The Billionaire's Oasis

CLEO'S POINT OF VIEW

The convivial atmosphere greeted me as soon as I stepped inside the bar. From the lazy spin of the fans to the sprawled light of eventide that will soon be starlit black, the place soaks in the ambiance of the exuberant night.

I wasted no time and hurriedly went inside the room designated for us staff and changed my clothes.

"Here's an order on table number eight, Cleo."

I nodded and grabbed the tray filled with liquor and chips from Erick, one of my co-workers.

"Here are your orders, Ma'am and Sir. Enjoy your stay." I smiled at the customers.

I've been a waitress at Obsidian, a resto bar, for almost seven months now. This has become my work ever since I decided to leave Arranmore, our province.

It was a tough decision. I didn't want to flee from the place where I bloomed and thrived. But I was left with no choice. I had to make sacrifices.

"Cleo, table number one."

I was pulled out of my reverie when Erick called my name. I heaved a deep sigh and continued working.

"Table six."

"There's an order on table fifteen."

"Follow up order on eight."

"Give this to table number ten."

I gulped down a glass of water and puffed out a heavy breath. I feel like I will pass out at any moment.

It's already ten in the evening, and people still keep on pouring in. That means our torture is unceasing.

I roamed my eyes around the bar, and my gaze eventually settled on a group of socialites laughing at their table. The expensive liquor served in front of them can vouch that their wallets are sparkling with lavish bills.

They look so carefree and laid-back, as if they don't have problems aside from how they will spend their money. And that honestly made me envious.

I wonder when I will have that kind of life. Where I don't need to go the extra mile just to survive this dismal and wretched world. Where I don't need to work my fingers to the bone just to make ends meet.

I saw my reflection at the stainless walls. My hair is unkempt, my white-colored shirt is crumpled and my face is covered in sweat. I look so freaking terrible.

"Cleo!"

I quickly wiped the tears that fell from my eyes and looked at Callie, our manager.

"Yes?"

"Leave those tables. I need you to serve our VIP customers."

My forehead creased. "Where are the others?"

"Erick's shift ended, he left already. The others are also busy."

I wanted to refuse because I look like an absolute shit, but she left before I could even utter a word.

I sighed. "I guess I have no choice."

I headed to the kitchen and returned the cleaning materials that I used. I washed my hands and abruptly fixed my appearance.

"Here. Bring this on VIP room number three." Callie handed me their orders.

There are five VIP rooms available in Obsidian. Those rooms are intended for people who want a more peaceful atmosphere while they are drinking.

Despite my reluctance, I got the trays containing an ice bucket and beers. There are also platters of chips on the side. I rolled my eyes when I saw that the drinks they ordered were the most expensive ones.

How could people spend so much on liquor?

I mentally slapped my face. I should really stop poking my nose on other people's business. That's their own money anyway.

I carried the trays towards the second floor where the VIP rooms are situated. I turned the knob of the door- that I instantly regretted.

Two motherfuckers are fucking their brains out on the couch. The woman is grinding on the man's lap while the latter is busy putting marks on her neck.

My poor eyes don't deserve to witness such a revolting scene. I feel so violated and harassed.

"Oh God, that feels so good."

My cheeks flushed when she moaned out of the sudden. I averted my gaze and muttered several expletives.

I'm not an innocent person, but for Pete's sake, I didn't wish to witness live porn!

I faked a cough because it seems like they still haven't noticed my presence. And it was effective because finally, they stopped.

"I'm sorry for the disturbance, but here are your orders."

The woman turned to me. I saw how she rolled her eyes and muttered something that I chose to ignore.

Without waiting for their words, I placed the trays on the table across them.

"Just press the buzzer if you need anything more. Have fun."

My eyes accidentally met the man's gaze, and my heart leapt when I saw his ice-cold expression. Those pairs of orbs are void of any emotions, like a bare hollow.

It was only a fleeting moment, but I was able to recognize the exulted aura of dominance that he exudes. His intimidating features stood boldly on his stoic face. His deep-set eyes, aristocratic nose, slightly-furrowed eyebrows, and prominent jawline scream power and nobility.

