The assistant

She took a long, soothing bath in the luxurious bathtub, letting the warm water ease the tension from her body. Afterward, she wrapped herself in a plush towel before selecting the most comfortable outfit she could find from the wardrobe. Lucas had already filled it with an array of expensive clothing, each piece carefully chosen as if he had anticipated her every need.

Once dressed, she made her way to Lucas's room, hesitating briefly before knocking. There was no response.

Frowning, she carefully pushed the door open, peeking inside. The room was empty.

She was about to turn and leave when something caught her eye.

The room was breathtaking—dark yet elegant, with rich furnishings and an undeniable air of mystery. But what truly drew her in were the artifacts. Strange, ancient-looking objects lined the shelves and tables, each crafted with an eerie precision. Some looked valuable, others unsettling, as though they carried secrets of a past long forgotten.

Curiosity got the best of her. She stepped forward, drawn to a particular artifact that shimmered under the dim lighting. Its intricate patterns seemed almost alive, pulsing with a quiet energy.

Without thinking, she reached out, her fingertips mere inches away from the mysterious object…

Anna walked towards it and was about to pick it up when a sharp voice cut through the air.

"Don't touch that!" Lucas shouted.

Startled, she jerked her hand back, placing it over her chest as her heart pounded. She turned toward the voice and saw Lucas emerging from the bathroom, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist. Water dripped from his damp hair as he wiped his face with another towel.

Her eyes involuntarily traced his chiseled abs and broad chest, and before she could stop herself, a quiet "Wow" slipped from her lips.

Realizing what she had just said, her eyes met his, and she quickly snapped out of her daze.

Lucas strode toward her, each step making her pulse race. Is this what he meant when he told me to come to his room? Her fingers tightened around the edge of the table behind her as panic and something else—something dangerous—coiled inside her. He may be insanely attractive, but I'm not ready for this.

Her breath hitched. She squeezed her eyes shut and turned her face away, bracing herself. Please don't come closer… Yet, deep down, a small, rebellious part of her wanted him to.

"What are you doing?" Lucas' deep voice shattered her thoughts.

Her eyes flew open. He wasn't looming over her the way she had expected. Instead, his attention was elsewhere. Her gaze followed his hand—to the artifact she had nearly touched.

That's why he stepped closer?

Heat rushed to her face.

Without another word, Lucas turned, walking across the room to place the artifact inside a drawer, he grabbed a file and extended it toward her.

"Aren't you going to take it?" His voice was sharp, impatient.

Anna walked over and took the file from his outstretched hand while Lucas sank onto the bed, his expression unreadable.

"What is this?" she asked as she flipped it open.

"It contains everything about your new identity," he replied flatly.

Her eyes scanned the first page, and she froze.

"You will go by the name Kurry Lannister," Lucas continued. "Forget Anna. That name doesn't exist anymore. Everything else is explained in the file."

Anna gripped the papers tightly, uncertainty gnawing at her. "I don't fully understand. This is… a lot."

Lucas let out an exasperated sigh. "Kaia will explain everything. She's your personal assistant and bodyguard from now on." He gestured toward the door. "That's all. You can leave."

Anna hesitated. "I don't even know what she looks like. Can't y—"

"Get out," Lucas cut her off coldly.

She clenched her jaw, swallowing back a retort. Without another word, she turned and walked toward the door.

"You'll find her waiting outside," he added dismissively as she stepped out.

Anna exhaled sharply, closing the door behind her. What is his problem? she thought irritably.

Her gaze immediately landed on a young woman standing a few feet away. She was dressed in a sleek, well-fitted black suit—polished yet stylish, the kind that hinted at both professionalism and wealth. Her soft brown curls cascaded down her shoulders, complementing her delicate features. She was undeniably cute, with bright, expressive eyes and a subtle hint of mischief in her smile. Though she appeared to be about three years younger than Anna, there was a quiet confidence in her posture, not overly rigid but poised.

"Hey, newbie," Kaia called out, drawing Anna's attention. A playful smirk tugged at her lips, but there was a sharpness in her gaze. "What did you do to piss off the boss?" she asked, folding her arms as she looked Anna directly in the eyes, her tone carrying a mix of curiosity and teasing.

Anna scoffed, taken aback by Kaia's boldness. Narrowing her eyes, she crossed her arms and tilted her head slightly. "And who exactly are you?" she asked, her tone laced with attitude as she attempted to assert her superiority.

"My name is Kaia, Lucas's only disciple," Kaia replied, her voice carrying a hint of pride.

"You're Kaia?" Anna raised a brow, letting out a small laugh. "Aren't you supposed to be my assistant?"

Kaia crossed her arms, unfazed. "Yes. Do you have a problem with that, girl?" she shot back, her tone sharp with challenge.

"Did you just say 'girl'?" Anna scoffed, folding her arms. "Hey, you're supposed to show some respect. You work for me, plus, I'm older than you."

Kaia smirked, completely unbothered. "I don't work for you. I work for Lucas. You are nobody here."

Anna leaned in slightly, a sly smile playing on her lips. "But I am someone your boss needs. So, like it or not, you need me too."

Kaia chuckled, shaking her head. "You've got a way with words, I'll give you that. Alright, let's get to work."

Without another word, she turned and walked toward the living room, settling onto one of the plush sofas. Anna followed, sitting across from her. Kaia took

the file from her hands, flipping it open and laying it on the table between them.