Xavier had immersed himself in work, every waking hour consumed by his quest to uncover the truth behind the rape and murder scandal that threatened to stain his name. The deeper he dug, the murkier the waters became. No solid leads. No breakthroughs. Just shadows of manipulation and betrayal.
Raymond had offered his help, using his underground connections to trace whispers in the dark, but even with all his resources, nothing concrete surfaced. Each dead end only fueled Xavier's frustration.
A full week passed, and Xavier didn't return home. Becca told herself she didn't care, that it was better this way. Yet, for reasons she couldn't name, she found herself missing him.
The man who took her innocence. The man who made her sign a contract that bound her body to his desires.
But still… she missed the sound of his voice, the scent of his cologne that lingered in the hallway, the strange sense of safety she sometimes felt in his presence—even when it didn't make sense.
And today… she had a feeling. A flutter in her chest that told her he would return.
That flutter made her change the bedsheets, light a candle on the nightstand, and cook. Actually cook.
She made dinner from scratch, pouring her emotions into every stir, every spice. She even baked sausage rolls for dessert. It wasn't just to impress him—it was to reclaim something for herself. A piece of normalcy. A slice of warmth in a world that had grown cold and cruel.
"Miss, the Master has arrived," said a maid gently, peeking into the kitchen.
Becca didn't flinch. "Don't worry. I'll handle him," she said with a soft smile. "I told you, he won't do anything to you."
She returned to wrapping the sausage rolls in parchment paper when she felt it—those strong hands wrapping around her waist. Familiar. Firm. And for some reason… comforting.
For a moment, they stood like that. No words. Just silence.
"Welcome," Becca finally whispered, her voice slightly shaky.
"Mmm… seems like my baby missed me," Xavier murmured against her neck before twirling her around to face him.
Her cheeks flushed crimson. She lowered her gaze, unable to meet his eyes. How did he still have this effect on her?
His arms tightened around her, and she leaned into his chest, inhaling the scent she had longed for all week. She hated how much she missed him. Hated how much she wanted to miss him.
She snuggled closer, and he gently nuzzled her neck, his voice a whisper against her skin. "You smell like home."
But the spell was broken when she remembered they weren't alone. Mia had seen them.
She gently pushed him away, mustering a shy smile. "Go freshen up. Dinner will be ready when you come down."
Xavier's eyes darkened slightly, not from anger but a flicker of annoyance. He knew she pulled away because they had an audience.
Was being with him really that embarrassing?
He said nothing, just gave her a long look and turned toward the stairs. "We'll talk later," he muttered before walking off.
---
In the dining room, Becca and Mia arranged the dishes with care. Becca had made enough to share with the rest of the household staff. She instructed Mia to deliver their dinner while she stayed behind to light the candles and check the oven.
At the staff dining area, Fred and Donald were already seated when Mia entered with trays.
"Wow, it smells amazing in here," Fred said, reaching for a bowl.
As they dug into the dishes, Donald let out a low whistle. "This is really good. Who cooked?"
Mia smiled proudly. "Actually, it was Miss Quin—Master Xavier's mistress."
The men exchanged surprised glances.
"Didn't see that coming," Fred muttered with a mouthful. "She's got skills."
Donald smirked. "If she keeps cooking like this, the Master might actually fall for her for real."
---
Back at the Quin household...
Far away from Xavier's estate, Becca's family was slowly building a new life.
Azula and Azuka were in the middle of their final examinations—tests that would determine whether they'd enter the university. The pressure was intense, but so was their drive. They wanted to make their big sister proud.
Rohee, Becca's mother, had recently purchased a modest duplex with a small patch of land. With her husband now recovered and Jeremy helping out, she transformed the green space into a mini farm and garden.
They'd also used the rest of the money Becca sent to open a small bakery and restaurant. It was Jeremy's idea, but it was Rohee who turned it into something meaningful. She wanted to build a life where they wouldn't have to lean on Becca's shoulders forever.
"I miss her," Rohee said quietly one evening as she watered the small vegetable patch.
Her husband looked up from the porch with a gentle smile. "She's given us so much. It's time we give her peace of mind in return."
Rohee nodded, the warm evening breeze brushing against her face. "Soon, Azula and Azuka will be off to school. It'll just be us again."
Her husband chuckled. "And we'll finally get some privacy from our nosy children."
They shared a laugh, one filled with hope and the promise of brighter days.