CHAPTER 2: A New Job And Unexpected Emotion

My grandmother informed me that I was going to start working in the mansion immediately, and I was glad to be allowed a day of rest. However, it was difficult for me to relax completely, my mind constantly thinking about the new job awaiting me. I had enjoyed relaxing for a day, but the prospect of starting my new job brought me many mixed feelings, including anxiety and a sense of foreboding. Nevertheless, this was an opportunity to help her and thank her for taking care of me

I was walking to the room of my co-worker to ask her about the work I would be doing at the mansion. I'm feeling somewhat anxious and overwhelmed.

As I made my way down the hallway, I heard a voice from behind me. I turned to see who it was, and saw an unfamiliar face. I was a little taken aback, and wasn't sure how to respond. I didn't want to appear rude, but I also felt a bit anxious about interacting with this new person. I just hoped that they wouldn't be too difficult to work with, and that we could get along well together.

"Hello, are you Aisha? Grandma Helen's granddaughter, right?" she said to me, smiling warmly.

"You must be as thoughtful and kind as she is." I nodded and I suddenly felt a wave of awkwardness wash over me. I was not accustomed to receiving such praise, and it made me feel uncomfortable and overwhelmed.

"Ah, you're so beautiful," she began, looking at me with admiration and amazement. "Your clear, porcelain skin is like a doll's, and you look too pretty to be true."

Her gaze was filled with affection and appreciation as she looked at me, yet I couldn't help but feel a bit awkward and uncomfortable. As if sensing my hesitation, she quickly added, "Oh, I'm sorry, I think I stared at you too much."

"Ah, no, it's okay," I replied in an awkward, embarrassed manner, giggling slightly to try and lighten the mood.

"By the way. My name is Eira," she said with a warm smile, holding out her hand to shake mine.

"It's so nice to meet you, Aisha. I'm looking forward to working with you."

Her genuine warmth and friendliness made me feel a bit less awkward and uncomfortable at the sudden attention.

"N-nice to meet you. I'm looking forward to working with you, too" I responded shyly, my voice full of slight hesitations and unease. I took her hand and gave it a gentle shake, feeling a surge of nervousness but also excitement. I returned her warm smile and friendly gesture, even as my heart raced and my mind became slightly overwhelmed by the sudden attention and social interaction.

As She led me on a comprehensive tour of the mansion, which served as evidence of her decades-long service there. She was intimately familiar with the mansion's nooks and crannies, and she provided me with thorough directions to each of the areas I would be cleaning. She also drew my attention to the rooms we were prohibited from entering, including the master bedroom, private dining room, private home office, and wine cellar. The tour gave me a clear understanding of the mansion and my role within its walls, which will make my job much easier in the long run.

Eira and I were cleaning in the living room when suddenly, She tapped me on the shoulder.

"Aisha"

When I turned to Eira, I saw she was holding a vase that looked very expensive

"Can you do me a favor? I forgot I was supposed to go grocery shopping today"

"Ah, yes. Of course," I remarked, stepping closer to her "What is it that you need?" I added

"Could you place this vase in the display case in the grand foyer? I Apologies for the inconvenience." Eira said with a polite smile on her face as she gesticulated lightly with her hands, gesturing towards the location.

"Ah, yes. No problem..I'll get right on it" I responded in a cordial and soft spoken manner.

"Oh, let me just say how grateful I am for this. Thank you, Aisha. And as for that vase, let's make sure it doesn't shatter, right? Madam's wrath is not something I want to face, I can tell you that. Anyhow, I'm off now. Thanks again." Eira responded with a thankful smile, as she waved slightly and raised her hands in a sort of shrug.

I nodded in agreement, along with a smile on my face as Eira left. As I held the vase, my mind was filled with thoughts and fears, primarily focused on how I would be able to keep this heavy and pricey item intact while carrying it. All the while, I felt the weight of the flowers and the water inside of the vase and the possibility of it shattering under my care. I guess the fact that it was worth more than my life didn't make the task of holding it any easier.

Meandering through the corridor towards the grand foyer, I let my mind wander. So far, my eyes have been drawn to the expensive furniture and jewels in this seemingly endless mansion. It's so difficult to believe that I'll be living here, even if it's just as a maid.

Suddenly..

My heart sank as I bumped into someone in front of me and accidentally dropped the vase in my hands. I stared at the shards and pieces on the floor with nervous anticipation, fully aware of the fact that this expensive item had just shattered in front of me. My heart raced with nervousness and I could feel the heat radiating from my face as I looked at the disastrous sight.

"Damn it, Are you trying to get my attention or what?!" a voice of a man said, sounding annoyed. I stood there, unsure what to do next. I felt panic in my chest and fear for what would happen next. Would I be thrown out of this mansion? Would my grandmother suffer as a result?

