E5
I could hear her cries—the fear in her voice. I was staring without noticing… staring at him, trying to calm her down. I had never seen this man this soft before… but it wasn't working. I guess the girl wanted her mother. I wondered where she was…
But she didn't stop crying or shaking. It was obvious he was surprised—it was the first time Mira had acted like that. Selene stood there outside the room, then slowly stepped in.
He was turned toward the window, his blood boiling with anger.
"Where's this damn nanny?" he muttered.
I knelt slowly. The little girl clung to me, softly crying, sobbing breathlessly. I rubbed her back and brushed my hand against her silky hair. She calmed down a little. I whispered small nothings into her ear to comfort her.
I looked up to see him staring again, his expression blank. It creeped me out… but he was tired. I could see it.
He let the little girl cling to me until her body went limp. Mine was about to go limp as well—I was so tired—but suddenly I felt him take the little girl from my arms. I stayed on the couch, where we had been sitting. My eyelids were too heavy—
"Don't fall asleep here—"
Hm…?
He sighed, frustrated. "That's useless…"
After she fell fully asleep, he left. The night passed. The morning sunlight lit the room with a golden glow; after the rainy night, everything was shining.
Selene woke up and saw an envelope beside her—but she was in a different room, on a bed she didn't remember lying in. Her bandages were new. She didn't say anything about it—she was already grateful.
Knock knock.
Selene straightened up as the door opened.
The little girl came in, smiling innocently. She looked excited and beautifully dressed.
"G-good morning, Selene…"
"Hey, good morning, little one. How are you doing? Are you feeling any better?"
"Y-yes! I feel great!"
Selene chuckled softly as she brushed her silky hair.
"That's great, then."
"L-Lady helper…" she said nervously, cheeks flushed, her small hands clenching her dress.
"W-will you… have breakfast with me, please…?"
"…Sure."
"R-really?! YAY!" she jumped happily.
It was actually my first time enjoying breakfast with someone. She was so sweet, so funny, so cute… well, unlike someone.
But as soon as our breakfast ended, I heard the voice of the man who was always standing next to Mr. Moretti—and I knew my moment was over. I stood up as I swallowed the last piece.
He entered. He saw us.
I knew I was screwed. I was warned not to get near his daughter, but I forgot because of how sweetly she asked. I actually felt bad—and the look on his face? It made me want to puke from nervousness.
"Daddy!" the little girl ran into his arms.
"My office. Now." he lip-synced while hugging her.
"Daddy, we had so much fun! We even made pancakes! With strawberries and honey!"
"Hmm… too much sugar, isn't it, sweetie?" he said to her—but he was looking at me like I was a monster trying to poison his daughter.
I was… traumatized. I felt like an actual monster. I almost envied the little girl for having a father like that.
My legs moved on their own as I went upstairs toward his office. I didn't even look back. I was ashamed of myself.
Soon, I got upstairs. While waiting, I dozed off. The next thing I knew, he was standing in front of me.
"Look at me when I'm talking."
"O-oh, I'm sorry, I didn't realize…"
"Your arm… is it better?"
"Y-yeah… a-and if you're trying to say it—I already know. I'm sorry for the breakfast thing. I regret it. I know I was wrong, okay? I—I won't get near her again…!"
…Silence.
"…Listen to me, kid. Mira was happy just now… so I need her to stay that way. But don't let her get attached, got it?"
"H-huh?"
"Her nanny doesn't work here anymore. So she'll be alone—and I don't like it when she's alone. Stay with her for now. In sum, your salary will increase by a large amount. But don't get any closer than this. I need you to set a boundary with her. Got it, Selene?"
Her eyes widened. She stepped back a little. This felt too much. She felt insulted when he mentioned money—like she was some slave who would do anything for it. She grew frustrated.
"Listen, sir. Not everything you say with the word 'money' means I'll do it. I will keep an eye on her, but it's not because you said you'd pay me more. Don't think of it like that. I'm willing on my own—nothing more. I'm not that desperate for money. Got it?"
Selene said coldly, her voice sharp but controlled. She was the first person who had ever dared to talk to him like that. His expression remained unreadable.
"Is that so?"
"Yes. So don't make it sound like that, sir. I-I'll take my leave now."
She turned to leave—but his hand had already caught her wrist.
"Did I say you were dismissed?"
"What?! Let go of me! What are you going to do, huh? Hit me? I'm not scared of bastardslike you!"
His grip tightened.
"Language, young lady. And I don't abuse women. I'm a grown man. Don't you dare use that language with your boss again. Do you understand, Selene?"
She knew she had overreacted. She was overwhelmed, mentally exhausted. His dangerously calm tone sent a shiver down her spine, making her nod automatically.
"…S-sorry…"
"No. I don't want you to apologize. I want you to tell me you understand."
"I—I understand, sir… can I go now?"
"You can. "
Selene was about to leave, but suddenly she paused.
"…Can I go outside… to see the place?"
Moretti stopped for a moment and looked at her. She sounded like a little girl trapped—and like he was the monster now.
But he didn't care.
No, you can't.
…
Selene left without arguing. She was tired—tired of everything. She felt trapped in this giant cage.
Who gives a shit right now? I'm used to being locked up anyway. I'll just go play some video games.
She went to her room, turned on the laptop, downloaded some games, and played for two hours. She laughed, jumped, listened to music—but suddenly, there was a loud knock on the door.
She quickly shut everything down and opened it slowly.
It was Leo. He looked serious, dressed in a more professional suit. He handed her a bag.
"Wear it. Come downstairs. I'll be waiting in the hall."
"W-wait! What is this about?"
"Just do what you're told, Selene. Remember? You're not in a good position. You're under his control."
He left.
Selene stood there for a moment, then went back inside. She knew he was right, even if she hated admitting it.
She changed into the outfit. It was her first time wearing something like that. She looked at her reflection…
She looked… professional. Like she belonged to his world.
She hated that.
She sighed and tied her hair up.
As she walked downstairs, she saw Leo. He stared at her for a moment, then turned.
"Follow me."
She did.
They headed toward the main door—the same door she had been dragged through when she tried to escape. It opened, and fresh air hit her face.
The sky…
The sky she hadn't seen in what felt like months.
He walked quickly toward a large car. She followed. He gestured for her to get in. She did.
The car moved.
She stared outside, unable to focus on anything else.
Maybe… just maybe… they'll set me free…
The car stopped in front of a large metal gate. The place was quiet. The drive had been longer than she expected.
The men with Leo were already heading inside. She followed.
It was dark and cold.
One of the bodyguards handed her a gun.
"Why do I need this?" she asked.
"Just in case," he said.
Just in case? Why?
"Selene, come here," Leo called.
A locked website appeared on the screen. The men stood around her, but Leo was clearly in charge. She felt uncomfortable—but she focused.
After 30 minutes, she finished. He nodded and stepped out to make a call.
She was left alone with the men.
The silence was suffocating.
Suddenly—
A hand covered her mouth from behind.
A gun pressed against her head.
Selene gasped, frozen.
The men drew their weapons, aiming at the attacker.
A filthy laugh echoed.
"So… is this one of Mr. Moretti's secret ways of finding information? Or is she just one of his very good employees?"
"Take your hands off her. Now," Leo said.
The man laughed again.
"And what if I don—"
*Bam!*