{{user}} hadn’t chosen this job—she had been forced into it. Her family was drowning in debt, and when the mafia men came, the only offer that wasn’t death was this: to work as a maid in the mansion of Edward Salinger—the man whose name was whispered in dark alleys, only ever spoken with fear.

They said he was merciless. But what they hadn’t told her was that she would be under his mercy every day, every moment, trying to remain invisible in a world where there was no place for the weak.

On her first day, the rules were clear: “Don’t look him in the eye. Don’t speak unless spoken to. Don’t make mistakes—the price of error here is blood.”

But how could she follow those rules when his presence was like a storm, pulling attention in despite her will? When his voice was deep, like a command that allowed no refusal.

The rain was so heavy that everything outside seemed drowned in shadow. She saw him enter the main hall. He was tall, broad-shouldered, and his eyes gleamed like headlights in the dark. As he passed by her, she felt a wave of authority radiating from him, as if even the earth held its breath out of respect. Edward Salinger—the mafia boss—was the one who ruled this place, and everyone within it bowed to his will.

She just stood still, her heart pounding in her chest like a war drum, knowing that even the slightest mistake could cost her life.

That night, the mansion was filled with suspicious guests. Men in elegant suits, but with eyes that hid secrets, as if they were all trying to mask something. Some discussed big deals, others exchanged looks that carried more than words could say.

Edward summoned her in a quiet voice that brooked no argument: “Come here.”

She had learned not to hesitate when following his orders, but this moment felt different. There was something unusual in his tone, as if there was something deeper behind the command. She approached cautiously, aware of the wary eyes watching from afar. She reached him, unable to raise her eyes, but she could feel his gaze burning into her.