The BUTLER.

REALIZATION AND OCCURRENCES

Sera exhales, barely having any sleep last night. When she finally fell asleep it was two hours before her alarm went off. She let out a soft sigh and quickly covered herself as she overheard Zephyr's light footsteps approaching her room. A light knock was heard from the other side of the door a few seconds later. She quickly composed herself, putting on a graceful act, and checked herself in the mirror before allowing Zephyr to enter. Wait a second, since when was she this comfortable with Zephyr? And why was she checking if she was looking alright? She was busy questioning her sanity when she was suddenly distracted from her thoughts by Zephyr's seductive voice. This is the second time he has done this. She grunts in annoyance as she comes across the probability that maybe....she is falling for this guy....Fuck. "It's open," she says in a low tone.

Upon hearing her voice, Zephyr's heart skipped a beat and he quickly opened the door rushing inside. Before his lips were even parted to greet her, Sera cuts his words midway "I think we should hire a new maid".

Zephyr's expression darkened at the mention of a maid. He could feel a possessive spark ignite within him at the thought of someone serving Sera. "I will take care of all your needs myself, milady", he says, his voice low and firm.

Sera chuckles softly as she shakes her head. "Zephyr, you cannot take care of all my needs", she replied calmly, her voice filled with weariness. His intense gaze wavers as he notices the tiredness in her voice. He knew he could not deny her anything but at the same time, he didn't want to share Sera's time with anyone else. "Maybe a part-time maid would suffice, milady".

"I'm thinking of hiring a full-time maid and she will stay with us". Zephyr's jaw clenches at the thought of a permanent female presence in Sera's life. "Milady, I..." He swallows hard, struggling to maintain his composure. "This is not supposed to be happening..." he ponders. After a few seconds, he takes a step closer, his voice low and intense. "Milady, I cannot allow it".

Since she was a child, Sera despised the idea of her freedom being taken away from her. She hated that everyone was making her decisions as if she were still a child. Sera's voice hardened as she was reminded of her past trauma. "Zephyr, you're forgetting that I'm the mansion's owner and your boss". A long sigh escaped her lips as she says sternly, "I don't need your permission".

Zephyr's chest tightens as he hears her words. He nods, pushing his possessiveness aside and putting on his usual stoic expression. "Yes, milady. I'll make the necessary arrangements for the recruitment of a maid".

As skilled as Zephyr may be in hiding his emotions, Sera did notice the slight change in his demeanor. She stretched her arms and tried excusing her harsh words. "You're a man Zephyr, I can't let you do all the tiresome work. "Milady", Zephyr stops her midway through completing her sentence. "I'm a man of many talents, and I'm well-versed in all manner of tasks and chores, I'm your loyal servant, and I take pride in serving you to the best of my abilities".

Hearing his response, Sera raised her eyebrow "Then, can you help me wash myself? You have no problem seeing me naked?", she asked. Zephyr's face turns a shade darker at her question. He looked away, trying to compose himself before finally turning back to her with a neutral expression. "If that is your desire, milady. But only if you're comfortable with it."

Sera chuckled softly, she would be lying if she said she wasn't intrigued with his offer. She wondered for a second, thinking of a sarcastic reply. "I'm quite insecure about my body. I've stretch marks and all..."

Zephyr's eyes soften at her words. He took her hand and placed a gentle kiss on the palm of her hand. "You're the most ethereal person I've ever seen". He took a deep breath adding, "Your marks make you even more special. Besides, what's a moon without its marks?", he says gently, his voice soothing and low.

Sera listens to him carefully. Although she did think of letting Zephyr in her bathroom, she realized it was still too early for that. "Don't worry, just hire a professional maid for me." Zephyr knew better than to argue with her decision. "As you wish, milady", he says, his voice filled with respect and a hint of sadness. But this time there was something else in his voice, which she couldn't catch onto-something like OBSESSION. "I will see to it immediately".

"Then I will trust you with this task," Sera says, paying no heed to the little changes in his demeanor. Zephyr bows his head slightly, acknowledging the honor. "I'll not fail you, Sera", he promises, his voice firm and resolute.

Sera's eyes widened upon hearing her name escape his lips. "It can't be, right? I must be going crazy. Yeah, right. Why will Zephyr call me by my name?" She was so engaged in thinking of what just happened, that she didn't even notice Zephyr leaving her room.

The same nostalgic feeling was hitting her again and again. Why does it feel like she has known him for ages? Even his touch felt familiar.

                                     ~~~

Although Zephyr did promise Sera to look for a maid that would fit all the necessary conditions, he had no real intention of actually look for one. In addition, he did everything to make sure no maid stepped inside the mansion. When asked about it, he made up lies and excuses about how no capable maid was available. In addition, he further manipulates Sera, into believing how the servants were stealing and deceiving the people they served. As time passes , Sera began to feel more and more uncomfortable under Zephyr's sinister gaze. There was always a mischievous glint in his eyes, that was somehow.....seducing. Sera glanced at him under her lowered brows "Almost a week has passed since I asked for a maid, Why does no maid want to work for me?", she asked sternly with a hint of suspicion in her voice. Zephyr's expression remained neutral as he stared at her with dead eyes. "It's nothing personal, milady. I assume that the maids have been....bribed by someone else or they have been persuaded by financial incentives. They do not know what they are missing, for the honor and privilege of serving you would be reward enough". Sera's lips parted as she was about to say something, yet all she let out was a sigh. "You are too much, Zephyr. You think way too highly of me".

A smirk tugs at Zephyr's lips as he meets her eye, his eyes sparkling with mischief and amusement. "Better too much rather than not enough, don't you think, milady?" he teases. Sera couldn't help but let out a laugh. He steps closer, his hand reaching out to gently brush a strand of hair behind her ear. "Whatever you desire, milady, I shall provide. Even if it means going to extremes,"