him. But underneath?" She grabbed his chin roughly, forcing his tear-streaked face up. "You're still nothing but the garbage we should've left in the orphanage."
Kyle spat on the ruined blue sweater, dropped it on the floor, and ground his shoes into it. "Enjoy your little fairy tale, beggar, which won't last long."
Leo sat crumpled on the floor amid the destroyed gifts, rubbing his crushed hand, body shaking with silent sobs. His new suit was ripped and dirty, his hair was disheveled again looking like the same broken boy he was in the morning. His whole body throbbed where Kyle hit him. But worse was the ache inside, the first kindness he had encountered in a very long time was reduced to rags at his feet.
Selene's phone buzzed and her furious expression changed. "It's a text from Adrian's assistant. You're leaving tomorrow. Try not to look too pathetic when Hale comes to pick you up. I don't want him changing his mind."
Kyle's face darkened the further he stared at Leo, fists clenched at his side. The thought of this silent boy escaping this house for a life Kyle could only dream of burned him like acid. He kicked one last bag across the room and stormed out, slamming a door somewhere deeper in the house.
Selene exhaled smoke and turned away too after barking out orders. "Clean this mess up before you go to bed. And stay out of my sight."
Leo remained on the floor long after they left, silently gathering the remnants of his gifts with his good hand. He folded what he could rescue, but not the blue sweater which was now ripped beyond repair, and carried them to the balcony in trembling arms.
Leo curled on his thin mattress. His soft red and wet eyes drifted down to his hand which was turning purple, he accidentally licked his split lip which stung like hell.
There was nothing much to pack. So, it didn't take much time to pack. He lay down while wincing in pain telling himself that it was the last night here. But sleep didn't come easily. Selene's venomous words echoed in his head leaving a tight knot in his stomach. The possibility that Adrian might discard him if he proved useless terrified him more than the physical pain.
In order to keep his place in Adrian's house, he must prove his worth no matter what it takes.
Morning came gray and cold. Leo dragged himself up before dawn, wincing with every movement. He intended to make breakfast, one last chore to avoid any punishment before leaving but as he descended the stairs, he heard some muffled voices drifting from the living room. The entire Ward family was gathered with their fake syrupy and obsequious tones.
Selene stood in the center, smiling widely at a familiar figure. Aaron, Adrian's assistant, who was impeccably dressed in a gray suit, stood politely with her.
"Mr. Aaron, please, sit," Selene cooed, gesturing to the sofa. "It's such an honor to have Mr. Hale's trusted assistant in our humble home. Can I get you anything? We're just so grateful for this alliance."
Aaron smiled politely but remained standing. "Thank you, Mrs. Ward, but I'm here for Leo. Is he ready?"
Selene's smile faltered for a second. "Of course, he'll be down any moment. We're just so proud of our boy for marrying into such a prestigious family."
Aaron's gaze flicked past her as Leo appeared at the bottom of the stairs, his injured hand tucked into the sleeve of his faded sweater. The bruises on his face had darkened overnight, purple blooming across his cheekbone, lip swollen, and he held his small bag in his good hand.
Aaron's expression softened instantly at the sight of him. He thought the boy looked impossibly small and fragile, swallowed by the oversized sweater, the tiny bag dangling like a child's school satchel. He already found Leo's quiet obedience endearing.
"There you are," he said warmly, stepping forward and completely ignoring Selene's outstretched coffee cup. "All set?"
Leo nodded quickly, his gray eyes cautiously glanced briefly at Aaron before dropping his gaze to the floor. Without realizing it, he shifted his weight from foot to foot anxiously.
"Great. Where's your luggage? I'll load it in the car." Aaron smiled at him.
Selene's jaw tightened visibly, teeth gritting behind her forced smile. She didn't like how they were already treating the mute trash like the new madam.
"Oh, Mr. Aaron, let me help—" She stepped forward, voice still honeyed.
Aaron didn't acknowledge her and kept looking at Leo. Leo shook his head indicating that he didn't have any luggage beyond the small bag. Aaron nodded and took it with a frown.
He thought the boy owned barely anything to his name. "This is everything?"
Leo nodded again, his head bobbing several times. His good hand fidgeted with the sweater hem, twisting in tiny circles, a nervous habit that softened his scared expression without him noticing.
Aaron felt a pang of sympathy for the boy's obvious condition. The bruises on his little face were impossible to ignore. "Alright then. Let's go."
Selene followed them to the door and stopped Leo. "Leo, darling, behave well for Mr. Hale, won't you? We're all so proud of you."
Leo didn't look at her but nodded and followed Aaron out.
The moment the door closed, Selene's smile dropped and she snarled in disgust. "Fucking mute ingrate. You'd better bring us a lot of deals or I'll kill you with my own hands."
Meanwhile, in a black sedan, Leo sat quietly in the passenger seat. Aaron glanced over as he pulled away from the curb.
"Mr. Hale wanted to come himself, but he got tied up with an urgent meeting," he lied smoothly. Adrian wasn't busy and simply delegated. But Aaron didn't want the boy to feel slighted on his first day. Mr. Hale is seriously a devil, avoiding his husband he just married yesterday. How could he be this heartless? Aaron pitied little Leo for marrying such a cruel man.
Leo shook his head gently suggesting it was fine. His expression stayed unchanged, calm and accepting.
Aaron felt relieved that Leo showed no sign of being upset. "You'll like the new place. Mr. Hale just bought a mansion in the Hillside community. He always liked to live alone and left his parents' house a long time ago after university. But now you two will live together."
