Lina barely slept that night.
The bed in the guest room was the softest she had ever touched, covered in silk sheets and thick pillows that smelled faintly of lavender. But instead of comfort, the unfamiliar luxury made her restless.
She kept thinking about everything that had happened in just one evening.
A few weeks ago, she had been a normal girl struggling to pay rent and hospital bills. Now she was living in the penthouse of one of the most powerful billionaires in the city.
It felt unreal.
When the sunlight slowly crept through the large glass windows the next morning, Lina finally sat up.
The room itself was larger than her entire apartment. Elegant furniture decorated the space, and the massive window showed a breathtaking view of the city below.
Cars moved like tiny toys on the streets far beneath.
For a moment, Lina forgot about her worries and simply stared.
Then reality returned.
She quickly got out of bed and washed up in the luxurious bathroom attached to the room. Even the bathroom looked like something from a five-star hotel—marble floors, golden fixtures, and a large mirror that reflected her nervous expression.
After getting dressed in a simple white dress she had brought with her, Lina stepped carefully into the hallway.
The penthouse was incredibly quiet.
Too quiet.
She wondered if Damien had already left for work. Someone like him probably had a busy schedule.
As she walked toward the living room, the smell of freshly brewed coffee filled the air.
Her stomach growled softly.
She hadn't eaten since yesterday evening.
Following the scent, she entered the enormous kitchen.
And froze.
Damien Blackwood was standing near the counter.
He was dressed in a crisp black shirt with the sleeves rolled up slightly. His hair was still slightly messy, as though he had just woken up, yet he looked effortlessly confident.
He turned when he heard her footsteps.
"Good morning."
His voice was calm and deep.
Lina felt suddenly awkward.
"Good… morning."
He studied her for a moment.
"You didn't sleep well."
It wasn't a question.
She blinked in surprise.
"How did you know?"
"You look tired."
Lina gave a small embarrassed smile.
"This place is just… very different from what I'm used to."
Damien poured a cup of coffee and slid it across the counter toward her.
"Sit."
She hesitated before taking a seat at the kitchen island.
The coffee smelled wonderful.
"Thank you," she said quietly.
A few moments later, a housekeeper entered the kitchen carrying a tray of breakfast—eggs, toast, fruit, and juice.
Lina stared at the food in amazement.
At home, breakfast was usually just bread or nothing at all.
The housekeeper placed the tray neatly on the counter before leaving without saying a word.
Damien began eating calmly.
"You should eat," he said.
Lina nodded and picked up a piece of toast.
For a while, they ate in silence.
But Lina could feel Damien's gaze on her occasionally, as if he were observing her.
Finally, he spoke again.
"You're very polite."
"I was raised that way," she replied.
"Most women in your line of work behave differently."
Lina paused.
"I'm still learning."
Damien leaned back slightly in his chair.
"Tell me something."
She looked up.
"Why do you avoid physical contact with clients?"
Her heart skipped.
"How do you know that?"
"I asked the manager."
Lina felt heat rush to her face.
Marissa must have told him everything.
"I just… prefer not to," she said carefully.
Damien's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Yet you chose to work in a place where that is the main expectation."
"I didn't have many choices."
Her voice became quieter.
"The money helps my mother."
Damien watched her for a long moment.
Then he nodded slowly.
"I see."
But something in his expression suggested he wasn't completely convinced.
Just then, his phone buzzed on the table.
He glanced at the screen briefly before standing.
"I have a meeting in an hour."
Lina quickly stood as well.
"Oh… okay."
"You can stay here during the day. If you need anything, the staff will assist you."
"Thank you."
Damien grabbed his jacket and walked toward the door.
But just before leaving, he stopped and looked back at her.
"One more thing."
"Yes?"
"Tonight, you'll attend an event with me."
Her eyes widened.
"An event?"
"A business party."
He spoke casually, as though it were nothing.
"You'll accompany me."
Lina felt a wave of nervousness.
"I've never been to something like that before."
"You'll manage."
Then he added quietly,
"Besides… I'm curious to see how you behave outside the club."
Before she could reply, he walked out.
The elevator doors closed behind him, leaving Lina standing alone in the enormous penthouse.
She let out a long breath.
Her life had changed so quickly that it still felt like a dream.
But something about Damien's words kept echoing in her mind.
I'm curious to see how you behave.
It felt like he was slowly trying to uncover a secret she had tried so hard to hide.
And if he discovered the truth—that she was still a virgin working in an escort club—everything could change.
Lina walked back toward the giant window overlooking the city.
Far below, the world moved normally.
People rushed to work, cars filled the streets, and life continued as usual.
But for Lina, everything had already begun to shift.
And deep inside, she had a strange feeling that this contract with Damien Blackwood would bring far more trouble—and emotions—than she had ever expected.