Maya did not tell anyone at work about the contract. To everyone else, nothing had changed. She came in at the same time, did her work, and left quietly, just like before. The only difference was the decision she had made and the life she was about to step into.
That evening, a message came from Kai. It was short and direct. He informed her that everything had been arranged and that she would be moving that night. There was no question in it, only information.
Maya read the message twice before putting her phone down. She had expected this, but it still felt sudden. She stood in her room for a while, looking around slowly. The space was small, but it was hers. Everything there carried a part of her life, simple things she had gathered over time. Now she had to leave it behind, even if it was only for a while.
She packed quietly. There was no rush, but she did not delay either. She took only what she needed and left the rest. When she finished, she closed her bag and looked around the room one last time before turning away.
By the time she stepped outside, the car was already waiting.
Kai stood beside it.
"Everything is ready," he said.
Maya nodded. "Okay."
He took her bag and placed it in the back before opening the door for her. She got in without saying anything else, and the car moved shortly after.
The ride was quiet. Maya sat by the window, watching the city pass by. Everything looked the same, but it felt different. She knew she was not going back to her old routine.
After some time, the car slowed down and stopped in front of a mansion.
Maya did not move immediately. She looked out through the window first, and for a moment, she forgot to open the door. The house in front of her was nothing like what she was used to. It was wide, tall, and beautifully built, with lights that made every part of it stand out clearly. The design looked carefully done, like every part of it had been shaped with purpose. The compound was large, clean, and quiet, with security standing at the entrance.
Maya stepped out slowly, her eyes moving from one part of the mansion to another. She could not hide the surprise on her face. "This…" she murmured softly, almost to herself. The place felt too big, too beautiful, and too far from the kind of life she knew. For a moment, she just stood there, taking it in, her eyes fixed on the building. Money really was something else.
Kai walked ahead, carrying her bag, but Maya was still looking around as she followed him. Inside, the space was just as impressive. The floor shined under the light, the furniture was neatly arranged, and everything looked calm and expensive without trying too hard.
A man stepped forward as they entered.
He was older, well dressed, and carried himself in a calm, welcoming way. There was a gentle smile on his face that made him look approachable.
"Welcome," he said politely. "My name is Mr. Hassan. I am the butler here."
Maya gave a small nod. "Thank you."
He inclined his head slightly in return. "Welcome, young madam."
The way he said it made Maya pause for a brief second. It sounded formal, but not uncomfortable.
Kai handed the bag over, and Mr. Hassan received it carefully before turning slightly. "Your room is ready, young madam."
Maya followed them further inside, her eyes still moving around the house. Everything felt new, different, and overwhelming in a quiet way she could not explain.
They stopped in front of a door, and Mr. Hassan opened it for her.
"This will be your room," he said.
Maya stepped inside slowly. The space was larger than what she was used to, with everything already arranged. The bed, the curtains, the view from the window—it all looked like something from a life she had only seen from a distance.
"The young master will be back soon," Mr. Hassan added, then paused slightly before correcting himself with a soft tone, "your husband will return later this evening."
Maya nodded. "Alright."
"If you need anything, you may inform me, young madam."
"I will."
He gave a slight bow and left, closing the door behind him.
Maya stood there alone.
She placed her bag down and walked around the room slowly, taking everything in. She touched the edge of the table lightly, then moved toward the window and looked outside. The city stretched far below, glowing quietly in the distance.
She stayed there for a moment, then turned away.
This was where she would be staying now.
She opened her bag and began arranging her things, placing them where they fit, even if it did not feel like hers yet.
Time passed quietly.
Later that night, she heard the door open.
Maya paused slightly before turning.
Caspian had returned.
He stepped inside calmly, his presence filling the space without needing attention. His eyes moved briefly across the room before stopping on her.
"You've arrived," he said.
"Yes," Maya replied.
"If anything is missing, inform the butler."
"Okay."
That was all.
Caspian did not say anything else. He moved further inside, as if everything was already understood.
Maya stood there for a moment, watching him briefly before looking away.
This was it.
The agreement had started.
And now, she had to live with it.