THE CEO'S PROPERTY

My thick hair exploded onto my face as I leaped from our gate at a moderate height. The only sound, besides my feet hitting the concrete, was the rustling of leaves in the harsh wind. The tall wall of our house became my shield as I glanced at our enormous home.

Seeing no one around, I cautiously stepped forward, then swiftly ran past our house. However, my heart pounded when, in the midst of my sprint, one of Daddy's men noticed me just as he emerged from the main door.

"Ma'am Adriana!" he shouted, and that's when I summoned all my strength to run even faster. The cool night wind embraced my face as I ran relentlessly. My clothes clung to my body from the speed, like I was a runner on a track, aiming to win.

Despite the chilly evening, salty beads of sweat rolled down my skin. I felt my heart throbbing; I couldn't afford to be caught. I'd planned this escape meticulously and couldn't afford to fail. Gripping my backpack straps, I glanced back to see four men chasing me – undoubtedly my father's bodyguards.

Panic set in. I quickened my pace, my ankles now slightly sore. Running wasn't my forte, and the pain was evident. Approaching our village gate, I looked back, spotting the relentless pursuers. "Miss Adriana!" they called out in unison.

Ignoring their calls, I reached the gate, hearing the guard's greeting but paying no attention. Once outside, various vehicles passed on the highway, and people walked along the roadside. I discreetly blended in to avoid being easily spotted.

Swearing under my breath as I accidentally bumped into a woman, I apologized and hurried on, resisting the urge to engage, fearing it might attract Daddy's men.

I glanced back, still seeing the gate of our village. The four pursuers were closing in. I increased my pace, running with no specific destination, just desperate to distance myself from them and the life my family wanted to impose on me.

Under the bright moon, I ran aimlessly for my freedom. I paused at a large post, relieved to find no one chasing me. Had they given up? Exhausted, I walked to the post, leaning against it to catch my breath. Wiping sweat from my face, I glanced at the road, ensuring they weren't still following.

Suddenly, my phone vibrated. With ragged breaths, I checked the message from my sister. She revealed that Daddy knew I left, and his men had seen me. Tears welled up as I questioned my parents' love. Despite my deep love for them, doubts lingered.

I can sense the immense hardship you've endured during those times. Graduating from dentistry alone on stage, without their knowledge, contrasts sharply with the support they showed when I finished my business management course – the only path they approved. The pursuit of their pride led me unknowingly to a place where they wielded power over my life, gradually taking away my freedom.

This manipulation extended beyond me to Ate Chesca. They controlled her life first, dictating her choices. Eventually, she succumbed to marrying a random businessman for the sake of our company. She may wear a smile, but I know deep down she's hurting.

Now, I'm their target. They want me to follow their wishes and treat the child of another business tycoon with respect, despite my clear objections. Wiping away tears, I reassured my sister through a message, vowing to be fine for the sake of the baby.

As I hid behind a post, their voices grew nearer. I pressed against the post, uncertain if it could conceal me. Their words indicated a determined search, and fear gripped me as they planned to separate and scour the area.

I dared to peek after a few minutes, spotting them not far away. Seizing the moment, I left my hiding spot, moving swiftly along the gutter. My heart raced when one of them glanced back. Panicking, I approached a black car with an open trunk.

Without hesitation, I climbed into the trunk, carefully closing it without making a sound. I prayed the owner wouldn't return until I escaped. In that confined space, minutes passed, sweat dripping down my face and neck. The air freshener suffocated me, and I yearned for fresh air but feared the presence of my father's men.

I stayed in the darkness, contemplating my unusual predicament. Chuckling sarcastically, tears rolled down my cheek. This was a drastic step, a consequence of my parents' actions. As I wiped away tears, I reminded myself it wasn't the time for drama – I needed to get away.

Just as I was about to rise, I heard the door open, and the car began to move. Panic set in; the owner had arrived. Before I could free myself, the car started moving, leaving me trapped in the luggage compartment.

