The next morning did not feel normal to Maya, even before she opened her eyes. For a few seconds, she lay still, staring at the ceiling, trying to remember where she was. Then it came back to her. The room. The house. The agreement. Everything.
She sat up slowly and looked around. The space still felt unfamiliar, no matter how calm it looked. It was quiet, too quiet, the kind of silence that made her aware of every small movement she made.
After getting ready, she stepped out of her room and followed the hallway. The house was already awake, even if it did not feel busy. She could hear faint movement somewhere, but nothing loud.
When she reached the dining area, she saw him.
Caspian was already seated, going through something on his tablet. He did not look up immediately, as if her presence was already expected.
Maya stopped for a second, then walked in.
"Good morning," she said.
Caspian glanced up briefly. "Morning."
That was all.
Maya took a seat across from him. The space between them was not far, but it felt distant. She did not know what to say next, and he did not try to fill the silence.
A moment later, Mr. Hassan walked in, carrying breakfast.
"Good morning, young madam," he said warmly.
"Good morning," Maya replied.
He placed the food carefully on the table, then turned slightly to Caspian. "Good morning, young master."
Caspian gave a small nod.
Mr. Hassan stepped back after setting everything and left them alone.
Maya looked at the food in front of her, then picked up the cutlery slowly. She was not very hungry, but she forced herself to eat. The silence between them stayed, but it was not uncomfortable in the way she expected. It was simply there.
After a few minutes, she spoke.
"I'll be going to work today."
Caspian did not look up immediately. "You should."
Maya paused slightly, then nodded. "Alright."
There was nothing else to add.
They finished breakfast without much conversation. When Maya stood up, she hesitated for a second, then spoke again.
"I'll leave early."
Caspian glanced at her briefly. "The car will be ready."
"I can go on my own."
"That won't be necessary."
Maya looked at him for a moment, then said, "I prefer it."
Caspian met her eyes this time. There was no change in his expression.
"Use the car," he said.
It was not loud. It was not forceful.
But it was final.
Maya held his gaze for a second longer, then looked away. "Okay."
She did not argue further.
A few minutes later, she was ready to leave. Mr. Hassan was already waiting by the door.
"The car is outside, young madam," he said.
"Thank you."
Maya stepped out, and just as expected, the car was waiting.
The ride to work was quiet, but her mind was not. Everything felt different now. Even going to the same place felt like stepping into a different life.
When she arrived, nothing had changed on the outside. The building was the same, the people were the same, and the work was the same. But she was not.
She walked to her desk and sat down, placing her bag beside her. For a moment, she just stared at the screen in front of her.
Then she started working.
She kept her head down, focusing on her tasks, not giving herself time to think too much. It was easier that way.
But even then, she could feel it.
The shift.
Later in the day, she passed by Caspian's office while heading to another department. She did not stop, but she was aware of it. The door, the space behind it, the person inside.
It was different now.
When she returned home that evening, the house felt quieter than before. She stepped inside and removed her shoes, taking a slow breath as she looked around.
Mr. Hassan appeared shortly after.
"Welcome back, young madam," he said with a gentle smile.
"Thank you."
"Dinner will be ready soon."
Maya nodded. "Okay."
She went to her room first, changed, and sat down for a moment before going back out. When she entered the dining area again, Caspian was already there.
They did not speak much during dinner.
It was the same as the morning. Simple. Quiet.
After eating, Maya stood up. "Good night."
Caspian looked at her briefly. "Good night."
She turned and walked away, returning to her room.
When the door closed behind her, she leaned against it for a second, her eyes closing briefly.
This was her life now.
Sharing the same house.
Seeing him every day.
Living under the same roof.
Maya opened her eyes again and walked further into the room.
It still did not feel real.
But it had already begun.