I looked away when I realized that I've been staring at him for quite a long time already. I don't want to sow an erroneous assumption on him.

A great sense of relief filled my chest when I finally left the room.

"Cleo, are you okay?"

I threw Callie a quick glance. "I am. Why did you ask?"

"Your cheeks are so red."

I nibbled my lower lip. I'm blushing because I still remember that hideous scene I found when I entered that damn VIP room.

I feigned a smile. "I'm good. Don't worry about me."

She shrugged her shoulders. "If you say so."

I'm glad that she didn't push the topic further. I don't want to slip on my own tongue and tell her that I almost saw some bastards having sex.

I shook my head and drove those thoughts away.

After my shift ended, I went to the apartment where I'm currently living, which is only a few blocks from the resto bar where I work.

I greeted Mrs. Evelyn, the landlady of the apartment, before I went upstairs. She's already used to me going home late because of my job. Luckily, we have no curfew.

I keyed the door and turned the lights on inside my room. I lazily tossed my bag and let myself fall onto the bed.

My phone inside the pocket of my jeans rang all of a sudden. I fished it out, and a smile ran across my lips when I saw my brother's name.

"It's almost eleven in the evening and you're still awake." I shammed a strict voice.

Archeus chuckled on the other line. "Stop it, Cleo. Being strict doesn't suit you at all."

I scoffed. "Whatever. But you haven't answered my question yet. Why are you still awake?"

"I'm studying. We have an exam on Physics tomorrow."

"That's good to hear. Ace your test, Arch."

"I will."

I suddenly miss them. It's been almost a year, but I'm still not used to this melancholic feeling.

Archeus is my younger brother. He's currently a grade nine student, and I'm proud to say that he's one of the achievers in his class. The blood, sweat, and tears that I'm bringing into play are worth it.

"How are you, Cleo?"

My brother's question snapped me out of my trance.

"I'm doing good. I actually just arrived from work when you called."

"Don't push yourself too much. You would hear an earful from mama if she learned that you're stressed because of your work."

I laughed. "You don't need to lecture me. Where is she anyway?"

"She's sleeping right now."

"Did she drink her medications already?"

"Yes.... Actually, that's one of the reasons why I called."

"Spill it."

There was a brief moment of silence between the two of us. I can hear the sounds of crickets on the other line, and it's giving me a sense of nostalgia. I miss the silent and tranquilizing night in our province. The sounds of crickets. The whisper of the wind.

I rarely feel that kind of serendipity here on Merrion. The city is filled with traces of cosmopolitan life, colossal buildings and establishments, traffic and street clamor.

"Arch, I'm waiting."

I heard him sigh.

"Mama's medication is running out, and I need to buy her new tablets next week."

I closed my eyes and kneaded my head which suddenly throbbed.

Aside from supporting Archeus' study, this is one of the major reasons why I have decided to fly to the city- even though I didn't really want to.

My mother was diagnosed with stage three chronic kidney disease (CKD) more than a year ago, only a few months after my father's death.

It was a huge setback in our lives. We were buried in debt and underwent financial suffering. The income that we earned from the portion of land that we leased is scarcely enough for our daily necessities.

That's what forced me to find a job outside our province- to earn money for her treatment. CKD can't be cured, but a patient who has been diagnosed with this disease might have a longer life expectancy through dialysis, which costs an arm and a leg.

And being the breadwinner of our family, I was left with no choice but to take a risk.

I didn't want to... but I had to.

"Cleo? Are you still there?"

I took a deep breath. "Y-Yeah. Sorry for spacing out. Anyway, aside from her medication, what else do you need?"

"Uh, nothing. That's all."

I rolled my eyes. "Come on, Arch. I know you too well from every strand of your hair to the smell of your fart. And I know that you're lying to me right now."

"You're so disgusting!"

I can already imagine his crumpled face.

"Whatever. Just answer my question."

"I said nothing-"

"Archeus Saphiro Remington."

He hissed, but didn't dare to retaliate. He knows that I'm dead serious the moment I call him by his full name.

