lia'

, his voice as cold and unyielding

se name was spoken in hushed tones and fearful whisp

ing but him. But even his study, the place I was to

ce. Heavy velvet drapes framed the windows but had not been drawn, allowing the faintest hint of light to filter through. A

adiated a sense o

ls falling over an eye. He was tall and imposing, wearing a pristine dark suit that ali

you must carry out to the letter. I believe you h

" I shook

ome must always be maintained to the highest standards, nothing else. Supervision of the household staff should be c

chest, but I tried to keep my expression c

ntinued. "She is eight years old. Her safety and well-being are your top prior

oldness. It felt like I stood before a beast who could

in my seat

ied, my voice coming out mor

my study. You do not enter my study unless explicitly instructed. You do not question my rules. And you do not, under any circumstances,

, feeling the weight of hi

one. Those were the entire reason I was present

have to

on't even dare to im

efore then. She has a tutor who comes during the weekend, so you'll supervise that as well. You must

se, Mr.

grasped the importance of my new responsibilities. After a while, he waved dismissively and tu

got up and s

good

my head. Those things didn't seem so unbelievable after meeting him in person.

rough the responsibilities of my jo

next day,

y through the halls of the sprawling mansion, my footsteps echoing in the silent corridors. The scent of freshly brewe

t. I greeted the household staff as I entered the kitchen. Maria, the head co

ffee much, but I

ied, taking a sip. "How are w

t will be done soo

glancing a

lianna up. Setting my coffee d

Her dark curls seemed to remind me of her father's. Soft and lush. Howev

remove my wild, r

g, Lilly." I

d morning, Rosalia." S

" I asked, trying t

ession still dazed and

n we can draw together in t

her eyes brighten. "That

es

room. Mr Montanari sat at the head of the table, his presence commanding even in silen

as palpable. Lilianna seemed to sti

iana" he said, his

she replied, her ton

ted the corners of his lips. It appeared strange, bu

d away

ely, his eyes lingering a fraction for a long time, making me conscious of the perfection I had to ma

tarily as the thou

duties. The staff knew their roles well, but it was my job to en

r in the garden. Unlike when she was with her fathe

r, and they left for their daily drive together. I watched

the car. My first day on the job had not been particularl

zed in my pocket. A glimpse of the s

t: New