With the decrement of their distance, Chloe felt the urge to run away. Even though his personality attracted her as if a bee is attracted to the sweetest honey, the urge of maintaining a distance from this entitled evil was stronger.
Others bowed to him, including Butler Daniel. Chloe did not know what to do. So, she just stood straight instead of bowing with the actual dubiousness in her mind.Alexander walked to his General place. The head chair and sat down. Today he lost a well prepared contract to the E Shine and that turned his mood sour already."Good Evening, young master." Butler Daniel greeted to get no reply. Yet, he did not lose his courage and continued, "Young master, this ..." He was about to introduce Chloe to him, when,"Why are you standing? Place the food for master." The man with silver rimmed glass and a rigid personality spoke to Chloe. He is Assistant Cameron.Chloe blinked a few times, startled at the sudden snap. "M...me?" She pointed a finger at herself."Of course, you. What a maid should do, don't you know? Who hired you?" He frowned, turning his gaze to Daniel, who was startled and embarrassed because of the insult the young Mistress just faced.Chloe "...."Maid? Why has no one told her she has been involved in this contract marriage to play the role of a maid!?"O...oh. Okay." She picked up the juice jug and poured a glass of juice for Alexander, who watched the procedure from the corner of his eyes, feeling annoyed already.When she was done, Daniel immediately took the jug from her hand and bowed a little to his master. "I am sorry, young master and Ast. Cameron. But this lady here is not any maid. She is sent by Master Arthur."This time Alexander raised his head to look up at Daniel, completely ignoring the girl beside him. "Why?" The only word escaped his tongue and that was enough to make the whole place chilled."Master, the lady is the new young Mistress of this family. Your wife that elder master has selected." Butler Daniel finally dropped the words only to get a glazing shot of those igneous golden eyes.Chloe lowered her gaze. "Good Evening, Ma... Mr Rossi. I am Chlo...""Get out!" His cold tone boomed turning her silent and the maids hold their breath.Blinking, Chloe raised her eyes at him and found him standing on his feet with a furious gaze. If a gaze could burn, she would have turned into Ashes right now.Alexander kept denying his grandfather's proposal for getting married and when he was not agreeing, he dared to send this woman here!? How dare he!?"Don't you hear? Get out!" His deep and cold tone bummed into the hall again.At first, Chloe was startled but then soon, she realised that she has been kicked out of the house. Pursing her lips, she turned to Daniel, who was also stunned at the sudden situation."Young master, she is your wife by the law..." Daniel tried to reason but stopped again rudely."Don't teach me laws. This marriage is without consent which I didn't know. I don't want to see her around for another minute." Saying, he turned around and left the dining hall, followed by his Assistant.Without consent!? Chloe stared at the man's back in shock. How could his grandfather do that!? She thought he knows about this arrangement, but now, it turned so different and awkward for everyone."Young Mistress..." Daniel paused, did not know what to say.Chloe sighed and smiled. "It's alright. I was unaware that he didn't know about this arrangement. I guess, it's time for me to leave." She turned to him and bowed slightly, "Thank you, for your companion all this while."Chloe turned around and followed the direction that was used to get in. No one stopped her and she only huffed after finally stepping out of the cold mansion.Turning her head Chloe sighed. It felt a lot comforting, walking out of that place!"They did not give him the title randomly. That land deserves to be called evil!" Chloe murmured and breathed in the fresh air.She felt free at this point. No need to act as a forged bride and live with lies and uncertainty.However, in the next second, the uncertainty of her future started crushing her. She has walked out, but where to go now?She can't go back to the Evans mansion, can she? Will they accept her return? Well, there is a fat chance of getting imprisoned.She doesn't even have any friends and family, who she could ask for some help!She has nowhere to go now. 'Oh, Lord!' Chloe muttered under her breath, turning to both sides of the road, she chose the right side and started walking with the few clothes she brought as the token of being the daughter of Evans.As soon as she stepped out, her phone started ringing. Chloe stopped, startled and brought out her phone.An unknown number is showing on the screen and her heart clenched tightly at the thought of something bad happened to her mother. Even though Doctor Chen would call her with his number, sometimes, nurses would call her to inform and most of the time it was from the hospital.Holding her breath, she received the call, "Yes?""Where are you going?" A deep male tone spoke from the other side, catching her off guard. She knows this tone! It's Arthur Rossi!Chloe wasn't