Maria’s fingers tightened around her phone.
“Who said this was outside of work?”
The words felt heavy, lingering in her mind like a warning.
Or a promise.
Mika watched her carefully.
— Maria, you need to stop this. Now.
Maria’s throat was dry.
— How?
Mika sighed, running a hand through her hair.
— Tell Madam Yuki.
Maria froze.
— No.
Mika frowned.
— Why not?
Maria swallowed hard.
Because if she told Madam Yuki, things could get worse.
Hayato-sama was a VIP.
A powerful customer.
Someone the café valued.
And Maria was just… a maid.
Would Madam Yuki protect her?
Or would she tell Maria to accept it?
Maria didn’t know.
And that scared her.
The Next Shift – A Heavy Presence
Maria walked into the Sweet Blossom Café the next day, her chest tight.
She didn’t know what to expect.
Would Hayato-sama say something?
Would he act like nothing happened?
Would he… push further?
She didn’t have to wait long to find out.
Because the moment she stepped onto the floor—
He was there.
Sitting at his usual table.
Waiting.
Watching.
Like nothing had changed.
Maria forced herself to breathe.
She could do this.
She just had to act normal.
The Moment of Truth
Maria focused on other customers, avoiding Hayato-sama’s gaze.
She didn’t approach his table.
She didn’t acknowledge him.
She just pretended he wasn’t there.
But then—
— Maria.
Her entire body tensed.
She turned slowly.
Hayato-sama was watching her.
Calm. Amused.
But there was something else in his eyes.
Something darker.
— Aren’t you going to greet me today?
Maria forced a polite smile.
— My apologies, goshujin-sama. I’ve been very busy.
He tilted his head slightly.
— Too busy for me?
Maria’s pulse spiked.
This wasn’t a casual conversation.
This was a test.
Would she break?
Would she give in?
Or would she keep fighting?
Maria inhaled slowly.
Then she smiled again—but this time, it was sharp.
— A maid must serve all her guests, goshujin-sama. It wouldn’t be fair if I gave special treatment to just one, would it?
A pause.
Then—
Hayato-sama smirked.
— Very well. I’ll wait my turn, then.
Maria’s stomach twisted.
Because that wasn’t a defeat.
It was a promise.
He wasn’t done.
Not even close.
And Maria?
She wasn’t sure how much longer she could keep this up.
To be continued …