The thumping of my heart intensified in my chest. I quickly rose and sat facing the driver. My lips hung open as I realized it was a man behind the wheel, but beyond his rippled muscles and large yet slender hands gripping the steering wheel, I couldn't make out more details.

What should I do? Should I speak up? Tell him about my presence? What if he gets angry? He might think I have malicious intentions. But what if I explain my true reasons?

The interior was dark, making it hard for him to see me even though I was now seated at the back. However, this didn't last long. As the car stopped at a red light, the light from a lamppost pierced through, illuminating me. I scowled at the lamppost and glanced at the rearview mirror.

Five seconds later, a pair of stormy eyes met mine. My eyes widened as our gazes locked. I saw him raise an eyebrow and shift his attention to the back. One hand remained on the wheel, while the other investigated the passenger seat. He seemed to be confirming what he saw in the rearview mirror.

I grinned and attempted a hesitant wave. "Uh, hi!" I awkwardly greeted.

He turned on the interior roof light, revealing my presence. His lips parted in shock, quickly replaced by anger. "Who the fuck are you?" his deep voice reverberated through the car.

I straightened up, struggling to find the right words. "Are you a thief?" he added, intensifying the sternness.

My eyes widened. "No, I'm not! Do I look like a thief? I just happened to-oh!"

My face crumpled as I accidentally hit my forehead on the front seat's headrest. I massaged it gently before refocusing on the road, realizing the vehicles were already moving again. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to intrude into your car without permission. I just have people I need to hide from-"

"So, I'm right, huh? You're a thief, hiding from those people chasing you," he interrupted.

"Hey, no! I'm not like that! It just so happens that-ow!"

My face contorted as I accidentally bumped my nose on the headrest again. I chuckled sarcastically, wiping away a tear. "Look what you've done to me, Mom and Dad. See what I've resorted to just to escape your clutches."

Taking a deep breath, I quickly wiped away the tear on my cheek. "This isn't the time for drama, Adriana. I need to get away from this place."

Just as I was about to ask him where he was taking me, I noticed a police station nearby. Before I could inquire, he abruptly stopped the car, got out, and opened the trunk. "Move," he ordered authoritatively.

I nervously asked, "Can you tell me where you're taking me? I could probably get off here."

He didn't answer, continuing to drive as if he hadn't heard me. I sighed and leaned against the car door, feeling exhausted from the recent events. I had no idea where I was going, but Ate Chesca suggested Batanes, where her friend could shelter me.

"P-Can you tell me where you're heading? I-I think I can get off here," I cautiously said during the silence.

He didn't respond, driving on like he hadn't heard me speak. I gazed outside, realizing we were still in Taguig but had moved far from my home. I had no clue where I was headed, but considering the situation, maybe Batanes was indeed my destination.

"Can you tell me where you're going? I think I can get off here," I repeated in the midst of the silence.

No response. I looked outside, recognizing a police station nearby. Moments later, he halted the car. I straightened up, observing him pull down the trunk. "Good evening. What's the matter?" a police officer greeted, quickly approaching us.

Suppressing a laugh, I shook my head. "N-Nothing, sir! I just passed-"

"I saw her hiding inside my car. I don't know her. What charges can I file against her?" he interjected.

My horror was evident as my lips parted. I glanced at him, and for a moment, I saw how handsome he was. But fear and anxiety clouded my mind, preventing me from truly seeing him.

"None. I don't have important things in my car. But I don't like the idea of a stranger hiding inside it while I'm out. Don't you think it's dangerous? What if she has ill intentions?" he explained.

I clenched my fists, accidentally hitting his arm. How pretentious!

"What harm could I possibly do to you? Look at your size! Do you think I can do anything to you? And even if you have important belongings inside your car, I don't care!" I exclaimed in frustration. Some people were staring at us, but I ignored them. Damn! I feel so frustrated and messed up right now. What does he think of me? Planning a crime? A thief? If only I could reveal my true status in life, being a doctor and the daughter of business tycoon Lucas Monteverde, maybe they'd let me go peacefully.