"Fine. We have a science congress this coming month, and I kind of want to attend, but it requires money so maybe I'll pass-"

"Join that event." I cut his words with conviction. "I will send you the money as soon as tomorrow. Goodnight, bro. Sleep as soon as you finish your assignments."

I didn't wait for his response and pressed the end button. I knew that he would convince me not to do that, and we'd end up having an argument.

While staring at the ceiling, I reflected on my current situation. The suffering that I endured for the past few years compelled me to confront life in a different way.

I know how cruel this world can be. Hence, I learned how to be tough in this ferocious jungle called life where only the red-blooded can survive.

I heaved out a deep sigh and pulled the blanket over my body. I need to stop letting those gloomy thoughts plug into my mind, or else I will crumble down.

The last thing that I saw before I closed my eyes was the jagged streak of light that passed through my window.

The sun seeping through the window of my room awakened me. I pulled myself up, and a curse fell out of my lips when my head throbbed painfully. When I thought that it was already bad, my stomach growled.

That's when I realized that I hadn't eaten anything since last night.

Headache and hunger- the perfect way to kill yourself.

Without washing my face, I dashed towards the fridge, and my shoulders fell down when I saw that it was empty. I still haven't bought a stock of frozen foods. Fortunately, there are still canned goods left in my small pantry.

While waiting for the rice to cook, I'm drinking the coffee that I made, its warmth helps to at least alleviate the pain.

I rubbed my bleary eyes and walked to the window to open the curtains.

There was a pearly glow in the sky. The warm breeze fondled on my face and the melodic birdsong drifted in.

I saw on my phone that it's already nine in the morning. It's Sunday and I have no work. This is the perfect time to buy groceries.

I looked for my purse, and my face contorted when I saw that I only had a few dollars left. These are just enough for my grocery expenses only, and I still have other expenditure.

Where will I find money for Arch and Mama?

It's still a week before I receive my salary. I don't want to advance this time because I already did that last month. I don't want to take advantage of Callie's kindness.

I took a deep breath and collected my resolve. "You can find a way, Cleo."

After doing my morning rituals, I rode a bus to the mall. As soon as I reached my destination, I went straight to the second floor where the supermarket is located.

I only bought my necessities, which will last for fifteen days.

I'm silently sitting on one of the benches enjoying the Tayto sandwich that I bought when someone suddenly touches my left arm.

I was surprised when I saw a child looking at me. His rounded eyes were brimming with tears. I would have pinched his cheeks if it weren't for the fact that he's crying uncontrollably.

"M-Madam! Madam! Can you please help me?"

I put the sandwich aside and squatted to level our gaze.

"Hey, are you okay?"

I mentally slapped my face because of how stupid my question was.

"Why are you crying, baby? Hmmm?" I asked once again in the gentlest tone that I could muster.

"I-I'm lost, Madam." He answered in between his sobs. "P-Please help me find my Uncle Xavier."

I swallowed a lump. I'm not sure who this kid is or what Xavier he's referring to. But I can't just leave him here.

If he falls into the hands of some heinous criminals and something bad happens to him, my conscience will keep me awake at night.

I breathed deeply to gather my thoughts. "Okay. We will find your Uncle Xavier, but you need to stop crying, alright?"

He nodded, and after almost three minutes, he finally stopped crying. I pulled my scarf out and used it to wipe his tears and his snot.

"You're too adorable to cry."

He blushed. "Thank you, madam beautiful!"

My heart flutters with his praise. It seriously feels genuine when compliments come from children.

"Just call me Cleo."

He smiled cheekily and fervently nodded his head.

"What about yours? May I know your name?"

"I'm Greyson Dimitri! I'm already seven years old."

I couldn't help but laugh when he showed eight fingers instead. Can I just take this child home? He's too cute to handle.

I stood up. "Your name is really cool."

"Thank you, Cleo!" He answered in full spirits.

I tousled his slightly long hair. "We're going to find your uncle, but you need to tell me first what he looks like."

Greyson then described his uncle to me. We stroll around, hoping that we can find his uncle.

"So it's your fault?"

He pouted his lips. "Y-Yeah."

I showed a serious face. "Don't do it again next time, alright? There are a lot of bad guys roaming around."

