Maria didn’t look back again.
She forced herself to focus on her work, smiling at customers, taking orders, doing everything a maid should do. But no matter how much she tried to ignore it, she could feel it—
Hayato-sama was still watching her.
She moved from table to table, keeping her head high, pretending that nothing was different. But every time she passed by his usual spot, she felt the weight of his gaze. He wasn’t calling for her. He wasn’t making a scene.
But he was waiting.
And Maria knew that was worse.
Backstage
— You’re really testing your luck, Maria.
Sayuri’s voice was sharp as she leaned against the wall, arms crossed.
Maria sighed, adjusting her apron.
— I don’t know what you’re talking about.
— Oh, please. You snubbed a VIP. That’s practically asking for trouble.
Maria frowned.
— I didn’t snub him. I was just following the rules.
Sayuri scoffed.
— You don’t get it. Hayato-sama doesn’t care about rules. And now, because you rejected him, you’re something rare—something he can’t have.
Maria tensed.
— So what? He’ll get bored and move on.
Sayuri’s laugh was cold.
— That’s where you’re wrong. He won’t move on. Not until he’s decided he’s done with you.
Maria’s stomach twisted.
— Then what do I do?
Sayuri tilted her head.
— You make him regret choosing you.
Maria blinked.
— What?
Sayuri pushed off the wall, stepping closer.
— You want him to lose interest? Then don’t just avoid him—become something he doesn’t want.
Maria swallowed hard.
— And… how do I do that?
Sayuri smirked.
— By breaking the illusion.
Maria didn’t like where this was going.
— The illusion?
Sayuri nodded.
— He wants the perfect maid. The obedient, sweet, mysterious girl who blushes when he teases her. Stop playing that role. Be clumsy. Be annoying. Be boring.
Maria hesitated.
Could she really do that? Go against everything she had been taught?
Before she could answer, Mika burst into the room.
— Maria! Hayato-sama just made a request!
Maria’s heart stopped.
— What kind of request?
Mika bit her lip.
— He asked for a private tea service.
Maria’s breath caught.
A private service.
That meant going to the VIP lounge.
Alone.
Maria’s hands clenched into fists.
This was it.
Her first real test.
Would she run? Or would she play Sayuri’s game?
She didn’t have time to think.
Because Hayato-sama… was waiting.
To be continued…
