Chapter 4 First encounter 2

"I'm sorry, ma'am. Hope you're not hurt," Mr Chris said gently as he stepped a little closer.

Elena gave a small nod, still shaken.

"Please, come with me. I need to take your details before we head to the penthouse," he added, motioning toward the office and walking ahead.

She followed quietly.

After a short while, once the paperwork was done, Chris led her outside... right to a shiny, black limousine waiting by the curb.

Elena's eyes widened. "Oh my..." she whispered, unable to hide the tiny spark of surprise and maybe, a flicker of excitement rising in her chest.

Arriving gave Elena everything she needed to know; rich wasn't even the word. This was another universe.

She almost gasped when the large glass doors slid open, revealing the sight inside. Every inch of the space looked intentional from the soaring ceilings to the sleek marble floors, from the modern art pieces to the sprawling glass windows that let in golden daylight.

"This is where you'll be for the next month," Mr Chris said, giving her a sharp glance before continuing forward. "Welcome to the Hughston Suite."

Elena gave an awkward smile, trying to keep her jaw from dropping. In all her 27 years, she had never seen luxury like this.

"Come on, let me show you your room," he said, leading her down a quiet corridor.

After a light touch on a digital panel, the door slid open. Her eyes widened as she stepped inside. It wasn't just a room... it was practically an apartment. A private kitchen, sitting area, two neatly made beds, and a walk-in wardrobe stood in place like a hotel dream.

She turned slightly. "Am I sharing this with someone?" she asked, almost not believing it.

Chris let out a chuckle. "No. This is all yours."

Elena blinked. What? This wasn't just a job...it felt like a surprise from a movie.

Chris stepped further in. "Now, a few things to note. You'll avoid the West Wing completely. Mr Hughston values privacy. You're also not to be seen wandering around when not on duty. Any messages or questions must be dropped in the communication box over there." He gestured to a shiny silver slot near the hallway. "No face-to-face contact unless absolutely necessary."

She nodded, absorbing it all.

"One more thing Mr. Hughston's son will return from Paris in three days. Until then, use this time to familiarize yourself with the layout. You may relax, but remember you're on the clock."

Elena nodded again. "When exactly do I start?"

Chris glanced at his watch. "Now. Your work begins today."

"Ohhh, I need to go grab a few of my things," she said quickly.

"Not necessary," he replied. "I'll arrange for a private stylist to bring in clothes for you to choose from. Just let me know what else you need and it'll be taken care of."

Elena's eyes widened but not enough to pluck them out

...........................

"We still haven't gotten any trace of her, Mr Hughston," Thomas, the investigator, said as he stepped into his office.

"It's been three years. We've done everything we could, sir."

Damien turned slowly from the window, his back stiff, but his eyes, cold and sharp, said everything.

"If you need more people, more resources...... take them," he snapped.

"Just find her."

Thomas shifted uneasily. "We'll do our best. We're thinking of revisiting the club... maybe someone remembers something, someone who might know something."

Damien's

"She's out there, walking around like she didn't burn herself into my memory.

Like she didn't ruin me for anyone else."

He stepped forward,

"Find her, Thomas. Or I will."

...........

"Wait... whatttttttt?!"Sienna's voice bounced off the walls.

She dropped the bowl of cereal she was holding, eyes wide. "You're telling me the man you had a one-night stand with...the man is your new boss?"

"Yes,"Elena muttered, her hands slowly touching the things in her new place.

"Elena!" Sienna practically screamed. "The masked man from the hotel room... the one who had you screaming like a horror movie soundtrack"

"Sienna!"Elena cut in, flustered. "Lower your voice."it sounded 10 times louder on the speaker

" Girl, no. We are not skipping past this. That's fate slapping you right across the face with drama!"

Elena exhaled hard." It doesn't matter. He doesn't even recognize me. I wore a mask. He probably forgot the whole thing right after."

"And you're just gonna let it slide? Not tell him? This could be your chance!"

Elena's voice hardened. "There's no way I'm putting myself out there like that. You don't get it, Sienna. If he finds out, I could lose this job. He's cold. Distant. And let's not forget he left me in that hotel room like I was nothing. It was just fun for him.. nothing more."

Sienna stared at nothingness

" Wow. That's cold."

Elena nodded quietly. "Exactly, so I just have to stay cool for this one month, do my job and stay invisible.

" Someone is here" she added

Elena quickly ended the call and rushed out of her room, almost colliding with the still air of the luxurious hallway. Her footsteps halted as she caught sight of him, Mr Damien Hughston, walking in like he owned the entire world. Which, judging by this house, he just might.

She lowered her gaze slightly as she spoke..

"Good morning, sir."

He didn't stop walking. Didn't even glance her way.

"Don't speak unless you're being spoken to," he said in a cold voice that cut through the quiet.

Elena's lips pressed together as she stood frozen in place. She turned slowly, eyes following him. Her brow furrowed slightly, something dark and complicated tightened in her chest.

....................

The moment the door shut behind him, the atmosphere shifted. Instantly, everything felt... different. Calmer. Colder. Like the air itself belonged to someone who didn't invite mess or noise.

Damien moved down the long hallway, white walls and polished floors stretching ahead like a tunnel. The place was spotless. Almost sterile. Every inch whispered money, not the flashy kind, but the kind that didn't need to prove anything

Without pausing, he moved to the far wall, where a seamless silver panel waited. With one tap, the hidden elevator slid open. Yes.... an elevator.....Inside a bedroom...Shocked? Mee too

The elevator took him up to the upper level of the penthouse his private space. The doors opened into a massive room with floor-to-ceiling glass, and in the middle of it all, there was a long pool that shone like blue jewels.

Damien tossed his shirt onto the massive bed without a glance. The fabric landed silently, leaving him bare from the waist up....his upper body was strong and fit, like someone who worked hard every day. His muscles moved as he walked.

He stepped to a nearby console and pressed a button.

A panel slid open in the wall, revealing a high-resolution image. A woman in a mask. Her eyes were hidden, but her lips were slightly open. Her hair was tied back, showing the smooth curve of her neck.

His gaze darkened. Jaw clenched.

Where are you...?" he muttered with longing and frustration.

Without waiting, he walked toward the pool. The water was so still, it showed his reflection like a mirror. Then, with one strong move, he dove in, slicing through the water like a knife.

Under the surface, he swam fast and fierce. Like someone trying to escape a memory that wouldn't let go.