However, I can't do that. They might ask for proof, and if that happens, they might contact my dad. He'll find out I'm here, and all the sacrifices I've made will be in vain. And in the end, I'll have no choice but to marry whoever my parents want for me.

"Come on, Ma'am, let's discuss your case," said the policeman, gripping my arm. I looked at him with teary eyes.

Just one night in jail, right? I can probably handle that. I nodded and followed him, trying to appear brave. I told myself everything would be fine.

I felt a hand on my arm from behind. I turned to see an arrogant man with narrow-minded eyes holding me. The policeman in front of me also stopped, holding my other arm. Irritation crossed his face.

He looked at me before turning to the policeman. "Change my mind. I'll take care of her," he said coldly, releasing me. Confusion filled me at his sudden change of mind.

He led me out of the crowded place. We stood on the side of the road, his car a bit far. He faced me, and our eyes locked. His eyes, deep and black, captivated me. I sighed, tired of explaining myself.

"Why did you change your mind?" I asked hesitantly. His brow furrowed in coldness. "Just be thankful that I saved your ass from that pervert despite what you did to me."

I ran after him and stopped a few meters away. "Wait!" I said. He looked at me, raising an eyebrow.

"Where are you going?" I asked nervously. "Home," he replied. My hands and feet started to get cold due to the nervousness. I didn't know what to say to him or why I stopped him from leaving. Before I could think of what to say, my mouth spoke on its own.

"I-I'll come with you..."

In all my life, I've never felt how thick-skinned I am until now. I don't really know what's gotten into my mind that I came with this arrogant stranger instead of going to Batanes where my sister's friend is. I don't even know the name of this man. But here I am, going with him as if it's that simple.

I gaze at the towering buildings outside the window and the sparkling streetlights. I hug my backpack, now resting on my lap. I am not cold, but what's happening in my life makes me feel it.

I didn't even think if this man is a good person. I acted recklessly without considering if what I'm doing is right. Well, the truth that he didn't let me rot inside that jail even if it's just overnight makes me want to believe that he's a good man despite his haughty attitude.

I must understand his action towards me just a while ago. I sneaked inside his car without permission. It's normal for him to think poorly of me. I just got annoyed when he said I had malicious plans against him. I mean, seriously? With his size, does he think I can do anything to him? Maybe even pushing him would be difficult for me. With those muscles rippled across his body, I don't think a woman with a slender body like mine could physically violate him.

"What's your name?" The stranger beside me suddenly asked, pulling me out of my deep thoughts.

From the window, I disconnect my eyes from the views outside and anchor them to him.

"I'm Ad - I mean Hazel. Hazel Salazar is my name. A-And you?" I ask hesitantly.

He can't know my name! I worry that if I tell him my full and real name, he might investigate me. If that happens, he might send me back to where I came from, and that can't happen. All of my sacrifices will be put into waste.

"Hazel..." he repeats, eyes focused on the road ahead of us. The way he pronounces that name feels like he's tasting every letter of it, as if trying to dig deeper through that fake name.

I keep my eyes on him, waiting for the following words he's going to say. As I'm waiting, my eyes wander all over his face.

Now, I can look at him longer and clearer. With the help of the lampposts, I can see him properly.

Thick brows form a frown, red and curvy lips set into a grim line, slightly upturned eyes staring coldly at the road ahead of us – this guy has the typical serious but dead-ass playboy image. Even in the darkness, his fair complexion is evident. His hair is slightly shaved on the sides but medium-length on top. It looks like it's blow-dried, but a man like him probably doesn't do that kind of thing.

His features are too masculine and descent for me. I'm used to seeing good-looking guys, especially fellow male dentists. Almost all of them are irresistibly attractive. But this man I'm with is someone who can capture every woman's attention without even trying. Effortless, so to speak.

"Where do you live, Hazel?" he asks again.

"I'm really from Batanes. But I've been in Manila for a long time working. I just resigned," I stop breathing temporarily.

"Uh-hmm. What was your job before?" he interviews, as if I'm a job applicant and he's the employer.

Various occupations race through my mind. Before I can think properly, a job I never thought I'd experience comes out of my mouth.

