[~Song Recommendation: Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You) by Kelly Clarkson & Teenagers by My Chemical Romance~]
"HOW DARE YOU? Do you even know who I am?" Maria asserted before she removed her hand from Layla's hold, her eyes shooting daggers at Layla. But Layla maintained a straight face completely unfazed by her expression.
When nobody spoke on her behalf Mayra blurted. "I'm the second in charge of the maids in this mansion after Rubina. So better know your place if you don't want to face the consequences 'new girl'", mockery was evident in her voice.
"And you got lucky this time… I'll see who saves you next time," Maria eyed that blonde girl before stylishly flipping her hair as she left them. Layla almost laughed watching her fancy gesture.
"Thank you, Layla. I'm Anna," Layla looked her way and gently stretched her arm for a quick handshake.
"Nice to meet you, Anna. Thank you for taking a stand on my behalf." After that, everyone along with Anna and Layla got engrossed in accompanying different tasks of the household. Layla noticed Mayra enter the room around an hour later before she left. She abruptly removed her gaze from Layla and whispered something to another maid.
The time flew fast and the clock struck at one. Everyone began to withdraw from their task at hand and progressed towards the back door of the mansion. Anna informed Layla that it was lunchtime and they were supposed to head towards the maid quarters.
"You go, Anna. I'll join you soon after I finish cleaning these photos," Layla said and Anna left her hurriedly saying she was hungry and couldn't wait any longer. Then it dawned upon Layla that she missed today's breakfast but she kept herself busy clearing the dust settled on the photo frames in the hall room of the mansion.
Suddenly her eyes caught sight of a handsome figure in one of the photos. He had dark hair and deep blue eyes. She found him quite appealing along with his sharp facial features. The fair skin matched well with his contrasting hair and eyes.
"He must be Michael Specter… 'Master'" She mumbled before she continued cleaning it with more care. But Layla felt odd thinking about him as the man because he looked so kind, the way his eyes held warmth she couldn't believe such a man could enslave someone.
She quickly finished cleaning other photo frames and rushed towards the back door as directed by Anna. As soon as she exited the mansion she got spellbound by the sheer size of the property, where she couldn't even see the perimeter. Although the front of the property was huge the rear felt as if it was never-ending.
A path adorned with designed stones on either side guided toward a two-story building that was well-designed along with different kinds of trees surrounding it. It has its own garden too. Layla entered the building with its door kept open for the maids.
The bustling noise of the crowd entered her ears and soon she noticed multiple tables placed across the long hall where maids were having their meals. Layla noticed that the long hall connected the building from one side to the other and there were rooms for the maids on either side of it.
"Layla!" She heard her name being called and soon she noticed Anna waving her hand immensely to catch her attention. She waved her back and quickly approached her before filling up her plate from the buffet table.
In peace, she finished her meal while chatting with Anna who already had finished her portion. She scolded her for being late as she missed the chance to taste one of the best desserts which wasn't left anymore.
*******
The day came to an end and Layla kept herself busy working for the household. She retired for the night after finishing her dinner in the maid's quarters and everyone envied her, as she was provided a room in the mansion, unlike Anna who was genuinely happy for her special treatment being a personal maid to Mr.Specter.
Layla locked the door and lay down on the bed before changing into simple clothing for the night. She was feeling weird at how fast she managed to accustom herself to working in the new household but soon she became sad as she recalled her real position in the mansion. Everything will change as soon as her 'Master' arrives and will use her the way he wants.
Tears again started rolling down her cheeks as the gravity of the situation dawned upon her. She cursed herself that she was a fool to remain happy for the day when she didn't even know how he was going to treat her.
"Will he torture me? What kind of punishment will I get if I fail to meet his needs?" the questions kept pestering her mind and she covered her ears to get rid of those thoughts.
Suddenly her phone started ringing and she didn't have to stare to know whose call it was considering the jammers that restrict unwanted phone calls other than that of her 'Master.'
"He-Hello… Master?" Her shaky voice reached the other end.
"Are you naked?" Her Master asked in a deep voice.
"Excuse me?"
"No… I thought you might be considering your shaky breath you must be shivering without clothes."
"No! I don't sleep naked..." She blurted as heat rose to her cheeks. For once she forgot she wasn't talking to anyone but him.
'Why he's messing with me? Does he find it amusing? And wait why I'm speaking with him in such a harsh tone? Oh God! I might have annoyed him,' she thought.
"Then why is your voice so messed up, Layla? Are you afraid of something?" his hoarse voice sent shivers down her spine.
'Because of you!' She wanted to scream.
"Ac-Actually I'm sleepy and I spent my day working for the household… Umm… Master, can I ask you something?"
"Go ahead."
"I have left my mom back home and I took this offer just to meet the debts… So will you pay me the said amount if I listen to your needs?" She asked in her feeble voice.
"Needs Hmm… How about you strip off right now and lie down on the bed?"