Arrogant Billionaire: Love vs Hate

Chap. 14

"Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it."
-Rumi
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The sharp beep of the wristband cut through the quiet common room. For a moment I simply stared at the small device wrapped around my wrist, as if hoping the sound would somehow stop and pretend nothing had happened. But the tiny screen continued blinking steadily, reminding me that my shift had officially begun.

A slow breath escaped my lungs as the reality settled in. Facing Mark Winston again was the last thing I wanted. Yes, he had gone easier on me than I expected yesterday, but that didn't mean I trusted him. If anything, it made him more dangerous. Mark was the kind of person whose intentions were impossible to read. Every word he spoke, every move he made seemed deliberate.

My conscience whispered the same warning again.

Be careful.

A stubborn part of me still wanted to make him pay for forcing me into this humiliating arrangement. But the rational side of my mind knew that provoking him now would only make things worse. So I made a quiet decision. For the next three hours I would behave like nothing more than a professional employee. No arguments, no unnecessary reactions. Just finish the work and leave.

Simple.

At least... that was the plan.

After taking a steady breath, I stood up and adjusted the unfamiliar maid uniform. The fabric still felt strange against my skin, a constant reminder of the agreement I had been forced into. Then I left the common room and headed upstairs.

The mansion was unusually quiet. My footsteps echoed softly against the polished floor as I climbed the staircase and walked down the long hallway leading toward Mark's room. When I finally reached his door, my steps slowed almost instinctively. For a moment I simply stood there, staring at the dark wooden surface in front of me.

I raised my hand and knocked softly.

"Come in."

His voice came from inside, deep and calm.

The sound alone made my stomach tighten. I forced myself to turn the handle and step inside before I could overthink it.

Mark was sitting on the edge of his bed, drying his hair with a towel. He must have just come out of the shower. His black hair was still damp, strands falling carelessly across his forehead, and he wore dark trousers with a fitted T-shirt that clung to his frame.

For a brief second my eyes betrayed me.

The man looked unfairly attractive.

Annoyingly so.

I quickly pushed the thought away.

The moment his gaze met mine, that familiar arrogant smirk appeared on his face.

"Well," he said lazily, his eyes moving slowly over the maid uniform. "That outfit suits you."

My jaw tightened.

"Well. Thank you, I guess," I replied, forcing the words through clenched teeth.

He leaned back slightly, studying me with quiet amusement as if my irritation entertained him. "So," he continued casually, "should I call you maid... or nerd?"

"Call me whatever you like," I said flatly. "It doesn't make a difference."

He tilted his head slightly, considering my answer.

"Nerd it is," he decided calmly. "It fits you better."

His gaze lingered on my face for a moment before shifting away thoughtfully.