Chapter 1 Beyond the gate

Lucian stood in front of the tall black gate, her small bag held tightly in one hand. Her dress was neat but old, the fabric thin from too many washes. The sun beat down on her, hot and merciless, but she didn't move. She had waited too long for this moment. Today was her first day at work.

Beyond the gate stood the mansion. It was grand, larger than anything she had ever seen. The white walls sparkled the sunlight, and tall windows sparkled like glass diamonds. A golden statue sat proudly at the top of the building, shining like a crown.

Lucian stared in wonder. Is this where I'll be working?

Her thoughts were interrupted by a deep voice.

"Who are you?"

She turned to see the gate guard watching her with a firm, unreadable expression.

"My name is Lucian," she said softly. "I'm here for the cleaning job."

He checked the list in his hand, then gave a short nod. Without another word, he unlocked the gate.

"Go inside. Someone is waiting for you."

Lucian stepped through the gate.Lucian stepped through the gates, her heart pounding in her chest. The stone path led through a well-kept garden filled with roses and trimmed hedges. Everything about the place looked expensive, too perfect, too quiet.

She reached the front entrance just as the door opened. A woman in a clean uniform stood at the threshold. "You must be Lucian," she said. "Yes, ma'am," Lucian replied quickly.

"I'm Lena, the housekeeper," the woman said with a nod. "Your job is simple. You'll clean the Alpha's bedroom and serve him when needed. Speak only when spoken to. Follow the rules, and you won't have any problems." Lucian nodded, careful not to show the nerves building in her chest. "I'll show you to your room."

As they climbed the staircase inside, a sleek black car drove into the compound. Lucian turned to look, but Lena didn't slow down. "Come along," she said quickly. Lucian said nothing. She didn't come here to admire cars or stare at rich people. She came here because she had no choice.

Her grandmother, the only family she had left, was in the hospital, fighting for her life.

The doctors said she needed surgery, and Lucian didn't have the money. That was why she applied for this job. She didn't tell anyone the real reason; she didn't need their pity.

For the next two days, Lucian kept her head down. She cleaned the Alpha's room, polished floors, served tea, and stayed invisible. The mansion was a world she didn't belong to, but she reminded herself every day, "I'm here for Grandma." Then it happened.

On the third day, while carrying a bucket of water down the hall, she turned a corner and bumped into someone.

The bucket slipped, water spilled across the floor, and she gasped. "I'm so sorry," she began, but the words froze in her throat. It was him.

The man standing before her was tall, broad shouldered, and dressed in black. His eyes were cold and sharp, his expression unreadable. Lucian stared. She knew this man.

A year ago, she had been walking along a rainy road, when a black car sped past and splashed muddy water all over her. The driver didn't stop. She remembered catching a glimpse of his face through the window. Sharp jaw. Cold eyes.

What a rude man, she had thought then. I hope I never see him again.

And now here he was.

"You should watch where you're going," he said flatly.

Lucian quickly bowed her head. "Yes, sir. I'm sorry."

She cleaned up the water and hurried away, her heart racing.

Later that evening, whispers filled the mansion. The Alpha Alex was having a meeting with his family. Lucian overheard bits as she walked past the large sitting room.

"He must choose a Luna," someone said.

"He has two weeks left," another voice added.

Lucian's fingers trembled as she poured drinks into glasses. The tray felt heavy in her hands as she stepped into the room, trying not to draw attention. She served quietly and left.

But the conversation stayed in her head.

Two days later, another family meeting was held. This time, the room was tenser. The deadline was approaching, and Alpha Alex still refused to choose a mate.

Lucian walked in again, this time with a silver tray of juice. The moment she entered, the arguing stopped. Eyes turned to her.

Without thinking, she stepped forward and spoke.

"I will marry you," she said clearly. "I'll be your wife. I'll become Luna."

Silence filled the room. Alex slowly stood, his gaze locked on her.

His face showed nothing.