Leo listened intently, absorbing every word about his husband. His big eyes roamed the passing scenery as they entered luxurious gated communities replacing the rundown streets, manicured lawns, and towering homes that dwarfed the Ward house. When they pulled up to the mansion, Leo's eyes widened and his lips parted in silent awe. He leaned forward without thinking, bumping his nose against the window in curiosity.
Aaron chuckled at his excitement. "Welcome home."
They got out of the car and entered the immense mansion. Leo's sparkling gaze darted around the high ceilings and large windows. At first, he looked excited but then a frown creased his brow as he nibbled his lower lip unconsciously. He panicked as to how he would clean such a giant house.
The ward's house was big and it took him the whole day to clean it, but that house is nowhere near this mansion.
Aaron noticed the boy's seriousness, his almost lost expression resembled a small anxious puppy. "What are you thinking? Is there a problem? Did you not like the house, I'll let Mr. Hale know—"
Leo quickly waved his hands and shook his head implying there's nothing wrong. He can't afford to make Adrian angry on his first day here.
"Alright, your room is upstairs. Mr. Hale will be home later. Make yourself comfortable till then."
Leo nodded gratefully as he followed Aaron who showed him around.
Aaron's phone buzzed in his pocket just as he finished pointing out the library on the second floor. Leo stood beside him, head tilted back to take in the soaring shelves. The boy's good hand trailed lightly along the banister, fingers brushing the wood as though testing if it were real. Without thinking, he rose slightly on his toes to see the upper shelves better, the motion making him look even smaller in the vast room.
Aaron glanced at the screen and answered immediately. "Yes, sir?"
"Did you pick him up?" Adrian's voice was icy as usual.
"Yes, sir. We're at the house now. He's…settling in," Aaron couldn't help the warmth that crept into his tone as he gazed over Leo. "He's really timid, sir. Looks like he's afraid the floors will eat him if he steps into the wrong room. You should come home tonight, he'll probably get spooked in this big place all alone."
On the other end, Adrian rolled his eyes so hard Aaron could practically hear it. "If you want a night shift, keep talking."
Aaron's spine straightened at the threat. "No, sir! Sorry, sir. I'll be back at the office in twenty."
He hung up quickly. Leo noticed his panic and watched him with cautious eyes. Aaron offered a gentle smile.
"I have to head back to the company. Mr. Hale's got a full schedule," He hesitated, hating the next part. He had no idea how to tell the boy that his devil of a husband might not come home tonight, or tomorrow, or the day after. Adrian lived at the office when he felt like it. "Your room's at the end of this hall, second door on the right. Rest, okay? I'll send someone with your lunch and some medicine."
Leo nodded at once, then turned and padded silently down the hall with his small bag clutched to his chest. He paused at the door, glanced back once as if checking Aaron was still there, then slipped inside and closed it behind him.
Aaron sighed. Thank God he didn't ask about Mr. Hale.
🥰✨💗
The devil, meanwhile, did not come home.
Adrian stayed in his office until dawn. He worked, drank two fingers of scotch, and worked some more. The silence of the top floor was comforting. He had lived alone for years and preferred it like that. No noise, no demands, no one touching his things.
Now suddenly, there was another person involved in his life.
A little husband.
The phrase felt uninvited, and Adrian scowled at his monitor. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't get that innocent face out of his mind. His house was no longer empty, someone must be walking its halls, existing in his private space.
He poured another drink as his gaze drifted to the clock: 6:47 a.m. Breakfast time.
He suddenly remembered the demand list, which was still folded in his desk drawer. He pulled it out and read the incoherent words.
Two meals a day.
He rubbed the paper between his fingers. The paper wasn't worth it anymore. The demands were already mentioned in the legal contract which he and his little husband have signed. But for some reason, he couldn't throw the paper in the trash. He thought that in case he forgot the demands he should keep it as a reminder.
Adrian's fingers drummed once on the glass. Was the little husband eating? Or was he waiting obediently with an empty stomach because no one had told him he was allowed to eat?
The thought irritated him more than it should. He stood abruptly and grabbed his coat.
"I'm leaving," he told Aaron through the intercom.
Aaron, still at his desk after pulling an all-nighter, mentally cheered.
Adrian drove faster than necessary. The driveway was empty, and the house was quiet under pale morning light. He entered without announcing himself, expecting irrationally to find Leo at the kitchen island, perhaps nibbling toast like a normal person.
Instead, he found him on his knees in the living room.
Leo was scrubbing the marble floor with single-minded focus, a bucket of soapy water beside him, and a sponge in his good hand. His injured one was wrapped awkwardly in a makeshift bandage, clearly self-applied, crooked, and too tight. He was still wearing his old clothes. His hair fell over his forehead as he worked, and every few seconds he paused to blow a strand away.
He didn't notice Adrian who watched him in disbelief.
The boy scrubbed without stopping as though the floor had personally offended him. A small exhale escaped him which was barely audible, but Adrian caught it.
Adrian cleared his throat leaving Leo startled so violently that the sponge flew from his hand, splashing water across the marble. He scrambled to his feet with wide eyes like a scared hamster. His cheeks flush deep pink when his eyes meet with his husband. He bowed his head but then remembered the rule about eye contact and jerked his gaze up to meet Adrian's. His eyes were huge and frightened, but he held the contact, red lips caught between his teeth.
Adrian's gaze flicked to the bucket, the wet patch on the floor, and the crooked bandage on his little husband's hand.
"What are you doing?"