Ere'ana sighed as she arrived at Kikidori's mansion the next morning, clutching her books and trying to push the previous day's humiliation out of her mind. As much as she hated coming here, the money was more than she could have dreamed of. She just had to survive Kikidori's insufferable attitude.
The housekeeper greeted her at the door and sent her off with a list of tasks. Ere'ana slipped into her maid uniform, her face burning as she tugged at the short skirt and apron.
Her first task of the day was cleaning Kikidori's room, which was a disaster. Clothes were strewn everywhere, and empty energy drink cans cluttered the desk.
Just as she was grumbling under her breath about how rich people could be so messy, Kikidori strolled in, wearing a lazy smirk.
"Good morning, Maid Daniels," he said, leaning casually against the doorframe.
"Don't call me that," Ere'ana shot back, focusing on folding a pile of his shirts.
He walked over to his closet, rummaging through it, then turned to face her. "Speaking of shirts," he said, pulling his off and tossing it at her. "Wash this for me, will you?"
Ere'ana froze, the shirt landing on her head. She yanked it off, glaring at him. "No. Wash your own clothes."
"As a maid, you're supposed to make me satisfied," he said with a grin, clearly enjoying himself.
She blushed furiously, throwing his shirt back at him. "Are you *trying* to seduce me?"
Kikidori tilted his head, his smirk widening. "Maybe."
Her face turned an even deeper shade of red. She snatched the shirt from his hands and stormed out of the room, muttering curses under her breath.
He chuckled as she left. "Don't forget the pants!"
---
Later that day at school, Ere'ana tried to blend into the crowded hallways, hoping for a quiet day. But peace was a rare commodity when Ava and her volleyball crew were around.
She heard them before she saw them—their laughter echoing down the hall. She tried to duck into a side hallway, but it was too late. Ava spotted her and sauntered over, her posse following close behind.
"Well, if it isn't the school's new favorite Whore," Ava said, her voice dripping with mockery.
Ere'ana rolled her eyes and tried to walk past them, but Ava stepped in her path.
"Don't think we didn't notice you and Kikidori getting cozy," Ava sneered. "What are you doing, Ere'ana? Trying to *buy* a prom date?"
The group erupted into laughter, and Ava leaned in closer. "Or maybe you're just a *slut* for him."
Ere'ana's fists clenched at her sides. She wanted to scream, but she refused to give them the satisfaction of seeing her break.
"Back off, Ava," she said evenly, meeting her glare head-on.
Ava's smile widened. "What's the matter? Can't handle the truth?"
Ere'ana ignored her and walked away, her face burning with anger and embarrassment.
In class, the talk of prom was everywhere. The posters, the gossip, the anticipation—it all felt like another reminder that Ere'ana didn't belong. While everyone else was busy planning dresses and dates, she was trying to survive being Kikidori's maid and keep her dad's health a secret.
But she couldn't ignore the sinking feeling in her chest. Prom was supposed to be a magical night, and deep down, she wondered if she'd ever have the chance to enjoy it.
End of Chapter 4