I was ready to resume my job today.
Technically, it wasn't what I wanted.
But I had to make money. I had to take care of myself and help Jerry with the accommodation payments. And the double salary Oliver offered was too tempting to ignore. I couldn't keep depending on Jerry, and I wouldn't drag him into my financial problems.
When I finished getting ready, I paused in front of the mirror.
Black pants. A white top tucked neatly in. My hair pulled back into a tight ponytail.
Simple. Professional. Safe.
The driver took me through one of those neighborhoods reserved strictly for the rich, powerful, and influential. Everything here screamed money. Massive gates. Silent security. Houses that looked more like private resorts.
Then we stopped.
A gigantic building stood before me.
I muttered under my breath, "People actually have this money I'm struggling for."
The driver parked and stepped out to open my door. As I got down, I noticed the number of cars in the garage—far more than anyone realistically needed.
He disappeared, leaving me standing there to take in the landscaping. A large, perfectly manicured lawn stretched across the front. A fountain stood proudly at the center, water cascading in smooth, endless rhythm. The garden was elaborate, every flower trimmed and positioned like it belonged in a magazine.
I walked up to the door and rang the bell.
A man in his late forties opened it.
"Hello, I'm Lisa. The new housekeeper."
He gave a small nod. "Okay. Come in. Mr. Jason will be down soon. You can wait in the kitchen."
Everything about the place screamed luxury. The floors gleamed. The walls were decorated with expensive artwork. Even the air felt different—cooler, quieter.
When we reached the kitchen, he stepped aside and left.
I stood there alone, taking it all in. The kitchen was enormous. Modern appliances lined the walls. Marble countertops. Cabinets that looked custom-built. Everything spotless. Everything intimidating.
I was still admiring it all when a voice broke the silence.
"Well, who do we have here?"
I turned around, holding my chest as his eyes immediately followed the movement. "You startled me."
There he stood. "You look better than who I was expecting," I blurted out, then immediately regretted it.
He laughed out loud. "It feels different when you get a compliment from a beautiful woman like you."
We chatted for a while, and I got to know he was Oliver's cousin.
"Talk of the devil—" I turned.
Oliver entered the room.
Wearing a black Armani suit that looked like it was designed specifically for him. He smelled like mint and wood—sophisticated, intimidating. When I told Jason he looked better, that was a lie.
He didn't spare us a glance. He just walked straight to the fridge, grabbed a bottle of water, and drank.
"He's rude," I whispered to Jason, who stifled a laugh.
"Good morning, dear brother. Your housekeeper is here."
If only Jason knew his dear brother had already seen my nakedness… and that I had once longed to be touched by him again. But I liked the way he was acting—like we had never been together. It would help me forget him faster. Besides, the company had made it clear: no dating employees.
Oliver finished his water, turned slightly, and nodded once at his brother. "Jay."
Then those eyes fell on me.
He didn't say a word. He just stared.
I couldn't read his expression. Annoyance. Curiosity. Disappointment.
One thing was clear.
I inhaled sharply under his scrutinizing gaze.
"Have you done this job before?" he asked coolly. "Do you have what it takes to be a housekeeper? I wouldn't want your boyfriend or relationship to be an excuse for not doing your job properly."
Why did he bring up my boyfriend again? If he wasn't affected by my relationship, why did it matter so much?
I straightened my shoulders. "No, my boyfriend or relationship won't get in the way. He loves and understands me."
I saw a flicker of disbelief behind his otherwise blank expression.
"You better be the best replacement," he said, his tone clipped and rude. Then he added, condescendingly, "I see you flirt with any male that comes around. Try not to do that with anyone in this house or this environment."
The last statement made my blood boil.
I stepped forward, eyes narrowing. "With all due respect, Mr. Oliver, I'd appreciate it if you spoke to me with basic decency," I said, struggling to keep my voice steady. "If you don't want me to work here, that's fine. But I won't stand here and be insulted or belittled."
For a brief moment, something flickered across his face—surprise, maybe—but it was quickly replaced by a dark, unreadable look.
"Oh… feisty," Jason murmured from behind me, sounding impressed.
Oliver shot him a warning glance but said nothing.
The air thickened with tension.
I knew one thing for certain.
My stay in this house had just gotten a lot more complicated.