expecting his call at all. Gulping the shock, she pursed her lips, "Umm... I guess, Mr Rossi wasn't aware of my arrival and he does not want me here for another minute. So, I...""Going back?" Arthur spoke blankly. A little dissatisfied. He has heard about the witty ways and stubbornness of Rodger's daughter. How come she is accepting defeat so easily?"Yes." Chloe agreed honestly."Chloe, you do know that, I have given your father millions, right?"Chloe "...."Of course, she knows! How could she not when they slaughtered her in their dirty game?"Yes, I know.""Then you should also know that, if you try to leave that place before one year, then your father needs to pay back the triple amount he has been provided." As soon as Arthur's words hit her ear, Chloe froze on her feet.Triple amount! She definitely knows she never had anything to do with this, but they forced her to get involved. Now, if she goes back or even elopes, all of it would come to her mother! No!Her heart started beating faster as she turned her head to the huge mansion.When she did not answer, Arthur was satisfied and spoke, "Now, go back inside if you don't want any misfortune to come on your way." With that, he hung up and immediately call Daniel."Yes, Master..." Daniel picked up the call immediately. It was he who informed him about the situation."She is getting inside. Keep me updated on everything." Arthur ordered."Yes, Master." Daniel obliged without a word spoken further.**********Chloe stared at the huge mansion in front of her eyes. As posh as it is, the more it seems merciless to her. This place could be anything but a home.She sighed and dragged her feet inside once again. Well, she is not free anymore. At least, not for the upcoming year.This time too no one stopped her as she walked in.Just the moment, she crossed the swimming pool, her eyes stopped at the little boy on his back, trying to pick up something from the pool. His hands were too short to reach.Chloe blinked and looked around to find his guardian. A little child? Whose child this could be? She thought, feeling a little confused.To create room for his hands, he leaned forward, but it caused his feet to slip away as he lost his balance."Oh no!" Chloe gasped and rushed toward the child. She was fast to hold him and stop him from falling into the pool, pulling him backwards by his stomach ...Chloe pulled the little body toward her, holding him tightly in her chest as her heart throbbed in fear. However, in a haste move to save him, Chloe's feet slipped and she fall flat on her back. A knock of air just forced out of her chest and for a good second everything was dark before her eyes. She lay there on her back, still holding the little boy tight to her chest. Even after she fall, Chloe did not lose her grip on him. It's an instinct she grew over the years after losing something so close to her heart. Her only hope of light. The place was pin dropped silent around for a split second. Soon, hasty footsteps and screams of a name made the place chaotic. Chloe sat up, still holding the baby boy in her arms. The little boy turned to her and that stopped her breath for the time being. He seemed around three years old. His gorgeous golden eyes were curiously watching her. Chloe's heart clenched tightly. Seeing this little boy, took her back to her dreaded past, where she cra
Chloe Looked around, subconsciously fidgeting with the bronze ring on her thumb. It was from her mother. No special memory behind, yet it means a lot to her because it's from her mother. She turned her gaze to the little boy again. He seemed very comfortable beside her as he is playing without any worries. Just right on the opposite, sitting the cold Duke. Well, evil could be the best word to describe this man. He is staring at the unwanted guest. Well, mostly at the scene, where his only son is leaning toward her and playing with his blocks. As a father, his heart screamed happily at this situation, but as a man, Alex is ridiculously annoyed! Why her!? Why it has to be this woman Leonor reacted to!? All he wanted to do is throw out this woman from his place. He does not want any sort of wife in his life! Especially, when his grandfather is forcing one on him! He was even successful, however, his son decided to betray him at such a crucial time! "Why did you return?" Alex asked t
"Who is she?" Alexander glanced up at both Butler Daniel and Private Ast. Cameron. For the second time, his cold heart is curious about a woman. Well, it could be said as the first time because the previous one was a scheme against him, which he did not want to recall. Under the Duke's cold glare, both Daniel and Cameron were distressed. Cameron lowered his head. "I wasn't aware of the lady, director." Alexander's eyes slowly landed on Daniel who seemed a little nervous. He wasn't acknowledged either until the elder master called this morning. "Master, I wasn't aware either. The elder master called me this morning and let me know about the lady. I only know that she is the daughter of Harper Evans, one of the noble families in Iquarayon." Daniel replied respectfully. Alex turned his chair and looked out of the huge French window in his private office. The surprise reaction of Leonor is still hard to get. Could it be because she saved him from falling into the pool? "A daughter o
