26 The Young Master

26 The Young Master
26
The Young Master

Tessy lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling, her mind a storm of thoughts. The time read 5:45 a.m. She was supposed to be up by six, but she had already been awake since four, tossing and turning, replaying everything.

How had she gotten here? And what was she going to do now?

Should she run? Should she slip out before anyone noticed, vanish back into the city, and pretend this never happened?

But where would she go? She had no place to stay. Maybe she could use some of her savings to rent a tiny room and find another job. But in Haven City, jobs were scarce, and without connections… her chances were slim.

And she couldn’t go back to the town either. What would she do there? Spin in the same endless cycle, no growth, no future.

No. She had to make this work.

Last night, after calling Grams over and over with no answer, she had finally given up and called Patty and Bruno. They had talked for hours, and she hadn’t breathed a word of what she had gotten herself into. She had begged them to put Grams on the phone, demanded to hear her voice, but they claimed Grams was out, staying at a friend’s place, and wouldn’t pick up their calls either.

Tessy knew it was a lie. This was Grams’ plan all along. She wanted Tessy unreachable, with no choice but to stay.

Tessy had given up on fighting it.

She would find her way out herself.

But why did he rattle her so much? Why did the thought of Ryan Smith make her stomach twist and her chest tighten?

No. Enough of that. She wasn’t here for him. She was here for her future.

Damn him. She didn’t care about him anymore.

She could do this.

She forced herself to believe it.

The alarm buzzed, snapping her out of her thoughts. Tessy reached over, turned it off, and pushed herself out of bed. She showered quickly, then slipped into the crisp maid uniform that had been delivered to her room the night before.

Standing in front of the mirror, she smoothed her hands over the fabric. Ironically, it fit her perfectly, hugging her shape like it had been made for her. A dry chuckle slipped past her lips before she squared her shoulders and stepped out.

In the hallway, her heart lurched when she passed the “young master’s” room. A loud clank echoed from inside, making her freeze mid-step. For a moment, her chest thundered like a war drum. Then she forced her feet to move, her pace quickening as she descended the stairs straight into the kitchen.

The scent of spices and frying butter greeted her. Maids were already bustling about, chopping, stirring, scrubbing. The air hummed with activity.

Tessy hesitated, unsure where to start, when Lilly’s cheerful voice rang out.

“You’re up.”

Tessy turned, startled. Lilly was smiling as though they’d been friends for years.

“Yes,” Tessy replied, her voice a little stiff. “Was I too late?”

Lilly chuckled warmly. “No, you’re actually too early. You don’t need to wake up this early to join us. Since you’re the assistant head maid, Margaret will give you your proper schedule today. Let’s see how it goes.”

Tessy nodded quickly, her nerves prickling. “It’s okay. I want to learn fast, so I don’t mind waking early. It’ll help me get used to the house and everyone.”

Lilly’s smile widened. “That’s the spirit. Maybe you can…”

“I can help with cleaning,” Tessy offered eagerly.

“Oh no!” Lilly cut her off, shaking her head firmly. “That’s not for you. The others will handle it. You’ll be more useful in the kitchen.”

“Oh.” Tessy blinked, surprised. “Alright then.”

She followed Lilly deeper into the kitchen, where the bustle seemed to double. Without realizing it, she was soon swept into the rhythm, fetching ingredients, passing trays, carrying dishes. It wasn’t much, but for Tessy, it was a start.

Lilly rushed over and pulled Tessy aside.
“I need your help, Tessy.”

Tessy frowned, worry flickering across her face. Lilly had been nothing but kind since she arrived, so if she needed something, Tessy would try her best.

“What is it? If it’s something I can do, I’ll gladly help.”

Lilly smiled. “It’s nothing serious. It’s actually part of your job. Margaret is supposed to handle it, but she isn’t up yet. She came in late with Mr. Alex last night, so she ordered me to ask you.”

Tessy arched a brow. “Ask me what?”

“Young master has to be somewhere this morning, and Margaret usually wakes him so he won’t be late. Can you do it? I showed you his room yesterday, right? Just wake him up and remind him of his meeting.”

The kitchen noises faded into silence as Tessy’s head spun. Her throat felt dry.

“Tessy?” Lilly nudged her.

She jolted back to reality and nodded quickly. “I… I’ll do it.”

“Good.” Lilly’s smile returned as she handed Tessy a tray of coffee. “Drop this on his table. He’ll take it after he wakes up. Thank you.” Then she rushed off to continue her duties.

Tessy stared at the tray, her hands trembling. She never thought the day of judgment would come so fast. Why her?

And she really needed to see Margaret. If Grams wouldn’t pick her calls, then Margaret had answers. They planned this, her gut screamed it.

Standing outside his door, Tessy’s pulse thundered. She closed her eyes, whispered a desperate prayer, and braced herself.

Please, God… let the young master be anyone else but him. If it’s not Ryan, I’ll go to church and sing praises every Sunday.

With a shaky breath, she pushed the door open.

The room was dimly lit, curtains drawn tight. The first thing that hit her was the pungent scent of alcohol.

Her eyes swept across the space, bottles littered the bar table, some rolling carelessly on the ground. The room itself was massive, more like a private suite, with its own TV, couches, bar area, and closet.

“What happened here?” She whispered to herself. No, this can't be Ryan's room. She stared around in disbelief, her gaze lingering on the bottles.

Movement on the bed caught her attention. A man lay tangled in the sheets, groaning in his sleep.

Tessy’s stomach tightened. She set the coffee carefully on the table and edged closer, her nerves bristling.

“Good God,” she whispered. This can’t be Ryan.

But then he turned, his face coming into view.

Her heart stopped.

It was him.

Tessy pressed a trembling hand against her chest, her breath shallow. It was Ryan, older, sharper, more handsome and dangerous than she remembered.

His face was more defined now, his jaw dusted with stubble, his features carved in striking perfection. His lashes framed his closed eyes, unfairly long, and his lips… soft, sinful lips that hadn’t changed.

For a second, Tessy couldn’t look away.

But then reality snapped her back. No. Don’t get carried away. Don’t forget what he did. He’s handsome, yes, but a heartbreaker. A playboy. Poison wrapped in beauty.

Still, he looked maddeningly peaceful as he slept, his expression calm, almost innocent.

Tessy knew better.

“Hey…” she whispered, nudging him lightly. No response.
“Young master…” She tried again, firmer.
Her voice wavered. “Sir Ryan…?”

Nothing.

Frustration sparked. “Dammit, Ryan, wake up!” She shoved him harder.

He groaned, lashes fluttering as he blinked awake. His gaze locked onto hers, hazy with sleep. For a moment, the world stopped.

Their eyes held. Recognition flashed.

Then he groaned again, turning onto his back with a scowl. “Get out of my head.”

“Young master, you have to wake up,” Tessy pressed.

Something in her voice struck him. He stilled. Then, with a sharp jolt, his eyes snapped open, truly awake now.

“You…” His voice was rough, disbelieving. His gaze raked over her, widening, then darkening instantly.

“You’re real?” he muttered, as if testing his own senses. But within seconds, the softness vanished. His features hardened, fury overtaking shock.

His voice roared, deep and cutting.
“What the hell are you doing here?”

Tessy stumbled back, fear slamming through her chest at the venom in his tone.