"I-I was a maid..."

The car stops when the green light turns on. He transfers his cold eyes to me. The air in my lungs almost gets blocked by the anxiety I'm feeling when he scans me.

"You're a maid?" he asks, confused.

I nod. Why? Doesn't he believe me? Isn't my reason believable? Or maybe he has a strong dislike for people with that kind of occupation?

"Why? There's nothing wrong with being a maid, right?" I say defiantly and turn my gaze away from him.

I hear him sigh. "I didn't say that being a maid is wrong. But you don't look like one to me."

A quick smile replaces the frown on my face. I look at him. His eyes are focused on the road again.

"Am I too beautiful and smooth-skinned to be a maid?"

He raises his brow and glances at me. He seriously looks at me, not even cracking a smile. Doesn't he have a sense of humor?

After a moment, he diverts his attention from me and exhales.

"Doesn't it ever cross your mind that I might be a dangerous man? You came with me without even thinking about your decision carefully," he says coldly.

I chew my bottom lip from the inside. Loosening my gaze at him, I drop it down and stare at my backpack instead.

"You don't look like a bad person. Because if you were bad and heartless, you would have let me sleep in that precinct. But you came back and allowed me to come with you."

The frustration is too much, and I can feel it when he groans frustratedly.

I release a sigh. "Even though I really have no bad intentions towards you, I still want to thank you for not letting me go to jail. Thank you so much..."

"I honestly don't know what to do with you, woman. You're fucking giving me a headache," he groans.

My mind quickly works, and I look up at him. "You can hire me as your maid!"

As fast as I thought of the idea that he might entertain, that's how quickly I grimace as I remember I don't know anything about household chores. Throughout our lives, my sister and I were surrounded by maids. We never did any household chores. Even cooking, I have no knowledge of. So why did I suggest that to this man?

I understand, suggesting to him that he could hire me as a dentist might not be the best idea. After all, it's the only thing I know how to do aside from my limited knowledge of managing our family business.

I muttered to myself, "Hay naku, Adriana! Ano ba itong pinasok mo!?" He glanced at me, raising an eyebrow. He didn't answer, so I assumed my suggestion was nonsense to him. Perhaps he didn't want additional household help, or he thought I lacked knowledge in chores.

His car stopped in front of a modern white and black house. It's a two-story structure with a black roof, huge glass windows, and a spacious garage with three cars.

"Is this your house?" I asked without him looking.

"Get out," he muttered before shutting the door, making me jump out of my seat. I followed him with my eyes as he walked to the gate, staring at him. I couldn't help but admire his height and built.

Wearing my backpack again, I stepped down onto the concrete pavement, embraced by the cold night wind. My hair went wild, and I gathered it on my left shoulder before closing the car door.

I started walking and followed him to the gate. He was leaning against it, staring at me. I admired his height and built. I'm not that tall of a woman, especially in flat shoes. He can pass as a model.

As I approached, he opened the gate and entered. I silently followed, taking in the surroundings. Everything was clean and in order. Maybe this is his house or his family's? If it belonged to someone else, why was he freely opening the gate?

We entered through an elegant wooden door. The living area, a combination of white and black, greeted me. It's far from what I'm used to - our classic, Spanish-style home. It's understandable since my mother is fond of that interior design.

He dropped onto the black couch without looking at me. I stopped walking, watching him massage his temples. He looked frustrated while leaning his neck against the backrest.

"Sit down," he ordered, still with his eyes closed. There was a hint of danger in his face, but I chose to ignore it. I quietly approached the couch in front of him and sat down, my eyes still on him.

"I don't know why I let you come with me to my house," he began.

So, this is his own house, huh? I didn't answer, waiting for what he would say next.

"You did something indecent against me, and I should be mad at you. I should have just let you stay in that precinct..."

My lips protruded. I lowered my gaze to his black leather shoes, and a glimpse of his leg skin showed from the slacks, revealing the hair on his leg. Perhaps due to the way he was sitting, his slacks lifted.

