Maria’s pulse pounded in her ears.
Madam Yuki’s question hung in the air.
— “Are you ready for that?”
Maria had no answer.
Because no matter what she chose—
Everything was about to change.
The Decision
Maria took a breath.
She had spent so much time running.
So much time trying to outplay him.
But Hayato-sama wasn’t backing down.
And the truth?
A part of her didn’t want him to.
She clenched her fists.
Then—
— “I accept.”
The words left her lips before she could stop them.
Madam Yuki’s expression didn’t change.
— “Are you certain?”
Maria nodded.
She wasn’t sure if she was brave or foolish.
But one thing was clear.
She wasn’t going to run anymore.
The First Meeting as “His” Maid
That evening, Maria was instructed to escort Hayato-sama to the VIP lounge.
Her hands felt cold around the tray she carried.
She had seen this room before.
She had served him here before.
But now?
Now, it was different.
Because tonight, she wasn’t just a maid.
She was his maid.
The door clicked shut behind her.
Maria turned, trying to control her breathing.
Hayato-sama was already waiting.
Seated, relaxed, one hand resting against his chin as he watched her with undeniable amusement.
— “So… you finally gave in.”
Maria lifted her chin.
— “I made a decision.”
Hayato-sama smirked.
— “Did you?”
He gestured toward the seat across from him.
— “Sit.”
Maria hesitated.
This wasn’t how a maid served a guest.
She should be standing, waiting, obeying.
But she sat anyway.
Her back straight, her expression calm.
Hayato-sama studied her.
Then—
He chuckled.
— “Interesting.”
Maria’s hands clenched into her lap.
— “Are there new expectations, goshujin-sama?”
Hayato-sama tilted his head slightly.
— “I don’t think I need to tell you what they are. You already know, don’t you?”
Maria’s breath caught.
Because she did.
This wasn’t just about serving tea.
This was about control.
And Hayato-sama had all of it.
Or at least—
He thought he did.
Maria forced a small smile.
— “I suppose we’ll find out.”
Another pause.
Then—
He laughed.
A deep, genuine chuckle.
— “Oh, Maria… I think I’m going to enjoy this.”
Maria wasn’t sure if she should feel victorious.
Or terrified.
Because now?
She had truly stepped into his world.
And she wasn’t sure if she’d ever escape.
To be continued…
