Runaway Heiress, Reluctant bride

When he drove through the gates of a mansion, my heart skipped a beat. It was an architectural marvel. The house was not made of plain bricks but designed with grey tones and walnut accents. Tall, rectangular windows stretched across the exterior, arranged in an asymmetrical pattern that made the entire house feel alive. The structure was shaped like an L, with an extension on one side that led to beautifully manicured gardens. The second floor jutted out over the first, creating a striking balcony and overhang.

The roof was high, slanted, and covered In sleek black ceramic tiles, with two small chimneys jutting out from the side. It was a stunning modern design, and the well-maintained garden only added to its beauty.

“This is my home,” he announced, pulling into the driveway.

A sudden sense of dread washed over me. “What do you mean, this is your home?” I asked, my voice barely a whisper.

“You need a job. Well, I also need someone to help around the house—cook, clean, you know, the usual,” he said, as if it was no big deal.

“You’re joking, right? You didn’t mention anything about that in the car!” I retorted, my frustration bubbling to the surface.

“What’s the difference? You need a job, and I need help. It’s simple,” he shrugged.

“Wait, you want me to be your maid?” I asked, my voice incredulous.

He paused for a moment, his expression turning cold. “If you don’t want to work as my maid, you can always be my mistress.”

I felt my jaw drop. “Do you think I’m insane?” I snapped, the reality of the situation dawning on me.

“I’m just giving you an option,” he said, unfazed.

“So, either I work as your maid, or I become your… mistress?” I muttered under my breath, the words almost choking me. “You’re a despicable, arrogant bastard!”

“That sassy attitude of yours, when you’re penniless, might just change my mind,” he said, shaking his head in mock disappointment.

I dropped my gaze to the ground, suddenly feeling small. He was right. I had no leverage, no options.

“My father’s… he’s going to testify, and I can’t go back to him now,” I admitted, my voice faltering. “Please, help me,” I pleaded, hoping that he would show some compassion. But the truth was, I was terrified—terrified of being caught by my father’s men, terrified of facing the consequences.

“As I’ve said before, I need a maid,” he repeated, his voice unwavering.

I wasn’t sure I could handle the job.

But I was stuck in a situation where I had no choice. After all, it was just for a few months. “All right, I’ll do it,” I agreed.

I accepted his offer without thinking of the consequences. I was a quick learner, and I believed that if I applied myself, I could succeed at anything! Even though the idea of working as a maid terrified me, I had no other choice. I needed a place to stay, even temporarily.

“Are you certain?” he asked again, his tone serious. “It won’t be easy.”

“I’ll do my best, sir,” I replied.

“It’s Leo,” he corrected.

“Elena at your service, sir,” I said, using the fake name I’d decided on.

He gave a small nod. “Just call me Leo.”

I couldn’t help but whisper, “What a cheesy name for someone like you.”

He raised an eyebrow, his irritation evident. “What did you say?”

I had my own reasons to be irritated. “Nothing,” I muttered. “By the way, how old are you, Leo?”

“Thirty-two,” he answered coolly. “And you? Are you already eighteen?”

“Twenty-eight,” I said, almost too quickly.