Paradox of Deceit

Chapter 5: West Wing

A V A

A sharp knock dragged me from sleep.

My eyes snapped open,the unfamiliar ceiling above, stares back at me.

Fuck.How long I slept?

Another knock. Sharper this time.

I sighed and press the switch, slowly adjusting to the light before pushing off the bed making my way to the door. As I pulled it open, a young woman stood before me-straight posture, hands neatly clasped in front of her, dressed in a black uniform that screamed trained staff rather than a casual housemaid.

"I'll escort you to the dining hall," she said, her tone polite yet distant.

Dinner?
Damn it's nighttime!

I studied her for a second, debating whether to ask questions. But I already knew no one is going to answer.They are more like mute robots.

I nodded. "Give me five minutes."

She gave a single nod in response, stepping aside as I shut the door.

After freshening up, I adjusted my clothes, combed through my damp hair with my fingers, and stepped out. The girl stood exactly where I left her, unmoving, as if she had all the patience in the world. Without another word, she turned and started walking, and I followed.

The hallways stretched long and wide, their polished floors gleaming under soft lighting. Not a single thing in this place was just for show-every detail, every material screamed power, taste, and intention.

As we reached the dining hall, the double doors were already open. And the moment I stepped inside, I knew-this wasn't just a house. It was a kingdom.

The dining hall lay before me-vast, refined, every inch exuding wealth. A long table ran through the center, its polished surface gleaming under the chandelier's golden light. Dark-paneled walls framed the space, their richness offset by the stark white of the upholstered chairs. It was elegant yet impersonal, a place meant for power rather than warmth.

Aurelia stood beside the table, her presence poised yet unobtrusive. At a glance, I could tell-she had been expecting me.

The maid who had led me here disappeared without a word, leaving me alone with her.

I moved forward, pulling out the chair, and sat. The plate before me was untouched, the setting precise, as if prepared long before I arrived. A faint warmth of freshly served food lingered in the air.

I picked up the fork, but something felt off. Where was he?

I hadn't expected to enjoy his company, but I had expected him to be here. A man like him-controlling, dominant-wouldn't simply leave things unattended.

I glanced at Aurelia, who remained beside me, her hands lightly clasped in front of her. It was only after a moment of silence that I spoke.

"He's not here?"

Aurelia's response was smooth, unwavering. "Boss doesn't eat with everyone."

Boss.

I almost rolled my eyes at the formality but held back.

I gave a slight nod and took a bite, letting the silence settle between us.

The silence stretched, broken only by the soft clink of silverware against porcelain.

As I ate, Aurélia stepped away for a moment, leaving me alone at the table.

The quiet hum of the dining hall wasn't so quiet anymore. Conversations dropped to whispers, but not enough to go unheard. Stares lingered-some curious, some wary.