Chloe Looked down at the paper that was placed in front of her. The bold letters 'RULES OF THE ROSSI MANSION' was written at the top. Her eyes dropped further down as she saw some marked sentences there. She looked up at Stuard Daniel. Just after waking up the next morning, she certainly did not expect a sheet of rules to pop up before her eyes. Realising her confusion, Daniel started explaining, "Young Mistress, this is the must abide rules of this mansion, selected by the master himself. He wants you to sign the contract and stay here beside little master." Chloe did not ask anything immediately. She turned her head to the side to watch the little fellow playing with some puzzles alone. As if nothing matters to him other than those pieces of the puzzle. A very adoring child who certainly has shown a glimpse of violence that still is chasing her mind to learn. The incident was still unbelievable for Chloe. She pursed her lips and turned her gaze back to Daniel. "May I ask why h
Chloe's whole day was with the little fellow always. And she liked the idea of his company. While spending time with him, she realised that Leonor is a self-dependent child. He does his own work accordingly. From wearing his clothes to keeping his toys in check. But, when it's time to eat, Chloe takes the initiative to feed him with her hands and Leonor gladly accepted that. Daniel "...." Before little master would never let anyone touch his food and eat by himself after his father put them on his plate. And now? This drastic change has startled the people of the mansion. Specially Daniel. He has been trying to get close to this little guy for last three years and all he did is ignore him like a disease. His old heart was a bit envious and relieved at the same time. He brought out his phone and clicked a photo of the scene and send it to his master. Alexander was in the courtesy lunch with the other dukes. His phone vibrated with a text. He unlocked the screen and immediately his
Two days passed by and Chloe's life with little Leonor was actually went so well. With time, their closeness grew and they were more comfortable with each other now. Specially, Leonor. He does not get shy to take a bath before her anymore. And he started getting more dependent on her. With the little master in a good mood always, Daniel and the other servants are also happy. They started liking their new Mistress from the heart. She does not only takes care of Leonor but even greets them every time they meet. On the other hand, Chloe was relieved for Las two days as she did not have to meet the cold man. Even though his indifferent behaviours were genetically transferred to his son, at least with her, Leonor is different. At least, he understands she is not harmful to them! However, sometimes, she also feels bad for the little Leonor. Now, he spends time with her. But, when she wasn't here, it was only his father. It seems like, he is not with him always and that means, his life w
The next day, while feeding little Leonor, Chloe's phone started ringing. She looked at it and almost gasped in horror. It was Melissa calling her! Just last night she thought to call her and this morning, she is calling her that in front of forbidden people! She cut the call and again started feeding Leonor when her phone started ringing again, making her almost curse Melissa in the head. Her eyes quietly turned to Daniel, who was standing at one side, curiously staring at her phone. When their eyes met, he smiled, "Young Mistress, why don't you pick up the call? Maybe you are needed for that person?" Forcing a smile, Chloe picked up the call. "Hmm... I am calling you a little later." Saying, she cut the call without hesitation, not letting Melissa utter a word. And thankfully, Melissa did not call again. However, a text dinged in her phone once and everything turned silent. After feeding the little fellow, Chloe took him to his playroom and sat beside him. She carefully observ
A few days later... "I just don't understand what you are doing!? Miss Isabelle, you need to get your lazy ars on the floor and clear your mess! Today the new owner of this exquisite Art Gallery is coming to pay a visit and if anything goes wrong, I swear I will make you pay for everything that he would tarnish!" The supervisor of Adronet, Kelly Reynolds threatened Chloe. Keeping her head lowered, Chloe only heard the rude and cold words of her supervisor. It's been three days since she joined her dream place as the caretaker of the high-class paintings. And from the very first day, she became the poison of Kelly's eyes! It seems like, she would pick up any small reason just to insult her. However, Suppressing her inner anger, Chloe accepted everything. How could she not? This place Adornet, she wanted to be here from the bottom of her heart and when she got the chance, she can not let it go. "What!? Why are you standing like a statue!? Did you hear me?" Kelly snapped at her and s