The sun peeked through the large arched windows of the estate, casting golden rays across the grand halls. The scent of fresh linen and polished wood filled the air as the maids and workers gathered in the kitchen for a brief celebration.
"Nora, Happy Birthday!" one of the maids chirped, handing her a small cupcake with a single lit candle. The others clapped and smiled warmly.
Nora, cheeks flushed from the attention, bowed slightly. "Thank you… all of you," she said softly, a rare smile gracing her lips. It was the first time in years she'd felt even a flicker of warmth on her birthday.
Later that morning, while scrubbing the marble floor in the west wing, she felt a shadow fall over her. She didn't need to look up to know who it was.
Zayan.
He stood tall, dressed in black, his piercing eyes fixed on her. A slow, knowing smirk curled his lips.
"Happy birthday," he said, his voice low and teasing. Then he bent down, lowering himself to her level, his face mere inches from hers. "I'll see you tonight."
Nora froze but kept her composure. She looked him dead in the eyes. "I'm sorry, Master. I'm only here to work and earn a living. I'm not a sex toy."
Zayan's smirk deepened, not with mockery but fascination. Her confidence struck something in him. The fire in her eyes, the strength in her voice—she was breathtaking.
"Are you done?" he asked calmly.
"Yes," she said, standing tall.
He leaned in even closer, his breath grazing her skin. "Then don't keep me waiting, darling," he whispered, planting a slow kiss on her cheek before walking off without another word.
Nora exhaled sharply, shaking her head. "I'm just a maid. Nothing else," she muttered under her breath, trying to steel herself.
Unbeknownst to her, Zayan had paused just outside the door. He heard every word.
"You're not just a maid, Nora…" he whispered to himself. "You're my future wife."