The car ride was quiet. The rain followed us the entire way.
I just sat there, holding Poppy's box on my lap, my fingers curled tightly around the edges.
My nose stung. I sniffed quietly, turning my face toward the window so Phil wouldn't notice.
The car slowed, then stopped.
I looked up, as he pulled over. And my chest tightened.
The Donovan mansion stood right in front of us.
For a moment…I couldn't move.
I'd been here before. And I'd left thinking I would never step foot here again. Not in a world that didn't want people like me.
"Eli." Phil's voice cut through softly.
I blinked, swallowing whatever was rising in my chest.
"Come on," he said, already stepping out.
I nodded and followed.
The rain hit harder the moment I stepped out, and the weather was extremely cold. Phil held the umbrella over both of us as we walked inside.
The golden lights glowed softly above us.
I didn't belong here. I knew that already.
We walked further in, right in the center of the main hall, under a massive chandelier.
I stopped beside Phil….then a door opened.
Footsteps.
My head snapped up.
They were coming. From different directions. Walking toward us.
Tall. Attractive. Muscular….
My heart started to race..
Don't mess this up.
"They're just people," Phil's voice came quietly beside me. "They don't bite."
I stiffened. I hadn't even noticed when he leaned closer.
"Don't look scared," his voice dropped lower. "They can smell it."
My throat went dry.
"Dylan," Phil murmured as one of them stepped closer. "Loud. Short temper. Talks before he thinks."
I followed his gaze. Sounds about right.
"Lucas," Phil continued quietly, tilting his head slightly toward another. "Doesn't like being disturbed. Also allergic to responsibility."
"Jeff," Phil said. "The only one who'll try not to make your life difficult."
Jeff was the only one not glaring. That alone said a lot.
Phil paused for a second. Then….
"Noel."
I felt it before I saw him. That kind of cold presence..
"…doesn't care enough to pretend."
My fingers tightened again.
"You called us for what?"
"I was literally asleep."
"Phil, this better be important."
I looked up fully. And froze.
"You?" Dylan's eyes widened as they landed on me. "You've got to be kidding me."
I didn't respond. Didn't have the energy to. I lowered my gaze slightly, trying to steady my breathing.
"What is he doing here?" Dylan continued, turning to Phil. "Did he follow you here or something?"
Phil didn't react. "I called this meeting," he said calmly, "so you all could meet him."
"Meet him?" Dylan let out a dry laugh. "For what? Another round of charity?"
His gaze dragged over me slowly. "What do you want this time?" he continued. "Money? Gifts? Or did you come back to try your luck again?"
I said nothing.
Phil stepped forward slightly. "Everyone," he said, cutting through the tension, "this is Eli Carano." He paused.
"Twenty years old. Sculpture student at Gleewood Arts."
"Okay…." Dylan cut in, folding his arms. "Stop the speech." His eyes narrowed. "And tell us why he's here."
"And why you had to wake us all up for this?" Lucas added from the sofa, already sitting down like he'd lost interest halfway through.
Phil didn't hesitate. "From today," he said, "Eli will be the new housekeeper." He paused "Chairman's orders."
Silence.
Then…laughter.
"You're joking, right?" Dylan said, shaking his head. "This tiny Pokémon wants to manage the mansion?"
"Not the mansion," Phil corrected calmly. "The heirs' wing.."
Lucas let out a low scoff as he stood, stretching lazily, exposing his torso. "He can't even manage to look me in the eye." His eyes flicked to me briefly. "He'll be gone by morning. Just don't ask me to help move his body when he collapses from the stress. I'm busy."
He yawned. "I'm going back to bed."
And just like that, he walked off.
"Tch.." Noel who had been silent walked past me. As he passed, he spoke. "He's too weak to be here. Take him away."
My breath hitched.
Two gone. That left….three of us.
Dylan stepped forward.
"I asked you something," he growled. "What are you doing here?"
But I still didn't answer.
Jeff moved quickly, stepping between us. "That's enough, Dylan."
Dylan didn't even look at him. "Stay out of it."
"He just got here," Jeff said calmly. "At least let him breathe."
Dylan let out a bitter laugh. "Oh, I'm sorry," he hissed. "Should I welcome him instead?"
His eyes snapped back to me. "Welcome home," he mocked.
He watched me….waiting for something.
I gave him nothing. That seemed to irritate him more.
"Tch." He stepped back. "Whatever. I'm not doing this."
And just like that, he walked off too.
Jeff let out a small breath.Then he turned to me, softening his expression. "I'm Jeff," he said, offering a smile. "Don't mind them. They're… like that."
I nodded slightly.
Jeff glanced up at Phil. "He looks exhausted."
Phil followed his gaze. Then nodded once. "He'll get some rest," he said. "And settle in."
Phil turned. "Come."
I followed him.
This place…wasn't going to be easy.