"Well, you could have just left me there instead of scolding me now," I replied weakly, unable to hold back.

He groaned slightly. "And watch you getting harassed by that fucking policeman?"

I looked back at him, his eyes wide open, still coldly staring at me. His arms rested on the chair's armrests.

I recalled the policeman's inappropriate actions, how he licked his lips and smirked at me. I was too stressed to notice it at that time.

"I wouldn't have allowed him to do that-"

"And you think you can do something to stop him? You didn't even react when he touched your arm-"

"Did you bring me here to lecture me? In the first place, you shouldn't have brought me there since I didn't do anything to you except hide behind your car!" I retorted, standing up and glaring at him. "I'll just leave! Thanks anyway."

Tears welled up in the corners of my eyes, for reasons unknown. Perhaps it's a mix of frustration with my family, annoyance with my current situation, and the struggles I face. I have a lot on my plate right now. I don't need his sermon.

If he didn't want me to come with him, he should have said so earlier. Maybe by now, I would be on my way to Batanes. It's not too late.

I had taken a few steps when I felt him grab my wrist. My face twisted in anger as I faced him, wiping away the tears with one hand. His dark upturned eyes followed my hand, and his jaw tightened.

"It might seem like I'm being dramatic here, even though I'm not. I wonder if he'd feel the same in my place, I don't know if he can understand this. 'You'll come with me, and now that I've brought you to my house, you're leaving?' he snarled. 'Didn't you want this before? Don't think too much. Aren't you afraid I might do something bad to you? Fine, I'll leave. Maybe later, something goes missing in your house, and you blame me for theft!' I melodramatically said.

I tried to pull my wrist from his tight grip, almost to the point of cutting off the blood flow. I glared at him, but his expression remained stoic. 'You can stay here. I'd feel guilty if something bad happens to you outside,' he said with a malicious attitude.

I blinked. 'R-Really?' Wow, Adriana! Your mood changed so quickly?

He finally released my wrist and turned his back on me. He walked towards the couch and sat down lazily, crossing his long legs without looking back. 'Yes, Hazel. I already have a house cleaner who comes once a week. As for you... you'll be my live-in and all-around maid. Is that fine with you?'

My lips parted in surprise. Oh my god! Will I be a maid? For real? But I don't know how to cook! I don't even know how to fry. I might end up burning down the entire kitchen if he asks me to do that! 'Uh... Yes, of course! I'm okay with it.' I stuttered in response. I have no choice! 'You don't have to pay me as a thank you for taking me in.'

As payment for the meals I might burn and the plates I might break while washing. Screw it. I also sounded like a hopeless and poor human being! Helping others but not accepting payment? The hell? Well, I don't actually need his money. I've got my credit cards here. But, of course, he doesn't know that.

'I'll pay you, Hazel. You'll work for your living here, so I should pay you.' he answered authoritatively. Before I could respond, he stood up, walked towards the elegant staircase, and started climbing up. 'There are three guest rooms on the second floor. I don't have a maid's quarter here, so feel free to choose among them,' he continued to say as he ascended.

'W-Wait. What's... your name?' We've been together for hours now, and I still don't know his name. There's probably nothing wrong with asking. He stopped in his tracks. I saw his shoulders heave up, a sign that he sighed. 'It's Zion, Hazel. My name is Zion Monasterio.'

***

"I didn't bother choosing a room. I picked the first of the three doors on the second floor. Given Zion's house, I knew all the rooms here were elegant and modern. As Hazel, I had no right to choose; I had to be content with what was available.

Twisting the gold doorknob, I pushed the wooden door open, greeted by a combination of white and nude walls and furniture. I breathed in the natural, relaxing scent of the room. Something unfamiliar flowed within me-an unfamiliar place, ambiance, feeling. Then it hit me; I was now free from my parents' controlling love. Though in the same city, being in a different house made me feel completely distant from them. I finally breathed without their life control.

The room, smaller than what I was used to, had a single bed, a mini sofa near a glass wall, and a bedside table. It wasn't huge but fully furnished with a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, a mini-fridge that seemed unnecessary, and a bathroom. Not bad, especially for someone in my maid's role.