He raised his right hand. "I promise!"

Greyson told me that they were in the department store a while ago because Xavier was looking for a polo shirt. But a toy caught his attention, so he went to see it without telling him, and the next thing he knew, he was lost.

It's been almost twenty minutes since we were walking, but we still couldn't find his uncle.

"Cleo! I want to play there!"

I looked in the direction that Greyson was pointing, it's a claw machine.

"Do you have coins with you?" I asked.

He pouted. "Can I lend money for now? I promise to pay you when Uncle arrives!"

I chuckled. "I'm just kidding. Let's go."

I drew him inside the arcade and purchased a few tokens. Luckily, I have some coins left.

After this, if we still can't find his uncle, then I'm going to ask for help from the security team of the mall.

"This is so frustrating!"

I giggled when he hit the controller of the machine because he couldn't get the SpongeBob plushie even after his third attempt.

"Do you still have tokens?"

"I only have one left."

"Let me try."

He willingly gave it to me, and we switched positions.

"Go, Cleo!"

A flush crept up to my cheeks when he loudly cheered for me, catching the attention of the people near us.

My hands are shaking as I move the controller. I carefully inspected if the claw was already in the right position, and when I was certain-I pressed the button.

I waited with bated breath, and my eyes widened when I successfully got the plushie he wanted.

"Yes! We won!"

Greyson tightly hugged the toy, and it puts a smile on my face.

"Are you happy?"

He smiled brightly. "Thank you, Cleo. You are so good at this."

I shrugged my shoulders and feigned a smug expression.

"Do you want ice cream?"

His eyes sparkled. "Yes! I want the winter melon flavor, please."

I beamed. "Alright. Just wait for me."

I went to the nearest store and bought two cones of ice cream. I asked for extra tissues for Greyson.

"Thank you."

I patted his head. "You're welcome."

We sat on a bench nearby and talked about some random stuff. I'm wiping the spilled ice-cream off the corner of Greyson's mouth when someone comes rushing towards us.

"Uncle!"

He jumped from the chair and rushed towards the newcomer.

"You made me so worried!"

I heard the man say.

Greyson smiled at him. "Don't worry, uncle. Cleo helped me."

His eyes went to me. "Thank you very much for looking after my nephew, Ms. Cleo. Tell me how I can repay you."

I smiled sheepishly. "Just call me Cleo. You don't need to be formal."

He nodded. "Cleo it is, then."

"I'm not expecting anything in return. Just please be more careful next time," I added.

"I will, don't worry." He turned to his nephew. "Come on, bud. Say goodbye to Cleo. We need to go home now."

I felt sad after hearing that. Despite the brief time that I spent with him, I enjoyed Greyson's company.

Perhaps it's because he reminds me of my brother when he was still a child. They are both talkative and vivacious.

"Thank you for helping me and for the ice cream, Cleo."

I feigned a smile and ruffled his hair for the last time. "You're welcome."

I was caught by surprise when he suddenly kissed my cheeks. It eased the sadness that I'm feeling.

"Thank you so much again, Cleo." Xavier said.

I smiled. "Don't mention it."

They turned their backs and started walking away. Greyson looked back and waved a hand at me.

I beamed cordially and did the same thing. I watched them blend among the throng of people and disappear from my line of sight.

I sighed. "Why does this remind me of the day when I left Arranmore?"

I didn't stay longer at the mall, and I went home right away.

••••

Three days have passed in the blink of an eye. Nothing really special happened to me. I still do the same old boring routine. My life only revolves around the bar and my apartment.

I thought my Wednesday would be like that as well... but I'm wrong.

"Oh, there she is!"

The landlady greeted me as soon as I opened the gate. I just got home from my morning shift on Obsidian.

Just like what I mentioned, it was a restaurant in the morning and a bar in the evening. For Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, I have a morning shift and a night shift for the rest of the week.

Mrs. Evelyn walked towards me. "Someone's looking for you, Cleo."

I frowned. "Who is it?"

"I don't know them either. It's better if you see them yourself."

I was really confused because I wasn't expecting any visitors.

