Ava sat in her dimly lit apartment, the city lights sparkling like scattered diamonds below. From her window, she could see the park—people jogging, old couples strolling hand in hand, laughter echoing faintly. A peaceful night for anyone else. For her? It was a final farewell.
She let her gaze drift over the scene. Who would've thought I'd get such a perfect apartment at such a low price? she mused. But even with this view, I couldn't spend one more day here. It was supposed to be a heaven... now it feels more like a empty place.
Just then the doorbell chimed.
Ava didn't bother checking the high-tech video intercom system— Instead, she opened the door, only to be nearly bowled over by Leah and Diana, who fell into her arms with dramatic wails.
"You didn't tell us you got the job!" Diana scolded, sniffing exaggeratedly.
"And now you're moving out too?" Leah cried.
Laughing softly, Ava guided them inside, heading to the open kitchen. She pulled out chilled drinks from the fridge. "I didn't have time to tell you both. After… everything, I moved here, got the job, and—can you believe it—I'm now the personal secretary of someone."
Leah's jaw dropped. "Our intelligent beauty is going to be someone's secretary?"
"No way!" Diana's eyes widened. "Are you kidding?"
Ava grinned, pulling out vegetables. "I'm not kidding. It's a two-month thing."
"For which company?" Leah demanded.
"Vale Conglomerate," Ava said casually.
Gasps erupted.
Leah clutched her chest. "No way! That's his company!"
Diana's voice dropped into a conspiratorial whisper. "You mean… Dominic Vale? The hot, untouchable, famously cold billionaire?"
"Exactly," Ava replied, slicing vegetables with a practiced hand.
Leah leaned in dramatically. "Did you know no one's ever seen his full face online? Just side shots or blurry pictures!"
Diana added, "And my dad says he took over the company when he was barely an adult. Turned it into a global empire."
Leah sighed dreamily. "I saw him once at a Vale Conglomerate anniversary when he was nineteen. He was so so handsome, I nearly forgot how to breathe."
Ava chuckled. "Yeah, yeah. But it's just a job. I'll go back to being a normal employee after two months."
Diana frowned. "Ava… no matter how handsome he is, his personality matters. I heard he's cold, strict, and impossible to work with. Are you sure you'll be okay?"
Ava hesitated, offering a small, reassuring smile. "It's just two months. I can handle it."
Leah leaned closer. "Why do you always say you want a normal life, Ava?"
A flicker of emotion crossed Ava's face. She averted her gaze. "Because normal is much better."
Sensing the shift in mood, Diana nudged her. "Okay, but seriously—is he really that handsome?"
Leah giggled. "If you see him, you'll want to take him home."
Ava nearly laughed aloud but kept her thoughts to herself. If only they knew he was the one who kidnapped me… but if they found out, they'd pay the penalty themselves to stop me. No, I can't drag them into this.
They cooked dinner together, the laughter and bickering filling Ava's apartment with warmth. She reassured Diana a thousand times she'd be fine, promised to call if anything happened, and answered their shocked exclamations about moving into Dominic's mansion with a resigned, "It's just for two months."
When they finally left, Ava stood alone in her now-silent apartment. She glanced around at the space she'd decorated just the night before,and now empty feeling an odd pang in her chest. Closing the door behind her, she whispered, "Let's get this over with," and headed out.
---
The mansion loomed ahead, bathed in soft gold light. The sleek gates opened without a sound, and her car—driven by a uniformed driver—pulled up to the grand entrance. Ava stepped out, her breath catching at the sight. This place looks like something out of a magazine.
Ava stood at the threshold of the grand estate, her eyes widening as they took in the sprawling garden that stretched before her. Rows upon rows of roses, their petals ranging from the deepest crimson to the softest blush, danced gently in the evening breeze. Interspersed among them were exotic blooms—orchids with intricate patterns, lilies that shimmered under the moonlight, and other flora she couldn't even name. The air was thick with the intoxicating scent of blossoms, a heady mix that made her momentarily forget the weight of her decision.
Then her gaze lifted to the mansion itself. Twilight Mansion. The name fit. Its elegant façade gleamed under the evening sky, its grandeur undeniable. Yet a cold, almost intimidating aura clung to its towering walls and arched windows, as though daring anyone to intrude.
As she approached the entrance, the massive oak doors creaked open, revealing a man.
"Miss Ava," came a smooth voice, accompanied by a polite bow. The man standing there was tall, impeccably dressed in a dark suit with crisp lines. His salt-and-pepper hair was combed back neatly. "I am Sterling, Mr. Vale's butler. Allow me to show you to your quarters."
Ava nodded silently, stepping inside. Her heels clicked against the polished marble floor, echoing faintly. The interior of Twilight Mansion was just as impressive as the exterior—chandeliers dripping with crystals, artwork that likely cost more than her apartment, and furniture that belonged in magazines.
She followed Mr. Sterling through the halls, her thoughts swirling.
They stopped at a door that swung open to reveal a spacious room decorated in calming tones of cream and soft gold. It was luxurious without being ostentatious, with a large bed, a sitting area, and even a small balcony overlooking the gardens.
"This will be your room during your tenure here. Should you require anything, please do not hesitate to ask. "
"Thank you," Ava replied, stepping inside.
And he excused himself.
As she began unpacking her suitcase, she felt a presence behind her that made the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. She turned, startled, to see Dominic Vale himself leaning casually against the doorframe. His tailored black shirt was unbuttoned at the throat, and he observed her with a mix of amusement and something unreadable.
Ava's pulse fluttered, but she forced herself to meet his gaze evenly.
"Settling in?" he asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.
"Just getting organized," she replied, trying to mask her surprise.
He stepped into the room, his eyes briefly scanning the sparse belongings she'd brought.
"Traveling light, I see. "
Ava shrugged, "It's only two months."
Dominic's lips curved into a subtle smile.
His eyes held hers for a beat longer than necessary before he turned away. "Well Dinner's at seven. Don't be late".
Without waiting for her reply, he turned and left.