I could buy a condominium far from here, but I feared my family could trace it. There are many ways, and they always find them. I didn't want to risk it. I'm fine here at Zion's house. I'll live with these lies as long as possible, pretending until my parents get tired of imposing their will on me. When that happens, I'll return home.

Entering the room, I took off my backpack, placing it on the bedside table. I slumped onto the soft mattress. Everything happened so fast; moments ago, I was chasing my dad's men. Now I'm in a stranger's house, working as a maid, despite not knowing anything about the job.

It's still a puzzle why Zion let me stay. Besides goodwill, what's his reason? Maybe he really needed a housemaid, and even if he was reluctant about me, he let me stay.

I sighed, reaching for my backpack to find my phone. Two messages from my sister awaited me. My heart raced as I opened them.

Ate Cheska:

Rian, Dad is still forcing his men to look for you. Please, update me as soon as possible.

Ate Cheska:

Where are you? Are you on your way to Batanes? Calix is already waiting for you there.

I stared at the messages before composing a response.

Me:

Ate, I'm fine. I didn't go to Batanes. I'm staying with a friend now. I don't know when we can see each other again. I'll calm Dad's anger first. I'll miss you, Ate. Please take care of yourself and my niece. I'll contact you once I've settled everything. I love you.

A tear rolled down my cheek. I placed the phone on my tummy, letting the painful emotions flow. Leaving Ate Cheska breaks my heart. I'm an Ate's girl, and leaving her is tough. She's always been there for me, even with her own family. We can secretly meet, but we're both afraid it might lead our family to find me.

I turned to the side, reaching for a pillow, embracing it as I continued crying. Slowly, my head grew heavier. I closed my eyes, letting sleep take over.

I woke up to a warm touch on my cheek. I tried to open my eyes; sunlight through white curtains hit my face. I moaned, realizing it was late. I should have woken up early; as Zion's maid, I shouldn't be a guest. What would he think if I acted like a nonchalant maid? I hurriedly got out of bed, not bothering to fix myself. My hair was messy, and I wore yesterday's clothes. I looked like a mess, but that was the least of my worries right now.

"Silence greeted me as I exited the room, walking toward the staircase with a view of the spacious living room. Even that area was quiet, seemingly empty. Where could he be? It looks deserted. Could he be at work? But does he have a job? Surely he does. He can't have this house without one.

I descended the stairs slowly, scanning every corner, hoping to see someone. It's his house, right? Where's his family? Is he married? Perhaps he has a girlfriend? It's impossible if he doesn't, with his handsome looks.

My feet led me to the kitchen. The smell of garlic and fried food lingered in the air. I quickened my pace but abruptly stopped when I saw Zion leaning against the sink. His arms crossed, holding a black mug in one hand-probably coffee, given the strong aroma.

Wearing a sky-blue button-down shirt tucked into black pants with a brown leather belt, his slightly damp bangs fell across his forehead. He looked fresh and attractive at the same time. I could tell he was about to leave, probably for work.

Our eyes connected for a moment before he raised an eyebrow, bringing the mug to his lips in a slow but manly move. He glanced at me. 'A housemaid should be awake just before the sun rises, Hazel. That's basically four or five a.m. What time is it?'

I pursed my lips, looking away to avoid the insult in his voice. He didn't seem angry when I looked at him, but hearing his voice now, I sensed some anger. 'It's already eight. I usually don't have breakfast here since Manang Neri only comes once a week. But now that you're here, expect me to have breakfast here every day.'

I nodded, keeping my head down. 'Sorry.' I mumbled.

'What time do you usually wake up in the morning?' he asked, lifting my head. I usually wake up at seven, preparing for work in our company. But as a housemaid here, I need to lie and say I wake up earlier.

'F-Five a.m. I just slept in today, probably due to fatigue from last night. I apologize.'

He nodded, straightening up, scrutinizing me. 'I'll be leaving for work, Hazel. You're in charge of the house. Cook something for dinner. I'll be back early.'

