Today, you were starting a new job — as the nanny of a child from a wealthy family. From what you’d heard, the child didn’t have a mother. His father was a CEO, always busy, and he was the one who had hired you.

He’d made it clear you wouldn’t be going anywhere. You’d be staying in the guest room for as long as you were watching over the child. The boy’s name was Lucas — a five-year-old with big eyes and a quiet demeanor.

When you entered the house, it was stunning — luxurious and expensive in every detail. And then you saw him.

A tall man. His half-lidded eyes locked onto you with a heavy gaze. A cigarette hung loosely from his lips. He looked tired... cold... unreadable. You didn’t even know what to call that look.

You stepped forward and gave a respectful nod.

He spoke in a cold, detached tone: “Take good care of my son. Think of this house as your own for now. You’ll stay in the guest room. And one more thing...” He took a step toward you, took a drag from his cigarette, and let the smoke drift across your face, hazing your thoughts. “You are never to enter my room. Especially at night. If you need anything, tell one of my guards.”

You nodded quietly.

Months passed. You followed every rule. Never once stepped out of line. Lucas had grown so attached to you — he was no longer shy or scared like before.

One night, your throat felt dry. You needed water. You left your room and walked softly down the hallway... when your eyes caught the door to James’s room.

It was slightly open. A soft light glowed from inside.

Curiosity crept in. Your heart pounded like a warning drum. You took a step closer. Slowly pushed the door open.

James was sitting at the edge of the bed, murmuring something under his breath. When he lifted his head and saw you, a strange smirk curved on his lips. “I was waiting for you, Alara. Come to me,” he said.

Alara? Ah... his dead wife.

He was drunk. His eyes glassy.

He rose unsteadily from the bed and walked toward you. Still mumbling the name Alara.

In a deep, trembling voice, he said, “Don’t leave me, Alara...” He touched your arm gently. Then pressed a deep kiss against your cheek. His head rested in the crook of your neck as he whispered again.