She led me to the receiving area. My bewilderment grew more when I saw a man dressed up in a formal black suite sitting on the couch.

I squinted my eyes at him, and I was taken aback when I finally realized who he was.

It's Greyson's uncle, Xavier! What is he doing here anyway?

"Cleo!"

As if on cue, someone called me from behind. I turned around, and my jaw fell to the floor when I saw Greyson running towards me.

What in the world is going on?!

"Cleo, your house looks awesome! Mrs. Evelyn said she would tour me around!"

Despite my confusion, I shammed a smile and squatted.

"Really? But this is not my house, though."

He frowned. "What do you mean?"

I patted his head. "Mrs. Evelyn will explain it to you."

"Greyson, come here."

Xavier called for his attention. They talked for a while before the child came running inside the apartment along with the landlady, leaving the two of us alone.

"It's nice to meet you again, Cleo." The same air of formality surrounds him.

I flashed an awkward smile as a response.

He beckoned me to sit on the couch across from him, and I reluctantly followed.

"I will not beat around the bush. I have a genuine proposal to make."

I threw him a questioning look.

"I want you to be Greyson's personal nanny. It was a collective decision by him and his father."

I was shocked. That's the least thing I thought of why they are here.

"The latter is the one who should be talking to you right now, but he's too busy. Don't worry, I may not be as good as him on business stuff, but I will clearly explain the terms and conditions."

He didn't even give me a chance to respond and just handed me a folder.

I shook my head, and that halted him.

"Why? Is there any problem?"

I looked at him sternly. "You can't just come here, lay down a bunch of papers, and expect me to process everything, Mr. Xavier."

An expression of embarrassment drew on his face.

"I'm genuinely sorry. Do you have any question?"

"What do you mean when you say that it's their collective decision?"

"Do you still remember the incident that transpired three days ago when you saved my nephew?"

I nodded.

"Well, Greyson really took a liking to you, which is actually commendable because he's often distant to people he just met."

That made me delighted. I thought he had already forgotten me. But that's beside the point...

"He kept on talking about you and even convinced my brother to hire you as his nanny because the previous one had already retired. To keep the long story short, my brother agreed and searched for your whereabouts."

He got the folder on the table between us and opened it.

"You will be well compensated for this job, don't worry. You will gain a five- thousand euro monthly income aside from the other bonuses."

My jaw dropped to the floor. Did I hear it right? Five fucking thousand?! That's almost triple my current salary!

"Cleo! This is Earth! Wake up!"

I was pulled out of my reverie when Lauren snapped a finger right in front of my face.

"Did you just call me here to watch you space out?" she asked sardonically.

I scrunched up my nose. "I'm sorry, I was just thinking of something."

She rolled her eyes and took a sip of her frappe. "Whatever. Just spill the beans and stop dilly-dallying."

We're currently at Heartstring Cafe, which is only a few minutes' walk from the apartment where I reside.

"Someone offered me a job almost a week ago," I stated.

"And?"

"And I don't know if I should accept it or not."

"Why are you hesitating?"

I breathed deeply before I told her about the conversation that I had with Xavier that had been bothering me for the past five days.

I honestly want to accept it because of the huge income that can be a great help for my mother's medication and Archeus' studies.

However, I can't just do it on a whim. I need to weigh my decisions. I have no experience of taking care of a child before, aside from my brother, so if I accept the job, that means another adjustment.

I can't call anyone for advice aside from Lauren, the only friend that I have. I met her a week after I arrived in Zurich, a district in Merrion.

She was the one who helped me adjust to city life. Perhaps if it wasn't for her, I would still be a lone flower until now. I kind of suck at socializing with people that I barely know.

"That's a freaking huge amount of money!" Lauren exclaimed when I told her about Xavier's proposed monthly income.

We have the same reaction of surprise.

"So... what should I do?"

She reclined in her seat. "You know what, I honestly don't understand why you're hesitating to accept the offer. Didn't you tell me last time that you need an extra income for Aunt Clementine?" she asked, referring to my mother.

I nod my head.

"This is it! The opportunity is already knocking on your door and you are still having second thoughts."