'Okay.'

He sighed quietly. 'Have your meal there.'

As he said that, he started to walk past me. Feeling a distance between us, I looked back and followed his movements. All I could see was the beautiful shape of his back. Every move was handsome and authoritative, even in the way his feet touched the ground.

I redirected my gaze ahead. From where I stood, I could see the prepared food on the table-typical breakfast: fried rice, hotdog, and spam. There was also a pitcher of orange juice. It felt embarrassing. He cooked instead of me. Starting tomorrow, I'll wake up early. I'll set the alarm for three, too early, but I need to practice. If I wake up at the right time, I might catch Zion still preparing or, worse, burning the food.

I started eating in silence, savoring the food as if it were my last. Maybe it is. Maybe Zion, in his irritation, will only serve me leftovers.

Well, I can still enjoy my favorite dishes outside. I have my own credit cards and cash. I've been frugal with my earnings at our company and in the dental clinic, so I don't need my parents' money. But I won't go out just to do that. I might get caught, and that's the last thing I need.

After eating, I cleaned up. I'm not sure if I did everything correctly. I'm not used to cleaning, but I think common sense is all we need.

By afternoon, I felt exhaustion from cleaning the entire house. I couldn't imagine one person doing it alone; it seemed like five people or more should be working together to finish. I collapsed onto the couch in the living room. I propped my tired feet on the center table and let them rest. Sweat continued to drip from my face down my neck. My chest rose and fell slowly, trying to catch my breath.

My eyes unconsciously went to the huge wall clock. It was almost seven in the evening. I straightened up, remembering that Zion mentioned he would be home early and have dinner here.

The hell! What will I cook? Hotdog? Egg? That should be fine. They're usually paired with rice.

Why did I have to clean up until late?

I proceeded to the kitchen, checking the refrigerator for the hotdogs I needed. Finding them in the freezer, I grabbed a pack along with two eggs from the tray. I heated the pan, added oil, and nearly cursed as I poured too much! Ignoring it, I unwrapped the hotdog and sliced it, causing the oil to splatter on me. I almost fled from the kitchen. Some parts of my skin hurt, slightly reddened from the splatters. I was tending to my swollen skin when the burning smell of the now-burnt hotdog reached me!

I rushed back to the pan, seeing the hotdog charred. I closed my eyes in frustration. It was all burnt, completely black. Could Zion still eat this? Maybe he could remove the burnt parts. Convinced by this thought, I moved on to frying the eggs.

I can handle this.

But I almost cried when I tried to crack them in the pan, and the shells ended up in the mix. You're truly a mess right now, Adrianna. You should research and learn how to cook. Both eggs were a mess like me. If it wasn't the burnt red, there were shells. I hoped Zion wouldn't notice the shells when he ate.

Minutes later, I heard footsteps approaching. Without waiting for them to come closer, I ran out of the kitchen. The first thing I saw was Zion walking towards the dining table. His expression was menacing and dark, as if something unpleasant had happened.

"A-Are you going to eat?" I nervously asked.

He pulled a chair and sat down, lifting his eyes to me and nodding emotionlessly. I nodded back and grabbed a plate, placing it in front of him. I was sure he was carefully watching me, but I no longer cared.

My heart raced as I brought the burnt and messy dishes to him. Burnt, messy, and unappetizing. Even the rice wasn't white anymore, tainted with black. Everything was burnt.

I placed the plates containing the burnt food in front of him in utter silence. The only sound was the clattering of the plates. Zion suddenly let out an annoyed groan. I bit my lip in anticipation. Slowly, he lifted his eyes to me, and they darkened immediately.

"What the fuck is this, Hazel?" he asked irritably.

"B-Burnt... I'm sorry," I stammered.

He looked up, closing his eyes briefly. His jaws tensed, and his Adam's apple bobbed. When he opened his eyes, they returned, darker than ever. The way he looked at me, it seemed like he couldn't contain his frustrations anymore.

"Are you seriously a fucking maid?"