"Are you deaf? Look at me when I'm talking!" the man shouted, his voice echoing throughout the area, his demeanor shifting in an instant from a state of annoyance to utter anger. He started to move closer to me, gesticulating wildly as his movements become bigger and bigger. With each word, he drew closer to me, his voice carrying an increasing amount of disdain every time he spoke.

To my surprise, he suddenly grabbed my chin in a rough yet forceful manner and made me look at him. I was still scared and unable to speak, stunned by the intensity of his actions. I could feel my heartbeat accelerating in the moment, but I couldn't bring myself to utter a word against his strong grip.

As I was forced to face him. I was taken aback by his appearance. His features were sharp and handsome, almost like a model. His muscular body was drenched in water, as he had been caught in the crossfire of the accident. His clothes were stylish and expensive, his designer shoes wet and his tie slightly loosened around his neck from the water. His dark hair was combed back neatly, revealing a handsome face that was both intimidating and alluring. In addition, he seemed to be a little bit older, with a bit more maturity and life experience than someone who's simply just rich. He definitely gave off the air of success and privilege.

"A-ah, ah-um, I'm- I'm so sorry." I stuttered, bowing my head quickly as I felt my nerves starting to take over. My voice was shaky, as I apologized repeatedly for my mistake. My lips were quivering, hands trembling as I spoke. There was no way that my apology would've sounded sincere, as I just wanted this moment to be over.

"So this is the way you try to get my attention? Involving an entire vase just so you can get my attention? How ridiculous." His words were sharp and mocking, his words filled with disdain and disgust. He didn't believe my apology at all and thought that i did it intentionally.

"I'm so sorry. I'm really sorry! I didn't mean to, I'm so sorry..."

"Sorry?" he repeated, his voice dripping with disdain. He looked at me with a piercing gaze, as he waited for my response. With a wave of his hand, he indicated that my apology was not enough. Moving closer, he said "You don't know what to do to make up for that? Pathetic" He kept his stern expression, watching my reactions closely as he spoke, like he wanted to see me squirm or beg for forgiveness.

"W-what do you want me to do?" I exclaimed desperately. "I'll do anything! I don't have the money to pay for the vase or your clothes... Please, I'll do anything to make up for it." As I spoke, my tone was filled with unease and nerves, my movements nervous and fidgeting.

"I should fine you," he said, glancing at me with an amused smirk.

"Unless you want to pay in another way?" His voice was husky, a slight edge to it that sent shivers down my spine. With a gesture, he seemed to beckon her over as he continued:

"I'm sure a pretty thing like you would have plenty of ways of making me change my mind." His words were smooth and almost seductive, as if he was asking for something much more than just a fine in return for my mistake.

"Y-yes I'll do anything!" As I spoke, I suddenly felt his hands on me as he gestured for me to stand up. Surprised and frightened, I didn't know what to make of this sudden gesture.

"Be... be my personal maid." His voice was low and seductive, making my face feel warm with embarrassment. It took a few moments for his words to sink in, as the realization hit me like a ton of bricks.

Was he serious? Did he want me to be his maid? His words carried so much weight, as if his suggestion was meant to be a command rather than an offer.

I remained still as I digested his request, my mind filled with thoughts of what it would entail.

"Did I hear you wrong? Ah, that's impossible." I denied the offer quickly, my expression clearly indicating my distress and unease at the idea.

The concept of being someone's personal maid was too much to imagine, much less accept without a proper reason behind it.

"Impossible? Haha, that's a funny word." He paused for a moment, then continued with a chuckle.

"Oh, so you don't want to be my maid? I guess you had planned to pay for my clothes and the vase after all. Do you have any idea how much that vase costed?"

My hands curled slightly into fists, showing my stress. His words carried much weight, as he watched me closely for any reactions.

I could see a slight smirk on his face, like he found the situation amusing. He leaned closer to me, causing me to take a step back. His hand brushed over my shoulder, his touch surprisingly soft and gentle. It made my body feel weak in an instant, filling me with a whole new level of awkwardness I'd never experienced before.

"I'll give you ten seconds to make a decision," His movements were confident and assured, his grip tightening on my shoulder to emphasize the looming timeframe

"If you don't decide before the time is up, you'll be responsible for these clothes and that vase. Oh, I just realized that's the vase the witch mostly cares about," he added with a cruel glint in his eyes. His expression was one of pure satisfaction.

"Should I do it? The thought alone of accepting his offer sent chills down my spine, knowing the difficult situation I would be putting myself in. Even though the man before me had a seemingly painful facial expression, I couldn't help but think that this was my best option. My grandmother's reaction to the vase's destruction and the cost he mentioned were too much for me to bear alone. And the mysterious witch that he mentioned, who was she?" On the inside, my thoughts were a maze of uncertainty and fear, unsure what to do. I looked at his face, trying to gauge his expression before I made my final decision.