I heaved out a sigh. "I'm worried about the adjustments that I need to make again."

She crossed her arms in front of her chest and arched her brow at me. "Why are you acting as if adjustment is so foreign to you?"

I was taken aback by her question. Lauren's frisky personality had vanished; she now appears solemn.

"Living here in the city is already a major turning point in your life, and you managed to get through it, Cleo. Another adjustment to your work settings won't hurt, you know," she added.

I pursed my lips together. Her words silenced me.

She's right. I've come this far, why am I even hesitating to take a risk? By now, I should've known that the art of life is a series of constant adjustments and spontaneous changes.

••••

The cold and gentle breeze of January kisses my skin as I cross the street. I'm on my way to Obsidian. However, this time, I won't go there for work purposes.

I breathed deeply before opening the door. Erick, who's busy wiping the tables, greeted me.

"Is Callie here?"

His brows snapped together. "She's in her office right now. Why are you so early, by the way?"

"I will tell you later." I responded and walked through Callie's office.

I knocked on the door. "This is Cleo."

"Come in."

The wind chimes emitted a white noise when I entered.

She looks at me. "Is there any problem?"

I handed her the envelope. "I'm resigning, Ms. Callie."

Her forehead creases as she reads my resignation letter. "Why? Please don't tell me that you feel mistreated. I will seriously feel bad."

I shook my head fervently. "N-No! That is not the case. You've been a really good boss to us."

"Then what's your reason why you want to resign?"

I puffed out a heavy breath. "I found a better opportunity, Ms. Callie, and I can't let that slide because I have people relying on me."

A fleeting moment of silence hovered in the room. I keep on playing with the hem of my shirt. The room is cold and yet I'm sweating profusely because of nervousness.

"To be honest with you, I don't want to approve your resignation. You're one of the most zealous people I've ever met, so you will be a big loss to us and the company."

My heart flutters with happiness. It's good to hear that there are people who appreciate you.

"But I understand your situation. So even if it's against my will, I have no choice."

She got a pen and signed the paper before giving it back to me.

"If your mind changes, please know that my door will always be open for you." She said those words with a slight smile on her face.

I smiled back. "Thank you, Ms. Callie. I will keep that in mind."

"Good luck on your journey, Cleo."

I jolted when Erick's face greeted me as soon as I exited Callie's office. He eavesdropped on our conversation, obviously.

"You're leaving?"

I nod somberly. "This is for my own sake, Erick."

I honestly feel bad. In the span of seven months that I worked here, I got attached to some of my colleagues, especially Erick.

He pats my shoulders. "You don't need to tell me why, but I trust your decisions."

I flashed a genuine smile. "Thank you, Erick. Don't worry, we can hangout during my free time if you want."

"I'll look forward to that."

I chuckled. "Sure thing."

After we bade our farewell, I went home right away.

I immediately searched for the calling card that Xavier gave me.

After a couple of hesitations, I finally found the courage to dial the number indicated on the card.

After several rings, someone answered my call. "Hello?"

I bite the skin of my lips. "Good afternoon. This is Cleo Remington."

I heard a rustle from the other line.

"Oh, Cleo! I thought you would not call because it's been five days."

I laughed awkwardly. "It took me several days to think about your offer, sorry."

"Don't sweat it. Anyway, what's your decision?"

I heaved out a sigh and closed my eyes for a moment before answering.

"I accept the offer."

There was a fleeting silence.

"That's good to hear! I will expect you tomorrow at the Montreal mansion so you can be oriented about your job."

I nodded. "I will be there."

We talked for a while and discussed some matters before he ended the call.

I couldn't function well for the remaining hours of the day, thinking of all the possibilities that might happen.

And the time has finally come...

My knees are shaking as I stand in front of the huge white gate, towering over me as if attempting to intimidate me. Uniquely twisted fencing kept the house enclosed, neatly trimmed hedges surrounding it.

But what really caught my attention was the marble fountain sitting on the right side of the lawn. It's an angel holding a flower pot that was perched on top, looking up towards the sky. The water is falling from it, gushing over the pebbles under the serenity pool.

Even from the outside, the mansion exudes elegance.

I pressed the door bell. It didn't take that long when someone sprinted towards my direction and opened the gate.

"Good afternoon." I bow my head as a sign of respect.

"May I know your name?"

"I'm Cleo Remington."

She smiled at me. "Oh, you're the one that Xavier was talking about. It's nice to finally meet you."

I smiled as a response.

"By the way, you can call me Aunt Esther. I'm the senior head maid of this house."

She beckoned me to follow her. We walked through the long aisle. There are several trees surrounding us. I can't help but be astonished by the huge mansion looming ahead of us.

Aunt Esther opened the huge door. It took me a lot of prudence to stop myself from gasping when I saw the interior of the house.

The glittering crystal chandelier spiraled down from the ceiling. The walls are beautifully painted in blue, gray, and spotless white, which exudes a cool ambiance.

"I assume that Xavier already told you that if you accept this job, you need to stay in this mansion in order to give the best care and guidance to Greyson."

I was snapped out of my trance when Aunt Esther spoke. I nod my head in response.

"I will further orient you. Greyson's father is always out of town because of his work, so he really needs someone who can take care of his son when he's not around. He's really strict, so make sure to do your job efficiently."

That sparked an anxious feeling inside me. I have no idea who Greyson's father is, which will soon be my boss. I should have made a research about their family.

I still managed to smile despite my apprehension. "I will do my best, aunt."

"Good. Now let's go on to the nature of your work. You need to work on weekdays and on Saturday. Sunday is your day off, but you can still stay on the mansion during that day if you want, or you can go out."

That former is what will most likely to happen because I barely go out unless it's necessary.

"Your job includes keeping his room neat and tidy, accompanying him to school, and other activities. You also need to supervise his meals and assist him with homework. "

I mentally took notes of the things she had said.

We continue touring around the mansion. I listen to Aunt Esther's prompting while also familiarizing myself with the roundabouts of this house.

She also introduced me to the other maids, but I was only able to remember Aunt Viviane and Aunt Cora. There are so many helper here that I failed to memorize all their names.

This place is enormous and spacious as hell, almost palatial. I'm pretty sure most of the hallways, stairs, and rooms that I've seen are unoccupied.

However, the grandeur of this house can't hide the melancholic and somber atmosphere surrounding it. It looks spacious but feels empty and gloomy. It's enormous but feels suffocating.

"You know what? All of us are really grateful that you helped Greyson. If something bad happened to that kid, his father would wreak havoc, and we would be dead by now."

My lips curved into a smile. "I'm happy to help, aunt. By the way, may I ask a question?"

"What is it?"

I cleared my throat. "Where's Greyson's mother? You and Xavier only mentioned his father but-"

"She's gone," she cuts me off. Her voice sounds stern.

Her revelation caught me by surprise. I wasn't expecting that at all.

"I-I'm sorry to hear that," I sincerely apologized.

Aunt Esther sighed. "Don't mention or talk about that woman ever again, not even with Greyson, Cleo. That's one of the most important rules that you should bear in mind. "

I nod my head. I don't know why Aunt Esther said that, but I'm certain that it's too personal and griveous for me to pry into.

Our conversation was disrupted by the continuous doorbell.

"I'm just going to attend to that. Wait for me here, Cleo."

I watched her as she sprinted outside. I looked around, once again admiring the paintings hanging on almost every corner.

My eyes caught a glimpse of the garden behind the house. Out of curiosity, I just found myself walking towards the backdoor.

However, before I could even turn the knob, someone opened the door from the other side.

I was supposed to apologize, but the words were left in my throat when I saw that the person standing in front of me is naked... and wet.

Water dripped from his damp hair and ran across his chiseled chest to his washboard abs. A flush crept up to my cheeks when I caught sight of his v-line... that is undeniably sexy.

"Who the fuck are you?!"

His voice trembled my system, causing a catastrophe of thoughts inside my head. I averted my gaze from his body and looked straight at his face."I-I'm sorry-"

For the second damn time around, I was rendered speechless.

His face... it's familiar.

My chest hitched when realization finally dawned on me.

He's the man that I saw kissing someone at the bar!